Recently, I've been skeptical in choosing shampoos because I'm growing my hair. And I want it to be as soft and smooth as possible. I've noticed that the effects of the shampoo I'm using only last a few hours and starts to get oily and frizzy again.
I've done research and found out that some shampoos have harsh ingredients that damages hair when used everyday.What are the harmful ingredients I should avoid in shampoos?
What You Don't Know Might Harm You
Usually shampoo ingredients contain at least 10-20 types of synthetic or manmade chemicals with names that most people cannot even pronounce. If you go to your local store and search for any branded shampoos, you probably won't notice the fine prints of these ingredients but just what the general indication of the shampoo like hair type and style.
Researchers and scientists have found prove that some shampoo ingredients or chemicals can unintentionally trigger potential health threats and even carry carcinogenic properties (Cancer Causing Agents).
Although there is no way to ascertain whether a product can be contaminated to cause chemical induced hair loss diseases or other health problems, I do recommend that you, if you are suffering from hair loss, to avoid it if possible.
It's time to take a deeper look on how some of these shampoo ingredients.
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Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is one of the most common shampoo ingredients. In fact most personal hygiene products contain this specific ingredient. SLES is a washing surfactant, in other words a washing detergent. Imagine it as a car polish that returns the shine by removing the top layer of the paint.
There is another similar type known as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which is more potent while SLES is more powerful foaming agent. This synthetic formula is widely used for washing and removing stains and can irritate your eyes upon contact.
Although recently, there have been rumors stating SLES is can cause potential health risks and carcinogen, toxicology research by the agencies like OSHA, NTP, and IARC have found that this statement has over exaggerated.
One of the concern is that they have found in some shampoo products that contain this basic ingredient, to have a small percentage of parts-per-thousand to parts-per-million levels of 1,4-Dioxane via manufacturing contamination.
Now 1,4 Diaoxane has been proven by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to be a very potential carcinogen and can cause damage to your central nervous system, liver and kidneys.
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DEA and TEA
One of the funny ingredient names to look out for is Diethanolamine (DEA)or Triethonalamine (TEA). Well in case you don't know (TEA) is not a kind of tea extract but both of these chemicals are wetting agents, that help the shampoo create a richer lather.
These ingredients can react with nitrites found in some shampoo ingredients. Manufacturers use nitrite as a preservative and a reaction between these chemicals can form a cancer causing compound known as Nitrosamines. (Confusing huh?)
If your shampoo contains an ingredient known as Bronopol, the risk of reaction is elevated. So it's best to avoid these TEA and DEA ingredients.
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Hair Dyes
Some of your hair Dyes contain lead acetate, a type of heavy metal that can absorbed through your skin and cause
Nervous system problems
Embryo defects
Irritation
Redness
Long term exposure can lead to
Poisoning
Restlessness
Irritability
Visual Disturbances
Hypertension
Well, I don't think it's dangerous to dye your hair once a while, but think twice before you decide use hair dyes regularly.
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Coloring Agents
How do shampoo obtain that lovely smell and color after mixing with so much chemicals? Colorings of course. Colorings are common products used during to manufacturing process to turn the dully colored mixture from all those chemicals to a more enticing color. Manufacturers needed to help conceal the originally processed color of their products so that we consumers, won't freak out when we use the products.
According to David Steinman, the auther of The Safe Shopper's Bible, he suggests that some of these listed colors might cause health problems. So try not to over too many products that contain these colorings.
D%26amp;C Green 5
D%26amp;C Orange 17
D%26amp;C Red 9
D%26amp;C Red 19
D%26amp;C Red 33
FD%26amp;C Blue 1
FD%26amp;C Green 3
FD%26amp;C Red 4
FD%26amp;C Red 40
FD%26amp;C Yellow 5
FD%26amp;C Yellow 6
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Phthalates
Phthalates are platicizers than have been regarded in many countries to be potential carcinogens. Recently, Phthalates are found in perfumes in some shampoo ingredients that give the 'lovely smell'. This product has been found to cause
birth defects
liver cancers
hormonal disruptions
in laboratory tests. Some products that contain Phthalates are banned in California and several countries. See this Wikipedia article on Phthalates here.
The best way to avoid Phthalates is to choose shampoo ingredients that do not contain perfumes or fragrances. If you are looking for something that smells nice, you can always opt for essential oils or herWhat are the harmful ingredients I should avoid in shampoos?
As a general rule, I try to stray away from anything over 11 characters.
However, if you're looking for a shampoo I suggest anything from Matrix.
Their products are extremely good for both looks and health. Very important if you are growing your hair.
The price is more expensive than those found in the supermarket but they last for ages and are well worth the extra cash.
Unless your shampoo is certified organic (with a logo diplaying it certification) I wouldn't use it. Even if it says it is ';Natural'; or even ';Organic'; don't use it because these days people can say whatever they want on their marketing but only Certified Organic shampoo's are safe.
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