The composition of a good shampoo includes useful, harmful and useless components. Sulfate-free shampoos without SLS that are safe for hair

Modern shampoo with a complex set of ingredients is a relatively recent invention. A few centuries ago, people washed their hair with ordinary ash and rinsed it with herbal decoctions. Today's abundance of cosmetics is dizzying: moisturizing, strengthening, preserving color, with vitamins and minerals, with amino acids and silk molecules (silver, pearls). Even a master stylist or trichologist will not immediately select the best option. We will analyze the components in the composition of hair shampoo and consider the functional purpose of each substance.

Main cast. These components are required and are included in the recipe for any shampoo, ranging from inexpensive domestic brands to “promoted” international brands:

• water;
• Surfactants (surfactants);
• preservatives;
• ingredients for additional properties (moisturizing, nutrition, etc.);
• dyes, fragrances, thickeners, etc.

The first two points are directly responsible for “washing” your hair - without them there will be neither foam nor cleansing. The share of surfactants and water accounts for 50-80% of the composition. Naturally, it is this basis that determines the quality of the entire product. When choosing a brand, we most often look at advertising labels “contains silver ions” or “with silk and cashmere molecules,” while silver and silk have a minimal effect on the hair.

Types of detergent bases (surfactants)

Sulfate. The active ingredient is lauryl sulfate (SLS or SLES). Advantages: forms a thick foam, perfectly cleanses hair of oil, makes an affordable shampoo. Disadvantages: irritates the scalp. With frequent use, the hair begins to fall out, dandruff appears, the head itches and quickly becomes greasy.

How to tell: The ingredient list will say Ammonium Lauryl (laureth) Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl (laureth) Sulfate

There are softer variations - TEA and DEA, but they also cause damage to the hair, although to a lesser extent.

Soapy or amphoteric. Advantages: does not disturb the pH of the scalp, has regenerating properties. Disadvantages: weak foam, expensive, rarely found in pure form, more often acts as a second component in a sulfate base.

How to find out: the list of ingredients includes Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl polyglucose, Glyceret Cocoate, Sodium Sulfosuccinate.

Thickeners, preservatives, dyes and flavors

Without thickeners, the shampoo will be too thin and uncomfortable to use. This category includes Cocamide DEA, Cocamide MEA, Linoleamide DEA, etc.

Thanks to preservatives, the product can be stored for several years and does not deteriorate. This group includes: Parabens, Phenoxyethanol, Methylisothiazolinol, sodium benzoate, DMDM-hydantoin. It is believed that preservatives in shampoo are dangerous, but many of them are completely natural elements, in addition, without preservatives, microorganisms will develop, the harm from which will be much more significant.

Dyes and flavors are not required, but are desirable, since it is much more pleasant to lather your hair with a thick, pearl-milky color and smelling of roses than with water with a pungent chemical smell.

Additional components. This category includes ingredients that are “listed” on the label and take on the role of the brand’s USP (unique selling proposition), or, more simply, a marketing ploy to increase sales. At the same time, not all of them really benefit the hair and often play the role of a “wedding general” - that is, they have absolutely no effect.

Useless substances in shampoos

• Silicone. Advertising claims that silicone “smoothes” hair and makes it shine. In fact, if there is an effect, it is very short-lived, but as silicone accumulates, it weighs down the hair, and over time the head looks untidy and dirty, even immediately after washing.
• Vitamins. It must be taken orally in the form of tablets; there will be no positive result from five minutes of contact with the hair and scalp.
• Fruit acids. It’s the same as with vitamins: they provide benefits only when consumed directly.
• Antioxidants. The hair does not have wrinkles, which is what this active substance is aimed at combating.
• Plant extracts. They make sense only if their mass fraction exceeds at least 25-30% (this occurs, but rarely).
• SPF and Thermo are components that protect hair from ultraviolet radiation. They act exactly as long as they are on the hair - that is, 15 minutes in the shower. Draw your own conclusions.

Useful material

• Anti-dandruff components (ketoconazole, piroctone olamine, tar, zinc pyrithione, etc.). Most often they are included in medicinal shampoos sold in pharmacies.
• Moisturizing additives (Hyaluronic acid, lanolin, glycerin, ceramides and others).
• Collagen and keratin - restore damaged hair and add volume.

Harmful substances

If you see the following components in the composition, think carefully before purchasing shampoo.

• Mineral oil. Don’t let the harmless name confuse you; in fact, it is a harmful substance that is not absorbed into the skin, but hardens into a thin film and prevents the hair from “breathing.”
• Formaldehyde. There is no consensus on their issue, but many scientists argue that this substance is harmful to health, it is better to be safe.

What else can be included in hair shampoos?

