A few years ago, no one was really looking at what was in beauty products sold at the local drugstore. However, if you decided to try a hair care product that did not have as many toxic ingredients as the typical products, then you were out of luck. Fortunately, we are living in a time where society has become obsessed with being “clean.” People are buying organic foods, going vegan and heading to the farmers market, all in an effort to ensure what they are putting in their bodies is safe and natural. However, it’s not just what you’re eating that can have an effect on your body. The shampoo and conditioner you use every day can contain toxic and even harmful ingredients that can damage hair, doing more harm than good. Below are a few of the top toxic ingredients found in hair care and why they should be avoided.
Parabens
Parabens actually do nothing for your hair but are used to prevent the growth of bacteria in bottles of product. Scientific studies suggest parabens can disrupt hormones in the body and cause skin irritation, so it’s best to steer clear. Many companies are now producing products without parabens, so it is becoming easier to avoid.
Sulfates
Sulfates are commonly found in shampoos as an effective cleansing agent in dissolving oil that builds up at the scalp. Though sulfates are effective at cleansing hair and are not necessarily harmful, they are an aggressive chemical that can strip the hair of its natural oils, causing excessive drying. Many companies are realizing that consumers do not want sulfates in their shampoos and are thus providing sulfate-free alternatives.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is one of those tricky ingredients that is considered safe in small amounts but is still under investigation for more large-scale safety concerns. This ingredient is used in products that advertise smoothing, growing and cleansing. Trace amounts of the chemical are also found in other ingredients when used as a preservative. Other countries have formaldehyde on ingredient hotlists, so best to read that ingredient list carefully.
Silicones
Most people recognize silicones as an ingredient to avoid in hair care products, but it can be a little more complicated than that. Silicones work great on hair, creating that smooth, glossy finish we’re all so obsessed with. However, silicones are pros at causing build-up on hair strands, weighing hair down and preventing moisture from penetrating the strands over time. If you’re looking to avoid silicones but still want a glossy finish, try a natural oil such as coconut or marula oil.
So, what happens if you check your hair products and they contain these ingredients? Don’t worry, because listed below are a few hair care brands that strive to limit the number of harmful ingredients in their products. Most of these brands are sold at Target, Ulta or Sephora and are reasonably priced.
Shea Moisture
A personal favorite of mine, this brand is known for its curly hair products that boast natural ingredients such as castor oil, shea butter, oatmeal, neem oil and honey. Most products are sulfate and paraben-free when possible. As an extra bonus, Shea Moisture is pioneering fair trade through Community Commerce and sustainable production. Try the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Treatment Masque for chemically treated hair.
Avalon Organics
Avalon Organics is one of the few brands that has an NSF/ANSI 305: Organic Certification for Personal Care Products, meaning their products contain a minimum of 70% organic ingredients. The brand also uses plant-based ingredients whenever possible. Try their most popular product, the Scalp Treatment Tea Tree Shampoo, which encourages a healthy scalp.
Function of Beauty
You may recognize Function of Beauty as the sponsor for countless YouTubers, but there is some truth behind all that advertising. In addition to being customizable to your specific hair type, Function of Beauty lists over 40 harmful ingredients on their website that are never used in their products. The brand also prides itself on adhering by the European Union Safe Cosmetics Regulations. Click here to take the quiz to see which Function of Beauty products work best for you.
Briogeo
I will be the first to admit I had never heard of this brand before doing my research, but don’t let that deter you. Home of the 6-free™ promise, Briogeo never has any sulfates, artificial dyes, silicones, parabens, phthalates or DEA, in addition to any of the hundreds of banned chemicals. Check out their Strengthening Treatment Oil, clinically proven to repair 88% of damage after two uses.
It can feel overwhelming with so many banned and toxic ingredients out there that many big-name brands in hair care still use. Instead of throwing out all your products and starting fresh, slowly incorporate cleaner products into your routine as your regular products wear out. So next time, check that ingredient list when you’re shampooing your hair because healthy, flawless hair starts with the products you use. Your hair will thank you and so will the planet.