Reading the ingredient list on your hair care product is very essential in your journey to healthy living. I bet you have little idea about chemicals used to synthetically produce your hair product. Oh well, if you do; this is also a beautiful way to know 9 products you should avoid to keep your hair healthy.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs)

This is a thickening agent included in many hair care products. Your hair stands in the danger of being stripped of its natural moisture if this is in any of your hair care product. Cancer-causing ingredients were found in some PEG compounds have been discovered can interfere with human development.

Mineral oil

With its smoothing properties, mineral oil performs well as a detangler or hair conditioner. However, it contains significant levels of PAHs (polyaromatic hydrocarbons), which leads to non-melanoma skin cancer. The smallest amount of this component could be harmful to your hair cells.

PVP/ VA co-polymer

This popularly found in most of your hair care products. It delivers the “ hold factor in thick hairsprays”. Derived from petroleum, it’s known to cause irritation to the scalp. It toxic nature also leads to respiratory issues in some people.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

They are also known as “sulfates”. They are used as cleansing or foaming agents in hair products. Sulphates can usher dryness to your scalp hence, stripping your hair off its natural moisture. It could also lead to moderate irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin or skin conditions.

Benzene

Out of all 9 products you should avoid to keep your hair healthy, Benzene is one immune-signaling disrupter found in hair dyes. It is known to cause cancer, leukemia developmental damage. It is a commonly used chemical in hair products.

Phthalates

This is often masked as “fragrance”. Phthalates are used in a number of hair products. This chemical interferes with our endocrine hormones. The hair growth cycle is sensitive to changes in our endocrine hormone. They are however commonly found in hair sprays in order to reduce thickness but a good film.

Parabens

They are also endocrine disruptors. It is used as preservative to prolong the shelf-life of hair products. Sometimes , they might appear on product’s ingredients lists as Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, etc. The problem is that Parabens are easily absorbed by your human body when applied to your skin or scalp, consequently your endocrine system and the health of your hair at a big risk.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. Similar to parabens, it places your endocrine system to risk. Most times, it is found in products, such as shampoo, or Brazilian/keratin blowout treatments to function as a preservative.