Quick Quiz:
- True or False: Parabens will destroy your hair.
- True or False: Sulphates are glorified pesticides.
- True or False: No one actually knows what a Paraben or Sulphate is.
Answer: TRUE to all of the above, and we’re about to dive right in as to why you should be avoiding these in your hair care!
So, what are they?
Parabens and sulphates are found in anything from shampoos and conditioners, to deodorants and lip balms, and they seem to be the swear words of the natural hair care industry. We’ve all learnt by now to flinch when we see them marked on a product - but why? And are they really all that bad?
First thing’s first - let’s make like Scooby Doo and unmask these criminals to see what is hiding behind their florally fragrant disguises. In short, parabens and sulphates are chemicals that are found in a lot of mainstream shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products - but stay tuned for more info.
Where did they come from?
Buckle up, it’s story time.
A long time ago (in the 1950s), in a land not so far away (actually... everywhere), shampoo and conditioner used to go mouldy quite easily. Yep - bacteria would make its way into the products and one minute your rose scented shampoo would be smelling like beautiful flowers, the next it would be smelling like… well, you don’t want to know. So, a group of people found these chemicals that would prevent the growth of bacteria and mould, and they called them Parabens.
As for sulphates, while we don’t have an exciting story for them, they help with the foaming of soaps, shampoos and conditioners, this is why most natural products don’t foam up as much as mainstream products. They also work with water to help remove grease from your skin and hair.
So, parabens and sulphates aren’t just thrown into your products for fun, they do serve a purpose - but that doesn’t mean your body and the environment is welcoming them with open arms. Let’s have a look at what parabens and sulphates can actually do.
Parabens
Let’s get a tad scientific. Parabens land on your skin through your soap and make their way through your pores into your body. They’re not water soluble, so they can slide into your skin just like that cutie sliding into your DMs (and those parabens should come with a spam warning for the instant block).
Once inside your body, they play a prank on your body, and pretend to be a hormone called estrogen. Now, hormones control your weight, mood and body temperature, among other things, so this will really throw off your hormonal balance. After a while these parabens can build up in your system and wreak absolute havoc with your body. This can often lead to degenerative health, recurring health issues, and they can even have an impact on your mental wellbeing.
But, if that hasn’t got you reaching for paraben-free products, then this just might. Parabens are harmful to our wildlife, so when you wash your soap down the drain you’re causing a world of damage to not only yourself but contributing to destroying our environment (how’s that for a guilt trip?).
Sulphates
Let’s start with this; sulphates are a pesticide and herbicide.
Meaning? That it is meant to kill! Now, there obviously isn’t enough concentration in any products to seriously harm a human after one use, but long-term usage can cause a few issues. Like pesticides, sulphates do damage - they’re toxic, corrosive and are an irritant. Put that in your face wash, soap, shampoo and conditioner, and all of a sudden you’re doing more damage than good!
The good news: Sulphates are considered ‘safe’ for use in concentrations below 1 percent.
The bad news: Typical shampoos contain a concentration of 15 percent.
How do I avoid parabens and sulphates?
If this was your next thought, then look no further. We recommend choosing products that are paraben and sulphate free and you’re in luck! All bhave hair care products are just that! Not only are they paraben and sulphate free, they also contain a selection of certified organic ingredients so your hair, skin, health, and the environment will be thanking you.
It’s our pleasure! Enjoy tribe ;)
bhave xx