Read the label carefully. There you can meet:

• Ethanol - ethyl alcohol, is needed for better dissolution of additives (in other words, to make the liquid thicker and more homogeneous).
• Sodium Chloride is regular table salt, which makes shampoo foam better.

It turns out that a useful and high-quality shampoo with a minimum content of harmful substances looks unsightly: it is a liquid composition with an unpleasant odor, does not foam well and washes the hair the second or third time. You can buy it at a pharmacy or professional cosmetics store.

The chemical composition of shampoo may vary. Often the list of shampoo ingredients takes up several paragraphs.

We all have different hair - long or short, thick or thin, straight or curly. And we want to choose a shampoo that will suit our hair type and improve its condition and appearance. And then shampoo manufacturers happily meet us halfway and promise instant hair transformation. Just buy shampoo, and your hair will become strong and shiny, thick and voluminous.

It’s interesting that the hair actually transforms after the first wash, shines, and is easy to style. And we rejoice without thinking about what causes such a transformation, how long it will last, and how we can pay for the miraculous effect. After all, if a person smoked, ate poorly, experienced stress and thereby brought his hair to a deplorable state, he needs to either change his lifestyle and change the condition of his hair from the inside, or use a loading dose of certain chemical substances that will quickly change his hair and have no known effect on his health.

If we thought that we would pay for a quick external effect with illnesses, we would not rush to believe the advertising and sweep shampoos off the shelves.

Do not be misled by the information that the shampoo has passed dermatological testing. Indeed, most products are tested for toxic components. The content of such harmful substances in shampoos as lead, mercury, arsenic and others should not exceed the permissible limit.

However, standards for hazardous substances vary from country to country. A shampoo with the same name produced in Europe will have a different composition than one made in China or India.

Indicated composition of shampoo ingredients

It’s also good if the manufacturer honestly indicates the chemical composition of the shampoo on the packaging. Then, having bought shampoo, we realize how safe it is to wash our hair with this shampoo. But sometimes they write on the packaging: preservatives, fragrances, etc., without indicating the chemical names and formulas. Such words may hide any substances hazardous to health. If a person has a tendency to allergic reactions, he can instantly feel the effect of the allergen. In other cases, harmful substances from shampoo can accumulate in the body and cause skin diseases or hormonal imbalances. People go to doctors, undergo treatment for months, but do not connect the disease with the appearance of a new shampoo.

Some harmful substances may come from plant components. Shampoos containing such substances may be considered natural, organic and environmentally friendly, but can also be harmful to our health.

Let's figure out what harmful substances shampoo manufacturers most often abuse in order to please the unscrupulous consumer and quickly get benefits.

Chemicals in Hair Shampoo

Cocamides in shampoos

Cocamides increase the foaming of shampoo and reduce its consumption. Shampoos with cocamides are thicker, denser, and foam better.

A very small amount of cocamide shampoo is enough to wash your hair.

Cocamides are emulsifiers based on coconut oil and ethanolamine. Some manufacturers pass it off as a natural component of plant origin and, on this basis, include it in soaps and baby shampoos. In fact, although coconut oil is used in its production, this substance is dangerous to health. In the United States, cocamides are prohibited in cosmetics. In our country, these substances are classified as a medium hazard class and are included in shampoos, including children’s.

Cocamides in shampoos can be hidden under the names:

• AMIDES, COCO, N (HYDROXYETHYL);
• COCO MONOETHANOLAMIDE;
• COCO N- (2-HYDROXYETHYL) - AMIDES;
• COCONUT FATTY ACID MONOETHANOLAMIDE;
• COCOYL MONOETHANOLAMINE;
• EQUEX AEM;
• MONOETHANOLAMINE COCONUT ACID AMIDE;
• N- (2-HYDROXYETHYL) COCO FATTY ACID AMIDE;
• AMIDES, COCO, N,N-BIS (2-HYDROXYETHYL);
• COCO N,N-BIS (2-HYDROXYETHYL) - AMIDES;
• COCONUT DIETHANOLAMIDE;
• COCONUT FATTY ACID DIETHANOLAMIDE;
• COCOYL DIETHANOLAMIDE;
• DIETHANOLAMINE COCONUT FATTY ACID CONDENSATE;
• N,N-BIS (2-HYDROXYETHYL) - COCO AMIDES.

Sulfates in shampoos

Sulfates are used in shampoos to enhance the cleaning and degreasing effect and for better foaming.

Sulfates are cheap components that are products of petroleum refining.

Sulfates in shampoos cause dry and flaky skin, allergies and dandruff.

The most common sulfate in shampoos and other types of cosmetics is sodium lauryl sulfate. There are studies that the accumulation of this substance in the body increases the likelihood of cataracts.

Another type of sulfate is sodium laureth sulfate. By itself, this substance in its pure form causes less skin irritation. However, it is difficult to obtain it in its pure form; it is often contaminated with the dangerous substance dioxane, which is a potential carcinogen. Dioxane is not listed in shampoo, but is almost always accompanied by sodium laureth sulfate.

