At the beginning of 2007, my New Year's Resolution was to stop using all harmful ingredients from my beauty routine. I have pretty much gone paraben free since then. I have avoided sodium lauryl sulfate (the one linked much more to cancer than sodium laureth sulfate, although I avoid that as much as I can), the PEG ingredients, phthalates, and more.

In August, I went to the next step and stopped using products containing large amounts of propylene glycol. I have seen wonderful results in my skin, and the skin of those friends and family members who have come on board with me to use better ingredients.

One of the most positive changes has been in my hair. I have a head of extremely thick, coarse hair. It is also highlighted. I have battled dryness and humidity-related frizz for a good long time. My solution used to be to buy silicone-laden deep "treatments", conditioners claiming to make my hair sleek and shiny, and shine sprays laced with silicones similar to those used to shine your car's interior.

The first switch I made was to stop using my shampoos containing sulfates. I started using Burt's Bees shampoos, enjoying Green Tea & Fennel, Grapefruit and Sugar Beet, and Raspberry Brazil Nut the most. I also started testing formulas to sell in my own boutique. Wen is another brand I have been using.

Positive changes occurred and became visible within 2 weeks. My hair felt smooth, my scalp stopped itching, and my highlights weren't fading as much. One thing I noticed, however, was that my hair had a build up. I first blamed this on my SLS-free shampoos. I was reading up more and more about silicones, and figured out that they must be leaving a build up in my hair. I could feel a coating, a film to my hair strands. I tried a natural rinse of Apple Cider Vinegar (a great build-up remover, actually), and the film remained. Apple Cider Vinegar will not remove the build up left behind by silicones. Only harsh detergents can do this (ie sulfates).

I had to use a clarifying shampoo several times to remove this film once and for all. Of course, the buildup removing shampoo was filled with sulfates. Once the build up was removed, I decided to make a conscious effort to avoid silicones. The tricky thing about silicones is that they are not all created equal. Some are water soluble; others are not, for example. One thing they do have in common, though, is that they are chemicals that cause a merry go round effect.

How so? Well, your hair is looking and feeling dry because you're stripping all of the natural moisture away by using a sulfate-filled shampoo. So you put in conditioners with silicones which will make your hair feel smooth and silky while you're rinsing them out in the shower. Your hair will even look smooth and silky, but this is just an illusion. Silicones will create the appearance of shiny and healthy hair. They do not actually nourish the hair. They make it look nourished. The film they leave creates a sheen.

A comparison would be to the flat iron. Your hair looks frizzy, so you use your flat iron and Voila!--your hair is like spun silk, all smooth and healthy looking. The heat, of course, is damaging your hair. In reality, that flat iron is making your hair look good, but it one of the causes it is dry and frizzy and in "need" of flat-ironing. It is the very much like this with silicones. They are much like concealer--it will hide acne flare ups, but without proper treatment, the acne is still going to be a problem.

When you use silicones in your conditioners and in your styling products, you're just masking the symptom of dryness and damage in your hair. Here is what I did...and it was hard for the 1st couple of weeks. Given that my hair is already dry and highlighted, I chose an all-natural deep treatment--VIRGIN COCONUT OIL.

This is the best thing I have done for my hair in terms of 100% natural care. I have a chin-length bob. I apply a nickel-sized amount of coconut oil to my hand, rub it in between my hands to soften it, and rub it into the ENDS of my hair. I leave it in for 2-3 minutes and rinse. I do this about 3-4 days per week. The other days I use my Burt's Bees conditioners.

Sometimes I use a drop or two of honey in the coconut oil....some days I will add an egg to my shampoo. There are so many things that you can do naturally, yet still have great hair. My hair is not perfect, but it is healthy now. I need to highlight half as often. I have no weird "film" in my hair. I rarely feel the need to take out my flat iron.

If I want extra shine, I have also found, amazingly, a shine spray free of cones! It is cheap, too! It is by VO5, and is called Dazzling Shine Ultra Light Shine Spray. It was under $3 at Target! The ingredients aren't perfect. There are some I'd like to avoid a bit more, but it is a nice product used in moderation.

So that is my view (which I have researched quite a bit) on silicones and sulfates.... Here's to some having good hair days more often! I've tried the following items and have been happy...

RECOMMENDED SHAMPOOS: Wen Cleansing Conditioner Burt's Bees--Raspberry & Brazil Nut, Green Tea & Fennel Abba--any MOP Lemongrass Shampoo kzm Facial Care Boutique Healthy Locks Shampoo

RECOMMENDED CONDITIONERS: Burt's Bees--any Abba True Shine Nature's Gate Jojoba Conditioner Avalon Organic Biotin B Complex kzm Facial Care Boutique Healthy Locks Conditioner

The above products are commonly found at Target, Ulta, Trade Secret, and Sephora. The kzm Healthy Locks line is sold exclusively at http://www.facialcareboutique.com

Karley Ziegler Mott Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karley_Ziegler_Mott