A Look at Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
One ingredient that many people cite as being dangerous in shampoo is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
The MSDS for sodium lauryl sulfate states under potential acute health effects that it is “Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (sensitizer). Severe over-exposure can result in death.” Under potential chronic health effects it states that “Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. Repeated exposure to a highly toxic material may produce general deterioration of health by an accumulation in one or many human organs.”
A review of other common ingredients in shampoos reveals other health hazards and environmental hazards.
Sodium Bicarbonate
A popular ingredient used by those who decide not to use commercial shampoos is sodium bicarbonate, otherwise known as baking soda. A MSDS issued by Delta Education, a company that sells chemistry supplies, includes this summary of the potential hazards of baking soda “Generally not hazardous in normal handling, however good laboratory practices should always be used.”
One must realize that material safety data sheets are not intended for the consumer use of products. However, consumers can still find the information in a MSDS useful for making informed decisions about products they allow into their home. To learn more about MSDS’s read What are Material Safety Data Sheets.
Various No ‘Poo Methods
While there are some people who don’t bother with anything besides washing their hair with water, most no ‘poo advocates follow some sort of cleansing routine. One of the most popular methods is some variation of a baking soda and apple cider vinegar (ACV) routine. Another interesting ‘historical’ method is the ‘traditional Mexican no-shampoo method promoted by Audrey Shulman in an article for the Boston Phoenix.
Both methods attempt to reduce the amount of stress you put on your hair by washing it and stripping it of its natural oils. They also permit the individual to break out of the consumer trap created by shampoos.
Shampoo strips the hair and scalp of oil. Your body naturally tries to adjust for the lack of oil. As a result, hair looks greasy and so the individual, aware of the stigma of greasy hair, shampoos once again. And so begins a nasty cycle. Throw conditioner into the cocktail to remedy the dryness created by commercial shampoos and your hair doesn’t stand a chance.
By avoiding shampoo and cleansing the scalp without harsh detergents, a person’s body is permitted to find its natural, healthy balance, which for most who try the method yields the healthiest hair they’ve had in years.
Baking Soda Method
The baking soda method runs the risk of drying out the hair and if used aggressively can cause breakage, since baking soda is a mild abrasive. Most who successfully use this method do not wash their hair more than every other day – less frequently is more desirable. Use the following method to make a mild soda cleanser. Dissolve soda in very hot water at the ratio of one tablespoon per cup of water. Store in a squeeze bottle or an old shampoo container. Use the mixture to wash your hair on the days that your hair is dirty or you need to cut the grease. Do not scrub your scalp with it, rather massage your scalp.
If your hair tends towards dryness, follow up with an apple cider vinegar rinse using the ratio of 1-2 tablespoons of ACV per cup of water. For some, the ACV rinse makes their hair look limp and greasy and should not be included in their routine.
Traditional Mexican No-Shampoo
Mexican no ‘poo is even simpler. Wash your hair with water. Then ‘brush’ your hair with a wash cloth, a hundred strokes to each side. This moves the oil from your scalp down the shaft of your hair to the ends, where it is most needed.
Hazards of No ‘Poo
Most people go through a detox period where their hair is very greasy. When using commercial cleansing products, the hair goes into production overdrive to create oil to replace what you strip away. It takes awhile for the body to adjust. However, with persistence and the willingness to experiment in order to discover what works, most people who try no ‘poo, love it.
Melissa Howard - I am a stay-at-home Mom. My college education was in English and History and my last job was as a Technical Writer. Now that I ...
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