the truth about shampoo

the passion behind a creation.

The Peacemaker taught us about the Seven Generations. He said, when you sit in council for the welfare of the people, you must not think of yourself or of your family, not even of your generation. He said, make your decisions on behalf of the seven generations coming, so that they may enjoy what you have today. ~Oren Lyons, Faithkeeper, Onondaga Nation

I am getting on the (shampoo bar) soap box right now so if you prefer to avoid the fascinating details, the deep dive into organic shampoo bars, what that has to do with generations to come and would rather just jump to the conclusion, tap here. Or here. Otherwise, stick with me, dear reader.

It began with Debby, the Founder of Gaia Essentials, and her Carrot Shave & Shampoo Bar. I love it. It has a richness, a luster. It is truly perfect for a shave and shampoo and most fantastic for men and those with hair that needs rich moisture. My hair is finer, less thick. I needed something lighter but without the toxic ingredients often used to reduce buildup. And I did not want anything in plastic. And so it began... Gaia Essential's pure shampoo bar. And it came with the following in mind:

It is time to stop supporting that which does harm to the earth, ourselves and the future.

The amount of toxins we fight on a daily basis is absurd. Did you know you have hundreds within your body now? And that we humans apply too many chemicals to our bodies everyday?

This is such a big deal to me. The amount of plastic in the oceans and on the earth, for lack of appropriate words and please excuse my lack of grace: FREAKS ME OUT. I hope you might be equally, if not more, passionate.

So yes, there are organic or all natural shampoos out there, but there is still That Bottle. And That Bottle is still here on earth. And so os the last one you used. And the one before that, spanning back to your first baby shampoo bottle.

And almost every shampoo bar I have found so far isn't all that healthy or organic. Check the ingredients. Don't be surprised that even though its a bar (thank goodness) it still might not be organic nor contain the healthiest ingredients for you, the earth and water tables. Cross check it with some of the examples below.

Enjoy the following, all the while know there's always more information out there. We must do our part to educate ourselves and come to our own conclusions, regardless- I hope that you appreciate the the following.

common shampoo ingredients.

these are toxins that can be found in regular shampoos, whether in a bottle or in a bar:

Fragrance: Synthetic fragrances often used in shampoos can contain a mixture of potentially harmful chemicals. These chemicals are frequently undisclosed on product labels due to trade secret protections. Fragrances can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory issues. Even "organic" shampoos will often contain these fragrances. Due to public realizations and outcry around the harm of fragrances, there are now "plant identical" or "natural" fragrances. Yes, these are better, but they do not deliver the healing properties or energy of true essential oils.

Sulfates: Many shampoos contain sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). These chemical compounds are surfactants that create lather and help to remove dirt and oil from the hair. However, sulfates can strip away the natural oils produced by the scalp, leading to dryness, irritation and reactions, They are derived mainly from cheap and abundant petroleum, which has its own bad rap with climate change, pollution and greenhouse gasses

Parabens: Parabens are preservatives commonly used in shampoos and other personal care products to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. However, they have been associated with hormone disruption and have been found in trace amounts in breast tumors.

Phthalates: Phthalates are a group of chemicals used as plasticizers to improve the flexibility and durability of certain products, including shampoos. They have been linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruptions, reproductive problems and developmental abnormalities.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, such as DMDM hydantoin, are sometimes used in shampoos to prevent microbial growth. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems.

Silicones: Silicones are often found in shampoos and conditioners to provide a smooth, glossy appearance to the hair. However, they can lead to product buildup over time, weighing down the hair and making it appear dull and lifeless. Additionally, silicones are not biodegradable, which can have environmental implications.

these are the main ingredients in our pure shampoo bar and why.

non toxic, biodegradable, supportive, healthy, regenerative, chemical free, all natural & safe ingredients.

Organic Coconut Oil

in the most general sense, Organic Coconut Oil penetrates the hair shaft, reducing protein loss and promoting overall hair health. In detail:

The lauric acid and other fatty acids present in coconut oil have the ability to bind to hair proteins, helping to strengthen and repair damaged hair resulting in a reduction of breakage and split ends.

