A person saying they don't want chemicals is just the short version of saying, they don't want chemicals that are associated with or shown to be carcinogenic, neurotoxic, immune suppressant etc.
I am unaware of lye fitting into the toxic category when used for soap.
Many people are suffering chronic health issues and are just trying their best to reduce the toxic chemical load to improve their health, so its OK for someone to say they don't want the chemicals. And its OK for people wanting to improve the wrappers for the health of the planet.
I'm interested in hearing what others do, even if I don't do it. I have never seen anyone have a problem washing their hair with soap (long and uncut) but I am interested in
hairing )) about those who have had problems.
Its all good.