I'm a committed greenie but can't go a day without washing my hair. Are conventional shampoos really that bad and what are the alternatives?
Jess, SA
Credit: iStockphoto
- Advertisement -
Staunch environmentalists have long argued that shampooing is an unnecessary evil. Soap dodgers will tell you that if you don't wash your hair for six weeks then your hair will clean itself with the rich oils that we usually strip out when lathering up.
But for those less keen on looking and smelling like a wet dog for six weeks, there are other options that are kind to both you and the environment, but first let's take a look at why conventional shampoos aren't quite as squeaky clean as your hair might be.
Everyday cosmetics and toiletries, including shampoos, contain a concoction of chemicals that pose a range of risks to both you and the environment. Even those products marketed as 'organic', 'herbal' or 'natural' might only contain a trace of a natural ingredient mixed in with a synthetic formula.
Many popular everyday shampoos typically include silicone (for shine), sodium lauryl sulphate (a harsh detergent used as a foaming agent), and preservative technologies such as parabens. A University of Reading, UK, study found high dosages of parabens in 18 out of 20 breast tumour cases.
Shampoos also go down our drains and pollute our waterways. A Royal Society of Chemistry report revealed a growing number of chemicals found in personal care products are ending up in the environment, including phthalates that have been linked to reproductive problems in wildlife.
So that's the bad news, but there is good news.
There are a number of established companies manufacturing shampoos minus any harmful ingredients including Weleda, Burt's Bees and Sukin among others.
Alternatively, you could go homemade and wash your locks with an egg or chamomile shampoo followed by a lemon juice rinse (for blondes) or apple cider vinegar (for brunettes). Ethical bad hair days will soon be a thing of the past.
Comments
Burt's Bees also use Palm Oil in their products. Not such a great alternative imo.
Miessence is your best bet. It contains no synthetic ingredients and almost all of their products are certified organic; and those that aren't are only that way because salt, mineral clay and a few other ingredients cannot be certified.
They are Australian and their entire business is carbon neutral - I am hoping to help them become carbon negative. :D
Please remember that your hair will always detox when you change fro ma conventional product to a more 'natural' one - this can take 4 - 8 week; perhaps even longer depending on how covered in silicone your hair is. Expect some shedding.
Using a apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt mix can assist the cleansing of the plastic coating people's hair.
Make sure you go for 'extracts' not derivatives.
Remember - if you can't pronounce an ingredient in a shampoo, it's synthetic and therefore not good for you.
Hey agree totally about miessence products another thing to look at is go on the internet sites of products you are interested and look at their ingredients listed then copy and paste ingredient into google and you will find things like hydrolyzed and synthetic derivatives from palm and coconut oils and some other nasties.
i like miessence and another australian made organic natural vegetarian company called mukti
i use morroco method which is from the usa but i swear by it.
nothing in their products will harm you or the environment its sooo clean.
so do your reasearch and you will get to know the pros and cons.
Young Living essential oils also do a range of shampoos and conditioners that are based on plant proteins and oils. They smell great, work really well and have the added benefits of essential oils.
is very nice :) thanks
Try Yes to Carrots...you can get it at David Jones and it is wonderful.
Patty