As per cosmetology, the concept of haircare deals with the overall human scalp and hair hygiene. But did you know this concept can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians? Yes, Egyptians used a castor and almond oil mixture to moisturize their scalps.
Since then, haircare has come a long way, and the beauty industry has introduced countless synthetic products. Examples include hair dyes, chemical hair relaxers, shampoos, etc. Today, the haircare market generated approximately USD 99.53 billion.
However, recent research has proven that such products contain high levels of synthetic chemicals that can harm human health. For example, the fragrances in shampoos can cause fertility issues.
In this blog, we will discuss three such products that could potentially affect your health and lead to chronic issues.
#1. Chemical Hair Relaxers
Many women believe that straight hair is easy to maintain and looks professional. That’s why the beauty industry created a chemical product that could permanently straighten the texture of curly or wavy hair. This “too good to be true” product was used by thousands of women in America.
But unfortunately, they contain formaldehyde, bisphenol A, parabens, etc. These chemicals are potential carcinogens. Hence, they’ll cause adverse health issues if absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Anyone who uses these relaxers has an increased risk of endometrial, breast, and uterine cancer.
Women used this product because manufacturers and producers had marketed it as a “safe product.” That’s why 8,026 women have taken legal action against them, and each has filed a chemical hair straightener lawsuit. This ongoing lawsuit alleges failure to warn about potential health risks and false advertisements.
According to TorHoerman Law, the estimated individual payouts from this lawsuit can range between USD 100,000 and USD 1,500,000. The victims are eligible for compensation based on the loss of consortium, suffering caused, permanent disability, medical bills, emotional damages, lost wages, etc.
#2. Hair Colors
The global hair color market generated USD 25 billion in 2022. In a survey of 2,000 women, approximately 32% said they would continue dyeing their hair. These statistics prove that dyeing and coloring hair are common worldwide.
Ideally, women decide to dye their hair when they need to change their look or if they have gray hair. However, this product has three chemical ingredients that are possible carcinogens. Continuous coloring using peroxide as a bleaching agent can also damage, weaken, and make your follicles unhealthy.
According to Medical News Today, chemicals like PPD in dye can cause skin irritations, dermatitis, and congenital abnormalities. Other chemicals can also affect the estrogen hormone and lead to breast cancer. Moreover, ammonia and toluene in dyes can be respiratory irritants and lead to pregnancy loss.
#3. Shampoos and Conditioners
Did you know that the drugstore shampoo you’re using might have harmful chemicals? Yes, most haircare companies use toxic ingredients in their products. These include the following:
- Sulfates: They make your hair dry, strip away the natural oils, and irritate the scalp.
- Parabens: This preservative can lead to reproductive issues, hormone imbalance, and neurotoxicity.
- Polyethylene Glycols: This thickening agent derived from petroleum can disrupt human development and lead to cancer.
- Formaldehyde: This is a dangerous preservative that is potentially carcinogenic and can cause asthma.
Moreover, shampoos and conditioners have artificial fragrances or synthetic colors. These can lead to skin irritation, asthma, infertility, hair loss, and cancer. Even then, women use chemical shampoos and conditioners because they are cheap and readily available.
Fact: Studies show that 100,000 Americans might die prematurely because they use shampoos that have harmful chemicals.
What’s the Best Alternative to These Chemical Products?
You’re probably trying to find the perfect product that isn’t filled with chemicals. For that, you need to research the ingredients before buying. Avoid purchasing a product if the ingredients include harmful chemicals like parabens, fragrances, formaldehyde, sulfates, etc.
Instead, buy and use organic or natural haircare products. These are safe for your skin and also environmentally friendly. Since they are free from unhealthy chemicals, the ingredients ensure your follicles get enough nourishment to stay healthy.
But remember to look for these main ingredients when buying organic hair products:
- Fruit extracts
- Essential and natural oils
- Herbs
- Vitamins
All these ingredients provide nutrients for your hair to make it soft and healthy. That’s why organic products are in high demand. These products are mild on your scalp but can enhance your hair quality.
In summary, you should avoid regularly using the hair products mentioned in this blog. Similarly, before using any beauty product, you must check the ingredient list and do some extra research about its usage and side effects. Check if they are free from harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, etc.
Instead, buy natural haircare products that give you shiny and healthy hair without harming your body.
