Hair flakes caused by Sodium Laureth/Laurel Sulfate?

Question

Hi there. I've had a hair condition for about four years now where if I use shampoo, it makes my hair flake. My mother has the same condition--it isn't helped by Head and Shoulders because it's not dandruff, but I believe it is an allergy, or maybe a sensitivity to Sodium Laureth Sulfate/Sodium Laurel Sulfate, a cheap cleansing agent in shampoo. Anyone got any ideas on this?

If it really is a sensitivity issue, I've only ever found three shampoos that keep flakes at bay. I use 'Sebastian Cello Shampoo', which DOES have Sodium Laureth Sulfate, "Burt's Bees" shampoo bars, which, just recently, will make my hair gummy if I use it more than once a week--and Thicker, Fuller Hair with Sodium Myreth sulfate--

I guess what I'm asking is do you think it is a sensitivity issue or an allergy issue, and what shampoos do you think will help with this condition. :) Thanks a lot!

Answer 1

Here's an article about SLS: http://www.cosmeticscop.com/learn/art.asp?ID=181

It seems SLS sensitivity is debatable. I have a flaky scalp too & have experimented w/ different shampoos in the past. I have used and liked Aubrey Organics & ShiKai products.

Links to product information: http://www.aubrey-organics.com/spec_prods/normal_hair_cat.cfm
http://www.shikai.com/products/natural_hair_care.htm

Product ratings & reviews:
http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep/?key=nosign
http://www.makeupalley.com/

I recommend checking out SLS - free shampoos at the body care section of your local health food store or Whole Foods.

I avoid using hair gel & hair spray. Occasionally, I massage my scalp w/ pure jojoba oil.

Answer 2

First of all, are you using store or salon brands? I would think brands like Biolage (a personal fav) would be better. My issue is the alcohol. It dries my hair badly and I get split ends within 2 weeks of a cut - and I like my hair long! I use Melaleuca's Naturals shampoo. It has sodium coco sulfate - from coconut, but no alcohol, and all the ingredients are plant based. Maybe the problem is where the ingredents are derived from. I have found, for myself, that plant derived ingredients are much less harsh than their petro based counterparts - and they are actually MORE effective! I would look at Melaleuca. They do require a 35 point minimum once you are a customer, but if you can get a co-op type deal you can get the items you want and help your friends too. For more info on the products, go to www.melaleuca.com - full store there, and www.saferforyourhome.com - to see details on their cleaning products.

Answer 3

I also read that Sodium Laureth/Laurel Sulfate are really harsh to our hair. I would suggest that you buy a shampoo/conditioner that does not contain these. I would recommend Vo5, Suave (i think doesn't contain those ingredients). Or even try to make or get an all organic/natural shampoo. I don't know much about the allergy or sensitivity you are talking about but maybe this can help. I found this website where they talk about these ingredients and how they affect our hair follicles. Maybe it can shed light on what you are experiencing.

http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=64201&KW=laurel+sulfate