Simplify Your Shopping: Avoid These Haircare Ingredients
If there has been one area of non-toxic living that has been the most challenging to find safe and effective alternatives for, it has been haircare.
Being someone who has a naturally oily scalp, many natural products just didn’t work for me. However, with my knowledge of the chemicals in hair products, I was bound and determined to find products that were human safe and truly effective.
Here are a few pointers when it comes to finding safe products. Be on the lookout for the following ingredients and work hard to avoid especially if you are pregnant, have imbalanced hormones, have a family history of cancer, or have a chronic illness:
STAY AWAY FROM:
Phthalates: Endocrine disrupting “plasticizing” chemical linked with reproductive issues, lower sperm counts and birth defects. Research studies have also linked them with asthma and allergies.
Parabens: Stay away from ingredients ending in ‘paraben’ as they put your endocrine system at immediate risk similar to phthalates.
Benzene: An immune-signaling disruptor most commonly linked with leukemia and immune system toxicity. Despite all the risks, benzene is one of the most common chemicals in the US. Be on the lookout for this pesky ingredient in every product you buy.
Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen found in several hair salon treatments tied to respiratory complications, nervous system damage, headaches, nausea, chest pain, rashes, and the list goes on. It is so bad that even the mainstream cosmetics industry has deemed formaldehyde as harmful.
Sulfates: Foaming agents in hair products that are very drying and subsequently cause skin irritations.
I know how long it can take to research and try safe products, so if you’re looking for a quick place to start, try the following brands. I also offer 1:1 coaching to help you get to the root of your health issues. Through our sessions, we will work together to create an individualized plan designed to restore balance within so that you can thrive!
HWH APPROVED HAIRCARE BRANDS:
John Masters Organics:
Founded by a top-stylist in NYC with a passion for holistic health, John Masters began working with organic ingredients and opened the world’s first “clean air” salon in which no chemicals were used. He is a trailblazer and his products are made with the highest quality ingredients and work so well.
Innersense Organic Beauty:
Easily one of the coolest non-toxic brands out there. Founded by a couple whose years of experience in “big beauty” led them to an awakening of the damaging ingredients being used in most haircare products. Their dedication to radical transparency with a focus on sourcing sustainable and healthy ingredients is unmatched. The other cool part is they embrace the mind-body connection and sprinkle affirmations throughout their marketing.
Acure:
I consider Acure an everyday kind of brand. They are easily accessible via many health markets and have pretty low price points. A true eco-friendly and better-for-you brand. Acure has a huge assortment of products and everything I’ve tried has been great. I actually think their shampoo was one of the first non-toxic shampoos I tried back in the day!
Act + Acre:
Founded by celebrity hairstylist with a passion for clean hair care. Act + Acre is the world’s first Cold Processed hair wellness brand that focuses on your scalp. All of the products are fully plant based, smell amazing, and have the most luxurious feel.