The accumulation of sulfates in the body leads to hair loss, hormonal dysfunction, and the development of tumors. Lauryl sulfate may cause disruption of fetal development during pregnancy.

The danger of sulfates is that they are found not only in shampoos, but also in washing powder, soap, shower gel, and dishwashing liquid. The risks associated with sulfates increase with frequent use of sulfate-containing products and depend on the duration of skin contact with these substances. If you use shampoo with sulfates infrequently and thoroughly rinse the remaining shampoo from your hair, the harm from sulfates will be minimized. People with dry skin, dermatitis, and allergies should avoid shampoos and other detergents with sulfates.

Synonyms for the component Sodium lauryl sulfate:

• MONODODECYL ESTER SODIUM SALT SULFURIC ACID;
• SODIUM SALT SULFURIC ACID, MONODODECYL ESTER;
• SULFURIC ACID MONODODECYL ESTER SODIUM SALT;
• AI3-00356;
• AKYPOSAL SDS;
• AQUAREX ME;
• AQUAREX METHYL.
• Synonyms for the component Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES):
• ALPHA-SULFO-OMEGA-(DODECYLOXY) POLY (OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL), SODIUM SALT;
• PEG- (1-4) LAURYL ETHER SULFATE, SODIUM SALT;
• POLY (OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL) , .ALPHA.-SULFO-.OMEGA.- (DODECYLOXY) -, SODIUM SALT;
• POLY (OXY-1,2-ETHANEDIYL) ,A -SULFO-W (DODECYLOXY) -, SODIUM SALT;
• POLYOXYETHYLENE (1-4) LAURYL ETHER SULFATE, SODIUM SALT;
• SODIUM PEG LAURYL ETHER SULFATE;
• SODIUM POLYOXYETHYLENE LAURYL SULFATE.

Synonyms for the component Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS):

• AMMONIUM SALT SULFURIC ACID, MONODODECYL ESTER;
• DODECYL AMMONIUM SULFATE;
• MONODODECYL ESTER AMMONIUM SALT SULFURIC ACID;
• NEOPON LAM;
• SULFURIC ACID, MONODODECYL ESTER, AMMONIUM SALT;
• AKYPOSAL ALS 33;
• CONCO SULFATE A.

How do manufacturers who are truly concerned about the health of their customers replace sulfates in shampoos? These can be saponites - harmless natural substances or glycosides obtained from potatoes, rice and wheat.

Preservative DMDM ​​Hydantoin and formaldehyde in shampoos

The preservative DMDM ​​Hydantoin is included in many anti-dandruff shampoos in combination with antifungal components. It is also found in other hair and skin products, and in decorative cosmetics. This substance is dangerous because it releases formaldehyde.

The release of formaldehyde increases at the end of the product's shelf life.

Formaldehyde is carcinogenic and very dangerous to health.

The permitted concentration of hydantoin in shampoos is 0.6%. But manufacturers usually do not indicate the percentage of this substance in the product, and we may not be aware of the possible risks.
To reduce the harm from hydantoin, do not use expired shampoos or those that are nearing their expiration date.

Other names of the substance: dimethylimidazolidine, glycolyl urea.

Formaldehyde itself is also found in shampoos as a preservative. It is also included in leave-in hair products. Hair visually looks shiny and smooth. This is exactly the case when you have to seriously pay with your health for a visible quick effect.

Formaldehyde is indicated by the following names:

• Cosmetic Biocide;
• Denaturant;
• Preservative.

Harmful components of formaldehyde-releasing shampoos:

• 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane;
• 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol;
• imidazolidinyl urea;
• methenamine;
• Quaternium-15;
• DMDM hydantoin;
• diazolidinyl urea;
• sodium hydroxymethyl glycinate;
• benzylhemiformal.

Harm of parabens in shampoo

The preservatives propylparaben and butylparaben are widely used in shampoos and other cosmetics due to their low cost and bactericidal properties.

Parabens are odorless and can withstand high temperatures, so they are included in shampoos in large quantities.

Parabens significantly increase the shelf life of shampoos, but are a source of danger.

They cause allergic reactions of varying severity, dry skin and hair, redness and itching in the eyes. Sometimes hair loss is a consequence of prolonged and frequent use of shampoo with parabens.

There are studies showing a connection between some hormone-dependent tumors and parabens in cosmetics. Parabens tend to accumulate in tumors in high concentrations.

In many countries, the use of propylparaben and butylparaben in shampoos and other hygiene and cosmetic products is limited by law. Methylparaben is considered safer; this substance is even included in some anticancer drugs.

