There are many chemicals in the hair products used today around the world. Most chemicals are used for wetting, emulsifying or preserving ingredients in products. The most common chemicals used in hair care products are parabens, propylene glycol and synthetic colors and dyes. Consumers should read all product ingredient labels to better determine which product is safe or harmful to health.
Parabens
Methyl, ethyl, propyl and butylparaben are common ingredients in hair care products. Parabens are added to hair products because they act as preservatives and inhibit microbial growth. Parabens are known to mimic estrogen in the body, which can be disruptive to normal hormone functioning. According to an article from TheBreastCancerFund.org, parabens increase the expression of the genes that are usually regulated by estradiol, and can cause human breast tumor cells to grow and proliferate.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is used in hair care products because of its water-binding humectant capabilities. Propylene glycol was initially developed for use in industry as an anti-freeze, airplane de-icer and brake fluid, among other industrial applications. According to the MSDS, or material safety data sheet, on propylene glycol, it can be mutagenic and cause adverse reproductive and birth defects based on animal testing data. Mutagenic refers to the chemical's ability to affect genetic material. Any change in genetic structure is harmful to health.
Synthetic Colors & Dyes
Synthetic colorings and dyes are derived from petroleum. Synthetic dyes are often used in permanent hair dyes, as well as in gels, hairsprays and waxes. Synthetic dyes are considered an unclassifiable carcinogen by the World Health Organization and United States Environmental Protection Agency. A study done by the University of Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center stated that women who regularly dye their hair are up to three times more likely to develop bladder cancer.
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