Choosing the right beauty products is more important than you think. There are all kinds of ingredients in many popular products that can cause adverse reactions in individual consumers. The conversation around gluten as a common ingredient has recently sparked serious debate. So, is gluten bad for hair? Here we’ll discuss whether gluten is safe to use in beauty and hair care products.
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a structural protein commonly found in grains, barley, wheat, and oats. This protein helps food keep its shape because it holds everything together like glue. Gluten is also a factor that gives dough elasticity. Some of the most popular food items that contain gluten are bread, pasta, baked goods, cereal, sauces, dressings, soups, and even beer. Many people with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerances cannot eat foods containing gluten, as they will experience an adverse reaction.
Why Is Gluten in Hair Products?
You can find gluten in many food products, but you may not know that gluten can also be an ingredient in many hair and beauty products. As mentioned, gluten helps foods hold their shape because it acts like glue, which is also true for hair products. Gluten acts as a binding agent in hair and beauty care products, preventing any of the ingredients from separating from each other. Gluten can also act as a thickener in products like shampoo, giving the product a heavier consistency and keeping it from leaking out of the bottle.
Is Gluten Bad for Hair?
In recent years, many people have brought up the topic of whether gluten is safe in hair and beauty products. There is not yet much scientific evidence to support claims that gluten ingredients are unsafe. However, for people with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerances, products containing gluten can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, it is likely safer for people with a gluten allergy to avoid any products that contain gluten. It’s more likely that food products cause reactions than hair products because you consume them orally. The topical application of a hair product is not as likely to cause any gluten-related response, but if you want to stay on the safe side, you can purchase gluten-free beauty products.
Now that you know whether or not gluten is bad for your hair, you can make an educated choice about the products you choose for your hair and body. Max Green Alchemy has a vegan sulfate-free shampoo that is also gluten-free and safe for anyone with gluten allergies.