In shampoos, butylparaben may be called:

• 4-HYDROXY-BUTYL ESTER BENZOIC ACID;
• BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-, BUTYL ESTER, SODIUM SALT;
• BENZOIC ACID, 4HYDROXY, BUTYL ESTER;
• BUTYL 4-HYDROXYBENZOATE;
• BUTYL ESTER SODIUM SALT 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID;
• BUTYL ESTER SODIUM SALT BENZOIC ACID, 4-HYDROXY-BUTYL P-HYDROXYBENZOATE.

Synonyms of propylparaben in shampoos:

• 4-HYDROXY-PROPYL ESTER BENZOIC ACID;
• 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID, PROPYL ESTER;
• BENZOIC ACID, 4HYDROXY, PROPYL ESTER;
• BENZOIC ACID, 4HYDROXY, PROPYL ESTER, SODIUM SALT;
• POTASSIUM PROPYLPARABEN;
• POTASSIUM SALT PROPYLPARABEN;
• PROPYL 4-HYDROXYBENZOATE.

Parabens are also included in substances with names:

• E214 - E219;
• germaben;
• benzoic acid;
• bronopol;
• methylchloroisothiazolinone;
• benzisothiazolinone;
• imdazolidinyl urea;
• diazolidinyl urea;
• Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate.

In safe shampoos, willow or oak bark, juniper berries, cranberries, and other berries are used as bactericidal agents. Of course, shampoos made from plant materials have a short shelf life. Therefore, it is quite difficult to find a harmless shampoo without preservatives.

Based on the shelf life of the shampoo, it is easy to understand how many preservatives, and, in particular, parabens, this shampoo may contain. Choose shampoos with a shorter shelf life. Another option is to make your own shampoos from ingredients in your kitchen. There are plenty of such recipes on the Internet. Homemade shampoos based on eggs, soda, vinegar, and lemon juice can partially or completely replace store-bought shampoos.

Salt in shampoo

Sodium chloride, or simply salt, is a common and safe preservative. Salt causes some unpleasant effects at high concentrations in people with sensitive skin. In this case, dandruff and dry scalp may appear.

Choose shampoos with Rock Salt or Sea Salt. These types of salt do not dry the skin and fight dandruff and hair loss.

Diethanolamine in shampoo

This dangerous substance in shampoo is an alkali of organic origin, used as an emulsifier and acidity stabilizer.

The toxicity of this substance for the excretory and cardiovascular systems has been proven. The substance is dangerous for pregnant and lactating women and has carcinogenic properties.
Shampoos with diethanolamine significantly deteriorate the appearance of hair. They become brittle, dull and poorly restored.

If you see the word diethanolamine on a shampoo package, do not buy it, it is dangerous for your health.

Other names for dangerous shampoo components:

• 2,2′-DIHYDROXYDIETHYLAMINE;
• 2,2′-IMINOBISETHANOL;
• DEA (EWG);
• ETHANOL, 2,2 IMINOBIS;
• 2,2′-DIHYDROXYDIETHYLAMINE;
• 2- (2-HYDROXYETHYLAMINO) ETHANOL;
• BIS (2-HYDROXYETHYL) AMINE.

Silicones included in shampoos

Silicones are added not only to shampoos, but also to hand and face creams and other types of cosmetics. Silicone in the shampoo moisturizes the scalp and hair. Silicone, in particular dimethicone, is quite harmless and is used in products to moisturize the skin of children.

However, some dermatologists have come to the conclusion that silicones clog pores, cause pustular rashes on the skin, and lead to hair loss.

Products with silicone can temporarily improve the appearance of hair, making hair appear shiny and split ends sticking together. If you use such products occasionally during the holidays, they will not cause harm and will improve your mood. But frequent use worsens the metabolism in the skin and hair and spoils the appearance.

Many manufacturers have stopped including silicones in shampoos and are marking them on the packaging as “silicone free”.
Harmless silicone substitutes: fatty alcohols, oils, hydrolyzed protein.

Synonyms of silicone in shampoos:

• dimethicone;
• HIGHLY POLYMERIZED METHYL POLYSILOXANE;
• METHYL POLYSILOXANE;
• SILICONE L-45;
• DC 1664;
• DOW CORNING 1664;
• MIRASIL DM 20;
• VISCASIL 5M.

Silicones are most often easily identified by their endings: -methicone, -silicone, -oxane.

Fragrances in shampoos

Fragrances in shampoo ingredients

For a pleasant smell, fragrances of both artificial and natural origin are added to shampoos. Depending on the raw materials from which flavorings are obtained, they can be either completely harmless or quite toxic.

Sometimes a natural flavor can cause even more unpleasant consequences than a synthetic one, such as an allergy attack.

If you are prone to allergies or simply do not want to be exposed to a wide range of aromatic substances, choose products labeled “Fragrance free”.

