A very good friend of mine, who is also a professional stylist, reads my blog, and wrote a reply to my last Green Monday post. It gave me something to think about! I trust her completely with style tips, and only wish we were in the same area so she could do my hair, etc…  She writes a super cool blog called Planet Claire. She has some awesome home decor advice!!!

Anyway.. She sent me a reply, and I thought I’d share it with everyone! It’s definitely some good food for thought when choosing how “green” you’re going to go for the planet. You have to research & read constantly! Here is what she said:

I wanted to let you know I love your new blog. I went there today to leave a comment on your latest blog but when I read it I thought I’d touch base with you here instead for this topic.

When I was in school and in continuing education classes since then I’ve learn alot about the different chemicals in hair and skin products. One of which are surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate.

You are 100% correct that they are irritants, however the key is to rinse after washing. Thus shampoo directions are to rinse and repeat. Let me just say, the only reason to repeat is to use/sell more shampoo. The first wash actually grabs hold of dirt and excess oil and is rinsed away, the second or repeat lather & rinse will take the natural oil your hair needs for shine/glow and is unnecessary.
Long ago people used to wash their hair with “organic” ingredients and soap. The problem arose when hard water was introduced. People soon discovered they then had a difficult time rinsing these products out of their hair. Thus SLSs were introduced. They react well to hard water, serve as a magnet to dirt and oil and don’t leave behind the scummy film.

The trick is to rinse well and listen to your hair. Not everyone needs to shampoo every single day. Since I’m older and am moisture challanged :snicker, I shampoo every other day and condition every day.

Anyway, I just thought I’d toss in my professional opinion.

I also wanted to add that so many of the anti-SLS sites will tell you this is the same thing used in engine block cleaner, etc. Yes, it is a detergent but there are varying degrees. Shampoos, shower gels, toothpaste and any other cleanser that creates foam/bubbles contains surfactants and each one is specifically formulated for the task for which it is recommended. They are _not_ interchangeable.

Some good info there!