Ever wondered why your hair feels dry, brittle, or greasy - despite using expensive hair products? What if I told you that your favorite products might be secretly damaging your hair?

Studies show that hair products are the third most common personal care items linked to cancer cases class (8.3%). Many commercial brands pack their formulas with hidden toxins - like sulfates, parabens and phthalates - that can lead to hair thinning, scalp irritation, hormonal imbalances, and even increased cancer risk!

This article will help inform you on the harmful ingredients to avoid in hair products, how to decode misleading labels and how to identify safer, non-toxic alternatives for healthier hair. Think of it as your personal crash course in non-toxic living , allowing you to make kinder choices for your hair and your overall well-being.

The Hidden Risks of Toxic Hair Ingredients

Your hair care routine may be doing you more harm than good - not just to your hair, but to your entire body. Products you apply don't just coat your hair - they penetrate and absorb into your scalp, one of the most permeable parts of your body. That means chemicals in your products can enter your bloodstream within minutes!

I've personally experienced significant hair loss from certain products and extreme dullness/dryness from others. The fewer ingredients I cannot pronounce the better. And when it comes to shampoos - less lather = less damage

Whilst evaluating your hair care products, it's important to remember that harmful chemicals are not limited to personal care products. Check our article on 5 toxic home products we use everyday to stay informed on how else you can remove toxic products from your daily routine!

Short-term health effects

• Scalp and skin irritation (allergic dermatitis and itchiness)

• Increased hair breakage, hair loss and frizz

• Dryness or excessive oil production

Long-term health effects

The long-term consequences of toxic hair products however, can be more alarming. Studies have demonstrated that with prolonged exposure to certain ingredients in hair care can increase the risk of serious health issues like:

• Hormone disruption: Chemicals like parabens and pthalates mimic estrogen, and can interfere with hormone regulation. Studies have linked both to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders and fertility issues in men and women.

  A lot of our cosmetic and hair products contain chemicals that mess with our hormones, that's why its important we know how to avoid endocrine disruptors

• Increased cancer risk - Hair product chemicals have been linked to higher rates of uterine, breast and lung cancers.

• Chronic illnesses & Organ damage: Hair product chemicals have also been linked to other chronic illnesses like diabetes and even lupus

The Environmental Impact of Toxic Ingredients

It's not just your body that pays the price - the planet does too. Everytime you wash your hair toxic chemicals like parabens and pthalates flow down the drain, contaminating water supplies, harming marine life and polluting the soil where our food grows. Many of these ingredients do not break down naturally, and accumulate overtime, disrupting ecosystems and threatening biodiversity!

The Toxic List: 9 Ingredients to Avoid in Hair Products

1. Sulfates (SLS & SLEs) - Stripping Your Hairs Natural Oils

If your favourite shampoo lathers into a foamy cleanse, sulfates - specifically sodium laurel sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureate sulphate (SLEs) are likely responsible. These harsh detergents break down dirt and oil but strip your scalp's natural moisture, leaving it dry, unbalanced and irritated.

Why to avoid them

• Oil overproduction - When your scalp loses too much moisture, it compensates by producing more oil, leading to greasy roots and dry ends - trapping you in an endless washing cycle

• Color fading & frizz - Sulfates lift the hair cuticle, causing dyed hair to fade faster, making it more prone to frizz, dehydration, and breakage - espeically if you have curls and textured hair!

• Scalp irritation - If you have sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema, surfactants like sulfates can be particularly harsh, and can often exacerbating existing issues

How to spot them - Keep an eye out for any ingredient ending in 'sulfate' e.g. ammonium laurel sulfate!

2. Parabens - The Silent Hormone Disruptors

Parabens may seem harmless but they wreak havoc on your hormones. Added to products to extend shelf life, preventing bacteria and mold, these, these preservatives mimic oestrogen, interfering with your endocrine system, and potentially increasing risk of reproductive issues and even breast cancer!

Why to avoid them

• Absorption in the body - Alarmingly, parabens have been detected in the urine, blood, and even breast tissue, raising concerns about long-term accumulation

How to spot them: check ingredient lists for anything ending in '-paraben' like methyl-, propyl-,butyl- and ethyl-paraben

3. Phathalates & Fragrance - The Undisclosed Culprits

Ever notices how some hair and cosmetic products retain that scent that lingers for hours? This is likely phthalates - a group of chemicals that stabilise fragrance, making scents more potent and long-lasting.

