This article will help you with step 1 of the process for healthy hair regrowth! Choosing the right shampoo is key especially since so many shampoo companies lie about how natural their products are. Here are 10 harmful chemicals that you should avoid in your shampoo because they hurt hair regrowth. Watch this video to learn how to properly read ingredient lists.
The Perpetrators of Crime Against Hair Regrowth
1. Isopropyl Alcohol
Also used in antifreeze and as a solvent in shellac, this hair product ingredient is no good for hair regrowth.
2. Mineral Oil
This derived substance is commonly used petroleum ingredient. It coats the skin just like plastic wrap. It stops the skin from releasing toxins and can slow down normal cell development.
3. PEG-Polyethylene Glycol
Used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease as well as thicken products. PEG contribute to stripping the Natural Moisture Factor, leaving the immune system vulnerable.
4. Propylene Glycol (PG)
Used as a “surfactant” or wetting agent and solvent, this ingredient is actually the active component in antifreeze. It is used in industry to break down protein and cellular structure (what the skin is made of) yet is found in most forms of make-up, hair products, lotions, after-shave, deodorants, mouthwashes and toothpaste.
5. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. This ingredient is particular harmful to promoting hair regrowth.
6. Chlorine
Exposure to chlorine in tap water, showers, pool, laundry products, cleaning agents, food processing, sewage systems and many others, can effect health. Even though you will not see Chlorine on personal care product labels, it is important for you to be aware of the need to protect your skin when bathing and washing your hair. If your hair has been damaged by chlorine, read about how to repair the damage done.
7. DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (momoethanolamine), and TEA (Triethanolamine)
These are hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. These are commonly found in most personal care products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers.
8. FD & C Color Pigments
Many color pigments cause skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and even death according to A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. Consider using Henna hair dye for a natural, healthy hair dye alternative.
9. Fragrance
Fragrance is present in most deodorants, shampoos, sunscreens, skin care body care and baby products. Many of the compounds in fragrance are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic.
10. Imdiazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin
These are just two of the many preservatives that release formaldehyde (formaldehyde-donors). Formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, cause skin reactions and trigger heart palpitations. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep
