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When it comes to hair systems, it’s natural to be wary of the ingredients present in many hair care products. In this blog, we will look at three of the most important ingredients to be wary of and that’s sulfates, parabens and phthalates.
Sulfates
With hair replacement systems, it’s always recommended to use wig shampoo and conditioners that are specifically formulated for them. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use regular shampoos and conditioners either. However, it’s best to use some that are sulfate-free — especially if you have dry or frizzy hair.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and iSodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) are common sulfates generally used in shampoos as cleaning agents. However, they are also used in dish soaps and industrial cleaners. Because of this, they are effective in breaking down and cleaning grease, dirt, residue and oils in your hair.
The downside is that they can also strip your hair system of its moisture and dry it significantly. Additionally, if you have sensitive skin or a sensitive scalp, you are prone to more irritation with hair care products that use sulfates.
Of course, sulfates are still effective at cleaning hair and creating a nice lather as well. However, since you’re wearing a hair system, you don’t have the natural oils that your scalp produces to replenish this hair. That is why it’s always recommended to avoid any shampoos that contain sulfates.
Things to look out for when buying hair care products
This isn’t to say you’re in trouble if you buy any product that has sulfates in them. That’s not the case at all. However, if you are on the lookout, it’s worth checking the product labels and avoiding sulfates like Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Any other sulfates mentioned towards the bottom should be fine, but ideally, it’s best to not have any in your products.
As for our recommendations for shampoos and wigs, we suggest using brands like Back2Natural, ProGen and RemySoft that not only are sulfate free, but parabens free. What are parabens? Keep on reading below.
Parabens
Along with sulfates, you’ve probably seen that it’s best to go for hair care products that are parabens free. But what are parabens in the first place? They are essentially used as preservatives because of their strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. This means they are typically used to extend the shelf life of a particular product. Methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben are some of the most common parabens you will find.
But while they provide benefits, they are not without their disadvantages. Depending on the person, parabens can cause irritation especially for those who have sensitive skin or scalps. In some cases, parabens can even go as far as causing dermatitis, rosacea and a number of allergic reactions. Additionally, parabens has been said to cause hormone disruption in both men and women. To be extra safe, it is best to discuss with your doctor before using any products that contain parabens.
Phthalates
The last ingredient to be wary of is phthalates. Phthalates serve many purposes, but are mostly used as a gelling agent with shampoos. This helps make the scents in your shampoos last longer. However, like parabens, they have been said to cause hormone disruption — especially if you are overusing the haircare product. As far as product labels go, phthalates are usually listed as “phthalate esters” but can also be listed simply as fragrance.
Conclusion
In the end, just about every product we use has chemical ingredients of some kind and a small amount of exposure shouldn’t affect us too much as far as side effects are concerned. While this blog should only serve as a general guide of information, it is best to seek medical advice if you are concerned with any of the ingredients in your hair system products.
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