The Shocking Truth About Shampoo: Why I Haven’t Shampooed in Seven Years

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When I became pregnant with my first child eight years ago, I had lots of fun picking out things for my baby for after she was born. The little socks and shoes, tiny diapers. But when it came to shampoo, I found myself frustrated. I couldn’t find shampoo that didn’t have a bunch of chemicals in it.

Now, I wasn’t even aware of the whole “crunchy mama” world at that point - little did I know where that one thought process would take me! At that time I was still painting my fingernails with cheap nail polish, wore makeup that was full of chemicals, enjoyed soda, fast food and Doritos, etc. But once I realized my newborn baby was going to be slathered in baby lotions and shampoo made with chemicals, it made me re-think my own choices.

I never did buy that bottle of Johnson’s & Johnson’s. Especially after finding out the “tear-free” versions contain formaldehyde which prevents tears by numbing the eyes - not because it was gentle and chemical-free!

It was then I discovered the world of natural alternatives to shampoo, cosmetics, personal care items…and everything else. And I ditched my Suave shampoo for good.

The Dangers of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

One of the worst chemicals that is present in nearly all shampoos (and other cosmetics) is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which also goes by sodium laureth sulfate. Sodium lauryl sulfate is made from sulfuric acid, momododecyl ester, and sodium salt.

SLS is used as a skin irritant in clinical studies when they are testing the effectiveness of potential healing agents on the SLS-induced irritated skin.

SLS is absorbed into the skin and can enter the brain, heart, and other organs where it accumulates and causes damage. When contaminated, SLS also contains dioxane, a known carcinogen.

Here is a list of some of the ways sodium lauryl sulfate harms our bodies:

1. Skin irritant - SLS is actually used in clinical studies to cause irritation. SLS is the universal standard of irritation that other chemicals are tested against. Irritation occurs in concentrations of .5% - most products use a 30% solution of SLS.

2. Eye Irritant - Most people get shampoo in their eyes from time to time. If your shampoo contains SLS you could get corneal damage that is permanent.

3. Hair Loss - SLS can attack the hair follicle and cause hair loss.

4. Hormone Imbalancer - Since SLS is absorbed through the skin, it can cause havoc with our hormones. SLS attaches itself to estrogen receptors, causing the body to lose control over this hormone. In men, SLS can cause an increase in estrogen levels, leading to breast enlargement, drop in sperm mobility and sperm count, and a reduction in testosterone. In women, it leads to menstrual problems, and at worst, infertility.

5. Cancer Causer - SLS damages the protein in our cells, which can lead to cancer. Nitrates formed during the process of SLS can do severe damage over time, as our bodies absorb everything that comes into contact with our skin. SLS is also known to mutate genetic material in our cells.

Why is it added to shampoo, then?

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a foaming agent - it gives your shampoo that nice lather we learn to associate with the shampoo doing a good job (thanks to ads by certain shampoo brands - photo left). Little do we know…

It cleans the hair - but by corrosion. SLS strips the hair and skin of protective oils (our protection against rashes and infection) normally found on the surface of the skin. This is why if you don’t shampoo daily, you start to feel itchy.

Alternatives to Shampoo

Just because I don’t shampoo doesn’t mean I don’t wash my hair - but now I use natural ingredients.

Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar - I started out with the popular baking soda and apple cider vinegar (ACV) method. I faithfully continued with this for two years. Looking back, I should have stopped after a couple of months and went right to a shampoo bar. Although this is a wonderful stripping method for removing the shampoo build-up, it was too harsh (drying) for my hair long-term. That said, I would recommend it to everyone to try when stripping your hair of the SLS shampoo. Those prone to oily scalps may wish to use this longer than those of us prone to dry scalps. Be forewarned: it takes time for your scalp to adjust to this method, but don’t throw in the towel too early!

Dr. Bronner’s Liquid and Bar Soaps - Next I tried Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap. I loved the shine it gave me, but over time it did darken my hair and was too strong (oily). I have waist-length hair and literally two drops was more than enough. I found the soap bar to work much better.

Make Your Own Soap - I went through a phase of making my own soap with an olive oil base, and I really loved this soap. The shipping charges ended up going too high for me to continue purchasing this through the mail, and I found my health food store natural soaps to be most convenient. I have since found a source with more affordable olive oil base, and want to try this soap again.

