More and more people are switching to natural products. We are becoming increasingly aware of all the harmful substances in various care products, and so also in shampoo. A natural shampoo is a shampoo without junk, without chemicals; a shampoo created by Mother Nature. If you haven't delved into the ins and outs of a natural shampoo yet, you're in the right place now. Time for some deepening.
What is a natural shampoo?
With a natural shampoo, you can, just like a regular shampoo, wash dirt and grease out of your hair. However, those regular shampoos contain chemical substances like sulfates, parabens, silicones, and so on. That beautiful rich foam layer in your shampoo is often caused by these substances. These substances also ensure that you get a certain layer over your hair that makes it shine. Now we hear you thinking, “nice, right?” but no. In the long term, these substances actually cause your hair to dry out.
A natural shampoo has the same goal: to clean your hair. But not with aggressive ingredients. Your hair will be cleaned in a mild way, but you will not see that rich foam layer in the shampoo. However, your hair will be intensely nourished and cared for. In the long term, you can expect healthier hair, a healthier scalp, and often more hair growth. So, leave that chemical foam layer behind.
There is not just one type of natural shampoo. The function can, just like a normal shampoo, vary. For example, you have a natural shampoo bar (the environment will be happy with you), a natural anti-dandruff shampoo, a natural hair loss shampoo, etc. So besides being very kind to your hair, they fortunately also have other positive functions.
Which ingredients should you avoid?
We just talked about all the wolves in sheep's clothing: the chemical substances. Time to list a few that you will want to avoid in your shampoo from now on.
Silicones
The ultimate traitor. In the short term, silicones ensure that your hair will shine beautifully and is easy to comb through. The tricky part is that your hair will look healthy, but it is not. Silicones will accumulate in your hair because they are difficult to wash out. The result? Lifeless hair that can no longer absorb nutrients.
Silicones are not often listed in the ingredients list as 'silicones'. They are often listed with words ending in -cone, -conol, or -siloxane. Then you know what to avoid.
Sulfates
Sulfates will clean your hair in an aggressive way, removing not only dirt but also natural oils. You get it, in the long term, your hair becomes dry. You also need palm oil for sulfates, and the environment is not particularly happy about that.
Watch out for abbreviations like SLS, ALES, and -sulfosuccinate with sulfates.
Parabens
Parabens have one function in shampoos, and that is to make them last longer. Many people have a mild allergic reaction to parabens, and therefore this ingredient has been much debated. Just avoid it.
Alcohol
Alcohol can significantly dry out your hair and also cause frizzy hair. It is often added as an ingredient to shorten the drying time of your hair.
Not all ingredients with alcohol are bad, but the ones you want to avoid are these: alcohol denat, SD alcohol, ethanol, isopropyl, and propanol alcohol.
Fragrance
You probably already understand, fragrance ensures that your shampoo smells nice. Fragrance is not necessarily harmful, but it can cause quite a bit of irritation or even allergies. Especially if you have a sensitive scalp, you want to avoid fragrance in your shampoo.
Simply avoid all ingredients with 'fragrance', and separate added fragrances like citronellol, geraniol, hexyl cinnamal, limonene, linalool, or lysmeral.
Mineral oils
Mineral oils create a layer over your hair. This way, your hair retains moisture. The downside is that this layer can build up and is difficult to wash out of your hair. The result is lifeless hair because your hair can no longer absorb healthy nutrients.
Watch out for the ingredients paraffinum liquidum and petroleum.
What are the benefits of a natural shampoo?
A natural shampoo will have different benefits than a regular shampoo. Below are some listed.
- Your scalp will be nourished instead of dried out
- The natural oils will not be stripped from your hair
- Your hair will gradually become stronger and healthier
- With each wash, your hair and scalp will be intensely nourished with healthy ingredients
- Your hair will be wildly cleansed of dirt and excess oil
- A natural shampoo is not only healthier for you but also much better for the environment
- Irritations, allergic reactions, or itching will be a thing of the past
- In the long term, your hair will no longer get dandruff because your scalp has been made healthy
- Your hair will become less greasy quickly
- Your hair will become healthier, shinier, and fuller in the long run
Switching to a natural shampoo
And now the tricky part, the point where some people give up. You need to have a little patience to switch to a natural shampoo. Your shampoo will not react like a chemical shampoo. Because you get little foam, you often use 3x as much shampoo, and this is not necessary at all. The shampoo does its job, you just see it a little less clearly.
You also need to understand that your hair and scalp are undergoing a true detox. As a result, it's possible that your hair will feel a bit drier or that you'll get dandruff. But trust us: just hang in there. Your scalp and hair will become healthy again the longer you keep faith in your natural shampoo. In the end, you won't have any chemical crap in your hair and your scalp will have the chance to slurp that superfood smoothie into your shampoo.
Tips to make the transition to natural shampoo easier
To give you extra confidence in the transition from regular shampoo to natural shampoo, we have some tips for you.
- Mix your old shampoo with your natural shampoo. This way, the transition will be more gradual, reducing the chance of weird side effects like dandruff or a dry look
- Rinse your hair twice as long as you're used to. Because you don't see foam, it's possible that you haven't washed all the shampoo out of your hair, so rinse a bit longer!
- Brush your hair daily. This way, you distribute the natural oils of your hair, giving your hair more chance to absorb the healthy ingredients from a natural shampoo
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Also start using a natural conditioner, so you condition your hair with nourishing ingredients
Our favorite natural shampoos
Of course, we have quite a few natural shampoos in stock! What the best natural shampoo is depends on your own preferences. One man wants a vegan shampoo, and another wants a natural anti-hair loss shampoo. So, mainly look at your own preferences.
But, as you're used to from us, we also have our own favorites. And how rude would it be if we didn't share them with you?
1. Hanz de Fuko Natural Shampoo
Made from pure plant extracts with more than 10 amino acids. This organic shampoo ensures that your hair becomes extremely healthy with a healthy, natural shine. Your hair will become stronger, thicker, and more manageable.
2. Shear Revival Loom Shampoo
This nourishing, soft, and hydrating shampoo will ensure a healthy scalp and healthy hair. Your scalp will be soothed while your hair elasticity is promoted. This shampoo will help prevent dandruff and repair damaged hair.
3. Doers of London Shampoo
This organic shampoo is formulated to strengthen your hair, give a natural shine, and keep your scalp healthy. By natural shampoo without chemicals, it is suitable for all hair-and-skin types.
If you still have questions about using natural shampoos, feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you find the perfect natural shampoo. You know where to find us!
Good luck my lads,
Your friends, The Alpha Men