Hair products used at home every day, such as shampoo and conditioners, as well as those used in hair salons, like chemical straighteners and hair dyes, may contain harmful chemicals. These products may damage not only your hair but also your overall health. When breathing in these chemicals, they can cause a multitude of problems such as asthma and allergic reactions. Long-term use of these products can result in chronic skin allergies and even increased cancer risk in some cases.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a toxic agent that has been used in straightening treatments such as Japanese straightening treatments and some keratin treatments. The process for these treatments can take from one to four hours. While professionals are coating your hair with chemicals, you are sitting in a chair breathing in formaldehyde for hours. Breathing in formaldehyde at low levels can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation while at high levels, they can cause shortness of breath, skin rashes and irritation, and wheezing. Unfortunately, I underwent two Japanese straightening treatments until my hairdresser no longer offered them due to potentially harmful side effects. Most recently, I have undergone keratin treatments that did not contain formaldehyde according to my hairdresser. I was previously unaware that some keratin treatments could contain formaldehyde.
Sulfates
Sulfates can be found in food and hair products. Sulfates are surfactants that are used for cleaning the scalp and for lathering purposes but may cause allergic reactions. When used for long periods of time, they can interfere with hormone production. Not only are sulfates harmful to humans, but they are also harmful to the environment and aquatic species. Sulfates have negative effects on the environment because they contribute to acidic levels of surface water and soil. In addition, they can add to the production of acid rain and fog that damages different ecosystems.
Parabens
Parabens are used as preservatives in many products. Much like sulfates, parabens can also interfere with hormone production for females. Parabens are known for replicating the function of estrogen, a hormone that is responsible for reproduction. Parabens are carcinogenic and increase the risk of developing breast cancer. For these reasons, parabens have been banned in Europe.
Phthalates
Phthalates make fragrances stick to your hair, but they are also hormone disruptors. This product can cause early puberty in girls and is also again harmful to the environment. This chemical is used in plastic to make plastic products more durable.
Selenium Sulfide
Selenium sulfide is a proven carcinogen. When tested on mice, it was shown in mice growing tumors. Selenium Sulfide is used in anti-dandruff shampoos and is an antifungal agent. Side effects from this product include skin irritation, dry skin, oily hair/scalp, and temporary hair loss. Selenium sulfide is commonly used in the anti-dandruff shampoo Selsun Blue.
Commonly Used Products
A quick survey of some of the hair products I have at home resulted in some disturbing findings. Sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate were found in Pantene shampoo. These sulfates are damaging but the advertising on the bottle claims to “strengthen hair.” VO5 Normal Balancing Shampoo also contains the same two ingredients.
Overall Risks
According to the National Cancer Institute, there is some data to suggest possibly increased cancer risk in hairdressers as well as in those who frequently use permanent hair dye. Some studies suggest those who use hair dye may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
In addition, those who use chemical hair straightening products may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer as well as uterine cancer.
Alternatives
There are several products on the market which claim to be free of harmful chemicals such as parabens and phthalates. These include True Botanicals (best of the best winner), Innersense Beauty, and BeautyCounter products, among others. A Google search will help to identify other products.
Many hair products such as shampoos and conditioners contain a number of concerning chemicals. While it is unclear whether these cause definite health problems, it is obvious that these products can potentially be harmful to one’s health. When it comes to additional products such as permanent hair dyes and chemical straighteners, it is probably wise to minimize one’s use of these products as increased risk of problems appear to be associated with frequency of use. There may be alternative options for shampoos and conditioners containing fewer toxic substances. These are not as widely known, but can be identified through searches and focusing on lesser-known brands.
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