Harmful Ingredients in Hair Products That You Should Avoid
As we're all becoming increasingly aware of what goes into the food we eat and the products we use, it's only natural for us to start to wonder about what, exactly, we're putting onto our hair, just to achieve a health-looking, luscious look. It's all very well and good having hair that gives the illusion of being healthy but whether or not it is actually in good nick or not is a whole other story, especially when you look into what you could be applying to it. So what should you be checking your hair products for? Let me tell you!
Endocrine system
According to Powder Rooms, there are some additives that are in hair products that can affect your hormones. Also according to Powder Rooms, endocrine disruptors are chemicals that will affect the body's general hormone production. Seeing as our hormones play such a big part in our general health and well being, it's no wonder that this is causing such an stir when it comes to it being added to hair "care" products.
Disrupting hormone production can cause a number of development and reproductive problems as well as weight gain, thyroid dysfunction and even some types of cancer. Having said that, it's hugely surprising that endocrine can be found in a number of body lotions, shampoos, conditioners and makeup products. So what should you be looking out for on the label?
- Parabens
- Benzophenones
- Bisphenols
- Phthalates
Parabens
Present in many different beauty products, including makeup, parabens are chemicals that are used as artificial preservatives and can be found in such things as shampoo, conditioner, body lotions, makeup and even some food products. It's also been found in studies that parabens can closely mimic estrogen.
Benzophenones
Often used in sunscreens to protect against UV and also in many hair sprays, dyes, shampoos and conditioners on the market, this particular chemical can also affect hormones, to the point where they have been linked to reproductive issues and thyroid problems. You'll find that, most notably, benzophenones can be found in colour-protecting shampoos.
Bisphenols
These are typically found in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics.Where they haven't been pumped into the product itself, they can be found in the packaging of certain items that can eventually seep out and contaminate the product it's packaging.
They have been linked to a number of health problems, including increased blood pressure. If you want to do your utmost to avoid this chemical, then opt for cardboard, glass or stainless packaged products as opposed to plastic. Make sure the packaging is listed as BPA-free instead of it being listed in the ingredients section.
Phthalates
The most common types of phthalates include: diethyl (DEP), dimethyl (DMP), benzyl butyl (BBP) and dibutyl (DBP). All of the aforementioned, much like the chemicals I have already talked about, have been proven to cause health problems, including increased blood pressure and even diabetes.
Sulfites
Sulfites can cause allergic reactions for some people and you might not even know that you have such an allergy until you come face-to-face with it. The reaction might present itself as a skin rash or irritation and even breathing difficulties, including asthma attacks.
Formaldehyde
AKA carcinogen, it can causing breathing problems and skin irritation if you come into direct contact with it. Common forms of formaldehyde include: methylene glycol, polyoxymethylene urea, DMDM hydantoin, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, glyoxal, quarternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea and bromopol.
Fragrances
Common in most hair care products, especially shampoo, fragrances can actually cause the most problems, even above some of the others mentioned in this list. This is because fragrances can be made up of a number of different chemicals and some combinations are a trade secret, and for good reason...
This is usually a bit of a warning sign because companies do not have to disclose every single ingredient that makes up their beloved product, but why wouldn't they declare them all if they aren't harmful? To be on the safe side, look for unfragranced shampoos, conditions, body lotions and shower gels - it'll be kinder on your skin.
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I hope you enjoyed this blog post? Let me know in the comments what you like to steer clear of in your hair care products and why. I'll see you again very soon with a brand new blog post :)
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