May 20, 2018

The Chemicals in Common Hair Care Products & The Damage They Cause

Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash

Women use multiple hair care products on a daily basis. But, while you hair may look great, your body is actually feeling the negative side effects. A recent study published in the journal Environmental Research says many hair care products contain chemicals that can even interfere with your hormones. However, there are products out there that a good for your hair but require proper containment, there a packaging and container companies out there that are perfect for your chemical.

The researchers noted that these chemicals could be a reason why African-American women have higher rates of certain hormone-related health conditions compared to other women in the U.S. “For example, black women begin puberty at younger ages, and they have higher rates of hormone-linked problems such as preterm birth, uterine fibroids and infertility than other groups of women. Their rates of breast cancer and endometrial cancer are also on the rise,” according to the scientists at Silent Spring Institute in Newton, Mass.

The Study

Study author Jessica Helm and her colleagues analyzed 18 different hair products used by African-American women, including hot oil treatments, anti-frizz hair polishes, leave-in conditioners, root stimulators, hair lotions and hair relaxers. A total of 45 endocrine disruptors were detected in the products, with each product containing between six and 30 of the chemicals. In past studies, these endocrine disruptors have been associated with a variety of illnesses such as asthma, reproductive disorders, birth defects and cancer, the researchers report.

Eleven products contained seven chemicals prohibited in the European Union or regulated under California’s Proposition 65. Hair relaxers marketed for children had the highest levels of five such chemicals, the report said. Parabens, fragrances, nonylphenols and diethyl phthalate were widely found in root stimulators, hair lotions and hair relaxers, while cyclosiloxanes were more often detected in anti-frizz products. All the products contained fragrance chemicals, and 78 percent contained parabens. Eighty-four percent of the chemicals detected were not listed on the product label, according to the report.

Parabens easily penetrate the skin and can interfere with hormone function, as they mimic estrogen. Fragrances can act as irritants an can trigger allergies and migraines, according to Mariesette Zeyl, ND, of InVite® Health.

“Unfortunately, companies aren’t required to disclose everything that’s in their products, so it’s hard for consumers to make informed choices,” said study co-author Robin Dodson.

Natural Hair Care Solutions

But there are some companies, like InVite® Health, that go above and beyond when it comes to the formulation of safe and effective hair care products, without using dangerous solvents, irritating soaps, or the toxic chemicals listed above.

Our products do not contain alcohol, parabens, petroleum, colorants, fragrances, sulfates, benzoic acid, or other harsh, dangerous and toxic chemicals found in other common hair and skin care products today. Need more information? Click here!