Handmade Shampoos and Chemical-free Hair Care

My friend Liz asked me yesterday for recommendations for natural or handmade shampoo brands. She’s specifically concerned about sodium lauryl sulfate as well as other funky chemicals. I found quite a few articles that say sodium lauryl sulfate isn’t as bad as it’s often rumored to be (check here, here and here), but personally I’d still rather avoid as many chemicals as possible with things I put into or on my body.

The Skin Deep database breaks down shampoos and other beauty products produced by major brands and tells you which are the most and least hazardous to your health. The Green Guide, put out by National Geographic, also offers buyer’s guides for shampoo and other everyday products. But when you compare the prices of all-natural, organic brands found in drug stores or Whole Foods, you might as well just buy some awesome handmade beauty products and support a small business instead.

I haven’t really tried a lot of handmade shampoos yet though, so I was hoping that’s where you guys might come in. Does anyone have a line of handmade shampoos that they’ve tried and really love? I suggested Manor Hall Soap Company’s hair care line to Liz, because I absolutely swear by their amazing tea tree oil face wash.

I found a few that on Etsy that look promising, but if anyone has personal experience with any of these or other brands, I’d love to hear it!

Solid Shampoo Bar scented with Vanille de Framboise from inalather.etsy.com – $8.50

Women’s Solid Shampoo Bar with Tin Case from ShopRedLeaf.etsy.com – $11

Fuel Shampoo Bar with Wheat Germ and Jojoba Oil, plus Orchid Extract For Improved Scalp Health by BathLife.etsy.com – $4.25

Natural Moisturizing Aromatherapy Vegan Spa Shampoo and Conditioner Set, Sweet Orange Essential Oil. SLS/SLE and Parabens Free, from EnchantingBeautiful.etsy.com – $20

Gear Head vegan organic shampoo bar from EthicallyEngineered.etsy.com – $6

Tagged as: bath & beauty, Etsy finds, green