Dangerous Chemicals In Shampoos
I am asked all the time by my clients what are the worst shampoo brands that cause hair loss.
My answer as a professional hairdresser is that many drugstore shampoos have ingredients that may cause reactions and damage to the hair.
Many harmful shampoos contain sulfates and silicones.
What do sulfates and silicones in shampoos actually do?
- Sulfates dry out the hair.
- Silicones create a build-up on the hair.
Long-term use of these ingredients can lead to issues such as dry hair, problems with hair coloring, and, in some cases, slow down hair growth. In extreme cases, they can even cause hair loss over time.
I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 drugstore brands to avoid and explain why below.
Skip ahead to find out what I recommend as a professional hairdresser.
1. Tresemme
Tresemmé Products are on our list because their shampoos contain sulfates and silicon, as well as other harmful ingredients that can cause damage to the hair and scalp.
I find Tresemmé creates a buildup on the hair which makes it difficult for your hair to be coloured over time.
Tresemmé also contains a preservative called DMDM Hydantoin, which creates toxic formaldehyde when it comes into contact with water.
2. Head and shoulders
Head and shoulders shampoo has been known to excessively cause oiliness following use. In some cases, selenium sulphide has been known to produce yellow discolouration to the hair shaft after use.
It fades your colour which isn’t what you want after paying a lot of money for your new do.
There have been many studies into the brand after many reports of hair loss after using this. Simply do a Google search of harmful shampoo brands and Head and Shoulders will come up.
3. Elvive
L’Oreal Elvive shampoo has a long list of chemical ingredients that causes stress and reactions to the hair.
It also contains Glycol which is used in antifreeze.
4. Pantene
Pantene has absolutely no natural ingredients as it claims. If you look at the ingredients it is filled with chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and silicones these can cause reactions and stress on your hair.
5. Aussie
The ingredients in Aussie shampoo and harmful and toxic. It has parabens that are linked to breast cancer.
It also contains sodium lauryl sulfate that potentially increases your carcinogenic exposure.
6. OGX
OGX currently has a lawsuit against them as they contain multiple ingredients that cause significant hair loss.
7. Garnier
Although this is deemed safe by a few organisations, it is a known irritant to the skin and eyes. It also causes dry and brittle hair after prolonged use.
8. Herbal Essences
Loaded with sulfates, this brand will make your hair dry and brittle, and fade your colour. You want to avoid any shampoo that contains sulfates completely.
9. Dove
Although it claims to provide nourishment to your hair, it really does the opposite.
It contains harmful chemicals such as silicons, sulfates, and parabens. You will be left with lots of build-up on your hair resulting in dry and frizzy hair.
10. Bedhead
Although it may cost a little more than other brands, don’t let that fool you as It is loaded with sulfates.
It promises thick and healthy hair when in reality it causes dry and tangled hair. Any product that smells that strongly is a red flag, it means it is loaded with chemicals.
What Would I Recommend Instead?
- It’s Gentle
- Created for all curl patterns and textures
- Has none of those awful parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, gluten, or dyes
- They are committed to responsible sourcing
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Read my blog on the drug store shampoos to buy
PS, Head on over to my Instagram account @heyimbeks where you’ll find product reviews, general chitchat, and a welcoming community