Ok, now my deal with shampoo...

If you guys have read my earlier posts, you’ve been faithfully reading your hair products ingredient labels, right? So, you’ll know most shampoos have an ingredient called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or some variation of sulfate (aka SLS) in them. And this ingredient is usually listed as the second or third ingredient on the list, meaning there’s a large amount contained within your product.

Do you know what SLS actually is? Well, let me tell you (and please google “Sodium Laureth Sulfate” to find out more about it!)…this inexpensive detergent is not only used in shampoos, but also in cosmetic cleansers, bath soaps, bubble bath, etc… Uhhhh, guess what? It is probably the most dangerous ingredient used in these products for your skin and hair! What you also may not have known is SLS is used in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, etc.! Yikes! And we put that crap in our HAIR!!?? Yep, we do (did). Why do you think conditioners were created?; to combat the dryness shampoos cause and to replace some of the moisture that was stripped from your hair by SLS!

So, how are you suppose to clean your hair? Glad you asked! lol Did you know conditioners can clean your hair just as well as shampoos? *The process of washing your hair with conditioner is known as “co-washing”. And yes, you can google “co-wash” and find a lot of information about the process. It’s really no different from the way you would use shampoo. No, the conditioners don’t lather much but if its lather you want, there are many really good shampoos out there that do not contain SLS; you just have to look a little harder for them. *Check out A Lil' Extra below*

Now that we’ve discussed what to use to clean your hair, let’s move on to HOW to clean your hair. I know, I know, … it’s a lot to process but trust me, it will become second nature to you and your hair will THANK you for it! Trust me! I haven’t led you wrong yet!!

*A Lil’ Extra: Some SLS-free shampoos I've found and like are Giovanni brands (can be found in Target and usually run about $7); Dr Bronners castile soaps (also found in Targets and Whole Food stores. Prices vary depending on size); Audrey Organics is another brand that has a wonderful selection of sulfate-free shampoos!