Our hair gets dirty often and has to be cleaned. Oil from sebaceous glands, environmental pollution - and in general any particles that adhere to the fibers - are sometimes not effectively cleaned with just water. Healthy hair is hydrophobic (fats adhere but repels water) and surfactants are needed to remove sebum from the hair. This is where sulfate-based products come in. However, their cleaning action can be too aggressive and can damage not only our hair but also our health.
What are sulfates?
Chemically speaking sulfates are esters or salts of sulfuric acid. In beauty products, they are used as powerful cleaning agents for the hair and skin. Sulfates are responsible for creating a high amount of lather (which we like so much and which we mistakenly identify with cleanliness), but which also causes irritation of the scalp, itchy eyes and causes hair dye to fade faster. Some of the most widely used sulfates such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, is present in 9 out of 10 personal hygiene products and has been proven to cause dryness as well as irritate the skin. This compound is used so often because it is cheap. Your dishwasher is likely a mixture of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (LSS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (LSA), toxic ingredients also found in most hair shampoos.
Choose natural sulfate-free hair and beauty products
Health and hair experts agree that you should completely avoid personal hygiene and beauty products that contain harmful sulfate ingredients such as SLS, SLES and ALS. These chemicals can have negative effects to our health in the long term and are also bad for the environment. Most of the products we apply to the hair and skin enter our bodies, which is why we cannot underestimate the ingredients used to make our cosmetics. Instead, choose 100% natural, sls free shampoos and cleansers. These are safe to use even with sensitive skin. Remember to always read the label to find out if harmful products have been used in the product.
