5 Harmful Hair Ingredients to Avoid for Healthier Hair

You care about what goes in your body—so why not what goes on it, too? As a stylist with over 15 years behind the chair, I’ve seen it all: brittle ends, itchy scalps, color that fades way too fast. In so many cases? The culprit isn’t the cut—it’s the harmful haircare ingredients hiding in everyday products.

In this post, I’m breaking down 5 ingredients I recommend avoiding—and the clean beauty swaps that nourish your hair without compromising results.

Let’s talk about what’s really hiding in your shampoo bottle—and which ingredients to skip if you want healthy, vibrant hair without compromise.

Clean beauty starts with knowing what you're putting on your scalp.

Let’s dive into the 5 ingredients I always recommend avoiding—plus the clean swaps that actually perform.

🚫 1. SULFATES

Sulfates are the harsh detergents that give shampoo its foam—but they also strip your hair’s natural oils.

More suds isn’t better. Sulfates create lather but leave your hair parched.

Why it’s bad: Dryness, irritation, and major color fade.

Clean Swap: Sulfate-free shampoos with coco-glucoside or decyl glucoside.

Look out for these on labels:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

🚫 2. PARABENS

Parabens are cheap synthetic preservatives that help products last longer on shelves—but at a potential cost to your health.

Parabens help preserve products—but you deserve better preservation for your health.

Why it’s bad: Used as preservatives, parabens have been linked to hormone disruption and found in breast tissue samples.

Clean Swap: Potassium sorbate, radish root ferment, or products labeled paraben-free.

Look out for these on labels:

• Methylparaben

• Propylparaben

• Butylparaben

• Ethylparaben

• Isobutylparaben

🚫 3. SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE

If a label says “fragrance,” it can legally contain hundreds of unlisted chemicals—many of which are never disclosed to you.

Fragrance can hide hundreds of chemicals—without a single warning

Why it’s bad: Triggers allergies, migraines, skin irritation, and includes ingredients linked to hormone disruption.

Clean Swap: Products scented with essential oils or labeled fragrance-free.

Look out for these on labels:

• Fragrance

• Parfum

• Aroma (when not specified further)

  
  

👃 Sniff this: If it just says “fragrance,” and nothing else? Hard pass...

🚫 4. SILICONES

Silicones coat your hair like plastic wrap: shiny at first, but they block moisture and cause long-term dryness and buildup.

Silicones fake it – you want your shine to come from hydration, not plastic.

Why it’s bad: Leads to buildup, dryness, and dullness over time.

Swap it for: Plant-based oils like argan, marula, or jojoba give shine without buildup—and are 100% breathable for your strands.

Look out for these on labels:

• Dimethicone

• Cyclomethicone

• Amodimethicone

• Trimethicone

🚫 5. PHTHALATES

Phthalates help fragrance last longer—but they’ve been banned in the EU and flagged as hormone disruptors.

Phthalates are banned in Europe—but still hiding in U.S. products.

Why it’s bad: Hormone disruption, reproductive toxicity

Clean swap: Products labeled phthalate-free, essential oil-based scents

Look out for these on labels:

• Diethyl phthalate (DEP)

• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)

• Often hidden in “fragrance” without disclosure

🫶 CLEAN BEAUTY IS ABOUT EMPOWERMENT

Switching to clean beauty isn’t about fear—it’s about informed choice. It’s about treating your scalp with the same care you give your skin. You don’t have to compromise on results to prioritize your health. The right products do both.

🌿 Ditch the Harmful Haircare Ingredients—Here’s What I Use Instead.

These are just a few of my go-to clean, high-performance products that I use both behind the chair and at home.

I personally love and trust Cult + King because they formulate without all the junk: no sulfates, no parabens, no silicones, no synthetic fragrance, no phthalates, no petroleum, no PEGs, no dyes, no formaldehyde, and no alcohols that dry you out. Every product is made in small batches, using organic ingredients, and packaged in eco-conscious, refillable containers.

Have questions or want help choosing the right products? Feel free to comment below!

And if you’re visiting the salon soon, just ask—I’m always happy to give personalized clean product recommendations. In the meantime, check out a few of my tried-and-true favorites below!

Hair health is part of whole-body wellness—and your products should reflect that.

My go-to clean styling and care essentials: zero toxins, all performance. These are what I use in the salon and on my own hair.

This post isn’t sponsored—just a genuine share from behind the chair. I use these products on myself and my clients every day because I believe in clean beauty that actually performs. My goal is to help you make informed choices about what goes on your scalp and skin—because ingredients matter.

If you’re exploring cleaner swaps or just curious about what’s in your products, you can take a peek at some of my go-to clean beauty staples here. 🌿

Have you ever checked the ingredients on your hair products? What’s something you’ve learned—or are wondering—about clean beauty? Drop a comment below; I’d love to hear your thoughts!

With love and good hair days,

Jenna Abney

Color Specialist & Clean Beauty Advocate 💛

@jennaabney_colorspecialist