Four Ingredients That Keep Your Hair Happy, Healthy, and Chemical Free

Hair is hard, we know that.

When looking through hair care products, it’s difficult to know what will benefit your hair and what will ultimately harm it. A lot of people – myself included – often choose products that won’t break the bank and have appealing logos and colors. Unfortunately, the ingredients in these products can be potentially harmful for your hair, and potentially your health. Here is a closer look behind the scenes of ingredients to avoid and which ones will benefit your hair and its health.

FOUR INGREDIENTS THAT HARM YOUR HAIR

SULFATES

Sulfates are a strong detergent which produce foam and lather, which lead us to believe that our hair is being fully cleansed because of the foam that it is producing. Unfortunately, that foam is actually damaging follicles and stripping away natural oils as the suds pile up. Not only do sulfates also dry out hair and fade color, they are potentially carcinogenic which can lead to toxic effects on the skin, eyes, mouth, and lungs.

FORMALDEHYDE

Formaldehyde, similar to sulfates, are also a proven carcinogen. Some research even suggests that formaldehyde exposure has been linked to certain cancers. Formaldehyde is often used in a lot of household products, such as glues, disinfectant, and germicide. When looking at hair product ingredients be sure to look out for formaldehyde’s aliases, which include diazolindinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, and quaternium-15.

PARABENS

Parabens are used not only in hair care products, but other personal hygiene products as well, such as deodorant and toothpaste. They prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi which is helpful in extending the shelf life of these products. Parabens however are a known endocrine disruptor, meaning they can cause cancer by acting like estrogen. Fortunately, though, this has only been linked if there are high amounts of parabens, while the parabens found in these products are not concerning levels. Don’t get me wrong I don’t like fungi growing on my hygiene products any more than the next guy, but it doesn’t hurt to look for products that do not use it all together!

PHTHALATES

And another toxic hair care ingredient to add to the list is phthalates. They can be found in shampoos, hair sprays and nail polishes. Similar to parabens, phthalates are another known endocrine disruptor. More research is needed to be conducted in order to see the negative effects of phthalates on humans, but studies on animals have shown adverse effects on their livers, lungs, and reproductive systems. Unfortunately, phthalates can be sneakier than the other aforementioned ingredients. It is often called the general ingredient of “fragrance,” so to play it safe, it is best to look for products that are phthalate- and fragrance-free.

FOUR INGREDIENTS FOR HEALTHY HAIR

NATURAL OILS

Natural oils have always been packed with endless health benefits, whether that be with the healing and wellness virtues of essential oils or oils packed with healthy fats for nutrition. At Teadora we use an exotic blend of three ingredients that add shine and softness to any hair type. Buriti improves elasticity and supports UV protection, it even is richer in Vitamin A than most fruits and veggies! Cupuacu is more moisturizing than shea butter and lanolin and also helps maintain elasticity. Acai protects hair from stress and pollution is even known as the “beauty berry.” These three ingredients blended together are great natural ingredients for your hair.

PROTEIN

Did you know that protein is your hair’s primary structure? Our hair is often put through the external damages of chlorine, dye, and UV exposure. Choosing hair care products that contain protein, especially soy, oat, and wheat protein, can help remedy those damaging effects on your hair.

HEALTHY FATS

Fatty acids are excellent for hair growth, elasticity, and strength. Products that contain healthy omega sources are critical for healthy hair. Buriti is rich in essential fatty acids, which help support collagen and elastin production. Acai is also bursting with essential fatty acids, such as Omega 3, 6, and 9.

BIOTIN

Biotin is a water-soluble B-vitamin that is essential for our hair and nail health. Biotin deficiency can lead to brittle nails, hair loss, and even depression. Biotin rich shampoo and conditioners can thicken your hair and stimulate growth. Teadora’s shampoo and conditioner contains acai, which is packed with B1, B2 and B3 vitamins, making it rich with biotin.

Teadora’s Terravital Wild Superfood Miracle Shampoo & Conditioner Set  contains a combination of natural oils, protein, healthy fats, and biotin making it the perfect product for your hair to stay happy, healthy, and chemical free. Our products don’t contain any of the aforementioned ingredients to stay away from. Here at Teadora, we share our Brazilian ancestral secrets in a natural skin and hair care collection crafted from wildly potent blends of rainforest super fruits that revitalize and replenish your hair, your skin, and the earth. We create products to help support your quest for healthy, natural, and sustainable beauty options.

Love yourself, find your joy, share your passion.

Cheers, Val