TOXIC SHAMPOO: Are you washing your hair away?

One of the first things I do when working with a new curl coaching client is to ask for a list of their current hair care products. As soon as I get that list, I head straight for the shampoo. Why's that? Because every healthy hair journey begins at the scalp and shampoo is the scalp's gatekeeper. Sound dramatic? Let's get into it.

SULFATES

Nowadays, everyone "knows" to stay away from big, bad sulfates but do we really understand why they've garnered such a bad rep? Basically, sulfates are a group of mineral salts and sulfur that can be naturally- sourced or manmade. In cosmetics, we most often find the use of synthetic sulfates. Sulfates in the atmosphere irritate the lungs and form a biohazard to the environment and marine life. The skin, scalp, and hair are all affected in a major way by sulfates being overly drying to the skin. Sulfates can also clog the pores and cause acne.

Now, pay attention here, naturalistas: When the pores on the scalp are clogged, hair growth will slow and eventually, the follicles will become dormant. Dormant hair follicles show up as hair loss, excessive shedding, and alopecia. You are, effectively, shampooing away your hair!

I'm sure that I don't have to warn you against anything, that will cause dryness to your hair and scalp. Dryness is the kryptonite to hair that longs to be healthy and thriving. Sulfates are used in shampoos because they are strong de-greasers and potent detergents - and, because the public likes its bubbles, lol! Somehow, we've become convinced that "foam = clean" but what if I were to tell you that not only is that foam stripping away your natural oils and sebum, but it is also leaving a residue on your scalp? Yes, that is correct. The residue from these detergents can remain on the hair and scalp - even, after thorough rinsing - continuing their attack on the moisture that your hair so desperately needs.

So, we can agree that we don't need to be shampooing with detergents and degreasers that are strong enough to remove engine grease from garage floors, yes? Good. Let's move on to my next, least favorite, ingredient in shampoos: Preservatives.

PRESERVATIVES

Preservatives are necessary to protect our products from mold, bacteria, yeast, and microbes - all the yuckies that you can imagine but do not want on your skin, in your pores, or your bloodstream. If there is water in a commercial product, there must be a preservative. Preservatives do not have to be the most toxic formulas available but, too often, they are exactly that. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are considered to be the most toxic to humans and to the environment. My immediate concerns are the damages that these chemicals cause to the scalp and the role that they play in hair loss. Here's the short list of the preservatives that earn an immediate veto from me, as a curl coach:

DMDM hydantoin - a formaldehyde-releasing preservative that is known to cause hair loss, contact dermatitis, and scalp damage

Diazolidinyl urea - a formaldehyde-releasing preservative that is a known carcinogen.

Quaternium15 - a quaternary ammonium salt that acts as a surfactant and a preservative in shampoos, and is formaldehyde releasing.

Sodium hydroxymethyl glycinate - a formaldehyde-releasing preservative known to cause cancer in humans.

Disodium EDTA - a synthetic preservative made from formaldehyde and sodium cyanide, both known to cause hair loss and cancer in humans.

Parabens - a preservative known to disrupt hormones, lower fertility, affect healthy birth outcomes, increase the risk of cancer and cause hair loss when used topically.

Methylparaben - a preservative known to disrupt the endocrine system and estrogen levels in the human body.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone - these two preservatives are, often, used together in personal care products as a preservative. They are known to cause severe irritation, scalp damage, dryness, breakouts, and allergies.

There are currently several lawsuits pending against some very popular hair products. Most of those lawsuits that claim scalp damage and hair loss are against products that contain one or more of the preservatives that I've listed.

FRAGRANCE AND DYE

When it comes to choosing a shampoo, most people pay attention to the scent and color of the product. However, those qualities can be hazardous to your health. Shampoos that contain synthetic fragrances and dyes can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even more serious health issues. The chemicals used in fragrances and dyes can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream, leading to hair loss issues, hormonal imbalances, and even cancer. It's important to read the labels carefully and choose shampoos that are free from harmful chemicals.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it is important to be mindful of the chemicals present in commercial hair care products and their potential impact on our hair health. It's worth taking the time to read labels and opt for organic hair cleansers that are free of harsh chemicals. By making this simple change, you're taking a step towards healthier, happier hair that's less prone to breakage and hair loss. So, go ahead and give your hair the TLC it deserves with organic hair care products!