Phthalates in shampoo

To ensure the stability of the aroma, phthalates are added to shampoos - very harmful chemicals - esters of phthalic acid, obtained by the oxidation of naphthalene, which accumulate in the body and cause serious diseases.

The chemical composition of modern shampoos is quite complex; it can contain dozens of chemicals and their compounds. Some substances may be hazardous to health. To reduce the risk of allergic reactions, we recommend using natural soap.

In the modern world, we are offered a wide variety of hair care products and methods. And although not many girls prefer to wear a long braid, shampoo is one of the main hygiene products used daily. French researchers have calculated that a person uses approximately 57 liters of shampoo during his life. Famous actors and stars advertise hair products on TV, thereby promoting the brand. Shampoo usually has beautiful packaging and a pleasant smell. However, this is also a kind of tempting advertising ploy. We look at the packaging, remembering those same commercials with beautiful shiny and thick hair, and completely forget to pay attention to the composition of the shampoo, which consists of many dangerous chemical components.

There are three main reasons why you can stop buying shampoo and use homemade natural shampoos.

1. Factory-made shampoos contain components that are harmful to health (scientifically proven fact!).
2. Before the shampoo hits the store counter, its allergenic effect is tested on experimental animals. In 2013, only the European Union banned the sale of any cosmetics that have been tested on animals.
3. Unlike medicines, shampoos do not require a safety certificate. The carcinogenic, toxic and mutagenic effects of shampoo are of interest only to the buyer, but not to the manufacturer.

Before we give recipes for homemade shampoos, let’s look at what is dangerous in store-bought shampoo.

Composition of shampoos

1. Water is the main component of every shampoo.
2. Surfactants in shampoo (surfactants) are the most important active component, which is responsible for cleaning hair from dirt, dust, and sebum.
3. Additional surfactants that provide foam, softness, and moisturizing.
4. Thickener or foam stabilizer, defoamer.
5. Preservatives.
6. Flavors.

What harmful substances may be contained in shampoos?

1. Lauryl and laureth sulfates — are the basis of shampoos and very coarse surfactants. They are responsible for intense foaming during washing and for cleansing the skin and hair; they are included in almost all shampoos.

They are designated on the labels as follows:

According to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology (1983, Vol. 2, No. 7): Researchers have noted that the longer these ingredients are in contact with the skin, the greater the likelihood of skin irritation and an allergic reaction. Lauryl and laureth sulfates cause changes in the “epidermis”, clog pores, settle on the surface of hair follicles and damage them, and can cause eye irritation, hair loss, and lead to dandruff.

Other researchers have concluded that these components remove not only impurities, but also beneficial natural components from the skin, thereby disrupting its protective function. Skin ages faster when exposed to laureth sulfates(Int J Toxicol. 2010 Jul;29, doi: 10.1177/1091581810373151).

Although scientists have not yet proven that these substances can have a carcinogenic (from the English word cancer) or toxic effect, there is still such a danger. It is believed that in concentrations of 1-5% they are harmless. In shampoos, sodium laureth sulfate is present in a concentration of 10–17% (as a rule, they are listed in second place after water, which means that their concentration is maximum).

At the same time, there are softer surfactants, they are added in small concentrations, they are less harmful, but their cost is quite high compared to lauryl and laureth sulfates.

• On the packaging they may be designated as follows:
• Sodium cocoyl isethinate (the mildest surfactant)
• Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate (mild emulsifier)
• Sodium coco-sulfate
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine (betaine)
• Decyl polyglucose (polyglycoside)
• Сocamidopropyl sulfobetaine (sulfobetaine)
• Sodium sulfosuccinate (sulfosuccinate)
• Magnesium lauryl sulfate

1. Glythereth Cocoate They are also dangerous components in shampoos.

1. Mineral oils– oil refining products. It is believed that they can only be dangerous if taken orally. However, WHO classifies mineral oils as Group 1 carcinogens. That is, they are potentially dangerous substances that can lead to the occurrence of malignant tumors. And only highly refined oils are not considered dangerous. Mass-market shampoos contain unrefined, dangerous mineral oils.

1. Formaldehyde- cosmetic preservative. It is toxic and has a negative effect on the reproductive organs, respiratory organs and central nervous system. Due to the ban on the use of formaldehyde in cosmetics, manufacturers began to label it as Quaternium-15 (releases free gaseous formaldehyde), Dowicil 75 Dowicil 100, Dowicil 200 - all of them cause contact dermatitis in humans.
2. Phthalates - used in the production of consumer products such as perfumes, cosmetics and shampoos, medical devices, soft toys . A study published in the journal Pediatrics provides compelling evidence that phthalates in children's cosmetics affect the reproductive function of boys. The effect of phthalates on children is especially dangerous. Infants are exposed to phthalates in shampoos, lotions, and powders.

