PRO FACTS & TIPS:
SHAMPOO 101
It is not easy to tell a good shampoo from a poor one. Cost, fragrance, and lots of foam are factors most people consider when purchasing a product. Foaming occurs when surfactant (detergent) molecules gather around air instead of oil. Clouds of luxurious foamy lather only mean too much shampoo was used. Excess foam equals waste. Sebum and other oils quickly destroy foam. When the pores in the scalp become clogged with dried oil secretions, not only is there abnormal hair loss, but also normal replacement hair growth is slowed or even stopped. By regularly using Caro shampoos & Conditioners, these dried oils are emulsified and the pores are opened. Hair will then grow naturally from all viable hair follicles. Ideally, there should be just enough lather to lubricate the scalp and hair.
The major types of surfactants are anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric. Ions are molecules that have small electrical charges that may be positive or negative. Opposite charges attract and similar charges repel. Sodium chloride, common table salt, is a good example. Upon dissolution in water, sodium forms positive ions (cations) and chlorine makes negative ions (anions). Surfactants with a negative charge are called anionic. A surfactant with a positive charge is cationic.
Anionic surfactants are the most widely used detergents in personal hygiene products. They are inexpensive, excellent cleaners and rinse easily from the hair. A major disadvantage is that they can be harsh and irritating to the scalp Frequently, other surfactants and ingredients are added to reduce skin irritation. Cationic surfactants are rarely used in high concentrations in personal hygiene products but are safe and useful at low concentrations.
Examples of surfactants that you might find on the ingredient list of your favorite shampoo are:
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate - very harsh
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate- harsh
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
- TEA Lauryl Sulfate & TEA Laureth Sulfate- both are good choices
