Reasons to Use Natural Haircare Methods
Why Go Shampoo-Free, Water-Only or Conditioner-Only For Washing Hair
Mar 22, 2009
While the different forms of natural haircare all have their particular pros and cons, these reasons apply across a range of natural haircare methods.
Natural Haircare Is Good for the Environment
The manufacture, shipping, packaging and advertising of commercial shampoos and conditioners all come with a sizable carbon footprint. Moreover, the runoff releases a host of chemicals into the water supply, which then needs to cleaned and treated. Add in popular haircare products such as mousses, leave-in conditioners, masques and gels, and your shower is in danger of being condemned by Greenpeace.
Some forms of natural haircare are guilty of environmental crimes as well – herbal ingredients shipped from exotic locations aren't the best way to save the planet! However, other forms of natural haircare are product-light: baking soda and vinegar washing uses basic household ingredients, while water-only washing uses no products at all! Although it's not for everyone, waterless (sebum-only) washing is the ultimate in eco-friendly haircare – it doesn't even up your water usage.
Natural Haircare is Cheap
Again, this doesn't hold true for all forms of natural haircare. It's possible to spend a fortune on commercially-packaged organic herbal shampoos, for instance. But haircare based on grocery items such as herbal tea, honey, baking soda or yoghurt is easy on the pocket, and productless methods such as water-only washing are essentially free. Many natural haircare users invest in a sturdy boar bristle brush and then forget about paying for hair products entirely!
Natural Haircare Avoids SLS and SLES
Sodium lauryl and sodium laureth sulfate, surfactants found in most storebought shampoos and conditioners, help make a satisfying lather and cut through grease effectively. Unfortunately, they tend to be a little too effective, overdrying the scalp, which then produces more sebum to compensate and begins a cycle of frequent hair-washing. SLS and SLES have also been implicated in causing thinning hair and aggravating skin conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis. Nearly all natural haircare methods eliminate SLS and SLES, the exception being conditioner-only washing.
Natural Haircare Avoids Silicones
The majority of commercial shampoos and conditioners are loaded with ingredients than end in 'cone': dimethicone and cyclomethicone are two common ingredients. These silicones coat each hair with a thin layer, filling in rough or pitted hairs and making the hair appear sleeker. However, they do not repair the damage, and some people find the layers of silicones build up and cause their hair to dry out, resulting in further damage. Natural haircare methods are nearly always silicone-free, eliminating the tedious task of poring over shampoo ingredient labels for those who dislike 'cones.
Natural Haircare Saves Time
Gentle forms of cleansing the scalp, which work by using sebum as a conditioner for the hair rather than constantly removing it, usually allow people to stretch out their hair washes. Rather than washing their hair every day or two with regular hair products, natural haircare users can wash their hair once a week, once every two weeks or even less frequently. While this varies according to person and hairtype, many people find their haircare routine simple and fuss-free once they get used to it.
Ultimately, many people go natural simply because they like it and their hair likes it! Natural haircare need not be a poor cousin to conventional washing - it can result in happy, shiny, thick and healthy hair.
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