>U Mom Knows Best: What To Expect When Switching To Sulfate Free Shampoo

Friday, September 13, 2019

What To Expect When Switching To Sulfate Free Shampoo

 Making the decision to eliminate chemicals and switch to vegan hair care products isn’t hard. Especially when it makes your hair look better.


      I received products from Nubian Heritage to facilitate this post

 I think making the wise decision to eliminate toxic chemicals from my home and body was an easy one for me. I was presented with the scary facts of what toxic chemicals like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and petroleum can do to my body and I said yes to trying to have a chemical-free home. The fact that these chemicals were making my son's skin break out in a rash and making my skin extremely dry with dermatitis was a no-brainer to me that I had to start using more natural body care products. Another reason was my asthma was getting worse and I knew it was time to say no to toxic chemicals in my beauty products.



  I said making the decision to improving my health with natural products was easy but the transition itself required some adjustments. Switching from products that I had been using for years and assumed were safe for my body to natural products was a learning experience but I was ready to make a positive impact on my health and the environment. Some natural, organic, vegan products were easy to switch out in my bathroom like SLS free toothpaste. Seeing the mouth sores disappear in my son's mouth was awesome. Even our dentist approved of my son using fluoride-free toothpaste and he has not had any cavities since. Sure the cost of these products was overwhelming but I have learned how to make a wonderful Homemade Natural Lemon Drop Toothpaste and my son loves the lemon taste. DIY homemade products save me money but can be time-consuming so I will buy most of my natural beauty products and save money in other areas of my life, like making coffee at home.



 Some of the natural products that I find easier to buy than to make are natural deodorant and mineral-based sunscreen. I also buy room sprays with natural essential oils. I started my younger boys on natural deodorant so they never had to do an armpit detox. If you are considering switching to natural deodorant from aluminum-based antiperspirant, these tips on How To Switch To Natural Deodorant are very helpful.



  One of the recent beauty products that I decide to make the switch to was hair care products. Sure the detox period of switching from toxic chemical-based shampoo took some getting used to but once I saw the results, I was glad that decided to use vegan hair care products that were sulfate-free. My hair even looks better than ever. Here are some things that you can expect when making the switch to paraben-free shampoo.

 1. Less Suds
  The one thing that took me by surprise was natural shampoos don't have a whole lot of foamy suds.
 We are made to think that more suds equals better cleaning but that is not always the case. Traditional shampoos use sulfates such as SLS to create a rich lather with foamy suds. I had to learn to use plenty of water to work the natural product through my hair and not use more shampoo. Sure there were times I had to shampoo my hair twice but that was usually after I went a week without washing my hair. I still took showers every other day but I just did not wash my hair as it was not dirty.

2. Wash Less
  I learned that I really did not need to wash my hair as often as I thought as my hair was not dirty. We are made to believe that our hair needs to be washed every day to look nice but unless you are rolling around in the mud, is your hair really getting dirty? I typically wash my hair 2-3 times a week and my hair is just fine. Before washing your hair, try spritzing it with water first to revive the hair in the morning. If your hair feels greasy, then wash it. For me personally, less washing has made my hair not be so dry.



3. Changes In Oil Production
 Sulfate shampoos are designed to eliminate product build-up through the use of harsh chemical cleaners. That means that these shampoos can strip natural oils from your hair. When you switch to a vegan sulfate-free shampoo, your hair may initially begin producing too much or too little natural oil. For me personally, my hair got back some of that oil and my head was no longer dry and itchy. Stick with the natural shampoo as, after a few shampoos, your hair will adjust.

4. Changes In Hair 
  Your hair may become thicker and full of more body or even wavier. Traditional chemical-laden shampoos contain ingredients such as silicones and waxes that can build up on hair follicles. This build-up can block pores or weigh your hair down. This build-up can even prevent hair from growing. For me personally, after I started using sulfate-free shampoos, my hair went from wavy to curly. That was a change that I liked.

 This release of build-up can also do the opposite and make hair feel matted. This can happen when the silicones attach to your hair as the natural shampoo is releasing is trying to eliminate it from your scalp. This will last a few days as the build-up is being removed with shampooing.

5. No more itchy scalp
 Switching from traditional shampoo that contains sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petroleum, DEA, artificial fragrance or synthetic coloring to natural shampoo can relieve your itchy scalp. All those toxic chemicals listed above could be the cause of your dry itchy scalp. So when these toxic chemicals are gone so maybe the symptoms. I know that once I started using natural soaps, I know longer had itchy skin so I was able to use way less lotion.

6. May cost more
Natural and organic shampoos may cost more than their chemical rivals simply because the ingredients are all "real" and more difficult to source. If you were using premium shampoos already then you may not notice a difference in cost. In short, the cost is worth it for the health and environment benefits. For me, I would rather spend more money on natural products then spend money on medicine for my asthma or my son's eczema. You can save money by buying natural products that come in bigger sizes or stocking up on your favorite brand when they are on sale.



7. You'll Be Helping The Environment
 When you choose to use vegan, organic, and natural hair care products you will be helping our water sources. Fewer harsh chemicals down the drain are better for sea life and even us as humans. Those toxic chemicals will not be in the water that we may drink.


8. Try different brands
 Just like traditional shampoo, you may find that one brand of natural shampoo may work better than another. So don't give up with the switch from toxic chemicals to natural products if one brand doesn't work. Try several brands until you discover the one that works with your hair type. Natural hair care products come in different formulas for different hair types and conditions. A brand that I like for my hair that tends to be on the dry side is The Olive Oil Hair Care Collection from Nubian Heritage. This cruelty-free line of organic hair care products is formulated with nutrient-rich Extra Virgin Olive Oil and other ethically sourced ingredients like nourishing Quinoa and vitamin-rich Moringa. I love that Nubian Heritage products don’t contain sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petroleum, DEA, artificial fragrance or synthetic coloring.


