“All things natural” is the new sexy. Chemicals = bad. Organic, free-range, dye-free, not tested on animals that aren’t totally ugly – you name it, “natural” is in vogue. While there are perfectly safe chemicals we ingest or apply on ourselves, there are others that are probably best left alone. Organic isn’t the be-all-to-end-all and there is definitely going to be an issue in the very near future where we will be presented with the dilemma where, if everyone demands organic everything, how will that be feasible given the massive economies of scale most items that reach us are required? Keep in mind I'm not disparaging the organic movement, as yours truly is a tree-hugging hippie at heart who just happens to look like a Republican.
In the meantime I do believe there are benefits to using certain products with natural ingredients. We’ve definitely not blinked twice in purchasing hormone-free milk for the girls. Most of the food we get from Trader Joe's is additive-free. I’ve started to use a Bert’s Bees shave lotion and aftershave that is chock full of lavender scented unicorns and bubblegum dreams and not one hint of FDC Red #5.
Shampoo is something that has also trended towards using products not made within a stone’s throw of the New Jersey Turnpike. The haircut place I go to sells all the foofy stuff infused with Essence of Scottish Fog and Tamarind Seed Extract and anything else that probably belongs on a dinner plate and not in your hair (although my 13 month old would argue that food is meant for your hair).
Without looking at the ingredients, I purchased the standard American Crew Shampoo and it’s inseparable cousin Conditioner. The first time I used it the other week I paid no attention to the ingredients. The bottles matched – and for a guy, that’s about as close to fashion as I’m gonna get. When it came time to put on the conditioner, my hand smelled like menthol. I looked at the bottle and, sure enough, menthol was a key ingredient. OK, fine, it must be the Ingredient du jour.
As I applied the goopy mess, I noticed two things. One was that my lungs cleared up as though I had just applied a generous scoop of Vicks Vap-O-Rub on my chest. OK, cool, my conditioner acts as a decongestant! Sweet! The second sensation I felt was a tingling as though I had just dipped my head in an unidentifiable beaker in the high school science lab. Holy mackerel, I felt like a human Kool cigarette.
The bottom line is I’m assuming menthol is OK for your head. If not, expect some strange posts in the coming days.