New research suggests that paint stripping type chemicals used in most common shampoos can strip the hair of natural oils, fade hair colour, make hair drier, limper and more brittle and also cause sensitive scalp, itching and flaking.
The main culprit for causing the damage to hair and scalp irritation are sulphates. Sulphates are what cause shampoo to foam up and also help dissolve the dirt on the hair shaft.
A sulphate is a salt of sulphuric acid. With shampoo, two particular sulphates are commonly used: sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES)
It is the sulphates in shampoos that cause scalp contact dermatitis, which causes irritation, burning, itchy and flaking.
As a result of the negative side effects of sulphates, there has been a recent rise in demand sulphate-free shampoos that use gentler and more natural cleansing agents derived from natural ingredients including corn, coconut and oats.
Research shows that just because a shampoo does not lather excessively does not mean that is it not effective.
[quote]Sulphate-free shampoos are particularly beneficial for people with very sensitive skin, or skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or rosacea.[/quote]
Skin Shop’s Dry Scalp Shampoo is sulphate-free and contains a natural scalp cleansing and natural anti-inflammatory ingredient made from plant extract cardiospermum, which is perfect for use on sensitive scalps as well as on scalps with eczema or dermatitis. The shampoo also contains natural honey to leave hair feeling smooth and easy to handle. Its foaming ingredient is a natural extract of sugar beet, which produces a rich lather.