Natural Soap Bars - I have found natural soap bars to work the best for my hair. My recent bar has been Tropical Tradition’s natural soap (unscented) bar. I want to try their shampoo bar next (it was out of stock when I ordered or I would have tried some already).

As you can see, there are lots of ways to clean your hair other than using chemical-laden store-bought shampoo. Even “natural” and “organic” brands include chemicals, including Burt’s Bees (now owned by Clorox) so read the labels! EWG’s Skin Deep is an excellent source for looking up ingredient information: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

I challenge you to find an alternative way of washing your hair. Don’t forget to come back and tell me how it’s going!

Shared on: Fat Tuesday

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proud contributor
Lea Harris founded Nourishing Treasures in 2006. A mom passionate about her family's health and well-being, Lea believes education is power. Encouraging others to take baby steps in the right direction of health for their families, Lea's goal is to raise awareness of what goes into our mouths and on our bodies, providing natural alternative information that promotes health and prevents disease by using traditional foods and nature's medicine.

Lea is a Certified Health Coach graduate from Beyond Organic University, and a Certified Aromatherapist graduate from Aromahead Institute.

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The Shocking Truth About Shampoo: Why I Haven’t Shampooed in Seven Years — 56 Comments

  1. What’s your take on “Kiss My Face” and “California Baby”. I am trying them out, because from what I can tell, they don’t have the harsh chemicals. I like California Baby, and it’s the first Shampoo/Conditioner that’s worked for my daughter’s super fine, easily matted hair.
    TT didn’t give the results that I expected - sadly, very drying on my long, super fine hair - and I’m also waiting for the Shampoo Bars to be restocked. And Dr Bronner’s was even worse - I won’t try that again.

  2. I have been thinking about switching to more natural shampoo recently and didnt know where to start. I currently use Aveda and my son uses Burts Bees. I have questioned using the Burt Bees before and I just keep goin back because he loves it. I like to think the Aveda is good but its damn expensive, and really if you think about it so it the Burts Bees. I am goin to try the homemade recipe wiht olive oil. Thanks for the timely post.

    • Aveda isn’t good. They may have wind powered manufacturing plants and recycled plastic, but they use SLS just like everyone else. I use a brand called Love Inside Out, which is also expensive, but many of their products don’t have any sulfates. I also get SLS free toothpaste. Even Tom’s uses SLS in their toothpaste!

  3. This is good information for people to learn! I haven’t used shampoo in years either. I started out with Dr. Bronner’s and now I just use an apple cider vinegar rinse with essential oils for scent. I have long thick hair and it works great! I will never go back!

      • Can you give a recipe for the shampoo and conditioner - can you mix this up in batches or does it have to be done daily? Would love to try this. Thanks!

        • You don’t really need a recipe :) For conditioner, just use coconut oil on your ends before or after showering.

          If using ACV, spray it on last thing, then give it a quick rinse (or none at all).

          For honey, add to ends, and rinse out well.

          Shampoo: just use a shampoo/soap bar - it’s the easiest. If you want to use baking soda, use about a teaspoon in a cup of water, and pour over your hair (head tipped back). This is useful if you’re just getting off regular shampoo, to strip the gunk out. If you have oily hair, you can use this method often. If you tend to have dry hair, I wouldn’t use this method often.

          Hope that helps!

  5. My hair doesn’t cope well without conditioner either. I’ve tried the ‘no poo’ method, and ended up ripping out massive amounts of hair. I also didn’t enjoy my hair smelling of vomit after applying the vinegar. Maybe it goes away as it dries, but in the meantime it’s just disgusting.

    Using oils before the shampoo didn’t work for me, either- I could wash it three or four times, and still come out with super greasy hair. No good at all.

    Still looking for a good alternative…

    • Breezy,

      I would encourage you to keep trying! Sometimes it takes a period of time for your hair to adjust.

      The vinegar smell does go away after it dries.

      Coconut oil is a wonderful conditioner. Going “no poo” is just a catch phrase but it can cover many different methods. The point is that you avoid chemicals :)

      I really encourage you to try different methods.

  6. I miss my foamy shampoo, but I’m allergic and won’t go back.

    I have had so much trouble with conditioner. Can’t find any… so I rinse really well, then I use just the smallest amount of coconut oil on it when it’s damp. I start at the ends then as I dry it, it works all the way through.

