A recent headline featured in The Daily Mail proves once again how impactful fearmongering is on unknowing consumers. "How your shampoo bottle could be making you FAT: Scientists discover 11 chemicals in common plastics that contribute to weigh gain," it reads. Throw another pick on the junk science pile; or at least, it's portrayal.

According to the story, scientists examined 34 different plastic products and identified 11 chemicals commonly present that can affect human metabolism and contribute to weight gain. The products included beverage bottles, kitchen sponges, yogurt containers and hair conditioners. Martin Wagner, a co-author and associate professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, said their experiments show that "ordinary plastic products contain a mix of substances that can be a relevant and underestimated factor behind [being] overweight, and obesity."

The study itself, published in Environmental Science & Technology, describes how the authors characterized the chemicals and analyzed their joint adipogenic activities. Among some 629 unique compounds, 11 known metabolism-disrupting compounds (MDCs) were identified; including four phthalates and six organophosphates. Importantly, according the the article abstract, the chemicals extracted from one-third of the products caused murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to proliferate and differentiate into adipocytes, which were larger and contained more triglycerides than those treated with a reference compound, rosiglitazone.

The Daily Mail reported that while some plastic products contained known metabolism-disrupting substances, or obesogens, others did not but still induced the development of fat cells. "It's very likely that it is not the usual suspects, such as bisphenol A, causing these metabolic disturbances," said Johannes Völker, one of the study's authors. "This means that other plastic chemicals than the ones we already know could be contributing to overweight and obesity."

Caroline Rainsford, head of scientific services at the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), quickly jumped on this study and misleading headline. In a blog post, she wrote "It’s certainly true that the study’s authors looked at packaging samples and found some of these samples contained chemicals they suspect to have metabolism-disrupting effects....just not the shampoo bottles! In contrast to what the striking headline suggests." 

In her blog, she worked her way through the paper, critiquing the study design and describing, for consumers, how to "interrogate" media articles such as these to come to their own conclusions. For example, she questioned how relevant it is to real life exposure to extract chemicals from plastics, concentrate them in a solvent and test them on fat cells grown in a lab.

"The results from the study certainly give us a fascinating insight into the behavior of fat cells in the presence of certain chemicals," she wrote. "Although we do have to consider what might happen outside of a lab... Are we exposed to the same amount of chemicals from plastic packaging when using everyday products? How will the chemicals get into our bodies?"

Rainsford further explained how solvents are used to extract chemicals to get enough of a material to perform the tests but the reality is, products such as shampoos and beverages are much less effective at dissolving those chemicals; not to mention the fact that laws covering cosmetics, foods and other products already take into account the potential migration of chemicals from packaging into products.

Furthermore, by adding these chemicals directly to fat cells, the researchers have taken a "short cut" to how they would be processed through the body. And, personal care products in particular are applied to skin or hair, which makes it more difficult for chemicals to enter the body.

Notably, in the paper's conclusion, the authors also highlighted, "Given that we aimed at investigating whether MDCs are present in plastic products, we used methanol to extract the samples. This simulates a worst-case scenario. Thus, even though we demonstrated that potent (mixtures of) MDCs are present in consumer products, it remains to be investigated whether these will migrate under more realistic conditions into air, water, or food, or can be taken up dermally." 
​
"It’s always exciting to see new scientific research, especially that which relates to the cosmetics and personal care industry—which has science at its foundation," Rainsford wrote. "... But this headline-grabbing story is a reminder that in every case, it is helpful to approach new science with a critical eye, an open mind… and to draw your own conclusions."

from Cosmetic and Toiletries

Should you shampoo before you come have your hair colored? Almost daily, someone will ask if they should wash their hair before tinting or highlighting.

The idea of not washing before a color service goes back to the old days, when color products were very harsh compared to the gentle colors we have today. A bit of natural oil on the scalp kept the tingling and staining to a minimum. This was especially important with bleaching services, which could be quite irritating to the scalp.

