We’ve all gazed in admiration at the gorgeous girl in the shampoo commercial who tosses her long, lustrous, shiny hair.  However, in our quest for beautiful hair, we may be unknowingly using products that contain harmful synthetic chemicals — some of which can damage our skin, scalp, and eyes.  Here is some info on a few of the most widely used chemicals and their effects, and also some news on the healthiest, most beautifying natural alternatives.

The Food & Drug Administration’s Consumer Magazine recently wrote that shampoos, rinses and conditioners can cause eye problems that range from irritation, all the way to permanent eye damage.  One common irritant in shampoos is sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS.  The FDA requires companies to list their ingredients in hair care products in descending order, with the most abundant ingredient first.  

SLS is usually one of the first listed ingredients in hair care…