   Phthalates can cause asthma, infertility, and decreased testosterone levels in boys. Due to health concerns associated with exposure to phthalates, some have been banned in the European Union and the United States.

3. "PEG" (Polyethylene glycol), polyethylene glycol (ethylene glycol)– stabilizer, thickener, defoamer. Due to its ability to influence processes in the body, this substance can cause serious metabolic disorders. It has been proven that female animals consuming PEG gave birth to babies with genetic changes. (Anderson et al., 1985).

Is it possible to say “no!” to your shampoo?

All of the above suggests that industrial shampoos contain substances that are carcinogenic and toxic to humans. Even when buying an expensive shampoo, you are not immune to the fact that it will not contain harmful substances. Therefore, it is much safer to use shampoos prepared at home yourself.

But, before we tell you from what components you can prepare homemade healthy hair shampoos, you need to know that the period of hair getting used to such shampoos is 2-4 weeks. This means you won't get smooth, shiny hair right away. For some time, silicones, parabens, and sulfates will be washed off from the hair. Perhaps the hair will become frizzy, greasy and uncontrollable. You need to prepare yourself for this. The best time to start testing homemade shampoos is on vacation, during the New Year holidays or in winter, when we wear a hat.

Initially, trim any split ends and, if you have any, use a deep cleansing shampoo (peeling shampoo) once. It will open the hair scales and wash away all remnants of harmful substances. Before using shampoos, detangling and combing your hair is also a must. It is this procedure that will reduce the time of the washing procedure and you will not experience inconvenience when washing off shampoos.

Homemade hair shampoos

The recipes described below contain simple ingredients that any housewife has on hand, and their cost is quite low. However, it is worth remembering that the shelf life of such shampoos in the refrigerator is no more than 5 days, and some are not stored at all, but are used immediately after preparation.

Kefir

Kefir shampoo is suitable for dry hair damaged by hair dryers. To prepare kefir shampoo, you can take any fermented milk product.

Recipe No. 1. Apply kefir to your hair, put on a shower cap, and wrap your head with a towel. After an hour, rinse with water and half the lemon juice. This shampoo will help restore your hair and create a protective film on it.

Recipe No. 2. Add yeast (50 g) to kefir (0.2 l) and heat in a water bath. The shampoo should look like jelly. Apply this mixture to your hair and rinse after 5-10 minutes.

Bread

In Rus', girls washed their hair with bread shampoo. For this shampoo you can use stale rye bread.

Recipe. Prepare a decoction of any herbs (nettle, chamomile, plantain, oak bark, oregano, mint). Then take rye bread (stale bread can be used) and soak it in a warm herbal decoction for a short time. Rub the bread mixture intensively into the scalp and distribute throughout the hair. Cover the top with plastic or put on a shower cap and leave for one hour. Rinse off with warm water.

Clay

Clay is a very good base for shampoo.
It is able to form a small foam and absorb oil from the scalp and hair. It is known that in Rus' clay was used to remove difficult to remove stains on clothes and dishes, that is, it was used as a universal cleaner.

Clay will not add noticeable shine to your hair, but it will remove static electricity and cleanse your hair well. Clay is a very effective and budget-friendly shampoo for oily hair.

Blue cosmetic clay is considered the best for cleansing hair.

How to use clay to wash your hair?
It is best to wash your hair with clay in the bathroom. First, wet your hair well, take a handful of clay with water in your hands, and apply it to the scalp, distributing it throughout the hair. It is best to wash off the clay by immersing your head completely in the bath, this way the fat is better adsorbed and the clay is washed away. It is very convenient to wash off the clay in a basin of water.

For very dry hair, you can first dilute the clay in warm milk and add a few drops of any cosmetic oil (rosemary, tea tree, jojoba, peach, apricot, olive). To add shine to your hair and close the scales, it is very important to rinse your hair with cool water after washing.

The only drawback of clay shampoo is the slight coloring of light brown hair. Therefore, it is better for people with blond hair to use white clay to prepare shampoo.

Shampoo based on soapwort

Soapwort officinalis (Saponaria officinalis) from lat. sapo- soap. A decoction of this plant can foam. To wash hair, use the rhizomes and roots of soapwort, which are harvested in late autumn.

Method for preparing soapwort-based shampoo:

1. Take 2 cups of filtered water (it is better to buy bottled water) and bring it to a boil.
2. Add soapwort rhizomes to the water and boil over low heat for 25 minutes.
3. Then add a tablespoon of chamomile or mint to the resulting decoction. Leave the decoction for 30 minutes.
4. Strain the resulting broth and pour into a clean jar. The shelf life of the shampoo is 10 days in a dark place.

