Chemicals That Should Be Avoided In Hair Care Products

We heard that certain chemicals in our hair care products are damaging, some even dangerous. From parabens to sulfates, labels on our favorite shampoos or conditioners may say they've avoided using a chemical to keep your hair healthy, but what actually is the risk? Which chemicals should we be avoiding, and which may actually help our hair?

There are several chemicals you want to avoid completely, but others depend on your hair type. Some hair care products and cosmetics contain MEA, TEA and DEA, which are known to cause cancer. Originally used to increase the viscosity of shampoos and conditioners. You should also avoid preservatives that are formaldehyde releasers, such as Diazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin. Formaldehyde releasers have been known to cause allergic reactions in users, and almost 20 percent of U.S. cosmetics and personal care products contain this ingredient.

For other chemicals, the way your hair reacts depends mostly on your hair's texture.

If your hair is drier or you apply heat to your hair during your styling routines, you're going to want to avoid alcohol-based products. You want to use a gentle shampoo and avoid using sulfates because they are harsher, also be sure to check the contents of your styling products because many gels and hairsprays are also alcohol-based, which can further dry out your hair. Moisturizing creams and conditioners with lighter weight formulas will help to reduce dryness in your hair overall.

For oily hair the rule of thumb is to go heavy on your shampoo but light on the conditioner. Thoroughly shampooing will help to get rid of unwanted oil excess and a lighter conditioner formula will prevent your hair from retaining oil. Lighter formulas for styling products is also ideal because similar to conditioner, it will not weigh your hair down. Unlike dry hair, you don't have to avoid alcohol-based products completely, but since some can be very drying, be mindful of how much and how often you use them.

The key to healthy, bouncy curls or tending to your thicker hair is moisture. To treat your full, luscious locks opt for shampoos and conditioners that have that moisturizing component, like products with natural oils, butters and deep conditioners. All those products out there that now feature argon oil will totally be your best friend.

Also consider a hot oil treatment, because that will keep moisture in your hair for longer. As far as cleansing, go for something a little bit gentler; you may even want to forgo a shampoo altogether and co-wash, meaning washing with just your conditioner. This way, your hair won't be stripped of its natural oils.