Growing up, I chose shampoos and conditioners based on the captivating campaigns created by clever Madison Avenue advertising executives. First, I was seduced by Prell. I will never forget that single, white pearl luxuriously floating down the glass bottle in a sea of thick, bright- green shampoo. The promise of possessing clean, shiny and bouncy tresses was too tempting to pass up.
In high school, I moved on to Clairol’s Herbal Essence, another emerald green and hypnotic, earthy smelling shampoo. The bottle featured a long -haired, nature girl/ forest nymph. I identified with that. I imagined washing my long hair, (parted down the middle) while skinny dipping in a magical lake surrounded by pine woods and juniper. I was sold. (this was the 70’s, after all)
Many years have passed since I have allowed myself to be easily enticed by these campaigns. I am wiser and my hair needs and expectations have changed. I do my best to choose products that not only address my concerns but are proven to be non-toxic, socially conscious, sustainable and affordable.
The next time you are ready to lather up, try these effective, good for your hair options:
- OK, I will get the pricey one out of the way: HAIRSTORY (ORIGINAL).
It cleans, conditions, detangles balances, repairs and protects hair – all in one step. It’s detergent, sulfate, paraben and silicon free, non-toxic and biodegradable. Formulated with gentle ingredients such as aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil and evening primrose oils. Low plastic refill pouches, sustainable hair care. An actor, the amazing Jolie Jenkins, gave it to me to try. Its fabulous for my dry, hi-lighted blonde hair. No more pulling my hair out…now my comb glides through my mangle of tangles effortlessly. www.Hairstory.com. Starts at $46.00. May be purchased with a subscription.
NOTE: this does NOT lather like a regular shampoo - For Natural/Textured Hair/DULL/DRY: CAROL’S DAUGHTER, BLACK VANILLA Collection.
Sulfate, silicone and paraben free. No mineral oil, artificial color or petroleum. Made with shea butter, vanilla and lavender. Color safe, moisturizes, boosts shine, smells divine. - For Dandruff/Dry/Itchy/Flaky Scalps: BRIOGEO SCALP REVIVAL MEGASTRENGTH and DANDRUFF RELIEF SHAMPOO.
Vegan and Cruelty free. Move over Head and Shoulders! Formulated with salicylic acid, lactic acids, tea tree oil and charcoal to help eliminate scalp flaking and irritation without stripping moisture. - For Clarifying and Detoxifying: KRISTIN ESS DEEP CLEANING CLARIFYING SHAMPOO.
Removes mineral deposits, product build-up, excess oils. Free of parabens, phthalates, silicones, gluten and drying alcohols. Tip: Always follow a clarifying shampoo with a moisturizing conditioner or hair mask. - For NORMAL hair: NATIVE CITRUS & HERBALMUSK DAILY SHAMPOO.
Clean, paraben, sulfate, silicone and dye free. (There other fragrances available that are safe, synthetic, sustainable (free of phthalates). - Best for THINNING HAIR: AVALON ORGANICS B-COMPLEX.
Gentle, soothing formula. Contains proven Biotin, saw palmetto, vitamin E, and protein to boost body. Certified organic. - For COLOR-TREATED and CURLY HAIR: L’OREAL PARIS EVERCURL HYDRA CHARGE SHAMPOO.
Lightweight and hydrating. Holds curl definition. Sulfate-free, no harsh salts. - For ALL-HAIR TYPES: ODELE DRY SHAMPOO POWDER.
Oil absorbing and volume boosting. Plant-based, cruelty-free. Recyclable. 100% natural fragrance of Ylang Ylang, Oakmoss and Cucumber. Does NOT leave a white residue on darker hair. - FRAGRANCE FREE: HAIRITAGE DOWN TO THE BASICS.
Gently cleanses the hair with cocamidopropyl betaine, rather than sulfates. Formulated with chamomile and sunflower seed oil for hydration. Ultra mild.
KEY POINTS: Traditional shampoos use chemicals like sulfates, parabens and silicones which can strip hair and irritate your scalp. Sulfates are one of the biggest culprits for color fading, so going with a sulfate free shampoo is recommended if you dye your hair.
Parabens are used as preservatives with proven links to cancer and hormone disruption.
Silicone in hair products can cause build-up on the scalp leading to dryness and hair damage.
Give it time when you switch from traditional shampoos and conditioners to natural products. They may not give you the foamy lather that you are used to, however, they are gentler on dry, damaged, color-treated hair and sensitive scalps.
I may long for someone to say, Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific, (Remember THAT shampoo in the fuchsia bottle that smelled like Bazooka and musk?) but I would rather use quality shampoo and conditioners that are clean, safe, and make a noticeable difference in the health and appearance of my hair.
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