Most people walk into a beauty store in search of the perfect bottle of shampoo. But when they get bombarded with a myriad of options they feel overwhelmed and grab the most aesthetically pleasing shampoo they see. Sounds familiar?

Important factors to keep in mind while buying shampoo are affordability and the ingredients it contains. Many shampoos claim that they are made with wholesome ingredients, but their formulae are packed with nasties that are toxic for you as well as the environment.

Thus, we have put together everything you need to know about clean shampoos that will take your hair care game to the next level! 

Regular Shampoo VS Clean/Non-toxic Shampoo

The main difference between regular shampoo and clean shampoo is the ingredients used. Regular shampoos contain dangerous Sulphates and Parabens, while clean or non-toxic shampoos do not. Before moving on, let us learn more about these harmful ingredients:

1. Sulphates - Every time you wash your hair with regular shampoo, a thick lather is formed. This lather is a result of the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate present in the shampoo. It gets rid of the oil and dirt that may be present in your hair. Although Sulphates clean your scalp, they harm your hair more than you know. 

2. Parabens - These bad boys are a type of preservative that is responsible for increasing the shelf life of health and beauty products. They are commonly used to avoid the growth of fungus and bacteria in shampoos. Recently, studies have found that they are toxic to your health as they cause allergies and other serious health issues.

Reasons to switch to Sulphate and Paraben free shampoos

Here are a few reasons to swap out your regular shampoo for the non-toxic type:

1. Though Sulphates get rid of the oil and dirt, they are potential cancer-causing ingredients. Apart from that, they are the main culprits of hair loss, hair thinning, damaged hair follicles, and inhibited hair growth.
2. Parabens cause allergic reactions as well as skin conditions such as dermatitis and rosacea.
3. Sulphates can result in eye damage and blindness. Thus, Sulphate shampoos should not be used, especially on babies and infants.
4. Parabens are also suspected to be cancer-causing due to its estrogen-like effects on the body.
5. Lastly, Sulphate strips the essential natural moisture present in your scalp. Whereas, clean shampoos clean your hair more effectively and efficiently, while retaining its moisture.

How to find the perfect Sulphate and Paraben free shampoo for you

A perfect shampoo that works for everyone does not exist. Instead, you can find a clean shampoo that is most suitable for your hair and scalp type.

As per your hair type

1. For dry and coarse hair - if your hair is really lacking in moisture, then you desperately need a hydration boost! The perfect shampoo for that is the Moisturizing Shampoo by Petal Fresh. It contains Olive Oil, a natural hydrator that protects the hair’s keratin and locks in moisture. Whereas, the Grape Seed helps improve and maintain the shine and overall hair health. 

2. For colour treated hair - if you have coloured locks, you need a shampoo that has gentle ingredients which will nurture your treated hair as well as preserve and accentuate its colour. It will strengthen the weak areas of your hair that have been damaged by colouring treatments. The Jatamansi Root & Indian Rose Shampoo by Sova contains Himalayan herbs and flowers that gently caress your damaged hair ends and bind the colour pigment to the hair for a long lasting look.

3. For damaged hair - if your hair is damaged because of the UV rays or from the over usage of hot tools, you need a shampoo that fix it and make it soft, silky, and smooth. Myra Veda’s Restorative Shampoo contains Morrocan Argan and Blackseed Oil, along with extracts of Ginger, Aloe Vera, Coriander, and Oils of Castor and Neem. All of these ingredients repairs and heals your damaged hair with their distinct properties.

4. For dull hair - if your hair is lackluster and stressed out looking, you are in need of a shampoo to make it bright and shiny again. Petal Fresh’s Ultra Shine Shampoo contains Aloe Vera and Citrus which ensure to heal unhealthy scalps and leaves your hair looking bright, shiny, and alive!

5. For fine hair - if you have fine, thin hair, it tends to get oily faster than normal. Using the Cowshed’s Grumpy Cow Volumising Shampoo will help tackle the oiliness with its Pomegranate and Raspberry juice. Extracts of Blueberry and Oats will leave your hair clean, nourished, and bright-looking. The Soy and Wheat Protein will amp up your hair’s volume by making it look naturally fuller.

6. For frizzy hair - if you live in humid regions, chances are that you have frizzy hair. The best way to keep your frizz under control is by using special anti-frizz hair products. Petal Fresh’s Anti-Frizz Shampoo contains Lavender and 8 other premium Botanical Extracts which tame and eliminate your frizz, without weighing down your hair.

As per your scalp type

1. For oily scalps - if you have an oily scalp, it is possible that you haven’t found the right shampoo yet. To control your excess sebum and oil production here is what you should look for and avoid in a shampoo -

• Avoid using shampoos that are moisturising, hydrating, and smoothing as they only add more moisture to your already oily scalp.
• Shampoos that are volumising, strengthening, or balancing have a non-moisturising effect and control the excess oil.
• Take some time to work the shampoo into your scalp, so that it can break up the oil present.

