Hair Detox: It’s All About Ben… Bentonite, Benzote, Benzene

Recently I addressed the hair detox service on C’ameleon Salon’s service menu. Hair detoxing involves negatively charged Sodium Bentonite Clay rapidly removing positively charged toxins from the hair shaft.  Naturalistas that read the article and those with whom I had a discussion on hair detoxing were extremely concerned. They interpreted Sodium Bentonite to be the preservative Sodium Benzoate.

When Benzoic Acid (naturally found in fruits and spices) joins Sodium Hydroxide it results in the production of Sodium Benzoate. Sodium Benzoate appears to be safe. However, when Sodium Benzoate meets citric acid or Vitamin C, they form Benzene (a chemical associated with blood cancers such as leukemia).

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative.  Citric acid keeps shampoos and conditioners pH balance at 5.5 (this ensures that the cuticle is closed, lays flat, and appears shiny and healthy). Vitamin C has excellent astringent and clarifying properties. The probability of all 3 of these ingredients existing in a shampoo, conditioner or topical agent is high.

Yes…even in natural and professional salon products! 

Do-It-Yourself Hair Remedies

However, there are some DIY (do-it-yourself) hair remedies that are definitely carcinogenic free to the hair and scalp. Here is one example:

• Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water;

  

• Let the mixture sit on the hair and scalp for five minutes;
• Rinse thoroughly then apply raw honey for conditioning;
• After rinsing the raw honey, use Samantha’s Shea Elixir for styling (roller set, twist set, or blow out).

To learn more about Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Vitamin C and how they affect the hair product you use, contact me at Samhuntley10@hotmail.com or call 919-599-6525/919-361-6928

Mention this column and receive a 15% discount on salon services or products.