There are a number of harmful chemicals that you should avoid when it comes to your hair care products. Some of the most common chemicals you should avoid include sulfates, parabens, and silicones. These chemicals can cause damage to your hair and scalp. The best way to ensure your health and beauty are in top condition is by avoiding these bad ingredients.
Sulfates
The problem with sulfates is that they can strip natural oils from your hair and scalp, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. This can cause itchiness and redness on your scalp, as well as irritation to the rest of your skin. If you have sensitive skin or a scalp condition like eczema, it is best to avoid sulfates entirely.
Fortunately, there are many sulfate-free products on the market. If you want to give them a try, it is important to find one that is formulated for your specific hair type. And don’t forget to look for nourishing ingredients to reverse any existing damage. Keeping your scalp healthy and hydrated is the key to having beautiful, strong hair!
Parabens
If you’re a regular consumer of beauty and hair care products, chances are you’ve heard the term “parabens.” Parabens are synthetic preservatives found in many cosmetic and personal care products. They help keep harmful bacteria, fungi, and mold from growing in water-based products like shampoos and conditioners.
Unlike sulfates, parabens can be difficult to identify in shampoo formulations because they don’t appear near the top of the list. In addition, parabens are often used in conjunction with sulfates to create that signature lather. If you’re concerned about the potential toxicity of parabens, try to choose products that indicate ‘paraben-free’ on the label. These products usually use natural preservatives, such as phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate, that are less irritating.
Silicones
When used correctly, silicones can be excellent emollients, softeners, and protectors. However, if they’re used too often and/or in high concentrations, silicones can build up and create an uncomfortable residue on your scalp. The best way to know if your hair care product contains silicones is to look for them in the ingredient list. Common names include Dimethicone, Methicone, Cyclomethicone, Amodimethicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, and Cyclopentasiloxane.
Some of these silicones are water soluble and can be removed with your regular shampoo or cleanser. Others aren’t and require something more powerful to remove them from your hair. So it’s a good idea to read the label and choose a product that’s free of any ingredients ending in “one” or “cone.”
Fragrances
Fragrances are a common addition to hair care products, and they can be an issue for those with sensitive skin. They can irritate your scalp, and some people are even allergic to them. Some fragrances are synthetically created and contain thousands of different chemicals to achieve the scent. This can cause serious issues for your health and hair.
If you’re concerned about fragrances in your hair, look for a product that contains only natural fragrances or essential oils derived from plants and herbs. This type of product will have no added fragrances, and it won’t irritate your skin. Using a fragrance-free shampoo is often the best way to avoid fragrances in your hair and prevent any potential side effects. You can also ask your local decision-makers to support legislation that requires chemical safety screening and the disclosure of all fragrance ingredients.