The composition of certain hair care products we use daily influences not only the health of our hair but also the environment. Some ingredients have harmful effects and should be avoided. Discover which ones in our article!
Aluminum Salts
Aluminum salts are used in hair products for their absorbent and astringent properties to soak up sebum. However, these compounds have several negative effects: they tend to dry out the scalp and cause irritation. Additionally, aluminum salt residues can accumulate on the scalp and clog the hair follicles, slowing hair growth.
Aluminum salts also weaken the hair fiber and alter the color and longevity of certain dyes.
Parabens
Parabens are used as preservatives to prevent the growth of microorganisms in hair products. However, they are controversial due to their potential impact on health:
They are suspected of being endocrine disruptors, capable of mimicking estrogen and affecting the hormonal system. Some studies suggest a link between prolonged exposure to parabens and certain hormonal disorders. They are also criticized for their environmental impact, as they persist in nature and are difficult to eliminate.
Silicones
Silicones are used in hair products because they can smooth the hair fiber and make hair shinier. However, these components are harmful to the health of your hair. They create an occlusive film around the hair, preventing it from breathing and naturally hydrating. Excessive silicone buildup makes hair care products less effective since they struggle to penetrate the fiber. This can weigh hair down and make it dull.
Finally, some types of silicones are highly polluting and non-biodegradable.
Sulfates
Used in shampoos as foaming and cleansing agents, sulfates such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) should be avoided. They create abundant foam and an immediate "clean" feeling, but they are too harsh on the scalp and hair fiber. They strip natural oils from the hair, leaving it dry and brittle.
This aggression can cause a "rebound effect" on the scalp, leading it to produce even more sebum to protect itself.
Finally, sulfates accelerate the fading of colored hair.
PEG and PPG
Polyethylene Glycols (PEG) and Polypropylene Glycols (PPG) are used in hair products to evenly mix immiscible ingredients. Their production often involves toxic substances such as 1,4-dioxane, which is suspected to be carcinogenic.
Moreover, as these components are polymers, their degradation is very slow and difficult to remove from the environment.
What Ingredients Should Replace Them?
To take care of your hair while reducing your environmental impact, it is best to opt for natural hair products free from controversial substances.
Cair offers a range of natural products, free from silicones, sulfates, artificial colorants, alcohol, and inert ingredients. This makes them beneficial for both your hair and the environment.
Discover Cair’s 3-step routine, composed of 4 natural products:
Step 1: Cair Strengthening Serum (Pre-Shampoo)
Composed of 99% natural ingredients, this serum detoxifies the scalp and stimulates its vitality.
This serum also contains rice water, an active ingredient that hydrates, remineralizes, and strengthens both the scalp and hair. For even more hydration, it is formulated with hyaluronic acid, a component that retains up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This ensures your hair stays hydrated even in very dry environments.
TIPS: To deeply care for your hair, alternate using the repairing mask with the strengthening serum. This mask is also applied before shampooing. It repairs and nourishes the hair fiber thanks to its rice water composition, an ingredient used for centuries in Asian traditions.
This hair mask also contains Vitamin B8, which improves keratin structure and helps prevent hair loss. Additionally, it has a unique concentration of plant-based collagen combined with oils rich in fatty acids, which regenerate the hair fiber structure by acting on keratin.
Lastly, like the strengthening serum, it includes hyaluronic acid for maximum hydration.
Step 2: Cair Natural Shampoo
This hyaluronic acid-based shampoo is designed to cleanse and strengthen the hair. It removes suffocating residues like silicone and sulfate while hydrating your hair.
Step 3: Cair Detangling & Protective Mist
The final step in hair care is protection. Made with 98% natural ingredients, this hair mist protects against pollution and heat by forming a protective barrier on the hair fiber’s surface.
This protective mist also adds volume and makes styling easier thanks to its detangling properties.
Adopting a more natural hair routine means giving your hair the care it deserves while respecting your health and the environment.