Shampoo is supposed to clean and nourish our hair, right? Well, it’s a nice ideal, but the reality is a different story. Some of the most popular shampoo brands are riddled with hormone-disrupting chemicals that could lead to hair loss, skin problems and even reproductive diseases. Here’s what you need to know.

Approximately 49% of women will be affected by hair loss throughout their lives, while 40% of men will notice significant hair loss by the age of 35 – and while genetics play a major role in these figures, many cases involve environmental and lifestyle factors. On a daily basis, we’re exposed to toxins – from the air to our food, it’s all around us. These toxins can throw our hormones off balance and leave us vulnerable to early hair loss. While some things are difficult to avoid – like the car pollution many of us have to walk through – other things can be controlled. Our shampoo, for instance, is a major contributor to toxins in our body – many of the most popular brands are loaded with chemicals known to infiltrate our body and cause chaos. Even our food can be contaminated - on our 8-Week Program we delve into the best ways to know exactly what you're putting into your body. But back to shampoo and all things hair - here’s what to look out for.

Overuse and scalp irritation

Using too much shampoo or washing your hair too frequently can strip the scalp of its natural oils, which can cause the hair to become dry and brittle. This can lead to breakage and hair loss over time. Certain shampoos – particularly the popular brands we see lining the supermarket shelves – can cause irritation to the scalp, which can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair loss.

Harsh chemicals and hormonal imbalances

Some shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can damage the hair follicles and cause hair loss. These chemicals include sulphates, parabens and formaldehyde. Shampoos may also contain ingredients that can disrupt hormonal balance in the body, which can lead to hair loss. Research found that those who avoid parabens, triclosan and fragrances in their products were 50% more likely to have fewer toxic chemicals in their body.

You'll also find these dangerous chemicals in your food! Yep, microplastics and preservatives are known hormone disruptors and ultra-processed foods are often harbouring them. This is why what we put on our plates is foundational to our overall health. Keen to boost your gut, combat sugar cravings and feel fuller for longer? Come join us for the 8-Week Program. You don’t have to buy exotic ingredients or splash your cash on new appliances; every tool you need, you’ve likely already got, and our ingredients are easily found at your local grocer. Because we know how challenging it can be to make a change in your life, and it’s the little things that make it that much easier (and fun!). Take a look at some of the exciting recipes members enjoy:

• Kale + Cauliflower Curry Puffs
• Raspberry Breakfast Muffins
• Prawn + Mango Tacos
• Swede + Cannellini Bean Soup
• Minty Salmon Brain-Boosting Bowl
• Savoury Crepes
• Spiced Sicilian Stew

Who knew quitting sugar looked this good? Muffins, pancakes and tortes are all a part of our fun 8-Week Program.

These chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors as they affect our hormones, from the reproductive system to the thyroid. Parabens are one of the most common endocrine disruptors used as preservatives in shampoo and other products. They make for a cheap and quick solution for producers – but for consumers? They get absorbed into the body easily.  Research shows that parabens raise the risk for infertility, psychological issues and cancer.

What to look out for: Paraben can masquerade as methylparaben, propylparaben, isoparaben and butylparaben. Be sure to steer clear of these!

What to use instead

Opting for “clean” shampoo is one of your best options to reduce your intake of these chemicals. “Clean” simply means products made without those inflammatory ingredients like the following:

• Sulphates
• Parabens
• Phthalates – this is a kind of plastic
• Mineral oil
• Retinyl palmitate
• Hydroquinone
• Triclosan
• Triclocarban
• Formaldehyde
• Fragrance

Whether you’re looking to eat healthier or fight off a sugar addiction, we’re here to help. Join us for the 8-Week Program and we’ll help you change the way you look at food – and that doesn’t mean you have to follow restrictive diets or miss out on your favourite foods; we believe you can still enjoy delicious food without jeopardising your health. With celebrity chef Sarah Glover on our panel of experts, you’ll have an array of fun recipes at your fingertips, along with our own exclusive armoury of simple, tasty and healthy recipes for everything from daily meals to impressive entertaining. We know it can be hard to stick to your health goals – especially when you’re trying to manage it alone. When you sign up with us, you’ll have access to clear-cut meal plans, community support and exclusive access to our sugar-free content. Here’s what’s on offer:

1. 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
2. 90+ member-only recipes.
3. Community forums to share your journey.
4. Support and guidance from the I Quit Sugar team.
5. Exclusive content from our panel of experts.

So, if you’re ready to ditch sugar and the host of maladies that come with it, it’s not too late to join. We’d love to help you get started on your health journey. Sign up HERE today!