Ever heard of sulphates, parabens or silicones making it into your shampoo or hair products? 

As a nation, we’re growing more aware of the ingredients we use in and on our bodies. The food industry got there first and now it’s time for clean beauty and haircare to change its ways.

This article looks the benefits of using sulphate and paraben free shampoo in your hair care routine.

What are sulphates?

Sodium Lauryl (or Laureth) Sulphate / SLS  is a detergent that’s used in many cleaning products. Although it’s an effective cleansing agent and makes your products lather, it can strip your hair of its natural oils and irritate the scalp’s natural ph balance. 

So if you have a sensitive scalp, it’s best to avoid shampoos with sulphates in them. Sulphates do have cleansing properties, but this can also fade your hair colour faster, meaning more trips to the hairdresser.

What are parabens?

Parabens are artificial preservatives used to preserve the life of many beauty products, liquid shampoos and hair products. There’s been research into the effects of parabens on our health, non of which has been conclusive, however a 2004 British study found traces of five parabens in the breast tissue of 19 out of 20 women studied. The study didn't prove that parabens can cause cancer but identified that the parabens were able to penetrate the skin and remain within tissue. Most parabens are called out in their name on ingredient lists, but they might also be called alkyl parahydroxy benzoates. Using waterless beauty and haircare products like shampoo bars often means there’s less need for preservatives, as the nature of the formulation is dry to begin with, meaning less opportunity for bacteria growth.

What are silicones and are they bad?

Silicones (look out for ingredients ending in cone) are used to give a feeling of smooth silky hair after washing. In reality they are a type of polymer, or plastic that can build up and weigh hair down after prolonged use. So if you feel you need to change shampoo, it might be that the one you’re using has silicones in it. With a build up of product on your hair, silicones can lead to dry, brittle hair as the hair shaft doesn’t get nourished by natural oils from your scalp. 

At Nut and Noggin we wanted to create a shampoo bar that’s free from sulphates, parabens and silicones. So instead we used plant derived ingredients like coconut and flax seed as well as beer to add shine and gloss to your hair.

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