Flour

Rye, corn, oatmeal (oatmeal), pea flour is a natural sorbent and purifier of oil from the scalp. It is not recommended to take wheat, as it contains a lot of gluten and is difficult to wash off. For one serving of shampoo you will need 3 tbsp. spoons of flour. It is very simple to obtain oatmeal and pea flour - just grind the corresponding products in a coffee grinder or blender.

To ensure that the shampoo is well distributed throughout the hair, it must be soaked overnight.
Flour based shampoo recipe

1. To prepare shampoo, take 3 tbsp. spoons of flour, add warm water or a decoction of any herbs (nettle, chamomile, mint, oak bark) to obtain a creamy consistency. Let it brew for a day or night.
2. Then take gauze or a nylon stocking as a filter, pour the resulting mass into it and squeeze out the liquid. This way we will get rid of large particles of flour that will remain in the filter. The output should be something like thick milk. This milk is a natural homemade shampoo based on flour.
3. Before washing, you can add essential oils for scent or half a teaspoon of mustard (for hair loss). Apply the resulting flour shampoo to your hair and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and then cool water with lemon juice.

Egg and honey

The recipe for egg-honey shampoo is one of the old recipes for natural shampoos. Modern research only confirms its benefits. A chicken egg is a natural emulsifier, as it contains lecithin, fats and amino acids. This means that when you wash your hair with an egg, beneficial substances (vitamins A, B, D, E) penetrate the skin very well. This shampoo treats weakened hair and restores its structure. You will notice results after 2 weeks of use.

Egg-honey shampoo recipe.

1. Separate the yolk from the white.
2. Add one teaspoon of honey to the yolk. mix.
3. Add a few drops of olive oil to the resulting mixture to make your hair soft.
4. Distribute the shampoo evenly throughout the hair and scalp. Leave it for about 20 minutes.
5. Rinse the shampoo with warm water and rinse your hair with chamomile decoction.

Exotic shampoos

There are plants for making homemade shampoos that are classified as exotic. However, their cost today, even compared to the cheapest shampoo, is quite low. And due to the location and characteristics of their growth, these plants contain a lot of valuable substances.

In Southeast Asian countries, banana shampoo is an integral part of the hair care routine. Banana shampoo cleanses and nourishes hair very well. The shampoo is very soft and smells nice, so you can wash your children’s hair with it, you just need to remember that before use you need to thoroughly wash the bananas to wash off the pesticides from their peels.

Banana Shampoo Recipe

• 1 banana;
• juice of half a lemon (not suitable for baby shampoo)
• 100 g water
• egg yolk

Leftover dark bananas are suitable for shampoo, as their pulp kneads very well. Wash and peel the banana. Using a blender or grater, beat the banana, add the yolk, lemon juice and water. You can do without lemon and water; these components make it easier to rinse banana pulp from your hair. Apply the resulting mass to your hair, rub into the roots and keep under a washing cap for 15-30 minutes (for weakened hair); for normal hair, you can rinse it off immediately.

Amla

Amla or Indian gooseberry is sold (the price of a 100 g bag is about 80 rubles) in powder form, the smell is similar to henna. Have you ever noticed how thick Indian women have hair? It is thanks to the use of shampoo, mask and amla oil that women in India have such beautiful and strong hair. It is interesting that the origin of the word “shampoo” is inextricably linked with India, as it comes from the Indian “shampo”, that is, “to massage or rub.” And this word was introduced into use by the British, whose colony was India in the twentieth century. Therefore, the fact that Indian gooseberry is a good natural cleansing and strengthening shampoo is not accidental. Amla restores damaged hair, stimulates new hair growth, and eliminates the causes of dandruff.
Amla is not suitable for oily hair, since it does not contain natural saponins, it will not foam like soapwort. But amla shampoo will clean and moisturize dry hair very well.

How to use amla shampoo.

Pour 1 tablespoon of amla powder into half a glass of warm water, stir and let sit for 10 minutes. Then distribute this solution evenly throughout your hair and rinse. Do the procedure 2 times. It is convenient to apply shampoo with a hair dye brush. The shampoo can be used once a week as a firming mask.

Finally

It is quite difficult for a modern person to give up all the benefits of civilization. However, it is time to realize that industrial cosmetics and hygiene products can cause serious illnesses. The first step towards a healthy lifestyle that each of us can take is to start using shampoos without synthetic ingredients in the composition, that is, organic (already sold in Russia). Such shampoos contain natural ingredients grown without the use of chemicals. During the use of organic shampoos, the hair will get used to more gentle ingredients, and the remaining chemicals will be washed off. The next step could be to completely abandon store-bought shampoos and switch to safe homemade ones, the recipes for which are described in this article.

Traffic light for the safety of components in shampoos for your hair. Let's figure out what manufacturers like to use in shampoos and which of these components should be unconditionally given a red light because of their harm.

The topic of our last publication was, today we will deal with external effects on hair and determine which shampoos with which ingredients have no right to be in our bathroom.

