Now don’t get us wrong, we’re often in favor of ditching the chemicals and trying out a natural alternative. Dropping the foaming agent SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and potentially dangerous parabens in regular shampoo might be worth a try, but what do you replace them with?
Co-Wash For Curlies
Some people go down the co-washing route; skipping the shampoo altogether and washing their hair using conditioner. It can have spectacular results on certain hair types (curlies blessed with coarse, thick hair often love it), but it’s definitely not for everyone.
Soda and Silicones
So how about washing your hair with baking soda? It’s not exactly new…your grandmother might well have tried it! The baking soda wash often crops up in blogs and articles about ditching the chemicals and going natural, but is it good for your hair?
Initially, yes, it can be. Silicones – present in so many hair products – eventually start to weigh your hair down and leave a residue that’s hard to shift. Those expensive conditioners and serums that are meant to create shine, start to have the opposite effect.
Deep Cleaning Damage
Anyone in this situation can either choose a chemical fix – a special kind of shampoo that “deep cleans” the hair and removes the build up of silicones; or an old fashioned – and admittedly natural – baking soda wash.
The baking soda will work, and if you only used it a couple of times, you probably won’t harm your hair. However, if you use it as your regular shampoo, you would quickly notice the problem with using baking soda.
A Closer Look at Cuticles
The outer layer of each hair is called the cuticle. Under a microscope, the cuticle is comprised of overlapping scales, which protect the hair shaft itself. A baking soda shampoo – usually a simple solution of baking soda and water – is alkaline. Very alkaline. Your hair is slightly acidic.
Baking soda lifts the minute scales on the hair shaft, exposing the more delicate shaft to an alkaline attack from the baking soda, which weakens and damages it.
The Mane Event
A better option is to use a mild, SLS, silicone and paraben-free shampoo and follow with a rinse of acidic water from your water ionizer.
Your hair will love this: the acidic water from the turbo setting on your water ionizer smooths the cuticle and helps the scales lie flat against the shaft, creating brilliant, natural shine, and no damage!
Water Ionizer Hair Care!
How do you use your Tyent water ionizer as part of your hair care or beauty routine? We’d love to hear your tips!
Hmm I’ll have to try acidic water when showering next time.
Hi, Kofi. Yes, we highly recommend that! It’ll do wonders for your hair.
Do you have a Tyent water ionizer? Our machine lets you get acidic water, which we term as “Beauty Water,” in the comfort of your own home. Let us know if you’re interested by calling our water ionizer experts at 855-893-6887.