Why Should You Switch to Natural Hair Care Products

Most of us don't give a second thought to the shampoo and conditioner we use every day, do we? I've found in talking with other people that they pretty much use the same brands that their parents used or the ones they remember as a child.

Unless you, your spouse, or your children have a scalp issue or other hair care challenge, it's easiest to buy the brands we know and leave it at that.

Are we doing ourselves a disservice however by not getting educated about what is in our shampoos and conditioners? What I mean by that is, do you ever read the ingredient list? I didn't until recently and what I found was surprising if not alarming.

Toxic Ingredients

Many of the ingredients used in the shampoos and conditioners marketed heavily to the public are substances that, by themselves or combined with another specific substance, are considered to be potentially toxic and ones that could cause cancer if the body is exposed to them often enough and long enough.

What should you be looking for when you're shopping for conditioner and shampoo? These are ingredients you should avoid if possible:


SLS or Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – these are ingredients that help shampoos "suds up", but both are considered potentially dangerous to the body, including causing damage to the follicles of the scalp, burning of the eyes, and even liver damage. If you're experiencing irritated scalp or skin around the hairline, you could be having a reaction to SLS.

Formaldehyde – yes, some shampoos contain this toxic substance that is used because it functions as a preservative, but it's also a potential carcinogen

Propylene glycol – it's used in both conditioners and shampoos; it is manufactured from petroleum and has been known to cause health issues such as vomiting, nasal irritation, difficulty breathing, and diarrhea.

Coal tar or D&C or FD&C – this ingredient has been implicated in negative reactions such as cancer, headaches, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, nausea, allergic reactions, and even reduction in a man's sperm count

Fragrance – many people have adverse allergic reactions to the scent or fragrance in shampoo or conditioner

The Solution – Natural or Organic Hair Care

You can switch to natural or organic hair care products or even make your own and you'll see a huge difference in how your hair looks and how if feels to the touch. You may even notice a difference in how your scalp feels, especially if you've suffered with dry scalp or flakes in the past.

Cleansing your hair with natural ingredients gives your hair the infusion of nutrients and healthy oils that it needs to truly shine and feel terrific! Look for products that have a shorter list of ingredients and, if you can pronounce all the ingredients, that's even better.

Don't be afraid to try your hand at making your own shampoos and conditioners too. There are several great recipes out there.

Manufacturers who are truly interested in producing the best organic or natural hair care products for you will use labels that tell you it's SLS-free or paraben free and the like so that you'll know you're getting a better product.

Benefits of Using Natural Hair Care

· Your hair will look shiny and healthy
· Hair will feel amazingly soft and silky
· Reducing the chemicals your body has to process
· Hair will be stronger and less prone to damage and loss

The benefits of using natural hair care far outweigh the extra effort it takes to find the best products for you hair!