Our suggestion -The Voluminsing Jatamansi Hair Cleanser by Roots & Herbs. It is power packed with the goodness of Jatamansi and Methi, which provides the scalp with a soothing and nurturing effect.The other herbs and essential oils repair your damaged follicles and control the excess sebum production.

2. For dry and itchy scalps - if your scalp is dry, itchy, or flaky, you need to find a shampoo that will save you from embarrassing situations that it can cause -

• Avoid shampoos that are moisturising, volumising, and strengthening as they do not provide any hydration that your scalp requires. Instead, it strips your scalp off its little natural oil it does have.
• Start searching for shampoos that are moisturising, hydrating, and smoothing as they promote and provide necessary moisture that will reduce the dryness and itchiness of your scalp.

Our suggestion - The Scalp Treatment Shampoo by Petal Fresh includes Tea Tree, the perfect ingredient for dandruff and itchy scalps. It provides a cooling effect to the scalp while removing all impurities and dirt.

How to use Sulphate and Paraben free shampoo

1. Wet your hair - The first step is to ensure that your hair is evenly and thoroughly wet so that it will be easier to apply the shampoo.
2. Less is more - This may shock you, but using lesser shampoo is more than enough to clean your hair. Even though Sulphate free shampoo does not lather as much as regular shampoo, it cleans your hair just as effectively.
3. Water > Shampoo - Incase you need more lather to wash your hair, add more water, instead of more shampoo. This will activate the shampoo and improve the cleaning process.
4. Rinse and repeat - Shampooing your hair twice ensures gets rid of any dirt and oil that was left behind after the first round. Make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly so that no residue remains on your scalp.

5. Do not forget to condition - Follow up your shampoo regimen with your favourite clean conditioner. This is a crucial step to lock in moisture, reduce frizziness and tangles, and for a silky, smooth finish!

What to expect when switching to Sulphate and Paraben free Shampoos?

Going au natural can feel intimidating in the beginning because of the changes. But once you get through the detox period, you will wonder why it took you so long to make that switch! Here are a few things to expect while making the change:

1. Changes in oil production - Sulphate shampoos usually strip the natural oils from your hair. When you switch to a non-toxic shampoo, you will notice an increase or decrease in the oil production. This is completely normal and it will go on for a few days or several weeks.

2. Less foam - Many people think that more the foam, the better the cleaning process. But that is only a myth. While regular shampoo creates thick lather, Sulphate free shampoo does the opposite. Even though it does not lather as much, it still cleans your hair as efficiently as possible.

3. Changes in hair thickness and feel - Some people find that their hair becomes thicker after using Sulphate and Paraben free shampoo. This is because the previous build up that covered your hair follicles have been cleared up, thus increasing hair growth. 

Tips to make the transition easier

Here are a few tips to make your transition and detox period easier than ever -

1. Ease your way into it - this goes two ways. First, reduce the frequency of shampooing your hair week by week. After the third week, make the switch from your regular chemical shampoo to a natural one.

2. Document the journey - while making the switch, though it is slow, make sure you keep documenting the journey. The best way is to take pictures and be aware of the texture, moisture and volume of your hair. At the beginning of your natural shampoo journey, some part of it would be to know whether a certain product works and how long it takes to work. And what's the best way to check your progress? Documenting the journey.
   
   
3. Invest in quality products - Don’t cut edges while you’re trying to make the switch. Yes, start small, but don't compromise on the quality of products. And be sure to research how the ingredients of the shampoo will benefit your hair. If you have curly or wavy hair, your hair requires more moisture. So always check the ingredient claims.

4. Concentrate on washing and brushing your hair - Yes, I know you’re wondering why but let me explain the science behind it. Ensuring you rinse off your shampoo from your hair and scalp is important. This way there is no buildup in your hair that could otherwise cause a greasy feeling. And brushing? It will redistribute your scalp’s natural oils from your scalp to the tips of your hair. 

5. Use Argan Oil - whether it is to nourish your hair or your scalp, Argan oil is the most breathable and non-greasy nutrient you can gift your hair with. Argan Oils seal the moisture and make your hair healthier. It also ensures to tame your frizzy hair.
6. Be patient - Whatever your reason may be to switch to natural shampoos, patiently wait to see the outcome. Unlike chemicals, natural shampoo is not a quick fix to your hair but is definitely a long term fix for your hair.

In the end, just remember to enjoy this transformation process! With time, you will find your perfect shampoo that will give you luscious and beautiful hair without harming your health and the environment!

- By Tanvi Savani