Sulfate Vs. Sulfoacetate

Clients using ALBA shampoo have noticed that there is Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate in it. So the question has come up: is ALBA or any other shampoos with this ingredient ok to use?

There is a difference between Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. The stuff in the natural shampoo, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, is derived from coconut and palm oils. It is also a large molecule ingredient, meaning chemically its considered gentle, non-irritating, and the molecule will not penetrate the skin.

In contrast, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is an irritating small molecule ingredient that does penetrate the skin, thus you get the negative result listed in my cheap shampoo memo.

So when it ends in 'sulfate' its BAD and when it ends in 'sulfoacetate' its GOOD. YAH! You can keep using your ALBA shampoo! Happy Washing! ~Liza

Cheap Shampoo

Cheap shampoo has a lot of cheap chemicals in it. That's why its cheap.

Two most used chemicals are Sodium laureth sulfate and Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). These chemicals help make suds and bubbles. It also dissolves grease and oil. In fact it dissolves grease so well that it is used in garages to dissolve grease on car engines. The problem is it over drys your hair and dissolves all the oils on your hair and skin, so you end up with tangled, split, fuzzy hair and dry, wrinkle prone skin! (I have also seen have a reverse effect on scalps, where the scalp starts to over produce oils in an effort to combat the dryness, giving the user super oily hair n' scalp.)

(it gets worse...

Once it has been absorbed, one of the main effects of SLS is to mimic the activity of the hormone Oestrogen. This can increase problems with PMS, Menopausal symptoms, male fertility, and female cancers. YIKES!)

What to do?

Read your label! If either of these ingredients are anywhere near the beginning of the list put it back on the shelf!!! If your shopping at say, Target, try the isle over by the cosmetics with Burt's Bee's and ALBA and other such 'natural' options. Some 'natural' brands still have a tiny percentage of the chemical in them unfortunately, (because consumers complain when shampoo doesn't 'suds' up) but at least you won't be dumping a whole bottle of it on yourself!

For Shampoo completely free of harsh chemicals try, Whole Foods, Mississippi Market, Kowalski's or any health food store.

Now your one step closer to beautiful healthy hair. ~Liza

Online Makeover!

Ever wanted to know what you look like with a different hair color? Or what lipstick looks best with your new color? Or if you look better in long hair or short? Then take a photo of yourself (with your hair pulled back) and upload it at this site to find a new you!
http://www.instyle.com/instyle/makeover/
P.s. You can also use one of their provided photos and pick a photo of someone who looks similar to you.

Hot Tips

I found a great site that has some great tips for loving your hair.
Check it out at: http://www.greathairstyletips.com/

First Post

Ahh the first post at my new blog! The pressure is on to say something phenomenal. How about 'thank you!' to anyone who is reading this! I am excited to finally be able to answer hair questions in more detail and with the ability to do any needed research. Let the fun begin!