Fast forward to now, and many clients have been led to believe that the dirtier the hair, the better the color.

​Here are some guidelines to prep your hair for a perfect color service.
​

1. Wash your hair 12 to 24 hours before your color. This will assure the hair is clean, but allow the oil in your scalp to create a protective barrier against irritation and staining.
2. Wash the hair, but don’t aggressively scratch the scalp. broken skin or scratches will definitely burn or tingle with color or bleach.
3. If you work out hard before a color service, wash your hair. Excessively oily hair lifts poorly, processes slowly, and doesn’t color well.
4. Make sure any cover up products you use to disguise your roots between services are out before you get to the salon, or arrange to come earlier to have it pre-shampooed. Otherwise you may not get coverage where you want it most.
5. Ditto for dry shampoo. It can create a barrier that color doesn’t penetrate well.
6. Shampoo especially well if you use oil in your hair such as coconut oil or olive oil. Heavy oil products make the color ineffective, and make highlights bleed all over the place.
7. Styling products are generally OK, unless you use loads of them. Hairspray can be brushed out before the service, and most non oily products are fine.
8. Come with dry hair, or arrive early to have it dried under a dryer, While color takes fine on damp hair, damp hair pulls a lot when your sectioning and you will be much more comfortable starting with a dry head of hair.

​

Did you know that your shampoo can contain ingredients harmful to both you and the environment? Chief among them: Sulfates. But what exactly are sulfates, and what other problematic shampoo ingredients should you avoid? 

Instead of harmful shampoo brands to avoid, we’ve made a list of 15 common and not-so-nice shampoo ingredients to watch out for — and why. What are the main ingredients of shampoo to skip?

Read on to find out.

 1. Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) 
What are sulfates? Sulfates are very strong detergents that work through a chemical reaction, in which they bind with the sebum on our scalp and with water. When you rinse out the shampoo, sulfates take all the oils and residue with them. But while cleansing, they can also damage the hair, make it brittle, and increase frizz.

2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) 
This sulfate creates a lathering foam some people love, but it can compromise follicles when left on the scalp and it has other toxic effects on the human body. Yikes! Anyone with color-treated hair or dry hair should definitely avoid SLS, as it can fade your color and strip your strands of natural oils.

3. Parabens
Parabens are also known to be harmful. They are used as a preservative to prevent bacteria from growing in cosmetics and shampoos. Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen and have been linked to increased growth of breast cancer cells.

4. Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride is another name for salt. Sodium chloride in shampoo and conditioner is mainly there to make the consistency thicker. Salt can make an already-sensitive scalp dry and itchy, which can eventually cause hair loss.

5. Polyethylene Glycols (PEG)
PEG is a thickening agent derived from petroleum that is often contaminated with byproducts. There has not been sufficient research done to conclude that PEGs themselves are as toxic as shampoo ingredients, but common byproducts in PEGs can be harmful.

6+7. Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)
DEA and TEA are also emulsifiers and foam agents that reduce surface tension so water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients can blend together. In 1998, researchers found a link between the topical application of DEA and cancer in animals, but the effects on humans are unclear. The European Commission has banned DEA in cosmetics.

8. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and has been proven to be absorbed through the skin in animal testing. Manufacturers often add it to products directly as a preservative, but it can also be released over time through a chemical process from other types of preservatives. If you’re wondering what to look for, a common one in shampoos is quaternium-15. They can also be found in chemicals used for Brazilian blowouts at hair salons.

9. Alcohol
Most alcohols have a drying effect, and the higher up in the ingredients list they appear, the more alcohols the product contains. Some alcohols that are not as bad for dry hair begin with a “C” or an “S,” like Cetearyl alcohol and Stearyl alcohol. They can actually help your hair retain moisture. The ones that are bad if you already have dry hair usually have a “prop” in their name, like Isopropyl alcohol or propanol.

10. Synthetic Fragrances
Products that have “fragrance” on their label can contain thousands of hidden chemicals. Some ingredients in fragranced cosmetic products can disrupt the reproductive system and cause cancer or asthma. They can also irritate the skin and scalp, which can lead to hair loss.