Unfortunately, much like ingredients to avoid in makeup and skincare, phthalates are often hidden under vague terms like 'fragrance' or 'parfum' making them tricky to spot on labels.

You may be wondering why is fragrance bad?.. what seems like a simple scent blend is actually a mix of hundreds of undisclosed chemicals - thanks to the 'trade secret' loophole that cosmetic companies often rely on to avoid revealing all their secrets!

Why to avoid them

• Scalp sensitivity - phthalates, along with generic fragrance can easily irritate the scalp causing redness, itching and hair loss

• Health risks - studies have demonstrated that long term exposure to pthalates can be linked to various health issues like, increased risk of asthma, developmental delays and decreased sperm count in men

4. Formaldehyde and its Releasing Agents - The Hidden Carcinogens

If you've ever had a keratin treatment, you have likely encountered formaldehyde - a well-known carcinogen, used in hair products to keep your hair fizz-free and straight!

While you may not always see formaldehyde listed directly, many products contain formaldehyde-releasing agents which release formaldehyde over time. On product labels you may see them listed as DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, or quarternium-15

Why to avoid them:

• Weakened hair structure - while formaldehyde is used to straighten hair, it can also compromise the natural hair structure and health, causing it to look lifeless and fragile

• Carcinogenic risk - Identified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), formaldehyde has been linked to increased cancer risk like leukaemia with prolonged exposure

5. Silicone - The Fake Shine Trap

Silicones are commonly added to hair products to give the illusion of glossy, frizz-free hair, creating a smooth, shiny finish. While this can initially leave your hair feeling silky soft, silicones are notorious for causing build-up, dullness and long-term damage to your hair.

Why to avoid them:

• Chemical build up- Silicones form a waterproof barrier over the hair shaft, smoothing the cuticle and trapping moisture. However they don't wash out easily and can build up on your hair, making it heavier and harder to maintain

How to spot them: Avoid any ingredients ending in "-cone", "-conol", or "-siloxane" (e.g. dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane), as these are silicone-based products

6. DEA, TEA, MEA - The pH disruptors

Diethanolamine (DEA), triethalonamine (TEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA) are chemicals that make your shampoo foam, and your conditioner ultra-smooth and creamy! They are used to improve lather, enhance texture and balance the pH of shampoos and conditioners! But they can be found it most hair styling product like mousses, gels and hairsprays.

Why to avoid them

• Carcinogenic risk - DEA, TEA and MEA can sometimes interact with other ingredients in products forming nitrosamines - a class of chemicals that are cancer causing - known to cause liver cancer in rats

How to spot them: So if you see 'cocamide DEA, lauramide DEA, or TEA-lauryl sulfate' that's a red flag, steer clear from these when you see them on labels!

7. Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) - Toxic Thickening Agents

PEGS give that rich and creamy texture in your conditioner and styling cream, giving hair products that luxurious feel. However, PEGs are derived from petroleum, and during the manufacturing process, they can leave bound harmful toxic contaminants including;

• Ethylene oxide - a known carcinogen and irritant linked to respiratory issues, brain and nervous system damage

• 1,4-dioxane- classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA - as this is a contaminant this is never added as an ingredient

Why to avoid them:

• Disrupt the scalp's natural barrier - PEGs function as penetration enhancers, which makes the scalp more permeable to other potentially harmful chemicals!

How to spot them: They are listed on labels as 'PEG-40, PEG-100 or PEG-based emulsifiers' - the higher the number, the more processed the compound!

8. Triclosan - The Antibacterial Agent

Triclosan is specifically added to hair products to kill bacteria and prevent contamination. However, despite its intended purpose, it risks to human health has led to its ban in hand soaps by the FDA! However, it can still be found in some anti-dandruff shampoos and medicated scalp treatments.

Why to avoid them:

• Antibiotic resistance & superbugs - Studies have even linked triclosan use to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also known as 'super bugs'!

How to spot them: Check labels for triclosan (TCS) or triclocarban as these are its most common forms

9. Lead & Heavy Metals - The Hidden Toxins in Hair Dyes

Hair dyes can be fun to experiment with, but did you know some dyes may contain harmful heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic? Despite lead acetate being banned in gradual hair darkening products in 2018, these metals can still be found in international hair dye formulas! Although they are often present in trace amounts, they can still be absorbed through the scalp and accumulate in the body, posing serious long-term health risks.

