How often do you shampoo? Apparently in the U.S. we are over-the-top in our shampooing habits. At an average of 4.59 times per week, we shampoo more than twice as much as women in Spain and Italy. All this lathering up can have a hefty impact on your wallet and the planet. But what’s the alternative? Jeanne Haegele from Life Less Plastic went for weeks with just using
baking soda and a vinegar rinse. Although her hair didn’t get greasier, she apparently got bad dandruff! Dermatologists think that twice or three times (tops) a week is enough because more than that and we’re stripping our hair of the vital oils that keep the hair shaft healthy and shiny. This is all bad news for a girl like me who just loves the feeling of freshly showered and shampooed hair every day! It’s got me thinking though..hmmm, as a G.G. girl I need to be using less plastic, less water and basicallyless of everything. Okay, I’m going to try to cut down to 3 times a week and see how I go. Even more important is that I use shampoos and conditioners that are not going to harm me or the planet. Many shampoos contain harsh SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate), which really can strip the hair and worse, the ubiquitous, hormone-disrupting parabens. Be sure to look for brands that will be take care of you and the planet. This leaves us with the big question: which of the greener shampoos are actually effective and perform as well as their preservative and chemical-laden counterparts? Here are a few that I have found to be really fantastic:
I like Avalon Organics shampoos and conditioners. Trader Joe’s sells the lavender scent at a reasonable price ($4.59/bottle). Compared to $10 or more at other places.
If you are in the UK, as I am, I have just found a great company called ‘Naked’ http://www.nakedbodycare.co.uk
They are great value for money, and have a wide range of products, not just Shampoo etc.
Have you tried shampoo bars? No plastic and the ones I use from Chagrin VAlley Soaps are fantastic! All natural, pure and easy to use.
I love Jason Dandruff Shampoo in the winter (every other day), Avalon Peppermint & Tea Tree Conditioners combined. I have found all of these and many more on http://www.vitacost.com and the discount on many organic products, including most found in Sophie’s book, is incredible!!
Frederic Fekkai now has an all natural shampoo that may be the lesser “evil” of his great products. Is it that bad?
Love Ojon. Rub out is dry shampoo best on the market. Its a miracle for “on the go” people. And give your hair a wonderful scent. Looks like you have shampoo’d.
I have been using Lavera’s apple milk shampoo. It’s certified all natural with organic goodies in it. All their products are paraben and gluten free which is good for me as I have wheat allergies. I just checked their site and its on sale right now.
I use Burt’s Bees super shiny shampoo, with grapefruit and sugar beet. It’s so lovely and effective and doesn’t foam heaps, so it doesn’t strip the scalp. Plus it’s pretty much all natural.
Recent studies through Sephora were done on Ojon & found out that it wasn’t up to par on their green definitions… which include: fewer to no GMO’s, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances and triclosan.
I also use Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Shampoo & Alba coconut milk conditioner.
I love “Organic Excellence” (about $20 for an 18 oz bottle). If you can’t find it in your co-op, natural foods store, etc. you can buy it on line at OrganicExcellence.com It has a mild minty smell and it works on my wavy, dry, fine hair. Supposedly it is inteded to be great for all hair types.