Worried about harmful toxins in hair care products? Opt for natural alternatives that incorporate the latest advancements in hair care ingredients.
Achieving Your Ideal Style can induce anxiety if you’re mindful of the chemicals in your hair products. Fortunately, recent breakthroughs in natural hair care make it possible to achieve your desired look without concern for negative health impacts.
Begin with a Fresh Base
Since nobody wants to rock bed-head, shampooing has become a common daily practice. However, conventional shampoos can strip hair of its natural oils, resulting in dryness and lackluster locks. Steer clear of shampoos with sodium lauryl sulfate, which can dehydrate the scalp and potentially lead to follicle damage and hair loss. Instead, consider shampoos featuring non-genetically modified hydrolyzed soy proteins for a gentler cleanse.
Hydrate Your Hair
Hair endures significant stress from washing, blow-drying, and styling. Add to that harsh chemicals like diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, and triethanolamine (DEA, TEA, and MEA), which can cause long-term damage. These substances can interact with others in hair care products, producing nitrosamines—known carcinogens that may enter your bloodstream through the scalp. Instead, seek conditioners enriched with calendula, lavender, and oat or wheat proteins. For added nourishment, a hot oil treatment with organic olive oil, jojoba oil, or shea butter can work wonders.
Style with Purpose
For some texture—whether you’re looking to spike your style or create a chunky look—choose a wax or pomade wisely. Avoid petroleum-based paraffin wax in favor of natural alternatives like beeswax or candelilla wax.
Secure Your Style
A little hairspray can help keep your hair in place, but it’s essential to pick one that minimizes health risks. Skip products containing polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP and PVP copolymer), which may pose toxic inhalation risks and could harm the lungs and kidneys. Opt for natural hairsprays with polysaccharides (sugars) for hold without the harmful side effects.
Choose Safety First
Many hair care products contain chemicals aimed at preventing bacterial growth that can break down into formaldehyde once absorbed into the bloodstream, which is linked to serious health issues such as cancer, dermatitis, and nerve damage. Avoid products with:
- Diazolidinyl urea
- DMDM hydantoin
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Quaternium 15
Instead, look for products with natural antibacterial agents like Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and rosemary.
Homemade Hair Gel
To create your own hair gel, dissolve 1/4 tsp (1 mL) of plain gelatin in 1 cup (250 mL) of boiling water. Allow it to cool at room temperature until slightly thickened. Apply to dry or damp hair, then blow dry for added hold.
Looking fabulous naturally has never been easier.
