Michelle’s salty salutation: I was just wondering if sea salt does anything good for hair? Big Shampoo from Lush
The Left Brain’s reply:
As a professional hair care formulator, I don’t know of any benefits associated with using such high salt levels in a shampoo. In fact if there is any measurable effect, I’d expect it to be negative since high levels of salt are known to be drying to skin.
Why so popular?
So why are these products so popular? It could be a function of the unique sensory cues that they provide. Both brands claim to get your hair “squeaky clean” and the scrubbing particles of salt they contain could certainly provide a reason to believe for that benefit that’s different from any other shampoo on the market. (In that sense these formula are similar to sugar and salt scrubs for skin.) Another possible appeal of these products could be their cute connection to cocktails: a Salty Dog is a mixture of grapefruit juice and gin, and Big Shampoo is described as a “lemon-lime margarita.”
Is there anything special about these formulas besides salt?
Lush Cosmetics uses a surprisingly standard primary surfactant: sodium laureth sulfate. This detergent, a close relative of sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS, can be found in many other mass market and salon brands. Gudonya is a bit more artistic in its choice of surfactants. It’s built on a combination of high end skin care surfactants including sodium cocoyl isethionate and disodium laurylsulfosuccinate with a good slug of sorbitol and propylene glycol. But neither of these formulas contain any unusual technology that would benefit your hair.
Are salt shampoos worth their salt?
Neither of these products are cheap. Gudonya is “badonya” wallet because it cost $6.50 for 6 oz, or slightly over $1 per ounce. Lush is even worse at $21 for 11.6 oz.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
In my opinion, these products are not worth the extravagant price. But if you’re looking for a unique shampoo experience, and you’re not constrained by price, then by all means give these products a try. They’ll certainly feel different than your everyday shampoo. Otherwise, save your money.
What do you think about these cocktails for your hair? Leave a comment and share your salty thoughts with the rest of the Beauty Brains community.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I think the idea is to leave your hair beachy and wavy. I’ve used spray from John Frieda and Frederic Fekkai to enhance my waves & give me a beachy appearance during the summertime.
I think a trip to Maui works better.
You’re right Laurie, there are products designed to give you that “day at the beach” look. But you have to leave the salt in your hair for that work to work. If you rinse it out, like you do with these shampoos, there’s nothing left to enhance your waves.
Salt damages and dries out the hair more making it feel bigger, thicker and fuller- just like a day at the beach.
I’m with Laurie on this post- use a spray in salty effect if you want beach hair [thick salt drenched hair].
Also, Remember that salt can also strip your hair of it’s cuticle so be careful if you do chose to use these products [I'm not sure why one would?] Wella makes a nice Chitose and Bamboo Voluminsing shampoo and conditioner that works LIKE A CHARM! for big thick beautiful hair- yes EVEn the conditioner!
I have very fine limp hair. I have tried everything over the years to get body, to no avail. I resorted to perms and gooping product in my hair. I stayed with a friend who had some Big in the shower, and I tried it. I loved my hair for the first time. It was shiny and had body for the first time in my life. I didn’t even need conditioner. That was 3 years ago. I use it daily, and my hair has never been in better condition. I know it’s not for everyone, but for me and the few friends I have converted, it’s the best we have ever tried. I have short hair, and one tub lasts me 3 months, so I’m not spending less than I did previously.
I love it!
Looking at the ingredient listing on http://www.lush.co.uk/products/Big_2514.aspx, surely all that salt and citrus is going to strip your hair’s natural oils? Maybe this adds to the ‘squeaky clean’ feeling, and it’s static and lack of oil that makes your hair feel like it has more body.
i have to agree with Donna! it’s the only shampoo i have ever used that really does give my baby fine hair volume and shine.
i don’t know which ingredient does it, i wish i did, maybe the seaweed…
but it does work, i am not into gimmicks in the least, but i will spend money for this.
i don’t know the science behind it, but i see and feel a definite difference in my hair…and i also color my hair black and it doesn’t even strip it.
*shrug? all i know is, it’s great for me, nothing like it!
I have been using the Gudonya salty dog shampoo now for a few months. I don’t think it is that much more expensive than regular shampoos. It seems to last a long time for me. I really like the shampoo experience with this shampoo and the way my hair smells and feels afterwards. I have really oily hair so I wash it everyday. I haven’t had any problems. I would like to figure out the recipe so I could make it myself though. I recommend the Salty Dog shampoo.
Isn’t possible to add a shot of gin and a bunch of salt to a cheapo Suave shampoo to get a similar effect?
I have spent a lot of money on a lot of luxurious hair product lines to make my fine and limp hair more volumnous. You name it, I’ve tried it.
“Big” by lush is by far the best out there even though it costs much less. It makes my hair “bigger”, more shinier and have more body. Unlike spending a day in the beach (which makes my hair frizzy and dry), “Big” wakes my hair up.
I was a bit sceptical at first because of the high salt content of “Big”. But it’s pure genius! I will continue to use it.
lush is not one tghe cosmetic to make for
I normally don’t *need* to wash my hair every day but always *feel* like doing it anyway. Big keeps my hair gorgeous and clean for at least 3 days. No other shampoo has ever done that. I only use it once a week and then use John Frieda’s Brilliant Brunette Moisturizing Shampoo in between.
Ive used Big by Lush & I have to say its one of the best shampoos Ive ever used. It makes your hair really shiny & smells devine… I wouldnt recommend it for every wash though, because if anything it makes your hair too soft.
My husband loves it too, especially when he has just shaved his head with the clippers.