I need a chemistry lesson on Understanding Low-Poos!

gardencurls · 02-22-2012, 06:55 PM

I think I know some ingredients that work as cleansing agents in No-Poos: Cetrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, ...any others?

But I'm confused about Low-Poo/Sulfate-free poos. I've been using a natural shampoo, called Queen Helene Mint Julep Shampoo, as a clarifier, and I love the way it makes my hair feel. I've seen it identified as a Low-Poo. I like it so much, I think I'd like to use this more than once a month. It detangles my hair and makes it feel strong and clean, but not squeaky and dry. It lathers, which I think is because it contains Cocamide DEA, but I cannot figure out what ingredient(s) serve as the surfectant/cleanser. Can Cocamide DEA clean off coconut oil, etc? Also, this shampoo claims to contain protein, but which ingredient is the protein? I'm trying to learn about what works best for my hair so I can find the ingredients in other products. This Mint Julep shampoo is amazing, but I don't understand it...

I know that many, many "natural" shampoos have Cocamide DEA, but they all seem to have many other ingredients as well. Mint Julep has only a few ingredients, and I think 4 of them are dyes and fragrance. How does this stuff work?

Queen Helene Mint Julep Shampoo with Protein

Water, Cocamide DEA (surfectant/foaming agent), Propylene Glycol (solvent/emulsifier), Fragrance, Chlorophyllin (water soluble copper salt/deodorant) ,D&C Yellow #10 & D&C Green #5

NOTE: I copied the ingredients directly from my bottle. The info. in the parentheses is mine, and may be incorrect or incomplete, so don't rely on it at all. Is it possible that the bottle has an incomplete ingredients list? (shame shame). Where is the protein? I thought Propylene Glycol breaks down protein?

Thanks so much for any and all help!

kathymack · 02-23-2012, 05:21 AM

Here's a Curl Chemist article on ingredients found in hair products: Ingredients Commonly Found in Hair Care Products

gardencurls · 02-23-2012, 07:41 PM

Thank you, Kathymack.

I understand the surfactant-cleanser part now, but I still don't know what provides the protein.

Your hair is gorgeous! Your style makes me tempted to cut mine a little shorter...I love your curls.

kathymack · 02-24-2012, 05:47 AM

Thanks for the compliments!

Have to say that I don't see the protein ingredient either. I did a search and those are the ingredients everyone lists.