Why use sulfate-free shampoos?

Dear Rissa,

I used to live in Australia  and I noticed a lot of the grocery shampoos here seem to weight the hair down. I guess because Filipinas like straight, flat hair? I like my hair smooth and shiny — not flat — and I’ve noticed I get that from sulfate-free shampoos. Where can I get that here?

Maira

Sulfate-free shampoos are quite life-changing. The first time I ever tried one, my hair felt as soft as a child’s. It was so soft that I could skip conditioner if I wanted to. But what amazed me the most was how significantly less hairfall there was each day. I could only imagine how horrible my sulfate-infused shampoos used to be. That’s why I became a convert to sulfate-free shampoos. I can’t think of using anything else anymore for my hair.

My kikay best friend brought up the dangers of sulfate to me many years ago. My curiosity prompted me to look it up further on the web. I remember reading articles that explain how some products containing sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) have been found to contain low levels of carcinogens. Apart from that, sulfates are said to be drying by stripping the scalp of essential oils and can damage follicles leading to hair loss. For those who spend a lot to color their hair, sulfate causes the color to fade quicker. For those who care about the environment, these compounds pollute the water and are toxic to aquatic organisms. 

Check out Healthy Options for sulfate-free shampoos. I like their brand called Saavy. This pure and natural brand is not just sulfate-free but also free from parabens, is cruelty-free and makes use of packaging that is biodegradable. The Saavy Moisturizing Shampoo and Moisturizing Conditioner feature Tahitian Vanilla, Kukui, and Shea Butter. It smells so good, you’ll want to eat it! But I love how it hydrates without weighing the hair down.

Remember, though, just because a product is labeled “natural,” it doesn’t mean it’s free from SLS or SLES. Most common brands of “natural” or “herbal” shampoos still use these harmful chemicals in their ingredients. Always check your labels.                

Rissa

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Rx for ‘buhaghag’ hair

Dear Lucy,

My hair is so buhaghag. I need to look polished for work, but my hair refuses to cooperate daily. I do not have the luxury of time to blowdry my hair so what I really need is a quick, inexpensive fix.

Angel

Given all that you have stated, let me share with you a handy little trick Jas Lisbona of Hairworks Salon taught me years back. This works especially well on layered hair. When you shower, use conditioner first, shampoo next. This will make your hair fall softly, and not have the “mahangin ba sa labas?” look. What you can also do is, while your hair is damp, pin up thick chunks and random sections, spray lightly, and when you are ready to leave, let your hair down. You will have sexy soft waves as if you just rolled out of bed. A sea salt spray can be used, too. Don’t worry too much about your hair. If and when it really is buhaghag and you have no time to do any of the above, your easiest option would be to brush it back and tie in a neat ponytail, or if you can do a messy bun, all the better. Then concentrate on highlighting a facial feature — nice eyes or a bold lip.

Lucy

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Send e-mail to Lucy Torres-Gomez at ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Trillo at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil.