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There was a time when the right products for African American hair were hard to come by. Today, there are many products made specifically for African American hair. Most of them contain sulfates and parabens. You don't want that. You don't want harsh chemicals that only a rocket science can pronounce. All you want is a natural shampoo that will cleanse your hair.
You Don't Need Sulfates or Lather
Marie France, owner of Madusalon in San Francisco, CA, specializes in curly, kinky and natural hair. France says most shampoos contain sulfates that strip the hair and scalp of natural oils. Curly and kinky hair needs oil to protect the scalp and hair. France recommends using cleansing creams. According to France, cleansing creams "help clean the scalp without adding sulfates that remove natural oils and deprive the hair of much needed hydration."
Get a No Poo Cleansing Cream
France likes DevaCurl's No Poo Cleanser. No Poo is a sulfate free, lather free hair cleanser rich in conditioners. It uses grape seed oil to cleanse. Peppermint oil helps cleanse and stimulate the scalp. Chamomile helps calm frizz. This shampoo contains conditioners that help nourish and strengthen the hair. This cleanser is great for chemically-treated hair that needs more conditioning. The formula is gentle enough for the finest of damaged hair.
Make Your Hair Brilliant
Aveda has developed a natural shampoo that is ideal for all hair types. This shampoo is a favorite of "Essence" magazine contributor, TIna Bernard. Aveda's Brilliant Shampoo uses aloe that gently cleanses hair while sealing in moisture. Aloe coats the hair and prevents frizz. It also has calendula, which is ideal for irritated scalps. The calendula helps sooth scalp itch.
Time to Come Clean
Another favorite of "Essence" magazine is Kinky Curly's Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo. Kinky Curly uses all natural, all organic ingredients for all of their products. Kinky Curly uses orange extract to cleanse the hair and scalp. Sea kelp helps hair keep moisture. Come Clean helps reduce the effects of hard water. All of Kinky Curly's products are sulfate, paraben, petroleum and glycerin free.
