chemicals that hurt your hair

 I am going to try and make this for all hair types and not stay swayed by the fact that my hair is curly.

Disclaimer: Most of this information apart from my opinion on how it makes your hair feel. 

Silicone

Silicone is like the worst thing in this world.

It makes you think the product is good for you while slowly killing your hair. It’s horrible.

But what it really does is make your hair look shiny. This shine is a plastic layer on your hair stopping any moisture from getting in. 

Make sure you READ the products you by and that it says ‘no silicone’ or ‘silicone-free. If you are using products with silicone in the product I would do a deep condition.

Alcohol

Alcohol is VERY drying. 

This is bad and unless your hair naturally produces A LOT of natural oils I don’t think it is worth it. Actually, I don’t think it is worth it at all. 

However, some products have good reviews with alcohol in them but personally don’t trust it. But if it works for you then carry on I guess. 

Although, if you are someone with thick hair and curly hair I am going to need you to back away from that product. Throw it away and get yourself some moisture.

Cheap shampoo

Now if you a curly hair person, I don’t think a cheap shampoo is really your problem because we don’t go through shampoo that quickly. 

However, not all of us are rich. So cheap shampoo may be our only option. 

Cheap shampoos do contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfates. This will damage your hair follicles, weaken your hair and slow hair growth. 

If you are on a hair growth journey then you may need to invest in something more effective.

In fact, I would just avoid it at all costs. If you do enough research you can find a less expensive shampoo that does the right thing - cleaning your hair.

Protein conditioners

I know what you are thinking, protein, that’s good for right?

It is, but too much of anything is bad and it can cause your hair to lose its elasticity. 

It is more of a watch how much you use if you do use it. This is not as bad as silicone or alcohol but I think it is good to be aware of this.

Coal tar and Zinc Pyrithione shampoos

These should not be used every day and can cause damage to your skin.

As for zinc pyrithione, it is used in anti-dandruff shampoos. However, it may cause hair loss. These products are quite glorified so I would just be careful when using them.

Because they are used as anti-dandruff they can be harsh on your scalp. So when you are looking after your scalp I would definitely do some research on it because you may have to use harsh shampoo but need to use a thicker hair cream than you usually do that your hair doesn’t dry out.

Heat protectors

Before doing my research I didn’t know that this could hurt you but I guess. 

Apparently, people are expecting the product to want the product to do more than it says.

I was going to say this in another blog but if the product says ‘curl enhancer’ or ‘curling…’.  It will not moisture your hair but curl it, as it says. Or if the product says ‘leave-in conditioner’ or ‘moisture cream’, then expect it to moisturise your hair and nothing else.

These products are not magic. However, some products combined their uses but the only way to know is to READ the product.

Anyways, some people claim that it can burn your hair while using heat to style your hair, which is the opposite of what it is supposed to do. So, in that case, I would do some research and invest in a good one. It doesn’t even have to be expensive, but it has to be effective which means it may be more expensive than you would usually spend on your hair. 

PARABENS

Parabens just hurt you. Like at least silicone pretends by giving us shiny hair or holding it in place, parabens don’t they just come in and hurt you. If you pick up a product and obviously reading it before purchasing it and it says parabens. 

PUT IT DOWN.

Step away.

 NOW. 

You may think I am overreacting but it will hurt you and your hair but mainly your hair.

Here is a list of things it does:

• Dries your hair 

• Irritates your scalp

• Can cause hair loss

If you look it up there is so much against it. Like it is soooooo bad.

Just don’t, some of the others you could get away with but not this one... You don’t need that in your life.

Phosphates

These are not as damaging as the others but it is used in shampoos and they STRIP your hair. So just be careful on how much you use if that’s your situation otherwise avoid shampoos with this chemical in them.

Paraffins 

It is a type of wax that releases harmful chemicals. It can cause a lot of damage. It can cause drying of hair and irritations. It is recommended that if you use it not to use it a lot. Again with this chemical, I would do more research.

Let me know… 

What other chemicals should we avoid?

What extra information about the chemicals that I spoke about because I know that I missed information out.

 

What glorified products include these chemicals?

What symptoms can you expect from your hair when using products or chemicals that hurt your hair?