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Dangers Lurking in our Shampoo By Klaus Ferlow of the Ferlow Brothers As a former professional hairstylist, our youngest son Harold was working in a salon in Vancouver where he always wore rubber gloves when he was dyeing clients’ hair. Otherwise he would develop rashes and pimples due to the harsh chemicals and synthetics in commercial shampoo! It is estimated that the sale of shampoo is one of the most competitive products in the cosmetic industry, with over $2-billion yearly in North America. Just recently, I checked the incredible assortment of hair products in the stores, and was amazed that approximately 70%-80% of the shampoos and conditioners had no ingredients listed. The other 20%-30% had the names of many synthetics listed, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and propylene glycol. It is no wonder complaints about shampoos are among the most frequent made to authorities like the FDA (USA) and the Health Protection Branch (Canada). Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), an ingredient in 90% of commercial shampoos and conditioners, corrodes the hair follicle and impedes hair growth. It has been blamed for many cases of premature hair loss. It takes hair longer to grow when affected by SLS. SLS is found in car wash soap, engine degreaser, toothpaste, lotions, and garage floor cleaners. Exposure to SLS can lead to a burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, headache, nausea, and vomiting, according to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of the U.S. government. SLS penetrates your eyes, brain, liver, and remains there long-term. It degenerates cell membranes because it is a mutagen that changes genetic information in your cells and damage your immune system. It can cause blindness (scientific studies have proven that this compound damages protein formation in the eye tissue) and can lead to cataract formation. After damage to the eyes is done, your eyes cannot heal properly because SLS retards the eye healing process. Did you know that many companies put formaldehyde in their shampoo? Not only is it an inexpensive preservative and disinfectant, it is also a suspected cancer-causing toxin. Many shampoos designed to treat dandruff and flaky scalp contain coal tar, but you will not find it on any list of product ingredients. It is disguised with names FD&C or D&C colour. It has been found to cause potentially severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, headaches, nausea, fatigue, nervousness, lack of concentration, and cancer. Alkyl-phenol ethioxlades are chemicals in shampoos that have been proven to reduce sperm count in males. Propylene glycol is another ingredient you will find in most shampoos and conditioners. Derived from petroleum products, it is commonly used in antifreeze, de-icers, latex, paint and laundry detergent. It can cause irritation of nasal passages, and if ingested it can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Research also shows that it alters cell membranes and can cause cardiac arrest. Carefully check for these dangerous chemicals on the labels of all your personal care products to save yourself from severe health problems. Healthy hair will be shiny, full of body and bounce if you use 100% natural shampoo with ingredients that include certified organic ingredients. Your scalp will absorb these healthy ingredients including vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, and the result will satisfy you. Last but not least, don’t use only one shampoo; change from time to time. References: Judi Vance, Beauty To Die For, ISBN 1-57901-035-0 Aubrey Hampton, Natural Organic Hair & Skin Care, ISBN 0-939157-00-4 Niklaus J. Smeh, Creating Your Own Cosmeceuticals - Naturally, ISBN 0-9637755-3-7 Paula Begoun, Don't Go To The Cosmetic Counter Without Me, 4th ed., ISBN 1-877988-23-5 Dr. Lauri Aesoph ND, Your Natural Health Makeover, ISBN 0-13-628652-6 Zoltan Rona, MD MSc., Health Naturally Mag, Feb/Mar 1997:2021 David Steinman and Dr. S. Epstein, The Safe Shoppers Bible, ISBN 0-02-082085-2 Ruth Winter, The Consumer Directory of Cosmetic Ingredients, ISBN 0-609-80367-0 Please Note: It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific health claim for any products. Any attempt to diagnose and treat illness should come under the direction of your health care practitioner. Klaus Ferlow, lifelong urban herbalist, author & lecturer, is the president & Co-owner of Ferlow Brothers Ltd., manufactures of natural herbal products. Call 604.820.1777 or visit them at www.ferlowbrothers.com |