Why to avoid them

• Neurological impact: A review published in Environmental Sciences Europe states "Toxic elements such as lead, mercury etc can exert toxic effects on humans at relatively low levels... and can have a profound impact on neurocognitive function, particularly in adults"

Pro tip: Look for brands that conduct heavy metal testing on their dyes!

How to Read Hair Product Labels Like a Pro: Avoiding Toxic Chemicals

Choosing hair care products can be overwhelming, don't let brands overload you with marketing terms - greenwashing is real - don't be fooled! That's why understanding clean beauty certifications is key to making safer and healthier choices.

• Look for trusted certifications - Green Label, USDA Organic, EWG verified, COSMOS Organic - These certifications ensure products meet strict safety standards and use high percentages of natural or organic ingredients

• Avoid misleading terms like "natural" or "organic" - These terms aren't regulated, so products with these labels can still contain harmful synthetic chemicals

• Check the first five ingredients - these make up the bulk of the product - if you see mineral oil or synthetic fragrance, keep searching - trust me!

• Use apps to make it easier - Think Dirty, Detox Me and Yuka are my top skincare ingredient checker apps, allowing you to scan barcodes and get the safety rating of the product before you buy!

Healthier and Clean Alternatives: What to Use Instead

• Go sulfate-free & paraben free - Look for products that use coconut-derived surfactants or amino-acid base cleansers that cleanse without stripping moisture. Choose natural preservatives like Vitamin E and rosemary extract

• Co-washing - If you have dry or curly hair, try cleansing with a conditioner (without mineral oils and silicones). It's gentler on your hair!

• Silicone-free alternatives - Swap silicones for natural oils like argan, jojoba, or coconut oil for natural shine and hydration. Aloe vera is great too - it smooths hair without coating it

• Fragrance and phathlate-free alternatives - ditch synthetic fragrance and go for products that use essential oils instead for natural scents

• DIY alternatives - you can naturally nourish your hair using:

  • Coconut oil which is deeply moisturising and adds shine

  • Apple cider vinegar rinse can help balance scalp pH and add shine (just dilute with water)

• Switch to clean beauty brands that offer toxin-free hair care, some of my favourites include Ethique* (eco-friendly and natural shampoo bars), Acure* (free from parabens, sulfates and pthalates) and Rahua* (plant-based styling products). You should also consider making the switch to non-toxic dry shampoos brands as these swaps can be easy too.

Practical Tips: Making the Switch to Healthier Hair Products Easier

• Start small: Swap one product at a time - replace one product at a time, I recommend starting with your most-used ones, like shampoo and conditioners

• Expect a 'Detox' period: Let your hair adjust (for 2-4 weeks), your hair may initially feel greasy at first until it adjusts. Without synthetic coatings, it may feel different in general, but over time it will feel softer and healthier

• Support your hair through the transition:

  • Avoid overwashing - washing too much strips your scalp of natural oils. The less you wash, the quicker the transition

  • Brush regularly to encourage distribution of natural scalp oils to the tips of your hair to keep it healthier and shiny

  • Use a clarifying rinse (like apple cider vinegar) to remove product build when needed

Key Takeaways:

• Hair care products can contain harsh chemicals that dry, irritate, and even harm the scalp.

• Long-term exposure to things like parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde-releasing agents has been linked to hormone disruption, cancer risks, and chronic health issues.

• Toxic ingredients also flow down our drains, damaging ecosystems.

• Look out for red flags like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, silicones, DEA/TEA/MEA, PEGs, triclosan, and heavy metals.

• Read labels like a pro, trust reputable certifications, and explore cleaner brands.

• Switch gradually, embrace co-washing if suitable, consider DIY options, and keep an open mind during the “detox” phase.

FAQ Ingredients to Avoid in Hair Products

How do you know if hair products are safe?

Look for certifications like EWG Verified or USDA Organic. Avoid sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Use apps like Think Dirty to scan ingredients

Which ingredients should I avoid in conditioner?

Avoid silicones (dimethicone), parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances to prevent buildup, irritation, and hormone disruption

What ingredients should you avoid in hair serum?

Skip silicones, synthetic fragrances, and drying alcohols (isopropyl alcohol) to avoid buildup and irritation

What ingredients should be avoided in shampoo?

SLS, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and formaldehyde-releasers top the list of toxins