The Sulfate Free Rage

I'm sure if you've looked online or been around anyone with "hair knowledge" you've heard the Sulfate Free Rage in hair care products. If you search the web about sulfates you will find lots of nay-sayers telling you why sulfates are so bad for you. But remember, most of these posts are by people who have some sort of reaction to sulfates, eczema, rashes and loss of hair (etc.). I would give this example, when I go to the beach with my friends I have to put on 50 SPF sunscreen because I know if I don't I will burn. They, on the other hand, are putting on baby oil and will get a pretty golden brown. So it's not that the sun is bad, it's just the way my body reacts to it differently than theirs. This is the same with sulfates; some people are more susceptible to the effects of sulfates than others.

With that said, sulfates are the primary detergents that make your shampoo, body wash and other cleaners that foam. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths about sulfates such as they cause cancer, cause color fading, and are too harsh for your hair. Remember these are just myths as you have used them for years and years.

But now you have options if you are looking for something new in hair care. There are lines of sulfate free products, and it's up to you whether you try them or not. Remember as you start trying sulfate free products you may not get the intense lather you are used to, but your hair will remain hydrated and will keep some of it's natural oils. Here are some of the benefits of sulfate free hair care products:

*Reduces Irritation: If you are sensitive to sulfates, sulfate free products can be milder to your skin, scalp and hair.

*Good for Colored Hair: For some hair types these products can reduce the color fading process.

*Reduces the Dryness of the Scalp: Since sulfates can be irritants for sensitive people they can cause irritation of the scalp by removing natural oils. This could lead to dandruff, itching and boils on the scalp.

*Reduces Hair Loss: Since the average person loses 100 hairs a day (wow), the sulfates can attack empty hair follicles and make your hair more brittle, breakable and dull.

Now that you have the facts, my advice to you is.....if you are happy with your hair and your shampoo that you are currently using, don't change. But if you feel like sulfates are damaging your hair then maybe you'd like to give sulfate free hair care products a shot. It's always good to change up your routine, so if it's time for that change try one of the three lines we carry at Beth & Company that are sulfate free.

*Aquage--Biomega
*Paul Mitchell--Awapuhi
*Lorea--Delicate Color

Ask your hair stylist if you have any questions. As a trained professional they will be able to get you the best product for your hair!