We often trust that the products we grab off the supermarket shelf and use daily - like shampoo - are safe. However we urge you to look at the ingredient list on many commercial hair products, and you'll like find a mix of harsh chemicals that do more harm than good. Among the worst offenders are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), parabens and phthalates.
Your scalp isn't just skin - it's one of the most vascular (blood rich) areas of your body, with hundreds of tiny capillaries directly beneath the surface. High blood flow means higher absorption of any toxins that come into contact with it, a fast route into the blood supply. Repeated use of toxic shampoos can lead to cumulative chemical exposure which may burden the liver, disrupt hormone balance or trigger allergic reactions. The risks are higher for young children and pregnant women who are more vulnerable to chemical exposure.
What is SLS?
SLS is a synthetic detergent commonly used in shampoos to create the foamy lather. It cleans hair but also strips your scalp of natural protective oils leading to scalp irritation and inflammation, dry and brittle hair, disrupted pH and skin barrier breakdown and environmental toxicity as everything we use ends up down the drain and into waterways. Removing the protective barrier also means higher absorption of accompanying chemicals like parabens (preservatives) and phthalates (fragrance enhancers) which are known hormone disruptors.
What's the alternative?
Look for shampoos made with gentle, naturally derived ingredients. These protect your scalp, preserve your hair quality and support long-term health by lowering the body's toxic load. Opt for...
- Sulfate free (no SLS, SLES, ALS)
- Paraben and phthalate free
- Plant based and biodegradable formulas
- Enriched with natural oils (tea tree is great and also a nit repellant!), botanical extracts and soothing agents like aloe vera, argan oil or coconut oil
We often think of shampoo as something we rinse off - but what you wash your hair in matters and it's worth taking the time to check if your hair care at home is harming your health. Check out our range of plant based hair care that is a great alternative to the products you can typically find in the supermarket and won't cost you much more. Plus you are supporting small businesses that put our health and that of the planet before profit.