Shady hair care product ingredients you should totally avoid

In these modern times where both men and women can flex their tresses, a good hair care routine is a staple. There are also heaps of hair care products available in the market, and finding the perfect one that suits your needs might be a little daunting.

Trust us on this – a lot of products available on the market aren’t safe for your hair, and for the planet in general. Many ingredients found in hair shampoos and conditioners are absorbed by your scalp. This goes without saying, but you should pick the product that contains the safest ingredients. 

Are you being a meticulous buyer when it comes to your hair care products? Well, you’ll be shocked that there are several ingredients you should totally avoid. Here’s some of those ingredients:

Sulfates

Sulfates are often used in products that lather. They are commonly found in shampoos and are effective cleaning agents. However, sulfates are also known to strip off natural oils from our scalp that leads to sebum depletion. This can cause dry scalp and unmoisturized hair. This is also the culprit on why your hair loses its shine. 

How do I spot if the product has this formula: If the product contains SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) and ammonium lauryl sulfate – better choose a new product because these ingredients are damaging. 

Formaldehyde

This ingredient sure does prevent the growth of bacteria and can boost product shelf life, but according to health agencies like the FDA, exposure can cause a world of issues. 

How do I spot if the product has this formula: Bronopol, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15 and diazolidinyl urea all releases formaldehyde.The next time you shop for your hair styling products, read the ingredients list first! 

Phthalates 

You can’t smell or see this ingredient but they’re pretty much in most of the products you consume in your daily life. Over the years scientists have associated phthalates a litany of health issues.

How do I spot if the product has this formula: When it comes to cosmetic products, scan the product ingredient list and avoid these ingredients:

• DBP (dibutyl phthalates)
• DMP (dimethyl phthalate)
• DEP (diethyl phthalate)

Alcohols

it’s recommended to avoid hair products that contain single-chain alcohols. This type of ingredient is essentially rubbing alcohol, and can dry up your scalp rapidly. Seriously, who would want dry locks? No thanks. 

How do I spot if the product has this formula: Steer clear of these types of alcohol ingredients in your hair products:

• Alcohol Denat
• Ethanol Alcohol
• Ethyl Alcohol
• Isopropyl Alcohol
• Isoproponal Alcohol
• Proponal
• Propyl Alcohol
• SD Alcohol 40

Parabens 

This ingredient is a powerful preservative but can also cause scalp irritation and hair dryness. Being safe is always better than being sorry, opt for a paraben-free product. 

How do I spot if the product has this formula: Check the ingredient label for anything ending in parabens like methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, heptylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben — or better choose products labeled paraben-free.

It’s amazing how we as consumers can now choose what’s best for our overall well being. For cosmetics, hair care and skin care, we now have the clean beauty movement. Clean beauty refers to products without harmful ingredients. Contrary to other people’s beliefs, fully natural and organic hair products are your bestfriend when it comes to hair care. These can help with preventing breakage, hair growth, dandruff, and help smoothen rough hair.

At Wuli Grooming, our hair care products are made with naturally sourced ingredients. Our curl cream, matte balm, and shine balm are formulated with active ingredients like aloe vera, argan oil, bentonite clay, burdock extract, castor seed oil, jojoba oil, kaolin clay, marula oil, nettle extract, olive leaf extract, pro-vitamin B5, safflower, shea butter, and wheat protein that provides care and protection. 

Choosing an all-natural hair care product not just protects you, but also the world we live in. You’ll find it sustainable, ethical and the reason your future self will thank you for.