Sulfate free shampoos (and conditioners), also known as SLS free or SLES free shampoos (and conditioners), are among the hottest products in hairstyling today. Many sulfates, including SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) and ALS (ammonium laureth sulfate) are powerful and inexpensive surfactants (sudsing agents), which makes them a popular and cost-effective ingredient choice for shampoos, especially cheaper brands.
However, sulfates like SLS are known irritants of skin and hair cells, and may have harmful effects on the environment in addition to people's health and well being. Aside from being harsh on the hair. They can be absorbed by the liver and can mimic the effect of the hormone estrogen in the body. Sulfates are also linked to unnatural hair loss, due to follicle damage. Due to increased demand from concerned consumers and beauty professionals, manufacturers are now offering more environmentally friendly, sulfate free products.
Sulfate free or SLS free shampoos can be difficult to find and are often expensive, due to the higher quality ingredients required. Also, sulfate free shampoos may leave your hair with a different "feel" than a traditional shampoo due to the alternative surfactant. Finding a sulfate free shampoo doesn't have to be a chore. Start by looking for organic or all-natural products. Organic or natural shampoos are much less likely than regular brands to contain sulfates. However, not all organic products are created equally, so read labels carefully and reject products containing SLS, SLES or ALS. If you are having trouble finding sulfate free products, talk to your hairstylist. Although many salon products contain sulfates, there are some lines, like Kevin Murphy and GK Hair, that do not.
Using sulfate free shampoo (and conditioner) may cost a little more, but it is money well spent when you consider the possible health and environmental benefits and of course the benefits such as longer lasting color and/or keratin!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Global Keratin (GK Hair) vs. Brazilian Blowout
What's the difference? Both are keratin hair smoothing systems. So how are these two systems different? Why does Trichology use GK Hair's system rather than Brazilian Blowout?
There are three major differences between these two systems.
1. Length of time the treatment lasts in your hair.
GK Hair: 3-5 Months Brazilian Blowout: 6-12 Weeks
2. Length of application time, steps involved.
GK Hair: 3 Steps, 1-1.5 Hrs Brazilian Blowout: 5 Steps, 2-3 Hrs
3. How long before shampooing after treatment.
GK Hair: 48 Hours Brazilian Blowout: Immediately
So, what's 48 hours worth to you? An extra 2 months? It's worth it to us!
IT'S ABOUT BEAUTIFUL HAIR. Longer Lasting, Smooth, Shiny, Frizz-Free Manageability.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
What are parabens and why do I care?
Formaldehyde in keratin treatments, now parabens in cosmetics? Do parabens really matter? And what are they?
Parabens are a preservatives which are synthetically produced and used in everything from processed foods to personal care products such as cosmetics and shampoos. They are highly effective in their purpose of inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungus but some studies suggest that parabens are responsible for some types of cancer — specifically breast cancer. Parabens mimic estrogen and having too much estrogen is thought to contribute breast cancer. In some cases large amounts of parabens have been found in cancerous tumors.
It's always something, right? How do I know if these studies are legit? It seems like for every study saying something is dangerous, there's another study saying it's fine.
Studies citing parabens as dangerous are inconclusive and controversial. The FDA claims that parabens are safe, particularly in the very small amounts in which they are used in cosmetics. The fact is, however, that we use countless chemicals on a regular basis without ever knowing the long-term cumulative effect. Using several products with parabens, on a daily basis, over a long period of time, simply adds up. The best way to avoid a health risk is to eliminate parabens wherever possible and a great place to start is with cosmetics. If you can easily find a safer alternative that provides the same results, why not, right?
What products are paraben free?
Trichology's Kevin Murphy line as well as our GloMinerals makeup and GloTherapeutics skincare line, are all paraben free options! We are happy to take the stress out of finding products superior in quality and made from quality ingredients.
Now you're in the know!
Parabens are a preservatives which are synthetically produced and used in everything from processed foods to personal care products such as cosmetics and shampoos. They are highly effective in their purpose of inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungus but some studies suggest that parabens are responsible for some types of cancer — specifically breast cancer. Parabens mimic estrogen and having too much estrogen is thought to contribute breast cancer. In some cases large amounts of parabens have been found in cancerous tumors.
It's always something, right? How do I know if these studies are legit? It seems like for every study saying something is dangerous, there's another study saying it's fine.
Studies citing parabens as dangerous are inconclusive and controversial. The FDA claims that parabens are safe, particularly in the very small amounts in which they are used in cosmetics. The fact is, however, that we use countless chemicals on a regular basis without ever knowing the long-term cumulative effect. Using several products with parabens, on a daily basis, over a long period of time, simply adds up. The best way to avoid a health risk is to eliminate parabens wherever possible and a great place to start is with cosmetics. If you can easily find a safer alternative that provides the same results, why not, right?
What products are paraben free?
Trichology's Kevin Murphy line as well as our GloMinerals makeup and GloTherapeutics skincare line, are all paraben free options! We are happy to take the stress out of finding products superior in quality and made from quality ingredients.
Now you're in the know!
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