11. Synthetic Colors
Most shampoos and conditioners are dyed with a synthetic color to make them look nice. These colors come from petroleum or coal-tar sources, all of which come with harmful health effects. Synthetic colors will normally go by FD&C or D&C combined with a number.

12. Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a type of silicone that is used in a ton of hair products and contributes to product buildup that makes your hair feel greasy. Since it acts as a protecting cover on the surface of the hair, it stops moisture and nutrients from coming in and instead collects dirt and residue. It can clog the pores on the scalp and cause skin irritation.

13. Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cocamidopropyl betaine is another foam booster. Although it’s derived from coconut oil, it can have negative effects. This surfactant is used in hair products along  with dimethylaminopropylamine, which can cause skin irritation, allergies, rosacea, and eczema.

14. Triclosan
Triclosan was banned from being used in antibacterial soaps in 2016 but is still allowed in toothpaste, shampoos, and deodorants. It’s a chemical antibacterial agent known to cause hormone disruptions, which can lead to cancer and affect fetal development, among other things.

15. Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl palmitate is the ester of retinol combined with palmitic acid. It’s a known skin irritant that can cause peeling, scaling, redness, and itching. Side effects of retinyl palmitate may include cancer, reproductive problems, and organ toxicity.

Harmless Shampoo Ingredients
​While there are many bad ingredients in shampoos and harmful shampoo brands, plenty of shampoos use only natural, non-toxic, and organic ingredients, and you can even make your own homemade hair treatments using ingredients from your kitchen. If you are suffering from hair loss or unhealthy hair growth and think chemicals such as the ones mentioned above may be to blame, try switching to a natural alternative. You can also try taking natural supplements that contain plant-derived ingredients that work synergistically to help your natural hair growth.

Hair care routine is something that one ought to diligently follow. It is normal to feel lazy from time to time, but it is also essential that one understands a pattern which suits their hair, and follows it.

While most people wash their hair at least once a week, not many know of the proper way of shampooing. Dr Noopur Jain, founder and consultant dermatologist at Skinzest, tells indianexpress.com that hair is delicate and it requires proper care and attention for maintenance. “Shampooing is one of the most important steps in a hair care routine, hence knowing some facts and knowing how to do it right is crucial,” she says.

The doctor lists five shampooing tips and tricks for effective hair care; 

1. Shampoo is only for cleansing the scalp, not for hair strands
A shampoo is exclusively for the scalp, it is supposed to be massaged into the scalp alone for 30 seconds or more depending upon the intensity of the product. Remember that for even distribution and better lathering, your hair needs to be wet.
​
2. Shampoo should be used in little quantity; it should be diluted with water
If you do not do this, it can cause excessive dryness. Applying too much shampoo can damage your hair. No matter how long your hair is, a coin-size scoop is mostly perfect for everyone.

3. Shampoo frequency varies from person-to-person
Most of us apply shampoo once or twice a week. But depending on your hair texture and scalp nature, you must change your frequency. Some might require shampooing every day and in that case, using mild shampoos is a must. While some scalp might not require regular shampooing, hence slowing the frequency is important for texture and growth. Consulting a dermatologist if you’re facing any issues while shampooing can help you derive better results.

4. There’s no best shampoo
What suits someone else may not work for you. Everyone’s hair is different. You need to find a shampoo that suits your hair according to its nature. A dermatologist (or your hairstylist) can guide you regarding your scalp condition and hair texture. Some may have dry scalp and some oily, hence picking the correct shampoo will work wonders.
​
5. Tying wet hair with a towel causes breakage
Once you’re done washing your hair, the drying part should also be considered. Carelessly tying up your hair with a tight towel can cause damage and breakage. One of the best ways to dry your hair is using a cotton towel or a cotton t-shirt; its soft texture won’t cause any damage.

