Wanting to have luscious, healthy locks is not a far-fetched goal, but sometimes, the very products we use to achieve that goal can do more harm than good. At Veaudry, we’re all about helping you style your hair while keeping it healthy. Our hair curlers, dryers and straighteners are equipped with a technology that cares. In line with that, we’re here today to offer some tips you can use the next time you go shopping for hair products. Below are the top ingredients to avoid in hair products and some alternatives to help you stick to a healthy hair care and styling routine.
1. Sulphates
Where It Is Usually Used: Shampoos
Why You Should Avoid It: Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), and other forms of sulphates are harsh detergents that create that satisfying lather we’ve come to associate with cleanliness. However, they can strip your hair of natural oils and cause dryness, frizz, and irritation. Do you have colour-treated hair? Sulphates can also fade your vibrant hues faster than you can say “touch-up.”
What’s the Alternative?: Look for sulphate-free shampoos that use gentler cleansing agents like Cocamidopropyl betaine or decyl glucoside. These will clean your hair without leaving it feeling like a straw.
2. Parabens
Where It Is Usually Used: Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products
Why You Should Avoid It: Parabens are another ingredients to avoid in hair care products. These are preservatives that extend the shelf life of your hair products. However, they’ve been linked to hormone disruption and may even be associated with breast cancer. Plus, they can cause scalp irritation in some people.
What’s the Alternative?: Look for products that use natural preservatives like potassium sorbate or grapefruit seed extract. Shopping for good alternatives becomes easier as many brands now proudly display “paraben-free” on their labels.
3. Formaldehyde
Where It Is Usually Used: Hair smoothing treatments, some shampoos and conditioners
Why You Should Avoid It: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can cause scalp irritation, hair loss, and even breathing problems. It’s often hidden under names like formalin, methanal, or methylene glycol. So, when shopping for new hair care products, always look at the product label and watch out for these names.
What’s the Alternative?: Choose formaldehyde-free keratin treatments or embrace your natural texture. If you’re looking for your new go-to everyday hair care products like shampoos and conditioners, simply look for those that use safer preservatives.
4. Silicones
Where It Is Usually Used: Conditioners, leave-in treatments, and styling products
Why You Should Avoid It: What are the other ingredients you should avoid in hair products like leave-in conditioners? Silicones. Dimethicones and other forms of silicones coat the hair shaft to make it look shiny and smooth. However, they can build up over time, leading to dull, weighed-down, and prone-to-breakage strands.
What’s the Alternative?: Natural oils like argan, jojoba, or coconut oil can provide similar smoothing benefits without the buildup. Look for water-soluble silicones if you can’t part with them entirely.
5. Alcohol (The Drying Kind)
Where It Is Usually Used: Styling products, especially hairsprays and gels
Why You Should Avoid It: Certain alcohols like ethanol, propanol, and isopropyl alcohol can be extremely drying to your hair, leading to brittleness and breakage.
What’s the Alternative?: Shop for styling and other hair care products that use fatty alcohols like cetyl or stearyl, which moisturise the hair. Better yet, go for alcohol-free styling products.
6. Synthetic Fragrances
Where It Is Usually Used: Pretty much everything from shampoos to styling creams
Why You Should Avoid It: The term “fragrance” on a product label can hide a cocktail of potentially harmful chemicals. These can cause scalp irritation and allergic reactions. In some cases, they may even disrupt hormones.
What’s the Alternative?: Pick products scented with essential oils or choose fragrance-free options to ensure your scalp and hair remain healthy.
7. Triclosan
Where It Is Usually Used: Antibacterial shampoos
Why You Should Avoid It: What are the ingredients to avoid in shampoos? Be wary of triclosan, especially if you’re after antibacterial shampoos. This antibacterial agent has been linked to hormone disruption and may contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Plus, experts say it’s not that necessary for everyday hair care.
What’s the Alternative?: Skip the antibacterial shampoos unless prescribed by a dermatologist. Regular, gentle cleansing is usually sufficient for a healthy scalp.
8. Coal Tar
Where It Is Usually Used: Anti-dandruff shampoos, some hair dyes
Why You Should Avoid It: Coal tar is a known carcinogen that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. It’s often used to treat scalp conditions but at a potential cost to your overall health.
What’s the Alternative?: Say you want to address your dandruff. Try natural alternatives like tea tree oil or zinc pyrithione. Shopping for hair dyes? Look for plant-based options or consult a professional colourist for safer choices.
9. Phthalates
Where It Is Usually Used: Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products (often hidden in “fragrance”)
Why You Should Avoid It: Phthalates are plasticising chemicals that have been linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive issues. They’re often not listed on labels, hiding under the umbrella term “fragrance.”
What’s the Alternative?: Look for phthalate-free products or those that disclose all fragrance ingredients. Better yet, choose unscented options when possible.
10. Resorcinol
Where It Is Usually Used: Hair dyes and bleaching products
Why You Should Avoid It: Resorcinol is another name you should add to your list of ingredients to avoid in hair products. It can be a culprit for dry scalp and is a potential endocrine disruptor. It’s particularly concerning for those who dye their hair frequently.
What’s the Alternative?: Consider natural hair dyes that use henna or other plant-based colourants. If you must use conventional dyes, look for resorcinol-free options and always do a patch test first.
Beautiful Hair Starts with Healthy Hair
Keep this in mind: beautiful hair starts with healthy hair. So, by avoiding these potentially harmful ingredients and picking gentler, more natural alternatives, you can improve the look of your locks while keeping your overall hair health in check.
Want to learn more about hair care and styling? Check out our blog.
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