    I rub it allover, cuticles, skin, face, everywhere.. love it!

    cheers

  10. I developed an allergy to the ingredients in most commercial shampoos, and cannot use anything with sulfates. I found a cleansing conditioner. It works great, natural ingredients, and lasts.

  11. Try Alafia shampoo, conditioner, lotion & body wash. Nothing bad in it, not even sls. No parabens. It’s awesome. not over the top pricey either. Sprouts, Henry’s & Wholefoods sells this product.

  14. I have been using Danu haircare, which is fantastic and works really well. (I got an awesome deal from a deal site.) Also want to try this: http://wellnessmama.com/3701/how-to-make-natural-shampoo-easy-recipe/

  15. I found your blog via a linky part over at Common Sense Homesteading. I use SLS free shampoos that I buy at Whole Foods…and when I can afford it, I buy a gluten free shampoo. I’ve actually considered doing the baking soda/apple cider vinegar thing to see if it will clean my hair and save me money, too :) :) Thanks for your great post, full of info :) Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)

  16. I make my own shampoo bars and after the wash, rinse, repeat, I pour a cup of water with a splash of vinegar in it over my hair and rinse again. It is very nice and I don’t need conditioner. My shampoo bad cured my husband’s dandruff and I have a friend using it whose hair was falling out until she started using the shampoo bar. :)

  18. Neways is a company that doesn’t use over 3000 harmful chemicals.
    Please email me if you would like more information. There products have changed my life.
    Cheers

  19. That is so motivating to hear how you have stuck with it and your research is very informative. I have been tempted to revert back to old shampooing methods, but your post is a good reminder of why I went to the baking soda, ACV combo. I have been doing it a few months now and my hair is not drying out yet. I am adding Lemon essential oil to my baking soda for oil control and Rosemary ACV to the ACV for my rinse. Perhaps that has helped this method keep me going. Thanks again for a great article.

  20. What a great post! I think SLS is so scary. I have used natural shampoos in the past, but they often are so expensive and contain ingredients that I am allergic to. I’m going to try out the Dr. Bronner’s soap, I love that company. Thanks for this info.

  21. Shampoo strips the curls out of curly hair. If you go no poo, you’ll have great natural curls :) I usually use conditioner only (read the book Curly Girl for more info and also homemade options), but sometimes I use baking soda.

  22. Great to see other people not using shampoos. I haven’t shampooed my hair for 20years. All I do is rub organic black sesame oil into my scalp and hair (about 2 Tablespoons.) Leave it on for 10-20mins, then have a shower. Just before I get out of the shower, I rub my hair with 1/4 of a lemon, making sure all of my hair gets a bit of lemon juice. Then a quick rinse. If lemons are in short supply, I rinse it in diluted apple cidar vinegar. (about 1 Tablespoon in a glass of water). I have short hair so for long hair, more sesame oil is needed.

      • every time I have tried using coconut oil as a conditioner for myself or my daughters, we end up with horribly greasy hair, and a build up that won’t go away for anything. I love using natural products, and I use coconut oil as my only face and body lotion, but am wondering how other people avoid the greasy, yucky problem using it as a conditioner.

  24. I’m going to try the “no shampoo” method using baking soda and apple cider vinegar. Today was my first day. So far so good. My hair is oilier than usual…but it looks/feels just like it would if I hadn’t washed my hair at all today. I’m not sure what I”ll do about church on Sunday. I may cave and use natural shampoo on Sunday only :) :) Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)
    Heather :) :) :) recently posted.."IT MAKES CENTS TO ME FRIDAY" FOR FEBRUARY 10th

  25. My daughter and I started using an all-natural goat’s milk soap made by a friend. We bought some essential oil we really like and she’s making us a batch with it.

    It took a little while for our hair to get used to it, but now we really like it. I’ve found, though, that if I wash with soap once a week. that’s enough. The rest of the time i just pour warm water with a couple of drops of rosemary oil over it & rub it into my scalp. (I keep a plastic 1/2 gal pitcher in the tub for doing this.)

    My daughter is still experimenting as she has long curly hair. Her hair is running a bit dry, but probably because she’s using soap every time she washes her hair. Today she started using the ACV & Rosemary essential oil on her hair. We’ll see how it turns out.

  26. Just curious, about how long does a bar of the unscented bar soaps last from tropical traditions? I have very long dry hair and am a little nervous about switching over to baking soda and vinegar. Any thoughts or ideas?