​It's a little weird to say that my life has been vastly improved by a wad of absorbent fabric, but it's true. I recently invested in one of the best hair towels, and since then, my daily routine has gone a whole lot more smoothly. No longer do I have to bend my neck like an ostrich to keep the towel on top of my head. No longer do I feel beads of cold water dripping down my back, or end up damaging my hair by twisting too hard.

Most stylists would agree that, believe it or not, you should never dry your hair with a regular towel. That's because hair is especially delicate when it's wet, and the texture and material of a regular towel is often too coarse for fragile wet hair to handle. Your average bath towel might also not be the most absorbent, so if you do choose to blow dry your hair after towel drying it, you're not preventing as much heat damage as you could be.

Not only is a great hair towel made from a soft, special material that’s effective at absorbing water without damage, but it actually stays on your head while you move on with the rest of your routine. These top-rated hair-drying towels can help you dry your hair faster with less damage. Keep scrolling for the best hair towels that dry your hair fast.
​
1. The Fan-Favorite Hair Towel

The DuraComfort Essentials Hair Towel is a top-seller in hair towels because it dries your hair quickly without getting in your way. It's lightweight, super absorbent, and one size fits all — though it comes in extra-wide, too. "This towel is a miracle worker!" one reviewer commented. "I have very long and thick hair, I use this towel and it absorbs almost all the water, it’s drying power is incredible! [...] It’s super soft and doesn’t damage my hair at all. Highly recommend this towel!"

According to one reviewer: “This the best head towel I have ever had. It is absorbent but dries fast. I no longer use a hair dryer since getting towel. All I got to do is wrap around my head and let it sit for a minute and hair i dry.”

2. The Best Value

They’re not the most durable, but if you have several people in your household or you always want to ensure that you have a clean hair towel on hand, AmazerBath hair wraps are one of the best values on Amazon. They come in a pack of three for $10, which breaks down to roughly $3 a towel. They’re also soft, absorbent, and thick, but still lightweight — and they have a plaited rope closure for security.

According to one reviewer: “These are really thick and good quality for a low price! I had a similar hair towel before that I spent 3x the price and it was much thinner. I also like the loop on this towel. It’s very thick and strong.”
​
3. The Editor-Recommended Towel That’s Great For Thick Hair

“I have thick, coarse hair and this helps it dry much more quickly. It also stays in place and is lighter weight than other hair towels I've tried. I recently just bought a second one,” wrote BDG Commerce Editor Jen Fiegel. Consequently, if your hair is so thick that it drenches a regular towel in seconds, this Aquis hair towel might be the answer. It's made from Aquitex, a unique microfiber that can hold tons of moisture. It also comes in seven different colors, and it’s earned over 1,000 five-star ratings from past buyers.

According to one reviewer: “My hair is past shoulder length and quite thick, so it holds a lot of water when I wash it. I squeeze out the excess water, wrap it up in the AQUIS [...] and in a short time the towel soaks up more water than any other.”

4. The Writer-Beloved One Worth The Splurge

I blow dry my hair every single day, so it’s important that I minimize damage and save as much time as possible. The VOLO Hero hair towel is my daily go-to, and in my opinion, it’s worth every penny. It's large but lightweight, soft but absorbent, and plush but secure. Last but definitely not least, it absorbs 10 times its weight in water and uses a special fabric that reduces drying time by up to 50%, so you can be out the door much sooner.

According to one reviewer: “Machine washed and dried 3x so far, owned for 10 days, still just as absorbent (and soft) as the day I opened the box. No fraying, no pulled threads. [...] My hair has never looked better.”
​
5. A Budget-Friendly Set Designed To Stay In Place

​If you like to check your e-mail, clean your room, and do your makeup right out of the shower, you need something that'll stay in place. These AuroTrends microfiber hair towels have a button, an elastic band, and a lightweight design to keep the towel on your head no matter what, and without pulling or pain. They also absorb water quickly and come in a pack of two, both with bright, multi-colored stripes. Amazon reviewers also love how much value you get for the price.

