Swap it out! why?

We use about at least 1-4 or more hair products per day from shampoo, gel, to hairspray on your head daily. Haircare was something that was on the top of my mind of swapping I first starting looking into non-toxic beauty. I like to remind myself; what goes on my skin, the largest organ on my body, will be absorbed by my skin and into my bloodstream. Sometimes ignorance isn’t bliss. Many conventional hair products produced by large corporations aren’t looking out for you. The majority contain ingredients that affect your hormones over time to classified carcinogens - and it’s all about the micro dosages. Having something put directly on my head is a little too close for comfort.

ingredients to avoid in your haircare products 🤢

I know how overwhelming it can be to find a safe product, let alone attempting to read an ingredient list, but don’t just pick one up that says ‘ALL-NATURAL’ on the packaging. For your convenience, I would recommend using the Think Dirty App, or EWG Skin Deep to look up a brand, product, or ingredient. Below are some ingredients you really should stay away from.

Fragrance. This is classified for any product as intellectual property; therefore, they don’t have to disclose what it actually contains. This is a breeding ground for hiding shady ingredients. I would suggest anyone with sensitive skin to stay away from fragrance unless you trust the brand 100%.
Methylisothiazolinone. This is one of those ingredients where you’re yelling - WHAT ARE YOU? The answer? Nothing good. It is a common preservative used in haircare linked to allergies, lung toxicity, and neurotoxicity (culprits like these in micro-doses affect mental health).
Parabens. You have probably seen a lot of ‘paraben-free’ labels going around. Just because it is labeled, does not mean they are safe - check the rest of the ingredients. It has been linked to cancer and other health issues. Common parabens: methyl-paraben, propyl-paraben, parahydroxybenzoate
Sulfates - Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. The same goes for sulfates like parabens, which have been mainstreamed on labels to be “free of”. Don’t be green washed. These ingredients strip the essential and natural oils from your hair too well and a horrible irritant for sensitive skin. There is such a thing as too clean. Common sulfates: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (You know the foaming agent in your shampoo? This is typically the ingredient that is used because it is the cheapest option), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Synthetic colours. There are petroleum or coal sourced dyes used in cosmetics, hair dyes, or products to create colour. Coal tar-derived dyes are used to give artificial colour to cosmetics, including hair dyes. Although many coal dyes are banned in Canada, you should still be cautious if you are shopping from brands outside of Canada. They are a known carcinogen and irritant. The fact that The European Union has banned these ingredients is enough said. Can be labeled as: P-phenylenediamine, C.I. (then 5 numbers), FD&C or D&C (then colour name and number)Synthetic colours such as D&C Red 27 or FD&C Blue 1.
Triclosan. It is an endocrine disruptor and irritant. An endocrine disruptor is linked to hormones, and these disruptions can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders.
DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Momoethanolamine), and TEA (Triethanolamine). These ingredients are used to create thick creamy consistencies in products. DEA, MEA, and TEA are known carcinogens and highly toxic. Commonly labeled: oleamide DEA, cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, myristamide DEA, triethanolamine, DEA-cetyl phosphate
Polyethylene Glycol. This ingredient is also found in household products because of its ability to dissolve oil. However, use in haircare can remove the protective sebum in your scalp, leaving you more vulnerable to absorb other harmful ingredients. It can trigger your body’s autoimmune system and cause neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular issues.

You are not alone :)

OKAY…that was ALOT. When I initially learned about this, it made me uneasy, and a bit overwhelmed. It is okay to feel anxious or wronged. You would think brands would take more responsibility, which is often sadly, not the case. We have to take our health into our own hands while demanding better by choosing better.

Trying non-toxic/clean brands can sometimes be a hit or miss. You can’t assume that all the products of a brand work amazingly for you. I’ve listed a bunch of options that ACTUALLY WORK; for me ( I have asian hair) and some options recommended by friends who don’t have my hair type ( that hopefully works well for you too🤞).