OCO provides a natural shine to the hair, making it appear glossy and healthy, smooths the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and improving overall hair texture.

OCO soothes dry scalp with soothing properties that can alleviate dryness, itchiness, and irritation on the scalp. It can help restore moisture balance and relieve symptoms of conditions like dandruff.

OCO fights microbial growth as it possesses antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It can help combat scalp infections and prevents the growth of microorganisms that contribute to scalp issues.

OCO improves manageability allowing hair to be easier to comb, detangle, and style. It reduces the formation of knots making the hair more manageable.

Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Safe for topical use and often used for its nourishing and emollient qualities, Organic Olive Oil has many of the same fabulous qualities and effects as Organic Coconut oil with the addition of:

Organic Olive Oil tends to sit on the hair surface, providing surface-level moisturization.

Organic Olive Oil contains primarily monounsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, which provides further conditioning and softening effects.

Organic non-GMO SoyBean Oil

Offering several potential benefits for hair care due to its nutrient-rich composition, Organic SoyBean Oil:

OSO is rich in essential fatty acids (including omega-6) which help to moisturize and nourish the hair. It improves hair softness and shine by providing hydration to dry or brittle strands.

OSO has proteins that strengthens the hair shaft and promote hair growth. These proteins reduce hair breakage, leading to longer and healthier-looking hair.

OSO protects against damage with antioxidants such as vitamin E, which can help protect the hair from environmental damage and free radicals, forming a protective barrier around the hair shaft and guarding against UV radiation and other external stressors.

OSO conditions and improves manageability, enhancing the manageability of the hair. It smooths the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and making the hair easier to detangle and style.

OSO has fatty acids and vitamins that help restore shine and luster to dull or lifeless hair. Regular use of Organic Soybean Oil may improve hair texture giving way to a healthier and more vibrant appearance.

Organic Perilla Oil

Just like the beautiful oils above, Organic Perilla Oil moisturizes and nourishes with its rich essential fatty acid portfolio- namely omega-3 and alpha-linolenic acid. This composition provides hydration to brittle strands, improves hair softness and flexibility, reduces breakage, strengthens the hair shaft, promotes hair growth, improves scalp health, stimulates hair follicles and encourage healthy hair growth resulting in healthier-looking hair that is more resistant to damage.

OPO adds shine and smoothness making it appear smoother and more lustrous, taming frizz, reducing flyaways and improving overall hair texture.

Lastly, OPO is full of antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid that can help protect the hair from oxidative stress and environmental damage caused by free radicals. A protective barrier is formed on the hair strands, minimizing the impact of UV radiation, pollution and other external aggressors.

Organic Castor Oil

Following the trend, Organic Castor oil also possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help combat scalp issues like dandruff and itchiness- soothing the scalp and promoting a healthier scalp environment. It reaffirms all of the beautiful benefits of the aforementioned botanical goodness: strengthening hair strands, adding shine, softness, and conditioning smoothness to the hair while moisturizing and reducing frizz.

My favorite benefit of Organic Castor Oil is its ability to stimulate hair growth with ricinoleic acid, which has been linked to stimulating hair follicles. It nourishes the scalp and encourages the growth of thicker, fuller hair.

Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate & Olive Oil Unsaponifiables

We provide hair care products that are have zero synthetic or potentially harmful ingredients. Natural alternatives can offer similar benefits without compromising hair health or the environment.

For instance, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate & Olive Oil Hydrogenated Unsaponifiables provide moisture, shine, gloss and slip. They replace:

Silicones that are often used in shampoos to provide a smooth and silky texture to the hair and create a protective coating. HEO and HOOU offer similar conditioning and softening effects, providing a natural alternative to silicones.

Synthetic emollients that are used to moisturize and hydrate the hair. Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate and Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables can act as natural emollients, providing the same moisturizing benefits.

