Going Natural: Treatments for Shiny and Healthy Hair

Emmy Rossum from Showtime's Shameless has gorgeous hair

The benefit of using natural products is that you don’t put harmful chemicals on your hair. For example, Sodium Lauryl Suflate is a chemical used in soaps, shampoo and conditioners because it creates bubbles and foam.  Also, some brands add synthetic colors and dyes to change the color of the products.

Synthetic fragrances, such as diethyl phthalate, are also harmful for you.  According to Skin Deep, a cosmetics database, it is believed that fragrances are “associated allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.”

Misha Barwanski, a contributor for the Canadian magazine Herizons, says that the European Union has banned 1,100 chemicals from beauty products “because they may cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive problems.”  She adds that the U.S has only banned nine of those chemicals. So whenever you get a chance, opt to make your own treatments or try to switch to natural products, and take the time to check products labels.

Here’s a natural hair treatment that you can add to your Sunday beauty routine. My mom used to make this mix for me when I was younger and it got me results. Because of the eggs, it doesn’t smell very good, but it is worth to try anyway. 

Here’s what you need:

• One egg
• One whole avocado
• 1/2 of olive oil
• Gloves

Steps:

1.     First, mash the avocado until it has a pasty texture
2.     Add the egg and the olive oil to the paste
3.     Apply it to your hair.
       Comb your hair to help spread the mix and fully coat your hair.
4.     Massage the mix to your scalp
5.     Put on a hair cap and leave the treatment work for 45 minutes.
6.     Shampoo and rinse well

This treatment can be beneficial for you especially if you have dry hair or if you apply heat to your hair often.

L'oreal offers a Sulfate-free line you can try

For shine and/or dandruff:

Some dandruff products contain coal tar, which is considered a carcinogen. A natural choice to help manage dandruff and to make your hair shiny is vinegar. Simply put some apple cider vinegar on your hair and massage it into your scalp. You can dilute it with water if you want to. Use a comb to spread it on your hair and leave it on for 20 minutes. Then shampoo twice if necessary to get rid of the smell.

If you want to learn more about the harmful ingredients that might be in your beauty products, you can check Skin Deep’s database.

--Karla R.