One of the most common questions we get asked is “why is regular shampoo and conditioner not suitable for maintaining my Cocochoco treatment?” and the answer to that is that most regular hair products contain an ingredient called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or SLS, which essentially ‘strips’ the Cocochoco treatments from your hair.
In this Blog Post, we’re diving into the differences between SLS and SLES to help you understand why you’ll never find SLS in Cocochoco Products (but, why you may see SLES!).
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)
SLS is found in lots of everyday health and beauty products as it is highly effective at removing oily stains or residues, and also lathers to create a thick cleansing foam, making it a perfect ingredient for regular shampoos for hair that has not been treated. Many hand soaps, face washes, shaving creams and even toothpaste owe their foaming quality to SLS. However, its effectiveness and strength is exactly why we do not recommend using products containing SLS after your Cocochoco treatments. Cocochoco Keratin and Botox Treatments are designed to coat your hair with product, which is then sealed with a high heat, meaning the outer layer of your hair has intentionally been ‘laminated’, and this lamination can be broken down and removed by SLS. Any products which contain SLS are not recommended for the aftercare of Cocochoco, as it will significantly reduce the effects and longevity of the treatment. Therefore, Cocochoco aftercare products will never contain SLS as an ingredient in any of our aftercare products. Shampoos containing SLS have also been linked to weakening hair, and causing hair loss, because the SLS will often remain in hair follicles long after washing, causing them to weaken over extended periods of time. SLS has also been identified as a skin irritant if left on skin for prolonged periods of time.
SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)
On the other hand, you may see ‘SLES’ listed as an ingredient in some of our aftercare products. Despite how similar they sound, SLS and SLES are very different ingredients. SLES, or Sodium Laureth Sulfate, is actually derived from SLS but has undergone a process called ethoxylation in which ethylene oxide is introduced to change the compound. This change means that SLES is safe to use in haircare products, including Cocochoco, as it is gentler on both the skin and hair than SLS. SLES won’t aggravate your skin or strip it of any moisture, and it will not damage the lamination created by our treatments. Haircare products containing SLES can be just as cleansing, but they will not affect your Cocochoco treatment the way that SLS does. SLES products may not foam quite as well as products with SLS, but adding a little bit of water while washing will help the foaming action. By combining SLES with other kind-to-skin ingredients and natural extracts, Cocochoco has developed a range of aftercare which are nourishing, supportive products for you and your hair. From shampoos and conditioners, to masks and serums, there is a range of products available which support your Cocochoco treatment so that your hair stays silky and smooth for as long as possible.