According to one reviewer: "This is a great little towel to use fresh out of the shower. Starts the drying process on my thick hair while I’m applying make up. It stays secure on my head so it’s not falling every time I move my head."

6. The Best Bamboo Hair Towels For Freshness

Bamboo is an extremely popular material right now, and that's because it's soft, lightweight, dries quickly, and prevents the growth of bacteria. These Laluztop Hair Towel Wraps (bamboo hair towels) absorb water so hair dries quickly and with minimal damage, but they also smell fresh and clean for a long time, according to reviewers. One user concisely listed its pros: "Very absorbent and soft. Dries quickly so it doesn't get a musty smell. Very comfortable to wear." You get two towels instead of one with this pack.

According to one reviewer: “My hair dries so much quicker than with a regular towel, and this keeps all of the loose postpartum hairs off of my body towel! I hate that "microfiber feel" and these are a great alternative.”
​
7. The Best Hair Wrap Designed With Curly Hair In Mind

​The DevaCurl DevaTwist Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel Wrap is specifically made for natural curls. It helps them to dry bouncy and healthy without frizz. One Amazon fan raved, "I have tried cheap "microfiber" hair towels that didn't work worth squat. This towel is incredible." This microfiber towel stays in place thanks to a button and loop, and comes in a fun, vibrant pattern.

According to one reviewer: “This is a super convenient head wrap towel. Works great for my curls and my hair is noticeably less frizzy. Love it because it keeps my hair out of my face while drying it enough that I don’t have drippy hair. Super absorbent too.”
​
8. An Affordable Hair Towel That’s Great For Extra-Long Hair

This large Desired Body Microfiber Hair Towel is soft and absorbent, and it's much bigger than some others on the market. (It measures 45 by 25 inches.) It's also got a fine waffle-weave microfiber design that's lightweight despite its size.

According to one reviewer: "I am very happy with this towel. I have waist length hair and it is long enough to cover it all. The best hair towel I have every had. Super absorbent and soft. A must have with long hair."
​
9. A Great Set For Short Hair

Turbie Twists have been around for a while, and while some brands have expanded on these designs to suit people with longer hair, those with short hair may prefer the thin fabric and buttonless design. The absorbent microfiber material is extremely lightweight and slip-resistant, while the no-excess tail slips right into an elastic loop at the nape of the neck. You can also opt for both fun patterns and solid colors. “My hair comes just below my shoulder blades and is pretty thick so when I wrap it in this towel it comes just to the end of the towel and it all fits,” one reviewer wrote.

According to one reviewer: “The microfiber Turbie Twist cuts that time down dramatically, even if I only wear it briefly before blow drying. (If I have a bit more time, I leave the towel on longer and can then let my hair air dry the rest of the way--but that's more a weekend thing than a mad rush, fall out the door, weekday thing.)”
​
10. The Best Option If You’re Worried About Breakage

Some hairstylists claim that drying your hair with a T-shirt is the best thing you can do to prevent the damage, breakage, and split-ends that towels cause. This Ultimate T-Shirt Hair Towel is made from that same soft material, but designed to stay on your head. It's smooth, absorbent, and leaves your hair shiny and manageable. It also comes in three sizes.

According to one reviewer: “A curly hair essential, this towel is ideal for plopping curly hair for a few hours or even overnight. I usually wear it to bed when I wash my hair in the evening. Definitely cuts down on frizz and breakage when drying hair. I love this towel so much!”
​
11. The Most Adorable Hair Towels

For kids or kids at heart, these pocova Original Magic Animal Hair Wraps are fun, whimsical, cheap, and actually effective. While they look like cute animals, they’re made from absorbent microfiber that soaks up excess water and gets softer with every wash. They also minimize both frizz and unwanted strain on your neck, thanks to their gentle, lightweight texture. (Note that they’re better for shorter hair.) A button keeps them in place.
​
According to one reviewer: “These are very cute towels and they do a good job of drying hair. My girls love them!”