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5 Major Red Flags That Your Shampoo Isn’t Safe

5 Major Red Flags That Your Shampoo Isn’t Safe

Shampoo is something most people don’t spend a ton of time thinking about. Sure, there are shampoos that work and some that don’t work so well, and we all end up with our preferred brand. But taking a moment to read the ingredients list on your bottle could help you avoid adverse impacts to your hair and possibly your overall health.

1. Paraben

This is the top of the list because paraben is bad and does nothing to help your hair. It is added exclusively to increase the shelf-life of the shampoo. Paraben can increase the chances of breast cancer and is also found in a lot of packaged foods. It is known to cause cancer with repeated exposure, so you want to minimize the number of products you use daily that contain it. Avoiding shampoos with this ingredient can help knock out at least one source of exposure from this carcinogen.

2. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasers

You’re probably saying, “Really?” And unfortunately, I have to tell you, yes, formaldehyde is still a thing in shampoo. Companies use it to, like paraben, preserve the shampoo, extending the shelf life. Even though it’s been proven to cause hair loss and is banned in most other countries, but it’s still showing up in the ingredients lists of some products in the US. Even sneaker is the family of formaldehyde-releasers, chemicals that aren’t formaldehyde but that release formaldehyde as they break down in the bottle and in your hair.

2. Sulfates

Sulfates are used for getting rid of built-up oils in your hair to give it that sleek, clean feeling, which is good for people with very oily hair and may even be beneficial. However, if you already have dry hair, this is something to be avoided because it can leave your hair dryer and more brittle than ever.

3. Sodium Chloride

Sodium Chloride, aka salt, is used to give shampoo the consistency we expect. But if you’ve ever been to the beach before, you know the drying, awful effects salt water can have on your hair. Every once in a while is fine, and can even have some benefits for people with oily hair. But anyone with a sensitive scalp can find themselves battling incredibly dry skin for days afterward. Putting salt on your hair every time you take a shower can be a massive problem.

4. Dimethicone

A lot of chemicals on this list focus on stripping out natural oils, which can actually be a benefit for people who have more oil than they need. But dimethicone is something that people with oily hair should avoid. Companies add this to shampoo to make your hair look shiny, the chemical is basically a plastic that coats your hair. This can make hair look and feel heavier. Used regularly, it can also build up in your hair, mixing with and retaining your hair’s natural oils. For those with dry hair, this can be great, but for anyone who battles greasy hair regularly, it’s a nightmare waiting to happen.

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