Avoid Harmful Chemicals When Purchasing Hair Products

No one can really argue against the benefits of a good hygiene routine. While it helps to have others notice how good we look, good hygiene benefits one person more than anyone else: yourself. Waking up with clean-smelling hair, rubbing creamy lotion over dry skin, and washing a sweaty face after a high-intensity workout: these are the hygiene routines that make you feel good. However, some parts of your everyday hygiene routine may not make you feel so great. Some of the most popular hygiene products may actually be more harmful than helpful. For example, most hair products contain a number of chemicals with annoying or even harmful side effects. Read below for a sample of some common chemicals found in hair products.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Both of these harsh detergents are found in the majority of shampoos on the market today. They create a rich lather and are also very cheap, which is why they are so common. You can also find these detergents in car washes, garage floor cleaners, and engine degreasers. These sulfates are typically petroleum derivatives and can cause eye and scalp irritation and hair tangles.

Parabens (methyl, butyl, propyl, and ethyl)

Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in shampoos, where they stop microbial growth and increase shelf life. However, parabens are estrogenic, which means that they can cause an imbalance or disruption in hormone function. They can trigger certain allergies, and excess exposure to parabens has even been linked to breast cancer.

Synthetic Colors and Dyes

Many products include colors and dyes for the sole purpose of making them more visually appealing. While they may be aesthetically pleasing, the heavy metal salts in these dyes can deposit toxins in your skin, which leads to irritation. Studies show that most, if not all, synthetic colors and dyes are carcinogenic. Avoid products whose ingredients contain FD&C Red #6 or D&C #6.

Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)

DEAs and TEAs are synthetic foaming agents. Because they are very acidic, they have been known to cause eye irritation, allergic reactions, and dry hair and skin. They are also strong carcinogens. DEA may also strip your hair or skin of essential amino acids, such as keratin. This will leave your hair and skin feeling dry and dull.

Phthalates

Phthalates can be found in many synthetic fragrances, as well as some plastics. Studies show that they can cause liver, kidney, and lung damage. Search for essential oils and fruits rather than fragrances on the ingredients list.

Propylene Glycol

This petrochemical is used as an emulsifier in creams and lotions. Companies advertise it as a way to smooth skin, but this synthetic ingredient actually speeds up signs of aging. It often leads to saggy skin, as well as kidney and liver damage. Propylene glycol is also a common ingredient in brake fluid.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde often appears during the creation or use of a hair product. It camouflages as other ingredients, including doazolidinyl urea, quarternium-15, and imidazolidinyl urea. Exposure to formaldehyde can lead to allergies and neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicity means that synthetic toxic substances, such as formaldehyde, cause damage to nerve tissues. Some effects of this include memory loss, vision loss, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, headaches, and delusions.

Mineral Oil

This petroleum-based oil can clog and enlarge your pores. It can also cause saggy skin and acne. Mineral oil limits the skin’s ability to maintain healthy nutrients.

Some of these side effects sound annoying, and some even sound scary. Avoid them entirely by purchasing all-natural, vegan hair products. You may end up paying a few extra dollars at the register, but you’ll make up for it with good health and less doctor visits. Some health stores like Whole Foods even carry their own generic, all-natural beauty products.

Guest author Dr. James Eller is a hair loss specialists. He shares his knowledge on http://tampahairtransplants.net, a Tampa hair restoration blog. As a long time expert in the field of hair care, Dr. Eller knows all about good and bad hair care techniques.

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Further Reading

• Five Toxic Chemicals Found in Beauty Products that You Must Avoid
• Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics and Ointments
• A Users Guide To The Best Anti Ageing Products For Your Skin Type
• Pick your shampoo wisely
• Free Your Mane: Gwyneth Paltrow’s latest hair collaboration on GOOP
• Some Home Remedies and Treatments against Hair Loss
• All about hair loss in men