Paraben and sulphate free labelled products are popping up on shelves.  Why? What does this mean for us?

 

The beauty industry is avoiding parabens and sulphates. Plenty of “sulphate free” and “paraben free” labelled products are popping up on shelves. Parabens and sulphates are chemicals which are commonly found in beauty and cosmetic products. These ingredients have been around for decades but recent research has shown that they can do more harm than good.

Sulphates

Sulphates are a harsh chemical detergent which help your soaps to foam and lather up when using them. They are everywhere and can be found in everything from shampoos to toothpastes! Companies will add these to products because they are cheap and super effective for cleaning dirt and grime.

Whilst they do a great job in cleaning the grease and build up from your hair, they will also harshly strip your hair of its essential natural oils. These oils are important to keep your hair smooth and glossy. When you use shampoos which contain sulphates, you might find that your hair will feel dry and brittle.

Similarly, sulphates can damage your hair extensions with prolonged use.When sulphates are used with human hair extensions, the extensions will have a much shorter life span. Hair extensions will shed more, tangle easily and feel rough.

Sulphates can cause drying to your skin as well especially if your skin type is sensitive. They may also make your scalp feel dry and irritated, sometimes even causing hair loss!

Parabens

Parabens are a group of chemicals which have been added to products such as shampoos, lipsticks and deodorants. They are added to prevent nasty bacterial growth and help the products stay fresh and last longer.

When you apply products containing parabens, your skin absorbs and metabolizes the chemicals. Researchers have found parabens inside breast cancer tumours and  have learned that parabens also promote the growth of breast cancer cells.

It’s important to remember that sulphates and parabens may not affect you in small amounts BUT they may be detrimental to your health in the future with repeated use.

Paraben and Sulphate Free Hair Care

Luckily, many substitutes and alternatives are now used in commercial products. Using paraben and sulphate free hair care products will help you keep your hair and extensions healthy and glossy. This will also prevent hair colour fading and lock in the natural oils in your hair. Using good quality products will protect hair from the elements and keep you healthy.

A wide range of sulphate and paraben free products are available on the market including ZALA’s hair care range. The ZALA hair care range has been designed to be used safely on hair extensions and on natural hair without any harsh or harmful chemicals.

Read more about ZALA’s hair care range here!

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Want to know more? Our support team will answer all of your hair extensions related questions. Send us an email at [email protected]

PUBLISHED 20TH AUGUST 2018

Did you know that the best hair care is in the grocery store? Healthy hair starts from the inside out! Even having the right products, your hair might still suffer because of lack of nutrients and vitamins you’re eating.  Read our list of best food for hair. Plus their added benefits to find out which food should become part of your diet!

 

FOR A HEALTHY SCALP:

Salmon is an amazing superfood that not only benefits hair but also benefits your brain and skin! It is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids which helps hair growth from the follicle itself. It’s a great source of vitamins, including vitamin B12, which also prevents hair issues such as hair loss, and excessive dry scalp as well.

Spinach has no shortage of vitamins and the benefits. It is full of Vitamin K, B12, B6, E, Zinc, Iron and Omega-3’s. Spinach has high amounts of Vitamin A and C which helps to produce oil on the scalp for speedy hair growth. This is definitely some of the best food for hair!

Cottage cheese, like most dairy products, is a great source of casein and whey.  Casein and Whey are both proteins that are vital in assisting with dry scalp. Cottage cheese is also a great source of Vitamins D and B-5 which help healthy hair growth. Eat some on crackers or throw some into a salad to reap the benefits.

TO PREVENT HAIR LOSS:

Almonds are one of the most nutritious nuts your grocery store has to offer! They have about 25% of your overall daily allowance of magnesium. Magnesium is an essential mineral for hair growth. Hair loss has been linked to a lack of magnesium in the body, which makes almonds essential in helping to keep your hair healthy and strong!

A yummy snack that’s great for you! These seeds are full of essential vitamins and nutrients. They have tons of Zinc and vitamin E, both of which you need for healthy hair and skin. Zinc is known to fight hair loss when eaten in moderate quantities. Vitamin E helps to promote blood circulation in the scalp, helping hair grow faster. Despite its long list of benefits, sunflower seeds should be consumed in moderation. Too much Zinc can lead to hair loss – make sure to avoid eating too much of the salted type!

Your hair is made up of about 70% keratin proteins, which makes healthy, protein-enriched foods a staple for your healthy hair diet – we need to make sure our hair gets the protein it needs to survive! Eggs are a great source of protein, with about 13g packed in each egg! It’s also a great source of biotin and Vitamin B, which slows down hair loss and promotes a fast growing, healthy mane. Eat both the egg and the yolk for maximum healthy-hair benefits!

FOR HEALTHY, SHINY STRANDS:

Quinoa contains about 15% protein, which makes quinoa the best source of protein from seeds or grains period. Not only is quinoa protein-dense, but it has a high nutrient content which includes: Vitamin A, Calcium, Zinc, Manganese, Magnesium, Iron, Fiber, and Essential amino acids. Quinoa can be used as a replacement for rice, or as a side dish. But however you eat it, quinoa will bring you the soft luscious hair you’ve always dreamed of!

Beans are a great source of protein, but kidney beans, in particular, are also a great source of iron and biotin as well. Biotin is known to promote speedy hair growth and is a staple in many over the counter hair, skin and nail supplements. So ditch the pills and eat some beans instead!

When consumed regularly, sweet potatoes are a great way to promote a healthy scalp and help to make your tresses strong and shiny! These potatoes have Vitamin C, iron and protein. They are also full of beta-carotene, which is what your body converts to Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps in the growth of healthy fatty tissues on the hair and scalp. This leaves hair soft and your scalp moisturized and itch-free!

Having a rich and healthy diet while also consuming lots of water will give your hair the oomph it needs! Superfoods taste great and are great for you, and there are tons of ways to prepare each of them to maximize its nutritional benefits for your hair. Try these vitamin-rich, protein-heavy foods and it will result in the beautiful photo-ready hair you’ve always dreamed of!

If you liked learning about the best food for hair, you can check out more like it, and more, at the ZALA blog!

PUBLISHED 8TH MAY 2018