ARE PARABENS DESTROYING YOUR HAIR?

Are parabens destroying your hair? First, just what the heck are parabens? Well if you don’t know or
never heard of them, you are not alone. According to realsimple.com “Parabens are preservatives mostly
found in cosmetics and hair care products.” There are many different types of parabens, such as
methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, and isobutylparaben to name a few. Parabens have been
used on cosmetic products since the 1950’s to prevent bacteria growth in the products. Arthur Rich,
Ph.D., a cosmetic chemist in Chestnut Ridge, New York says “About 85 percent of cosmetics contain
them.”

Over the years society has become more and more health conscious. We are becoming more careful
about what we are putting into our bodies. It should be no different from what we are actually putting
on our bodies. The problem with having parabens in our products is that when applied onto the body
they can be easily absorbed through the skin. Studies have shown that parabens have weak estrogen-
like properties. Which has been proven to cause damage to not only your hair but your scalp as well.

ARE PARABENS DESTROYING YOUR HAIR?

Why You Should Avoid Parabens:
As mentioned before, the number 1 reason you should avoid parabens is because they are easily
absorbed through your pores. Which in terms can be very harmful to your skin, your hair and your scalp.
Studies have recently revealed that when a person uses products that contains parabens, these
chemicals are often found in their blood stream and urine.
Parabens are linked to a number of problems associated with hair problems. Including some of the
following:
 Drying
 Hair loss
 Brittleness
 Irritating of the scalp
 Color Fading
 Shedding

I am not trying to convert anyone into being some sort of health nut, but ladies it is vital that you begin
to check the labels on the products you are using. Parabens, are not the only other harmful ingredients
you should be careful of and trying to avoid using. Other harmful ingredients have also been known to
cause premature scalp aging, allergic reactions, exacerbate some skin conditions, and has even been
linked to cancer.

While this may all seem pretty scary, especially if you have been using these products for years or for as
long as you can remember. The best thing you can do is READ, READ, READ. As well as getting in the
habit of checking the labels on your products and doing your very own research on ingredients and
chemicals you should avoid.