It might sound odd but hair care can contain hormones. And like a human or animal being injected or fed with hormones, it does in fact alter the natural results.
In this case its hair care. When hormones are added to hair care its ultimately to speed up a result. There are two main results many women want in haircare include growth and thickness. And the most efficient way to achieve this is by adding Progesterone and Estrogenic chemicals into hair products.
Hormones in hair care products can be a concern because they can disrupt the body’s natural hormonal balance, natural production and levels. Many studies have found there is potential for endocrine disruption, which can affect various bodily functions. Including the female reproductive and respiratory system. And we haven’t touched the surface on the carcinogen elements. If you’re unsure of what a carcinogen is, its a cancer causing agent.
The most immediate concern when considering hormone charged hair care is headaches, migraines, scalp irritation and hair loss. When we talk about immediate, this is a term to describe what the initial symptoms may look like. And its important to remember that hair care, especially shampoo goes directly onto the scalp and is massaged in. Our scalp skin is four times more absorbent than other areas of our body, and according to leading Australian Dermatologists, some may enter the bloodstream.
Common hormones used is Red Clover Extract as well as testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and their prohormones dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione (A).
Lets break these down a bit :
Red Clover Extract – Contains isoflavones, plant-based chemicals that produce estrogen-like effects in the body. Its known to speed up hair growth. And known to cause headaches, hot flashes and rashes.
Testosterone – a male steroid hormone that does a lot more for men than just promote a healthy sex drive. The hormone affects several other factors in a male, including body fat, muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell count, and mood.
DHT is involved primarily in the sexual differentiation of organs and is well known for increasing hair growth in the public and facial area while encouraging hair loss on the scalp.
DHEAS is a sex hormone that is found in both men and women. It is widely known to create Testosterone and Estrogen. DHEAS can also create an environment in a females body that supports cancers like breast and ovarian.
Androstenedione can lead to abnormal menstrual cycles, acne and hair growth on the body and the face.
All of these hormones are of course natural. They’re found in men and women biologically. However, when they’re produced, genetically modified and often synthetically modified to recreate a specific result, then health issues arise especially when they’re added to products to be used in a manner they weren’t intended for. And on the flip side, adding male hormones to a product that a female is likely to use and be absorbed by and vice versa is concerning.
Another great source of information is from Choice – its a great source of information about common endocrine disruptors being placed in common products – and we have little to no knowledge of.
Although Naturally COS does not use hormones or synthetic stimulants to speed up results, we respect that there are customers and at times patients who require these levels of support.
Always read the labels and, if you’re unsure, consulting with a dermatologist, holistic or integrated healthcare professional can provide more personalised advice.
We recommend Evie Ryan Naturopath.
If you’re looking to learn more about hormone free hair care we’re here to help