    • So far, two months…I have super long hair, too, and I not only use it in my hair, but to shave and also on my kids. I can not believe how long the bar is lasting! It looks like I will get another month or two out of it…unbelievable!

      • How do you store your bar? Lasting 3-4 months makes the price very reasonable. Also just curious, what do you do for bubble baths for the kids? Mine love it, are there good options for this?

        • I keep it in a baggy on the side of the shower. Although lately I haven’t bothered and keep it on top of the baggy, and because it’s away from the water and doesn’t get wet, it still lasts.

          My kids never had bubble baths with actual foaming bubbles. They’re used to flat water LOL I put an oil (olive, coconut, jojoba) in their water along with the soap (I run the water over it, then remove). Sometimes I’ll sprinkle baking soda in, and sometimes I’ll add a few drops of tea tree oil.

  28. Wow, I’ve seen SLS on the list, but never bothered to check. This probably explains my sore, itchy scalp! Going to start the soda/ACV mix tomorrow!

  29. I have been experimenting with not washing at all, Rocky Mountain Soap Company bar soaps, ACV, and baking soda. I’ve found that I can also use egg whites for the waxy oils that tend to build up. I just put egg whites on dry hair, leave for ten minutes, get in the shower and rinse with cool water. So far, I like that the best. I make a lot of ice cream so it’s a great way to use up my leftover egg whites!

  31. I tried organic excellence. It has great ingredients, but made my hair a mess. Now using sebon organics and love it! Also considering buying rahua to try it out.

  32. You mentioned Dr. Bronners, which I love. However.. I purchased some of his Sal Suds and didn’t realize until after I got it (the big ole gallon size), that is contains Sodium Laurel Sulfate. However they state they have ingredients in it to counter it… Just not sure… See label… DESCRIPTION:
    Sal Suds is a balanced formulation of naturally derived surfactants with pure fir and spruce essential oils: it cleans and rinses with exceptional power yet is mild and gentle on the skin. Sal Suds is not soap-based and is formulated especially for all-purpose hard-surface cleaning. Available in 32 oz. bottle. Perfect for general household cleaning: dishes floors laundry etc. Equally effective in hard or soft water rinsing freely hot or cold. Concentrated and self-preserving: no hidden preservatives or ingredients. No synthetic dyes or fragrances: all ingredients fully disclosed and described. Biodegrades rapidly after doing its job. Pure high-quality fir and spruce essential oils: no cheap harsh pine stump oil. No animal testing: Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics certified.

    INGREDIENTS:
    Water, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Fir Needle Oil, Spruce Oil

    Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): This surfactant cuts grease and dirt, generates copious suds, and biodegrades quickly and completely. SLS is made by combining a sulfate group with lauryl alcohol from coconut oil, then attaching sodium. If improperly formulated, SLS can irritate skin, but our superb formula uses coco-betaine and lauryl glucoside to counter this. Coco-Betaine: Mild and easily biodegradable, coco-betaine is formed by combining coconut fatty acids with betaine (a nature-identical synthetic so-named because it was first discovered in sugar beets). This foam-boosting cleansing agent buffers irritation caused by SLS. Lauryl Glucoside: This powerful grease-cutting surfactant is especially mild and quickly biodegradable, and is made by combining glucose from corn with fatty alcohols from coconut and palm kernel oils. Lauryl glucoside not only works with SLS to cut dirt and oily soils with exceptional ease, but also combines with coco-betaine to give Sal Suds smooth mildness. Fir Needle Oil & Spruce Oil: Pure essential oils from fir and spruce give Sal Suds its wonderful aroma. Most other cleansers use synthetic fragrances or cheap harsh pine stump oil.

    • Thank you for your comment. According to EWG’s Sin Deep, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is:

      “Classified as expected to be toxic or harmful”
      “Classified as medium human health priority”
      “Human irritant - strong evidence”
      “Suspected to be an environmental toxin”

      and more.

      It also goes under the name “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate” which has health concerns as well here.

      This is a personal decision only you can make :)

  33. I used Morroco Method products for about two years. I liked them at first, but in the long run I found that they wouldn’t clean my hair very well. I found myself using more which wasn’t good because this brand is extremely expensive. I cannot figure out how people can afford to use it in the long run - especially since I was only getting about 4 shampoos out of 1 bottle.

    These days, I use a line of Melaleuca hair care products that are SLS free. I love them and they aren’t expensive.

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