What is the best shampoo for your hair?
To answer this question, it’s important to think further than the basics like the type of shampoo (for oily hair, dry hair, color treated hair) or the brand.
The ingredients play a crucial role in this decision. Some conventional shampoos may contain certain chemicals which may harm your scalp, hair, and even your health.
A shampoo without parabens and sulfates can be a great alternative.
These products are less likely to contain parabens, sulfates, fragrances, and other chemicals.
Going for paraben-free and sulfate-free shampoo can be beneficial for your hair.
Benefits of using a shampoo without parabens and sulfates
No harmful chemicals
Parabens and sulfates are found in most shampoos.
The problem with them is they may affect your hair and scalp immediately or after a longer period of time.
They may cause irritations, itchiness or make your hair look lifeless.
When choosing a shampoo without parabens and sulfates, you stay away from these chemicals (and many others).
Such a product can help you have a healthy beautiful hair.
Learn more about these products and check out healthy shampoo and conditioner.
Take care of your hair
You may find a shampoo without parabens and sulfates in the product category you need.
I’m referring to shampoos for oily hair, for dry hair, for color treated hair, or to help you treat dandruff.
Besides lacking some nasty chemicals, these products can take good care of your hair.
In order to choose the right one, you may need to do some research.
Start by asking your dermatologist about what product he can recommend.
Look for product reviews. What others say about a shampoo can help you have a more clear idea of what it does and how well it can suit you.
What hides behind parabens and sulfates
As I’ve mentioned earlier, parabens and sulfates are found in most of the conventional shampoos.
If they are used in so many products, how come they are not recommended?
Let me tell you more about each of them.
Parabens
Parabens are the chemicals used as preservatives in different beauty products such as makeup, conditioners, soaps, moisturizers.
They are the reason why such products have long shelf lives.
A few examples of parabens are:
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Methylparaben
- Propylparaben
Any other ingredient which contains the word “paraben” usually fits in the category.
The problem with parabens is they are endocrine disruptors. They are able to mimic human hormones and can send wrong signals to the body.
You may find studies and information about the link between parabens and different types of cancer. Although there is a link between the two, further research is needed to identify clearly how they influence each other.
Sulfates
Sulfates are cleaning and foaming agents. They are used in shampoo and skin cleaning products.
A few examples of sulfates are:
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
- Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
- Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS)
Sulfates can cause skin irritations. These detergents may remove all the oil (which is beneficial for your hair and scalp hair) which may lead to dryness, sensitivity, and itchiness.
If you have color treated hair, sulfates may cause your color to fade.
Learn more about how to take care of your dyed hair with the fragrance-free shampoo for color treated hair.
Other chemicals you should keep an eye open for are:
- fragrances
- polyethylene glycol
- propylene glycol
- ammonium chloride
- formaldehyde
How to make your own shampoo without parabens and sulfates
A shampoo without parabens and sulfates can be found in stores or can be made at home.
A few natural ingredients keep your hair away from nasty chemicals.
All you need is:
- 1/4 cup of coconut milk
- 1/4 cup of liquid Castille soap
- 20 drops of essential oils (lavender, rosemary, chamomile, lemongrass, peppermint, or any other you want)
- olive or almond oil if you have dry hair
Mix all the ingredients, put them in a bottle or jar and give them a good shake.
You should use this homemade shampoo without parabens and sulfates for up to a month.
After you’ve cleaned and dried your hair, give it a delicate brush using the vegan hair brush.