by R.L Hanlon

Created on: January 28, 2008

As you wash your hair you marvel at how it foams, soap that reaches from the roots to the tips. You inhale the beautiful scent; this one is apple and cherry blossom. Hmmm the smell is glorious as you tip your head to blow-dry it and upon shaking your tresses and throughout the day, the scent still lingers. Your hair is looking shiny, healthy and beautiful, making this the best shampoo you've ever come across.

Head to your shower now and glance at the list of products and ingredients that is contained within. Do you have any idea what any of that is? What are all those sulfate things, or what is Methyl Paraben?

The truth is, many of these ingredients can be highly toxic chemicals, synthetic detergents and some can contain animal by products. What could some of these products be doing to your hair and your body? Let's have a closer look at some common ingredients found in commercial shampoos and conditioners.

~Ammonium laureth sulphate

This is a detergent often found in shampoos and conditioners. It contains the substance ether and is absorbed by the skin very easily and it's known to be highly toxic and cancer causing.

~ Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

This is one of the main ingredients you may locate listed on many shampoo and conditioner bottles. This chemical is found in engine degreasers and garage floor cleaners. It enters the body through the skin and can have highly damage effects. These range from hair growth to causing blindness. This is a highly toxic ingredient that is very common.

~Parabens

Parabens are a synthetic chemical used to extend the shelf life of products. They cause skin irritations including dermatitis and allergic reactions.

~ Lauramide DEA

This is a product used to create more foaming in soaps. It is found to cause cancer. It also dries the skin and the hair.

~ Propylene Glycol

Believe it or not, the product used in shampoos to moisturize hair is also used in anti-freeze.

~Synthetic Fragrances

A reaction to synthetic fragrances can result in headaches and dizziness, skin irritations to respiratory problems.

~ Polyquaternium

This is a conditioning agent that can cause major skin irritations and possibly even anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock can be potentially fatal.

~ Alkylphenol ethoxylates

~Coal Tar

Coal tar is often found in anti-dandruff shampoos or shampoos for people suffering skin conditions such as dermatitis or eczema. Although treating one thing, coal tar may also be causing many other problems. It can cause headaches, loss of concentration, asthma attacks, fatigue and cancer.

This is a chemical also located within shampoo and conditioner that is found to be highly toxic. It can cause low sperm count, birth defects and may be cancer-causing agent.

Have you had enough? This is only a minor number of chemicals located in shampoos and conditioners. So they may cause your hair to smell lovely, feel smooth and voluminous to the touch, but they can also be extremely dangerous to our health. Did you have a look at the current shampoo you're using? Recognize any of these chemicals?

If you find you are having reactions to your shampoo and conditioner for example itchy scalp, hair loss and sores that may appear on the scalp, you could be having a reaction to any one of these chemicals.

The solution is to make your own shampoo or conditioner will natural products, or visit your local health food store and purchase ones that contain natural products. Natural scent can be added to the shampoo base creating even more health benefits for the user. As long as you are aware of the dangeroud chemicals contained in some shampoo and conditioner, you will be able to monitor any adverse reactions.

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