From shampoos to hair dyes, hair products can contain many toxic ingredients capable of affecting the body.
In this post I will detail what are the harmful ingredients for health that can be contained in different hair products, and they are toxic in the long term.
Aminomethyl propanol
It is a compound that is used to adjust the pH in many hair products, it is safe in concentrations of 2% or less, but there are hair cosmetics that have higher levels.
The highest risk of toxicity is related to hair dyes and straightening products. When concentration levels are above 12%, aminomethyl propanol becomes a potential carcinogen.
Ammonium persulfate
This is one of the most toxic ingredients in hair products. It is often found in lighteners and other color treated hair products.
It is a known irritant, which can affect the scalp, eyes, and nose. Long-term exposure can cause dermatitis and asthma.
Diethanolamine (DEA), monoethanolamine (MEA) and triethanolamine (TEA)
This trio of chemicals can disrupt hormonal activity. It is frequently found in shampoos, and its toxic action can lead to cancer formation, with a particularly high risk of kidney and liver cancer.
DEA can be found on the ingredient list as Lauramide DEA, Cocamide DEA, and Oleamide DEA, all three can affect keratin, leaving hair dry and brittle.
Derivatives of formaldehyde
The most common are imidazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin. While they don't actually include formaldehyde, they can have similar effects.
They are two of the most toxic ingredients in hair products because they are potentially carcinogenic, can trigger asthma, and also cause allergies and mood swings.