Most shampoos promise a clean feeling. Very few ask what that clean costs.

Two of the most common sulfates in conventional shampoo are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). They are surfactants, the cleansing agents that create a rich lather and lift away oil and dirt. They work so well that they're also widely used in household cleaning products and dish soap.

That's the problem. Something strong enough to cut grease from a pan is too harsh for your scalp and hair.

Clean isn't the same as stripped

Your scalp produces its own natural oils. They aren't something to get rid of. They keep the skin protected and the hair soft, flexible and moisturised. Harsh sulfates don't tell the difference between excess build-up and the oils your scalp needs. They remove both.

What's left can feel squeaky clean at first. Soon after, you may notice dryness, tightness, itching or hair that feels brittle.

How the imbalance starts

When the scalp loses its natural moisture, it tries to make up for it. Some scalps respond by producing more oil, so hair gets greasy faster and needs washing more often. Others just stay dry and irritated. Either way, the balance is gone, and you end up washing again with the same product that caused the problem.

A gentler way to wash

Healthy hair starts with a scalp that's left in balance. That means cleansing that removes what needs to go and leaves the rest in place.

That's why Meishai is made without harsh sulfates. Our formulas are fragrance-free, vegan and certified by Asthma Allergy Nordic, and they're designed to care for the scalp, not strip it.