Almost all women, when choosing a hair wash, rely on their experience or advice from a friend, rely on the brand or price category. Although the main factor for choosing should be its composition.

All substances included in the shampoo are written in English or Russian, depending on the country of production. Let's divide these substances into 3 groups according to the harmfulness of their content.

Red band or avoid it

Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

The concentration of these two components should not exceed 1%. But, unfortunately, the concentration is not written on the labels of hair products.

Ammonium laureth sulfate

Sodium Xylenesulfonate

DMDM hydantoin or formalin

Yellow group or be careful, but possible

Tetrasodium EDTA, Triethanolamine, and all types of DEA and TEA

Silicones

Green group or you can’t do without them

Glycerin

Note to the reader! Find out more on our website.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone

When choosing a shampoo, you should carefully study the label. In addition to the useful pH balance and No paraben icons, you should pay attention to the composition. And the less it contains, the stronger and healthier they not only look, but also are.

IN composition of all shampoos contains various harmful components that, when accumulated in the body, can harm human health as a whole. They can cause allergies, provoke aging, lead to nervous disorders and cardiovascular diseases. But, despite this, these substances cannot be excluded from the composition of modern shampoos, since without this, cosmetics will lose their properties.

Moreover, the human body is capable of self-cleaning, and health problems, in most cases, begin when the functioning of the immune system is disrupted. will help reduce the risk of harmful effects, but for this you need to know how negatively this or that ingredient can affect your health.

Detergent is an essential component of any shampoo.

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate - ammonium lauryl sulfate;
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate - ammonium laureth sulfate;
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - sodium lauryl sulfate;
Sodium Laureth Sulfate - sodium laureth sulfate;
TEA Lauril Sulfate - TEA lauryl sulfate;
TEA Laureth Sulfate - TEA laureth sulfate.

The first three substances, as a rule, are always components of cheap shampoos. They are recognized carcinogens, easily penetrate the skin, accumulate in the body, and if the immune system is impaired, they can lead to health problems.

If you find these three components in your cosmetics, then the best option would be to throw away these products. Sodium lauryl sulfate is less harmful than sodium lauryl sulfate.

The last two substances, in most cases, are used in expensive shampoos and are less harmful. Manufacturers always indicate the type of detergent that is included in the shampoo; its name appears on the sticker first in the list of detergent components.

Because the Detergents can dry out hair, depriving them of vitality, various softeners that make hair manageable. That is, they are able, to a certain extent, to neutralize the effect of the detergents used. In this regard, it is necessary pay attention to the fact that the shampoo contains:

Сocamidopropyl Betaine- cocamidopropyl betaine - compatible with other components, acts as a light conditioner, and is antistatic. Used in children's shampoos, it is considered an expensive component.
Decyl polyglucose- decyl glucoside - reduces the irritating effect of aggressive cleansers, suitable for sensitive skin. This component is obtained from corn and coconuts.
Glycereth Cocoate- glycereth cocoate;
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate- sodium cocoamphodiacetate;
Cocoamidopropyl Sulfo Betaine- cocamidopropyl sulfobetaine.

Preservatives

Without this additive, modern shampoo simply cannot exist; it is preservatives that preserve its properties and prevent the proliferation of microorganisms in shampoo that can cause allergies. However, not all preservatives are harmless.

Preservatives include:

- Formaldehyde. This substance is a carcinogen, but is widely used in the production of shampoos as a preservative. Formaldehyde is toxic and can have a negative effect on the organs of vision and breathing, as well as worsen the condition of the skin. Formaldehyde can also be hidden under the following names: DMDM ​​Hydantoin diazolidinyl urea, Imidazalidol urea, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, monosodium salt, N-(Hydroxymethyl) glycine and quaternium-15

- Parabens. These are preservatives that can inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Parabens are substances that can cause allergies. Accumulating in tissues, they can lead to hormonal imbalance and the development of malignant tumors. Parabens include ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben.

- Sodium benzonate or benzoic acid- is a natural preservative, found in lingonberries and cranberries, and is also used in the food industry (E211);

- Phenoxyethanol.

Thickeners

Other shampoo ingredients

Diethanolamine. This substance has moisturizing properties, but can also cause allergies. Shampoos containing this component may have a negative effect on the respiratory system.

Mineral oils (paraffins, petroleum jelly). These substances are obtained from oil; they are capable of forming a water-repellent film, but at the same time they retain not only moisture, but also a variety of harmful substances, disrupting metabolism. In addition, they prevent the saturation of hair and skin with oxygen.

When choosing a shampoo, you should remember that high-quality shampoos with a minimum amount of harmful substances are usually sold in pharmacies. At the same time, they have weak washing properties, slight foaming and lack of color and odor. Moreover, you can always