01 Nov
Stylists are shocked to learn that one shampoo ingredient can not only damage hair extensions but play havoc with the health of the client. The culprate is a long-used chemical additive known as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. This slippery menace is found in many hair care products that affect the hair extension industry.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is referred to as a "surfactant", a chemical compound that lowers the surface tension of a liquid making it “more wet” or slippery. SLS is sometimes called a detergent, wetting agent, emulsifier, foaming agent, or dispersant. These are fancy words that mean that the product will hurt and injure Remy human hair.
The job of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is to remove oily residues when added to a shampoo or conditioner. But how can a product that is typically used in floor cleaners, car washes, and engine degreasers improve the care of natural hair? It can’t. Even in smaller concentrations the chemical ultimately erodes the skin, hair, or body’s cells.
Manufacturers claim that there is no evidence that SLS is a toxic carcinogen when applied directly to the skin or consumed. However, studies have shown that when used in products like toothpaste, that there is a higher frequency of ulcers. Skin and hair are the most sensitive targets of a surfactant. If you notice a client with hyper-sensitive skin or eye irritation, warn them about the potential danger.
With hair and hair extensions, the sulfate strips the hair of its natural oils. It thins the hair and can clog hair follicles with a residue from shampooing that will stunt hair growth in customers of all ages. Teens are particularly sensitive to its destructive results.
Read labels carefully when you purchase hair care products. One of the clues to use, if you suspect that your beauty products contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, is the amount of lather created by the product. The greater the lather, the greater the chance that your liquid beauty-aid contains this ingredient. Natural shampoos will not lather as much and do not usually contain SLS or other harmful additives such as mineral oil, petroleum agents, and cocamides.
With Donna Bella Milan, you are purchasing Remy hair extensions that have undergone a unique process that keeps your hair extensions Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free. We have a chemical clean SLS policy and hope that after you purchase Donna Bella hair extensions, you will maintain the momentum and educate your customers about contamination caused by this menacing wetting agent.
Logan is co-founder of Donna Bella Milan hair extensions and author of the Donna Bella blog.
