SLS-does your shampoo have it?

Why is it that in spite of not having too much fun in my 'No Poo' days, I still prefer washing my hair just once or twice a week and don't mind even using honey to replace shampoo now and then?

At that time, I missed my lather...far more than the shampoo itself...and now...as I realize lather=chemicals, I want to reduce using it as much as possible. That's when I began checking out this 'SLS free' option. All I knew a few weeks ago was that SLS-free shampoos are less harsher on the hair and so decided to use an SLS-free shampoo instead. Guess what??? As I stood in front of the lavish range of shampoos so beautifully displayed on their shelves in the departmental store, I wondered which should I pick. The green bottles! They are green, look natural and so should be natural, no? Then I checked the ingredients mentioned on the bottle. Uh-oh! This one has SLS, so it'll have to go back. Big deal...there were sooo many to choose from. Checked the next. SLS. And the next SLS. SLS in the next one too. Soon I was done. I had checked ALL of the shampoos and ALL of them qualified. That left me with no shampoo :(

SO what is SLS? Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (cousin-SLES) or Ammonium Laurel Sulfate (ALS) are inexpensive (=cheap) and very effective foaming agents found in a whole lot of cosmetic products, personal hygiene products and household cleansers.

Ever tried letting some shampoo get into your eyes? You should. It's not fun. Studies show that SLES is an irritant that causes eye and/or skin irritation which may also increase depending on the concentration of it in the product. For some the reaction is strong, while others are braver.

For detailed info on how SLS present in toothpastes, soaps, mouthwashes, shampoos, etc affects your body and health, as well as your kids please visit SLSfree.

And beware of that little advice mentioned on those SLS-not free shampoos that say - apply, lather, rinse, repeat. DO NOT REPEAT!!! Unless of course you love the lather foaming so beautifully. For your reference is a list of products that share your SLS right here. If you are running short of time or are plain lazy, here are some of those products. Just for fun :)

Dishwashing Soaps
Fabric Upholstery Cleaner
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Laundry Detergent
Carpet Cleaner Spray
Basin Tub Tile Cleaner

Let me warn you, the SLS-free shampoos come with a price-tag much higher than the normal shampoos. So you either go totally natural and use the wonderful economic products found at home OR find a natural/organic shampoo. Either ways, the lather will be minimal/nil...but the cleansing would still be just as effective, if not better :)