Is shampooing without chemicals a good alternative because most commercial shampoos contain toxic and harmful ingredients? Added fragrances and preservatives can disrupt the endocrine system and even cause reproductive harm. Of course, models in shampoo commercials with beautiful, shiny hair can convince you to buy these products. But hair care ads don’t address the dangers of store-bought shampoo.
Businesses have one goal: to make as much money as possible. There are ethical companies, but most want to attract as many customers as possible. So the commercials you see on TV don’t talk about hidden ingredients that can cause health problems. Therefore, it is up to you as a consumer to research these products in advance to make an informed decision.
There are many organic and natural shampoos on the market today, but they come at a high price. It is possible to make chemical-free shampoo at home and make the formula last longer. Below we will share some recipes that promote healthy hair and contain only natural ingredients. But first, we’ll review some dangerous chemicals in name-brand shampoos that should be avoided.
Chemicals and toxins to avoid in commercial shampoos
Unfortunately, many brand name shampoos contain harsh, unnatural ingredients that can wreak havoc on your health. Many have been linked to health problems such as cancer, hormonal disorders and allergies.
They can also clog the hair follicles and strip the hair of its natural oils. These oils, better known as sebum, make hair look vibrant, healthy and strong. Washing your hair too often with harmful ingredients can make your hair dry or greasy, depending on the type you have.
But it is possible to take care of the health of the hair using chemical-free shampoos and experimenting with natural ones.
With that said, try to avoid these common ingredients in store-bought shampoos. While most of these additives are harmless in small doses, those with sensitive scalps and dry hair may experience adverse effects.
Avoid these commercial shampoo ingredients for healthier hair:
- Synthetic fragrances. Unfortunately, companies use the generic term “fragrance” to mislead even the most informed consumer. Ambiguous language ensures that shampoo brands can avoid liability for possible damages associated with their products. Fragrance can refer to over 2,000 different additives and chemicals, all with inadequate regulations. The studies They’ve linked added fragrance to a wide range of health issues, including migraines, respiratory ailments and contact dermatitis. an to study He even found that some African American hair products contain 45 endocrine disrupting chemicals, namely diethyl phthalate. Phthalates are known to cause increased prenatal mortality and reduced birth weight. So opt for a natural, unscented brand if you see the term fragrance on a shampoo label.
- Foaming and thickening agents. Cosmetic companies add an ingredient called a surfactant to many of their products. These ingredients help the shampoo lather and serve as cleaning agents. Although they remove dirt and other impurities from the hair, they can also cause serious health problems. For example, one to study found that the standard foaming agent sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can cause eye and skin irritation.
- parabens are a group of chemical additives that are used as preservatives in body care products. In the 1920s, scientists discovered that parabens could prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria, making them useful for various cosmetics. However, they didn’t realize that these chemicals can cause reproductive problems, disrupt hormones and increase the risk of cancer. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) stated that parabens mimic the hormone estrogen in the body, which affects both the male and female reproductive systems. In fact, they reduce testosterone and sperm production and can cause breast cancer in women.
While many other toxins can cause adverse health effects, the ones listed above are the main culprits. If you want to buy products for greener, healthier hair, look for shampoos with natural ingredients. For example, kelp, olive, coconut and avocado oils can hydrate your hair and make it look shiny.
How to make shampoo without chemicals at home (three ways)
1. Apple Cider Vinegar and Bentonite Clay Shampoo
Ingredients
- A spoonful of bentonite clay (removes oil and toxins from the hair)
- 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar (increases shine and helps relieve dandruff)
- 1 ½ tbsp raw honey (adds moisture and softens hair)
- Five tablespoons of filtered water (prevents the clay from drying out and detoxifies the hair)
- 1/2 teaspoon of preferred essential oils (e.g. jojoba, avocado, or argon oil)
Mix all ingredients with a spoon until well blended in a small cup. Rub the mixture into dry hair and let it sit for about five minutes. Then rinse with warm water. To lock in moisture, consider rubbing your hair with coconut or avocado oil and leaving it on all day.
2. Coconut milk shampoo
Ingredients
- A can of whole coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of raw honey
- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
- 1 teaspoon castor oil
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of your favorite essential oil (lavender, rosemary, and peppermint are popular choices)
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well blended. Massage a small amount into hair and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
3. Castile Soap and Coconut Milk Shampoo
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unscented liquid castile soap
- 1/3 cup whole coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons sweet almond oil (or oil of choice)
Mix all the ingredients and store them in a bottle or container in the shower. The mixture foams a lot due to the Castile soap, so you don’t need a lot to wash your hair.
Final thoughts on chemical-free shampoo recipes
If you’re tired of spending all your money on natural hair products, consider making your own at home.
The recipes above only require a few ingredients and work just as well as store-bought shampoos. Best of all, they don’t contain any of the harsh toxins you’ll find in many popular hair care products.
Common ingredients like parabens, surfactants and fragrances can cause serious health problems, including cancer and reproductive harm. It’s best to stay away from these additives and buy organic or make your own using the listed recipes.
Another possibility is to make solid shampoo at home, this requires some special ingredients but is very easy to make.