 I love how the Olive Oil Vegan Shampoo gently cleans my hair and leaves it soft and shiny. This brand also foams up and gives me plenty of suds. I love that I only have to use a small amount to get my hair clean. This organic shampoo also has a nice clean scent that comes from essential oils so it does not bother my asthma. Since this shampoo is made with natural ingredients, I could share it with my son as it does not bother his sensitive skin.



How my hair looks when it needs to be washed


 When my dry hair is screaming for moisture, the joys of living in the desert, I will use Nubian Heritage Olive Oil Vegan Deep Condition Masque. This deep treatment masque gives my hair intense moisture that leaves my hair smooth and silky.

The Nubian Heritage Hair Care Collections are available at Vitamin Shoppe, VitaminShoppe.com, and nubianheritage.com


 Since switching to organic shampoo, I have noticed that my hair has a nice curl to it after I wash it. When I wake up in the morning, my curls are gone. So I take a mister bottle filled with water and spritz it on my hair. The moisture revives those curls and then I use Nubian Heritage Styling Mousse to add more definition to my natural curls. This unique product is enriched with extra-moisturizing Olive, Moringa Oils, and nutrient-rich Quinoa that helps tame the frizz that my curls get from the dry weather of the desert. I might complain about the dry desert but my hair doesn't like humidity either. My curly hair gets very poofy when we do get rain. Natural hair care products have been a blessing to my hair and my health. I am glad that I decided to make the switch. I now dislike using traditional hair care products on my hair and will even bring my organic vegan products with me when I stay at hotels, even though the hotels provide free body care products.

Have you considered switching to natural hair care products?






28 comments:

Heidi@OneCreativeMommy.com said...

I like the side effects you mentioned with switching to natural hair products. Maybe it's time to give them a try.

Brianne said...

I like the benefits of natural shampoos and other hair products. I might have to give some a try.

Why Girls Are Weird said...

My one concern would be my hair getting oily - with a pixie if my roots are oily then my whole hair is oily. Total no no for me. But I'd be willing to try it to see what happens.

The Super Mom Life said...

I've never heard of sulfate free shampoo. Every time I try something new, my hair goes nuts so it's good to have the tips!

Romy Schorr said...

There are so many advantages to using natural shampoo. And, there are many different, great-quality brands out there.

Celebrate Woman said...

I had to find my way through the natural product use. Some of them do work, some have a lesser effect. And I am glad you've tried these products.

Farrah said...

I've been looking into getting sulfate-free shampoos after I finish off the ones I currently have, so this was definitely helpful! I've only ever washed my hair every other day, so at least I've already got that part down! :P

Sherry said...

I've been wanting to switch to more natural products. I try not to wash my hair too much as it strips away the natural oils.

Gust si Aroma said...

I've never used a paraben-free shampoo. I am so impressed by all these good changes. I should try it!

Heather @ US Japan Fam said...

Great post!! I haven't made the switch full-time but I definitely use sulfate/paraben-free shampoo and conditioner when I dye my hair to help it fade a bit less. Not sure if it works but they say you gotta do it, and cool water as well. The less sudsing is what bothers me, and the much higher price tag, but it's better for us and the environment so I think I may make the switch permanently soon...

Ruth I said...

I would love to try new organic products! I also wash my hair 2 to 3 times a week. Well, I know it won't be so dirty because I am always inside our house.

Edohpa said...

We have slowly been switching over to more natural products in our home as well. Having an Auto-Immune disease this is a necessity and while it takes some getting used to the benefits def make up for it and make it worth the effort! one step at a time we are getting there. Kelli A

Wren LaPorte said...

This is one thing I have switched my shampoo too and it was a bit difficult to adjust, but my hair loves it! Feels so much better.

Chad said...

I am so gonna switch immediately!!! I had no idea that sulfate does so much damage!!!

Mom Knows Best said...

Yes, one step at a time works best for me too. I have been switching products over the past 2 years.

Mom Knows Best said...

I should try the cool water but that is hard for me as I love my hot showers.

Lyosha Varezhkina said...

I use non sulfate shampoo for couple of years now. I don't feel much different in how my hair reason but my sculp feels way better. thanks for sharing you experience and good luck!

herlifeadventures said...

I’ve never tried that brand of deodorant before.. have you tried primal life sticks? They’re vegan, zero waste, Charcoal Infused and Made with Magnesium and Hemp Seed Oil | No Gluten, Baking Soda or Aluminum..I love them! Great post... I’ll have to try the homemade toothpaste!

Ceci Rey said...

This was informative. I did not know about sulfates, and the damage ti can cause. Thanks for sharing!

Candace Hampton said...

I made the change while back ago and I don't regret it. It's the best decision that I have ever made. I agree with you, it can be more expensive, but it's definitely worth it. I've seen the difference in my hair and my scalp ever since I made the change. I'd love to try those brands!

fashionista wiki said...

this article is really impressive and i am now planning to switch on the natural products for improvin my life style in a better way .

Echo said...

I think it is great that you are letting people know what Natural Products are like. I think that is one of the things that holds people back the most.

Lavanda Michelle said...

Really helpful and interesting guide, thanks for the share!

Keikilani said...

This is a great guide to going all natural. My sister just did this. Really proud of her.

Swathi said...

Looks like those are great product, I would love to try Mango butter though

Annie Yu said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

What is the best organic non-chemical shampoo and conditioner any ideas?

Unknown said...

I've been using monat products for the last 2 years so I'm looking for something similar but cheaper

data-matched-content-rows-num="2" data-matched-content-columns-num="2"
Mom knows best