Are you tired of trying and switching shampoos/ conditioners because they don't suit your hair? Well, there are numerous brands and you cannot keep on switching shampoos for the rest of your life. So, why not switch the way you evaluate shampoos before buying?
Most of us are brainwashed by the alluring Ads of different brands featuring famous influencers and celebs. But, are those ads really reliable? Can you really trust a brand just because someone who was paid to do the ad said so? You need to ask yourself this and if it's a no, then change the way you evaluate your purchase. It's best if you check on the ingredients used in the shampoo as many shampoos contain a high level of harmful chemicals.
Most hair products are loaded with toxic chemicals that give your hair instant gratification. For short-term they give you clean, shiny, and smooth locks, which often makes us settle for them; but, later it may affect with long-term effects. So, check the ingredients of the shampoo or conditioner before purchasing it and know what should be avoided and what should be included. Here is a list of ingredients that are harmful to your hair; so, try to avoid them as much as possible.
Sulfate
Sulfate is a cleaning ingredient that is often used for cleaning purposes. It can be found in detergents, soaps, conditioners, and shampoos. Sulfates are surfactants (surface acting agents) that are used to clean the dirt and excess sebum on the scalp. They are used for lathering purposes in your shampoos. The surfactants like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), SLES (sodium Laureth sulfate), and ammonium lauryl sulfate are all damaging substances and cause an allergic reaction in your hair. A certain amount of sulfates can be reconciled, but if the above-mentioned surfactants are present in your shampoo, then stop using it immediately.
Paraben
Paraben is a synthetic chemical used to gibe shampoo and conditioners a longer shelf life. They prevent your shampoos from growing bacteria and fungi. However, Parabens (Butyl, propyl, and ethyl parabens) are known to mimic the function of the hormone estrogen (the female hormone responsible for reproductive functions) and can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Sodium Chloride
In shampoos and conditioners, sodium chloride is primarily used as a thickening agent. If your hair or skin tends to be on the oily side, a shampoo containing sodium chloride can prove beneficial. However, for people with dry skin or scalp, shampoo with sodium chloride may be disastrous as it causes even drier, itchy scalp and it also causes hair loss as well.
Polythylene Glycol (PEG)
Polyethylene glycol is a derivative of petroleum that is used in hair care products as a thickening agent. It is recognized to be safe with minimal concentrations. However, excessive concentrations of PEG can lead to dehydration of hair as it does not evaporate easily and can also cause dry scalp.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, or more commonly referred to as formaldehyde-releasers, help to prevent microbial growth. Bronopol, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, and Diazolidinyl urea are all formaldehyde releasers. They are absorbed by our skin, and it can cause burn and irritation.
Synthetic Fragrance
Many brands do not include the exact ingredient used and rather sum it up with the word- fragrances. Such fragrances are often synthetic fragrances which is a blend of toxic chemicals. Or, do you really think they mix apple or lavender juices in the shampoos to make it smell like them? Synthetic fragrances may cause cancers, reproductive issues, or asthma attacks. Some fragrances can affect the scalp and lead to hair loss.
