Lessons I've learned from Locking Hair.

30) I overheard a conversation in which newly, educated natural hair folks were talking about not shampooing their hair and bragging about how healthy their hair has become. What's up with that?

The take away from this story is very simple. Shampoos with no sulfates don't produce a lot of lather. When a person does not see the lather, they believe they are not shampooing their hair. For them, lather is equivalent to shampooing. In short, these newly educated consumers feel that the salfates and parabens are harmful to one's health - even though there are no conclusive scientific studes to back those claims.

However, the real answer is these consumers were using Sulfate-free and Paraben- free shampoos. Sulfates are common detergents that produce the lather in shampoos. They are found in many well-known mass-market and professional shampoos. (FYI...All sulfates are not created equal and some are more gentle on hair and scalp. The harsher sulfates are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, SLS and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate,ALS, More gentler sulfates are Sodium Lareth Sulfate, SLES, and Ammonium Laureth Sulfate,ALES,) Parabens are a group of FDA approved preservatives that have long been used in cosmetics, foods and drugs to keep them bacteria free. It is really important to note that the sulfates and parables will - overtime - erodes the hair outer cuticle layer and remove the hair's natural luster.