To Wash or Not To Wash

By now I am sure we have all heard some theory on how frequent to wash your hair. Genetically, some of us are more oily and would require more frequent washes. Environmental conditions or hair loss can also determine those needs. Do keep a good quality cleanser (or two) on hand, do own dry shampoo! For most circumstances, I consider prolonging washing the most beneficial for the hair and scalp. The natural oil (sebum) produced protects your skin and can naturally condition dry hair and scalp. Take advantage of our body at work! Break that habit and go a few weeks.

Daily or frequent washers stick to your routine but omit the wash. Condition and rinse like normal. Do that as often as you'd like. Have an over abundance of oil? Try R&Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo at the root. Don't have dry shampoo, try baking soda until then! Wear your hair up on oily days or find a cool hat.

If you have curly, very curly or course hair skip cleansing with

shampoo indefinitely.

When I buy shampoo I go to a salon for quality products. You get more for your money because you need less! Professional grade products use gentle fragrances and cleansers. There is a stylist there to give you a personal recommend! I don't get my haircut in a grocery store so I don't buy my products there. Use shampoo only on the roots where the hair is dirty. This saves product and protects your ends. Not all salon quality is created equal and some of it is really expensive! Not your lifestyle, try vinegar, see my blog on using common household items.

Davines MOMO Shampoo Davines MOMO (green line) brings on the moisture! Give the scalp a gentle cleanse and a strong amount of hydration. Davines is an Italian company with zero climate impact. Their packaging is minimal and comes in reusable food-grade containers. The fruity scent and emulsifiers are mild and effective! Key ingredients are sourced by slow food organizations for biodiversity. ($25)

R & Co Atlantis Shampoo! Rosemary, Witch Hazel, Nettle and Babbassu oil are among the ingredients you'll find in Atlantis. Rosemary soothes the scalp and thickens hair. Witch hazel adds volume and can treat dandruff. Nettles prevent hair loss. Lock in moisture with lightweight and very nourishing Babbassu Oil. R & Co is a new company under a big umbrella, founded by a team of industry experts. They've made really great vegan and gluten-free products. Their scents are great and the packaging is beautiful. ($28)

ARROJO Gentle Shampoo Repairs and nourishes hair and scalp with natural and organic ingredients. Gentle shampoo is scented with uplifting verbena. Key ingredients are Vitamin B5, Coconut, Avocado and Sesame seed oil. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is a crucial ingredient for strengthening keratin, healing skin irritations and breaking up oil.

Sulfate free and not tested on animals. ($20)

Devacurl No-Poo Zero lather conditioning cleanser! Sulfate-free, moisturizing, stimulating cleanser that hydrates, and cleanses the scalp with lavender oil! For healthy curl or straight textures. Key ingredients are Hops, Peppermint, Grapeseed Oil, Wheat Amino Acids. ($20)

Buy liters for the most cost effective price and reduce environmental waste. Split the cost with a friend and reuse your bottles!

CHECK YOUR INGREDIENTS!

When in a salon, stylist should know the benefits of key ingredients! The quality of ingredients shows in the price. When I research shampoos (or household items), I always search for a wash that has LOW or NO sodium laureth sulfate or any other sulfate derivative ending in -ETH. Sulfates ending in -ETH, like sodium laureth sulfate, are petroleum derivatives. Unfortunately, there are over 150 different known names. Products that are SLS free will say it on the packaging.

WHAT IS A SULFATE?

Sulfates are organic or inorganic sulpheric acid. Sulfates (or sulfer dioxides) are a strong, concentrated foaming detergent that removes grease and oil. Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate is a cheep additive that provides the bubbles in our toothpaste, washes, soaps, detergents, cleansers. It is in our creams, lotions, mascara and more!

THE VICIOUS CYCLE

Bubbles = Clean ......Right?

Sadly, all natural protective oils (or sebum) is stripped away. Your now irritated skin and scalp is very dry but over producing oils! The hair is dull and full of product, sulfate detergents are so concentrated, it's hard to rinse them out. Find that balance! Use good products! Your scalp will produce the amount of oil it naturaly needs.

SEE GIF HERE

[GIF UNDER CONSTRUCTION]