Shampoo Facts - Cons & Pros

Shampoo Facts - Cons & Pros:

1. Cleanses the scalp and hair: Shampoo is designed to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup from the scalp and hair. It helps to keep the hair clean and refreshed.

2. Formulated for different hair types: Shampoos are available in various formulations to cater to different hair types and concerns. There are shampoos for oily hair, dry hair, damaged hair, color-treated hair, and more.

3. Some Shampoos Contain surfactants: Surfactants are cleansing agents that help to remove dirt and oil from the hair. Common surfactants found in shampoos include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).

4. May contain additional ingredients: Shampoos often contain additional ingredients such as conditioning agents, fragrances, preservatives, and botanical extracts. These ingredients can provide additional benefits like moisturization, scent, and improved hair texture.

Shampoo Cons:

1. Strips natural oils: Shampoo, especially those with harsh surfactants, can strip the hair of its natural oils. This can lead to dryness, frizz, and an imbalance in the scalp's natural oil production.

2. Potential for scalp irritation: Some people may experience scalp irritation or sensitivity to certain ingredients in shampoos, such as sulfates or fragrances. This can lead to itching, redness, or flakiness.

3. Environmental impact: Many shampoos contain ingredients that are harmful to the environment, such as sulfates and microplastics. These ingredients can end up in waterways and have negative effects on aquatic life.

Shampoo Pros:

1. Cleanses the hair and scalp: Shampoo effectively removes dirt, oil, and product buildup from the hair and scalp, leaving it clean and refreshed.

2. Promotes hair and scalp health: Shampooing regularly can help maintain a healthy scalp and hair. It can prevent issues like dandruff, itching, and excess oiliness.

3. Provides specific benefits: Shampoos formulated for different hair types and concerns can provide targeted benefits. For example, moisturizing shampoos can help hydrate dry hair, while volumizing shampoos can add volume to fine hair.

4. Enhances hair appearance: Shampooing can improve the appearance of the hair by removing impurities and enhancing its natural shine and texture.

5. Preps the hair for styling: Clean hair is easier to style and manage. Shampooing can provide a good base for applying other hair care products and styling techniques.

It's important to note that the effectiveness and suitability of a shampoo can vary depending on individual hair type, scalp condition, and personal preferences. It's always a good idea to choose a shampoo that suits your specific needs and to consider gentler alternatives if you have sensitive or dry hair and scalp.

Here are some Natural Shampoos that are worth trying- Morrocco Method & ST. Tropica

20 Top Essential Oils

With so many natural benefits that they provide, essential oils are great to have on hand. They can be used for a variety of purposes. Here is a list of the ones you will want to have around, and what they can be used for…

1. Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils. It speeds up hair growth. Beneficial for detoxifying your scalp when mixed with a 8 drops of frankincense essential oil, 8 drops lavender essential oil, 3 drops tea tree essential oil and 1/3 cup of argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil or grapeseed oil. Massage on scalp, leave to soak in 20-30 minutes before washing hair. A few drops in your shampoo can do wonders. It also helps you sleep better, and gives you fast relief when you have a sunburn.

2. Tea tree oil is great to have on hand for adding to vinegar and using the mixture to clean your home. It is antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic and antibiotic, helps unclog hair follicles, prevents buildup of chemicals and dead skin on your scalp although it can be harsh if used directly on the scalp so make sure to mix a few drops in your favorite hair oil, coconut, grapeseed, argan, jojoba etc.

3. Chamomile oil is great for relaxation. Chamomile oil adds shine and softness to hair, and soothes the scalp. Roman chamomile is more gentle than German chamomile, so it can be used for young babies, and is often used in homemade diaper spray solutions to soothe diaper rash.

4. Eucalyptus oil helps support respiratory health. Those suffering from asthma, bronchitis and even the common cold can benefit from diffusing this or applying it topically in diluted form.

5. Lemon oil is a great antibacterial and anti-fungal and an effective dandruff treatment also a perfect solution for thicker hair. If you are coming down with a cold, rub it in the palms of your hands and inhale. You can even add several drops to your load of laundry to help disinfect it.

6. Frankincense oil can prevent hair loss, as well as stimulate hair growth, it nourishes and strengthens the hair from within. It’s great for the skin, and often used in homemade facial creams. It can be applied topically to swollen areas and used as an anti-inflammatory.

7. Peppermint oil is another essential that promotes hair growth Mix 3 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1/4 cup carrier oil of your choice and massage into scalp, leave for 20 minutes before washing hair. Peppermint essential oil can soothe sore muscles and relieve bad breath. It can also be sprinkled around the doors in your home to deter ants or mice from entering.

8. Clove oil can be used to soothe a dry and irritated scalp it helps with much needed shine to dry and dull hair. With antiseptic properties essential clove oil can be used to relieve tooth pain while you are waiting for an emergency dentist appointment.

9. Grapefruit oil is a detoxifier and can be diluted and applied to cellulite-laden areas of the body to help release toxins from fat cells.

10. Ginger oil helps relieve nausea. It can also be diluted and applied to painful areas in order to experience relief.

11. Ylang ylang oil is ideal for dry scalps and can stimulate sebum production. It has a beautiful smell and is often used as a natural perfume. It also benefits relaxation and healthy skin.

12. Cedarwood oil can be used to clarify the skin, it promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss by balancing the oil-producing glands in the scalp. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can treat different conditions that may contribute to hair loss. It’s a good repellent for ticks, flies and gnats.

13. Citronella oil is a well-known mosquito repellent, but can also treat fevers and headaches.

14. Lemongrass oil is beneficial for a flake-free scalp. It is a common insect repellent, and can also help with digestive issues.

15. Geranium oil is great for the skin and also helps balance hormones. It promote hair growth by nourishing the scalp and balancing the production of sebum and natural oils.

16. Orange oil helps circulation and can also be used when cleaning your home, as it is not harsh and damaging to surfaces.

17. Lime oil is beneficial to diffuse when you need to stay alert. It can be added to shampoo to prevent scalp issues such as lice.

18. Rosemary oil has become the go-to oil for hair growth, by adding it to a carrier oil and applying it to the scalp.

19. Myrrh oil is great for skin health. This oil also penetrates deep into your scalp to increase pore tightness and stimulate hair growth, strengthens the roots and thus reduces hair loss. Along with fighting dandruff it fights and protects against parasites when ingested.

20. Thyme oil is used for respiratory health and is antibacterial, which makes it great for use when fighting illness or cleaning the kitchen. Great oil for skin care & hair care. It helps promote hair growth by both stimulating the scalp and actively preventing hair loss. Similar to cedarwood oil, thyme oil is helpful in treating alopecia areata

If you could only purchase twenty essential oils, these would be the ones you should invest in. They promote health, cleanliness and work together to cover a great variety of everyday needs.

Start with a few, and build your collection as you find yourself using them more and more. Only older teenagers and adults should use essential oils. If you think essential oils could benefit your child, ask their pediatrician first to make sure it’s safe.

Remember to test a small patch of skin and evaluate for irritation before use.