You’ve probably seen that every time you got to the pharmacy, there are 5 more companies making 10 more claims about hair and hair loss – each one offering a new and improved shampoo.

As someone who has lost his hair multiple times (chemo), saw his hair go from very thick to very thin – I’ve done my fair share of experimentation with shampoos.

If there is one thing that I’ve learned through my own trials is that chemical free shampoos are the way to go. But like everything else, labels can be misleading. Here, I’ve listed several chemicals you should be mindful of when purchasing your next bottle to make sure your shampoo DOES NOT include:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – yup, it’s a floor cleaner!
Cocoamide DEA & Linalool – yup, they’re in detergents!
Benzaldehyde – yup, it actually can cause kidney damage!
Propylene Glycol – yup, that’s antifreeze!
Methylene Chloride – imported shampoos still include this FDA banned substance, a known carcinogen!

If this list doesn’t scare you enough – keep in mind, these ingredients actually have positive qualities for your hair. From volume to straightening hair to even enhancing damaged color hair – these chemicals serve a purpose. But is your body, your hair worth incorporating these toxins into your life?

While I seldom find a good natural shampoo that does everything these super artificial shampoos claim and often do, I’m willing to have a little thinner hair if it means in the long term I’ll still have hair! And that too, far healthier than these short-term tricks to make us think we look good.

For now, I’ve now restricted my shopping cart to include natural shampoos. While I may still be looking for the perfect one – I’m atleast content in knowing that I’m doing further damage to myself and especially my hair. It’s already been through more than enough!

-Amit Vaidya

Amit Vaidya is the best-selling author of the memoir Holy Cancer and the upcoming Food Is Medicine cookbook series. He is the in-house health & wellness expert for Kapiva Ayurveda, advocating for the empowerment of all individuals to be in the driver’s seat of their own lives. He chronicles his life on Instagram under the handle @live4todayamit. 

Also Check out The Mystery Behind Your Sudden Hair Loss