L’Oreal Shampoo
As a part of our daily routine, we aim to keep ourselves healthy and hygienic because being healthy keeps
us safe from the germs lingering outside. Due to weather change I had experienced lots of issues
pertaining to hair fall. It was quite an alarming situation for me because the rate at which the hair fall was
occurring was extremely unhealthy and damaging. I went to a lot of places where they recommended
expensive follicle treatment which did not even guarantee results. I discussed the pressing issue with my
friend and I was finally suggested to use the Anti- hair fall shampoo from the house of L’Oreal. Based on
her confidence in the product as a result of her using, I decided to purchase the product.
About the product
The product as per my limited knowledge had innovated an ingredient in it that no other product claimed
to have. The product contained good traces of Arginine that was considered an essential ingredient for a
robust growth of hair. The bulb which is a portion that encourages growth gets nourished when it comes
into contact with the ingredient and the general circulation in the scalp area gets enhanced with its
repeated use. I decided to also consult a beautician friend of mine who stocks these products and I was
informed that the product enhance hair growth from the roots when used. This makes it resistant from the
roots because it nourishes and feeds it oils that are required. There were also sturdy proteins in the
solution that would help in rebuilding the hair fibre so that the base for strong hair builds.
The ingredients
Like any other shampoo that I have used in the past, I never did any research to understand why the
product works. Most of the products that I currently use are as a result of personal suggestions given by
friends or relatives. In today’s era with the benefit of information dissemination and after reading a lot of
general articles about the encroachments on our bodies due to the toxic nature of chemicals we are using
on an everyday basis it was wise that I should have learnt more about the product that I have been using.
But, after this assignment came into play, it really made me understand that this is surely a need in
today’s time to not to be ignorant about the dangers of using this product. Based on my research, the
product contained the following ingredients; aqua/water, sodium laureth sulphate, dimethicone, coco-
betaine, sodium chloride, glycol distearate, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, cocami de mipa,
sodium benzoate, sodium cocoate, sodium hydroxide, arginine, salicylic acid, limonene, linalool, 2 -
oleamido-1, 3-octadecanediol, carbomer, methyl cocoate, citric acid, hexylene glycol, hexyl
cinnamal, parfum,/fragrance. It will only be useful if the major ingredients are carefully analyzed in
order to understand the dangers associated with them.
Harmful effects of the ingredients
1) Fragrance – This is something that I believed was harmless but after reading up, I understood
that fragrances is that secret inlet for a lot of toxic chemicals. The fragrance acts as a single
window entry for almost 100 toxic chemicals that poses harm not just for our health but also to
the environment. Phthalates and other artificial musk harm our developmental and reproductive
system. They also cause a lot of respiratory issues also reported as a result of these fragrances
2) Sodium Lauryl sulphate – Most commonly known as SLS this is yet another synthetic
compound that is present in a lot of industrial and personal care product. The raw products
required for producing the same is coconut oil or petroleum which is combined with sulphuric
acid to produce the same. This chemical is used as a foaming agent and is reported to cause
irritability in skin and eyes. If the use of this chemical in our product is prolonged it can cause
damage to the organs and disrupt the working of digestive and respiratory systems. It also affects
our heart and liver if traces of the chemical are found in it. The chemical is also has been
responsible for cancer causation.
3) Glycol – This active ingredient in shampoos is best avoided because it has some ill-effects on
skin and liver causing irreparable abnormalities.
4) Arginine – Perhaps the biggest USP of the product is the presence of arginine that has the
capacity to nourish the shell of scalp to grow more hair. But, it is also important to notice that
there are some potential dangers associated with using the ingredient. If you already have
respiratory issues, then your breathing difficulties might just aggravate with the use of the
product. This apart, overt usage also leads to low blood pressure, allergies and other blood related
malformations.
5) Salicylic acid – This is considered a peeling agent that is used in shampoo to avert and fight
dandruff issues. The product is considered unfriendly because it comes with its side-effects
namely skin irritation, liver issues, kidney ailments and blood circulation issues.
Harms caused to humans and environment
The most important environmental risk involving shampoos are the chemicals that get released in the
water through our drain. Chemicals like sodium Lauryl sulphate when mixed with water prove to be
mutagenic to animals. The presence of surfactants makes the lather thick and gives you the
impression of clean hair. But in reality this occurs as a result of chemical reaction. These chemicals
are toxic to humans but are also harmful when mixed with ground water and sea water. The marine
animals face the biggest risk associated with this chemical reaction. The preservatives used in
shampoos too are not without faults. For a longer shelf life, manufacturers add preservatives in it that
is harmful for both humans as well as the environment. Apart from the surfactants, the packaging of
the bottle also is not environmental friendly. Plastics pose a huge problem for the environment and
more than 80% of the plastics end up in landfills. These plastic bottles which store shampoos are not
bio degradable and take hundreds of years to decompose. Tons of plastic also end up in the ocean
which breaks down and ingested by innocent marine life.
Deceptive advertising
Several advertisements of shampoos with hoarding containing your favourite personality are created
with the aim to lure customers to the false claims. When I was introduced to this shampoo by my
friends, I was amused that this brand was advertised by the world’s most talented female
personalities. You tend to rely on their claims because our belief in strong when they are advocating
the use of the product. Also in TV adverts the models are shown with long, black cascading hair
which is nothing close to reality. The idea of advertising and creativity is been misued by both
producers and advertisers. All they are actually concerned about is their profit share and popularity.
The marketers highlight the benefits of the shampoo but always conceal and hide the real ingredients.
As it is, customers get ignorant while buying the products. They hardly are bothered to actually take a
look at the ingredients and then research on it. No one has the time to do it. But taking out a little
time will ensure we are not harmed.
Future do’s
Switch to natural products – A lot of good handmade products are now available which can
be used. Also it is important to realise that not all organic or natural products are reliable. So,
in order to take a decision one has to carefully study all ingredients.
Check ingredients – Since personal care products are a part of everyday morning, it is
important to check the ingredients before buying it.
Conclusion
In future I have decided to go for natural products because it is hard to identify which product is
better because all have chemicals in it. Most of the shampoos have the same set of ingredients. Switching
to natural ingredients will ensure that I do my bit for the environment also. Chemicals have these days
become a part of our daily life. We can at the most try and avoid it at place where we really can due to our
references. I will surely try to use natural home spun recipes for healthy hair and ensure that hair damage
and breakage does not occur.
Work cited
“The Dangers of SHAMpoo.” The Militant Hippi, 22nd Jan 2018
bostonpaul.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/the-dangers-of-shampoo/.
“Why Your Shampoo May Be Hazardous To Your Health.” Morrocco Method,
www.morroccomethod.com/blog/why-your-shampoo-may-be-hazardous-to-your-health/.
Team, HealthStatus, et al. “Chemicals in Shampoo May Pose Health Risks & Shampoo Side
Effects.” HealthStatus, HealthStatus Team, 22nd Jan 2018 , www.healthstatus.com/health_blog/cancer-
2/chemicals-in-shampoo-may-pose-health-risks/.
CORP., 3ANGLE. “More Harmful Than You Think – These Are Shampoo Ingredients to
Avoid.” Nutrafol, 3 May 2018, www.nutrafol.com/blog/15-shampoo-ingredients-to-avoid/.
