Many of our everyday products are full of toxins that may be doing more harm than good for our bodies. Are these harmful ingredients found in your hair care, and what are their effects on the body?
I recently started a series on here titled “Everyday Products that are Full of Toxins.” My first post in the series covered common toxins in conventional dental care products, and gave a little bit of a reason as to why paying attention to the ingredients in the products you use is important. The EWG says that, “Each day, American women use an average of 12 personal care products that contain 168 different chemicals. Men use an average of six personal care products that contain 85 different chemicals.” To me, that statement right there is reason enough to rethink the things I’m using on my body.
We already covered dental care, so what’s next? Read on to learn about the toxins that may be lingering in your hair care products.
harmful ingredients found in hair care
Sulfates
These compounds are added to shampoo to make it foamy and are in more than 90% of hair care products. The most common are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) which are mineral salts that come from fatty alcohols made from petroleum oils or palm kernel oils. Sulfates do occur naturally, however, sulfates that are man-made or that are absorbed/consumed in a larger quantity can cause side effects. Some of the side effects are diarrhea, intestinal pain, lung irritation, dry skin, and dermatitis and edema. Of course, not all of these are likely to be caused by sulfates in hair care products. Of most concern would be dry skin, dermatitis, and edema. It has been shown that sulfates can cause a dry, itchy scalp if present in shampoo and other hair care products used regularly. [https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-sulfate]
Parabens
These chemicals are added to hair care products as a preservative to prolong shelf life. They are considered to be xenoestrogens because they are able to act like estrogen in the body. There are many compounds in the environment and in our personal care products that are xenoestrogens. After a while, all of these compounds, plus the real estrogen that is created in our bodies, add up to an overly high amount, causing estrogen dominance. This is a very common thing in America right now, especially in women. Estrogen dominance affects the skin, hormone balance, reproduction and fertility, and the menstrual cycle. Since parabens are xenoestrogens, they are contributing to these things as well when they are absorbed into the body. [https://www.genesiscareer.edu/8-ingredients-to-avoid-in-your-shampoo-and-conditioner/]
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
This is a thickening agent derived from petroleum that is added to most shampoos. Many of its byproducts have been shown to be harmful to human health. Not only do they strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture which causes a dry scalp and hair, but it has been shown to be a developmental toxicant and has been linked to numerous types of cancer. The two most harmful byproducts of PEGs are ethylene oxide (a human carcinogen that may interfere with human development) and 1,4-dioxane (a carcinogen known to affect the liver and kidneys). Even though the latter can be removed from products during the manufacturing process, it has still been found in them. In a study done by U.S. researchers, 1,4-dioxane was found to be in 46 of 100 products labeled “natural” or “organic.” Goes to show you really can’t trust the labels or the packaging. [https://purehaven.com/dont-get-pegged-want-avoid-pegs-hair-skin-products/]
Triclosan
An antibacterial agent that is banned from use in antibacterial soaps. It has been shown to lead to infertility, fetal harm, immune system issues, weight loss or weight gain, depression, uncontrolled cellular reproduction, and cancer. [https://www.genesiscareer.edu/8-ingredients-to-avoid-in-your-shampoo-and-conditioner/]
Mineral Oil
Found in hair conditioner as a detangler, mineral oil contains high levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAH toxicity has been found to be linked to cancer, and it’s presence in hair care products links them to nonmelanoma skin cancer. [https://nutrafol.com/blog/hair-product-ingredients-to-avoid/]
Benzene
Immune-signaling disrupter commonly found in hair dyes. According to the American Cancer Society, it has been known to cause cancer, most specifically leukemia. Other studies have found that there is a link between benzene and other health issues like immune system toxicity, other cancers of the blood cells, and developmental damage to unborn babies. Even though these risks are well known, it is still one of the most common chemicals used in products in the country. [https://nutrafol.com/blog/hair-product-ingredients-to-avoid/]
Phthalates
Generally found in plastics to increase their flexibility, phthalates are also found in hair products like hairspray to reduce its stiffness. They can also be hidden under the umbrella term “fragrance” as one of the many chemicals used to form man-made fragrances. Phthalates are very bad for the endocrine system, especially that of males. It has been found to decrease fertility, affect various organs, cause long-term impacts on the success of pregnancies, and interfere with growth and development of children. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8157593/]
Diethanolamine (DEA)
Banned by the European Commission for use in products, it is still used in many American hair care products. It is a foaming agent that reduces surface tension so that water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients are able to mix. Researches have found a link between the topical application of DEA and cancer in animals. It is unclear what its affects are on humans, but if it has an affect on some animals, it is likely it will have an affect on all animals, humans included. [https://nutrafol.com/blog/hair-product-ingredients-to-avoid/]
So, what are some safer and cleaner options for hair care?
Thrive Market
This is an online organic market from which you can get pretty much anything you can think of. There’s a small membership fee each month, but the convenience, and product cost and quality makes it worth it. They have a wide variety of hair care products, including their own line of shampoo and conditioner. Use the link above to get 40% off your first order.
Andalou Naturals
This natural product line has a wide variety of hair care products including shampoo, conditioner, oils, and masks. They also have products designed for specific hair needs like volume, shine, curls, hydration, and aging.
Shea Moisture
This is another natural product line that has tons of hair care products for various needs. They use the properties of natural ingredients to create products that support our hair naturally. Things like shea butter, argan oil, coconut oil, charcoal, manuka honey, yogurt, avocado, castor oil, and more are in their products. Figure out what your hair needs and then take a look at their website. I know they’ll have a good line for you.
Native
This company also has a hair care line with great ingredients. They have shampoos and conditioners designed for strengthening, daily cleaning, moisturizing, and volumizing. They also have 2-in-1 shampoos and conditioners, as well as hair masks.
Etsy
There are so many small business owners on Etsy that make handmade shampoos and conditioners. Not only are these generally made with great ingredients, but you will also be supporting someone who’s doing what they love.