Petroleum-based ingredients that are often found in shampoo, offering to serve as a natural conditioning agent and moisturizer.

Herbs

Wildcrafted Organic Rosemary & Nettle: Herbal infusions like rosemary and nettle tea provide benefits such as scalp stimulation and hair growth support, nourishing the hair follicles resulting in healthy hair growth.

This tea also strengthens the hair via the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, helping strengthen hair strands, reducing breakage, split ends and overall hair damage.

Rosemary and Nettle tea have properties that can nourish and condition the scalp, helping maintain a balanced scalp environment, soothing dryness, and reducing scalp irritation while maintaining proper oil balance and reducing excess oiliness.

Unsurprisingly, Rosemary and Nettles have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat dandruff and other scalp conditions, alleviate itching, flakiness, and inflammation on the scalp.

I have found the following to be absolutely true: regular use of Rosemary and Nettle tea can enhance the natural shine and luster of the hair, creating a healthier, vibrant, and more radiant head of hair.

Cold-pressed Neem & Organic Carrot Seed Oil: Neem oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help maintain a healthy scalp. It can address scalp conditions like dandruff, itchiness, and scalp irritation.

Carrot seed oil, on the other hand, is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that promote a balanced scalp environment.

Neem oil stimulates hair follicles, promoting hair growth. It nourishes the scalp, improves blood circulation and provides essential nutrients to the hair follicles, which can result in healthier and potentially longer hair.

Both neem and carrot seed oil have moisturizing properties that can help hydrate dry and brittle hair. They can restore moisture to the hair shaft, improving its texture and reducing frizz.

Neem and carrot seed oils have conditioning effects on the hair. They can make the hair feel smoother, softer, and more manageable. Additionally, they can strengthen the hair strands, reducing breakage and split ends.

Carrot seed oil is rich in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamin E, which can protect the hair from environmental damage and oxidative stress. This can help maintain the overall health and vitality of the hair.

Organic Horsetail: In general, Horsetail is a herbal extract that is often used for its potential hair-strengthening properties. It is a very local herb that grows prolifically along our Pescadero hiking trails and meandering creeks, It contains a high content of silica, a nutrient associated with collagen that promotes the strengthening, elasticity and resistance of hair. This results, of course, in the reduction of hair loss, the strengthening of the hair follicles, new hair growth and supreme vitality to your crown of glory! But wait, there's more: in addition to silica, horsetail is also rich in selenium and cysteine, both substances recognized for promoting healthy hair growth.

Organic Shikakai Powder: Shikakai is a natural cleanser and conditioner derived from the Acacia concinna plant. It is considered safe for hair care use as it is a traditional ayurvedic herb remedy for healthy, long hair. It is replete with antioxidants that help fight free-radicals damaging your hair and scalp. Shikakai is also rich in vitamins like C, A, E and K and other micronutrients that heal infections, promote shine & (not like we care) slows down the greying process.

French Green Clay: French green clay is commonly used in skincare products for its purifying and detoxifying properties. Just a touch of this in our Pure Shampoo Bar pulls dirt and toxins from the hair and scalp and helps balance the excess build up of oils in your locks.

Lavender Oil: Lavender oil has soothing and calming properties that can help promote a healthy scalp. It alleviates scalp conditions like dandruff, itchiness and inflammation. And Lavender Oil is believed to stimulate hair growth and enhance hair follicle health.

Chamomile Oil: Chamomile Oil is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes and alleviates scalp irritations. Chamomile Oil is adds shine and enhances the natural highlights of the hair.

Rosemary Oil: Rosemary Oil has been used for eons to promote hair growth and improve scalp health. It stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, encouraging hair growth and the reduction of hair loss. Rosemary Oil helps control dandruff, nourish the scalp and strengthens the hair follicles.

Clary sage Oil: Clary sage Oil has balancing properties and is beneficial for oily or dry scalps. It helps regulate sebum production, reducing greasiness or dryness of the scalp. Clary sage Oil is also known for its hair strengthening and over all health stimulating qualities.