How to keep washday non-toxic

The process of washing our hair can serve as a vector for the transmission of synthetic chemicals (carcinogenic toxins), to children. But it doesn’t always have to be this way. 

Before we delve into the myriad options available to us, let’s understand how to spot toxins before they even get into our homes. 

Ingredients to look out for

• DMDM Hydantoin
• Perfume
• Diketene
• Formaldehyde

• Brassicamidopropyl Dimethylamine - from rapeseed oil. Brassica meaning rapeseed. But rapeseed oil is highly processed

• PEGs/ DEAs/ Gums/
• Mineral oil (aka paraffinum perliquidum)
• Triclosan
• Triethanolamine
• PVP/ VA Copolymer

I know, it seems like quite the list, but once you are familiar with what these things are, what they sound and look like it is far easier to avoid them with ease, save money, but mostly save your health.

Now that you know what to avoid, here’s how they harm us. We don’t sugar coat it, we would rather you knew so you remain informed. From there we can make decisions for our lives. 

Inhalation

Phthalates and formaldehyde are inhaled every single time they’re used: how often have you opened a shampoo or conditioner and sniffed it?

This seemingly innocent act over time (childhood to adulthood) exposes children to the toxin that is perfume. An unnecessary ingredient that has zero function in haircare. Formaldehyde falls into the following category.

 

Undetectable but present chemicals 

Whilst formaldehyde has a function: it kills bacteria present in water therefore keeping products that contain water (like hair conditioner, shampoo), it has also been shown to cause cancer. 

It is undetectable gas that is released when hot: like under hot water, or when hair is dried under heat: the formaldehyde gas is released into the air. 

What’s the alternative?

Thankfully we are living in an abundant time and there are options.

Choosing fragrance free haircare isn’t just advised for those with sensitive skin. Keeping perfume out of your haircare is the number 1 step in protecting your little one.

 

Whilst it's good to have the above list on your phone, when you're in a shop or looking online, keep in mind the following questions:

Does it contain perfume/ fragrance/ aroma? Avoid.

Is the ingredient-list more than 20 ingredients? Can you read them? Do you understand them?

These are some things that I consider. It's a bit of a habit to get into, but in a world of apps and ease I find it quite enjoyable doing this kind of research and learning. 

In an ideal world you use Jim + Henry exclusively, but you love exploring new brands and seeing what else is out there, so, if I were new to beauty I would:

Read voraciously. Understand the function of ingredients before buying.

Delete the apps: they aren't as thorough as human research. I can't rely on them. 

To avoid the time taken up by trial and error I would use as close to natural as possible. 

Next week's post is about apps exclusively and why I don't trust any of them to do my research for what I put on my hair and skin. 

Speak then,

Tammy