Have you ever wondered why some shampoos foam like clouds, while others only a little? The secret of foaming lies in surfactants orSurfactantsAnd they are precisely responsible for how gently or aggressively the scalp will be cleaned.
What are surfactants and why are they important?
In short, surfactants are ingredients that reduce water surface tension, help dissolve dirt and grease, and create foam when shampoo comes into contact with water and is massaged into the hair.
And here the important fact is:The amount of foam does not mean better hair cleaning.It's just an illusion often used by manufacturers by adding more foaming agents. Psychologically, it seems to us that "the more foam, the better the shampoo cleans," but that's just a myth.
Which surfactants are found in shampoos?
- Strong (aggressive) foaming agents - they foam very well and clean effectively, but can cause irritation to sensitive scalp.
Prolonged use of hair care products containing strong surfactants can make hair drier and the scalp more sensitive.
Commonly encountered: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, and TEA-Lauryl Sulfate.
- Medium mild foaming agents - a balance between cleansing and gentleness. Suitable for daily use if the scalp is not particularly sensitive.
Most common -Cocamidopropyl Betaine (from coconut oil), Coco-Betaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Coco-Sulfate(available ONE:ZERO DEEP SHAMPOO)Lauryl / Decyl / Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate.
- Particularly mild surfactants - shampoos with these substances are more friendly to sensitive skin, children, and people with scalp problems. They foam less, but that doesn't mean they don't work!
Commonly found - Amino acid-based (very gentle, often expensive):Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Potassium Cocoyl Glutamate;Isetionāti (soft, creamy foam):Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (found inONE:ZERO GENTLE SHAMPOO),Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (sometimes classified as moderately mild);Taurates (neutralize pH, do not dry out the skin):Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Taurate, Sodium Methyl Lauroyl Taurate;Glycosides (plant-based, suitable for eco products):Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside;Other very mild foaming agents:Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (mild but foams well), Sodium Myreth Sulfate (even milder than SLES but still a sulfate), Lauryl Lactyl Lactate, Sodium PCA Lauryl Sulfonate, Disodium Ricinoleamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate, etc.
How to accustom hair to natural composition shampoo?
If you have only used "strong" shampoos with SLS/SLES until now, transitioning to a gentler formula may take an average of 2-4 weeks. Initially, it may seem that the hair is not as clean, but it's just a matter of getting used to it.
4-WEEK TRANSITION PLAN:
|
Week |
Your old shampoo |
Natural shampoo |
Notes |
|
Week no. 1 |
Every wash cycle |
X |
Start with cleansing |
|
Week no. 2 |
1-2 times a week |
1-2 times a week |
Start using natural shampoo |
|
Week no. 3 |
Once a week |
The remaining times |
Evaluate the skin reaction |
|
Week no. 4 |
Only as needed |
Switch only to natural shampoo |
If everything is fine, continue using the natural shampoo. |
What are the benefits of using natural shampoo?
- Less irritation and itching - suitable for sensitive skin, children, and people with dermatitis or seborrhea;
- Less greasiness - because the skin no longer produces sebum excessively as a response to over-cleansing;
- Moister, more flexible, shinier hair - gentle substances do not wash away all natural lipids, hair is moisturized, easier to comb, less frizzy;
- Friendlier for colored or chemically treated hair - helps preserve color and shine, suitable for hair after keratin or botox treatments.
- Safe for daily use - maintains the natural balance of the scalp even when used every day.
The only downside of natural composition shampoos is that they are usually more expensive than mass-produced shampoos with SLS/SLES available on store shelves.
However, when considering the long term, it is an investment in your health and beauty, investing in healthier, more beautiful hair and scalp.