Why Are Parabens Bad for Your Hair?
Parabens. You may have heard of them. Did you know this preservative is in many hair products? Probably not. This is why you need to know: research suggests that parabens may be harmful to your hair and scalp.
These preservatives may cause hormone imbalance and allergic reactions, contribute to dryness and inflammation, and potentially damage hair. In short, it is a good idea to avoid using parabens.
A closer look at this preservative will help you better understand what you do and don’t want to have in your hair care products. These personal care products may only seem to come in contact with your hair; however, they are also in contact with your scalp and skin. Ultimately, your entire health system can be compromised if parabens are found to cause illnesses.
Are Parabens Bad for Your Hair?
Parabens are a source of great controversy. While they effectively prevent microbial growth and extend the product shelf life of beauty products, concerns have been raised about their potential to cause skin irritation, hair damage, and certain health risks. If you are concerned about parabens, opting for a paraben-free hair care routine may provide peace of mind.
What Are Parabens?
Parabens are a class of preservatives used in cosmetics, toiletries, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and food. Some common parabens include methylparaben, propylparaben, isobutyl paraben, and butylparaben. Manufacturers add parabens to increase the shelf life of products by preventing the growth of mold, bacteria, and other microbes.
Why Are Parabens Used In Hair Care?
Parabens, man-made chemicals often used as a preservative in hair care products, allow manufacturers to ship them long distances without worrying about contaminants growing. They can produce the products in larger batches and ship them longer distances without fear of spoiling them. Parabens also help maintain the texture and scent of the products. Adding parabens is cost-effective for the manufacturer as it prevents losses during shipping.
What Do Parabens Do To Your Hair?
Possible Disruption of Hormone Balance
Parabens mimic estrogen in the body, which can cause a concerning hormone imbalance. Hormones are responsible for growth cycles in hair and skin follicles. When these hormones are not functioning properly, hair will not be healthy.
Furthermore, an imbalance in hormones that involve estrogen could affect your reproductive system, increase the risk of cancer, and possibly cause congenital disabilities. People who have used paraben-containing products may not realize their cancer could be related to the chemical makeup of those products.
Allergic Reactions and Skin Sensitivities
Some individuals, particularly those with skin sensitivities, experience allergic reactions to paraben-containing products. The scalp is an especially sensitive area when in contact with parabens and may show signs of contact dermatitis, skin irritations, and other allergic reactions. Hair follicles may become inflamed from contact with parabens.
These reactions can cause problems not only with the appearance of your hair but also with your hair’s overall health. Slow growth, hair loss, breakage, and curly hair can all be related to allergic reactions to parabens. Choosing products that do not contain parabens lowers the risk of scalp irritation.
Dryness, Itching, and Inflammation
Parabens can disrupt the natural moisture barrier and pH balance in hair and skin, leaving it inflamed, dry, and itchy. This disruption can cause further irritation to the hair follicles and oil glands.
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling with a dry, itchy scalp due to a disrupted moisture barrier, give our Honey-Infused Scalp Treatment a try! It’s designed to nourish, balance, and instantly sooth your scalp to relieve discomfort with 5 natural scalp-targeting actives derived from our own Mirsalehi Bee Garden!
Potential Damage to Hair Structure and Texture
Frequent use of hair products containing parabens may alter the lipid composition of the hair fibers. This can be seen in damage to the hair cuticle, which creates brittle hair that breaks or becomes frizzy over time.
Hindered Growth Cycle and Potential Hair Loss
Parabens in hair products that are used for a long time may cause thinning hair or hair loss. This is due to the cumulative effect of sensitivity and inflammation of the scalp for long periods. The follicles become damaged, and hair growth is stunted.
Other Reasons to Avoid Parabens in Your Hair Care
Possible Carcinogenic Effects
Although more research is necessary to have an absolute answer, some studies have shown that long-term exposure to parabens may increase the risk of cancer. The main concern for cancer is its ability to mimic estrogen, which has been linked to breast cancer. Until more research is completed and the safety of parabens is concrete, using products that do not contain parabens is a good idea.
Cumulative Exposure and Long-Term Effects
Parabens, like many other preservatives and additives, have not been studied for their long-term effects. It is known that they accumulate in the body. Limited exposure is best because we don’t know the effects of this accumulation on health. There are many other hair products available that do not have parabens.
Tips to Avoid Parabens in Your Hair Care
Opt for Natural Products
Gisou offers an entire line of paraben-free hair care products for all of your hair care needs. Our products are focused on plant-based, natural ingredients derived from our own bee garden. Promote overall scalp and hair health with our key ingredient - Mirsalehi Honey. We’re obsessed with this natural humectant, and we know you will be too!
Read Labels Carefully
Thoroughly read ingredient lists and avoid products containing parabens no matter how far down they appear. Names to watch for include any word ending in “-paraben” (methyl, butyl, etc.) These are other types of preservatives and additives that have a paraben aspect.
Wrapping Up
Parabens may preserve products and slow contamination, but they can damage hair over time. Due to hormone disruption, inflammation, accumulated exposure, and even cancer risks, avoiding parabens in your hair care is strongly advised. Seek out clean, paraben-free formulations for your hair health.
Gisou's Honey and Propolis Infused Hair Care collection is paraben-free and focused on natural ingredients that are better for your hair, scalp, and overall health. Browse our selection of shampoos, conditioners, leave-in hair protectants, and other honey-infused hair care products that are free of paraben and paraben derivatives. Don’t leave your hair and possibly your overall health in the hands of manufacturers who use unnecessary preservatives.
