Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, gluten does not cause any issues or reactions. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, exposure to gluten can cause serious health problems. This has led many people to start checking product labels and avoiding gluten in all areas of their diet and personal care routines, including in shampoos.
Why check shampoos for gluten?
While ingesting gluten can be problematic for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, there is some debate over whether gluten in personal care products like shampoos is a real concern. Some argue that the gluten protein is too large to be absorbed through the skin and hair follicles. However, others point out that an extremely small amount of shampoo is likely swallowed incidentally during bathing. This tiny inadvertent ingestion could potentially trigger issues for those who are highly sensitive.
Additionally, some research suggests gluten peptides can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin. A 2017 study found trace amounts of gluten were detected in the blood of subjects who used gluten-containing skin creams, even though they did not have any reactions. While more research is still needed, this has led many experts to recommend the precautionary principle for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Avoiding gluten in shampoos and other personal care products reduces any potential risk.
How to identify gluten-free shampoos
When shopping for a gluten-free shampoo, start by looking at the ingredients list on the back of the bottle. Scan for any ingredients that contain wheat, rye, barley or oat. Some examples include:
- Triticum vulgare (wheat) germ oil
- Secale cereale (rye) seed extract
- Hordeum vulgare (barley) extract
- Avena sativa (oat) kernel oil
The next step is to look for less obvious sources of gluten that could be hidden in ingredient names like “natural grain extract” or “hydrolyzed cereal protein.” Contact the manufacturer directly if you are unsure about any particular ingredients to ask if their products are gluten-free.
You can also look for bottles that are explicitly labeled “gluten-free.” However, be aware that products can carry this label even when they contain oats, so double-check the ingredients if you need to avoid all sources of gluten including oats.
Examples of gluten-free shampoo brands
Many mainstream shampoo brands now offer gluten-free options:
- Dove – Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo
- Garnier – Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo
- Head & Shoulders – Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care Shampoo
- Herbal Essences – Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Shampoo
- L’Oréal Paris – L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Shampoo
- Neutrogena – Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo
There are also many specialty gluten-free shampoo lines, including:
- Acure – Acure Curiously Clarifying Lemongrass Shampoo
- Love Beauty and Planet – Love Beauty and Planet Hope and Repair Shampoo
- OGX – OGX Detoxifying + Pomegranate & Ginger Shampoo
- Puracy – Puracy Natural Daily Shampoo
- Pure:ly Gentle – Pure:ly Gentle Gluten-Free Biotin Shampoo
- Veriphy – Veriphy Gluten-Free Shampoo
Tips for identifying gluten in other hair products
In addition to shampoo, also check the ingredients on any other hair products in your routine including:
- Conditioner
- Hair masks
- Hair spray
- Hair gel
- Mousse
- Hair oil
- Dry shampoo
- Hair dye
Follow the same steps of carefully reading ingredient lists and contacting manufacturers about any uncertainties. Look for gluten-free labels for added reassurance.
Alternative ingredients to watch out for
When shopping for gluten-free hair products, be mindful that manufacturers sometimes use ingredients like oats or soy as substitutes for wheat. These may be problematic for those who react to avenin in oats or are avoiding soy for other reasons.
Some examples of ingredients to watch out for include:
- Hydrolyzed oat protein
- Avena sativa (oat) kernel extract
- Glycine soja (soybean) oil
- Hydrolyzed soy protein
As with any hair product, focus on choosing options with simple, naturally derived ingredients whenever possible. This can help avoid unwanted ingredients in general.
Is 100% gluten-free hair care necessary?
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, trying to follow a 100% gluten-free haircare routine is generally recommended as a protective measure. However, some people find removing gluten solely from shampoos is sufficient for their needs if they do not react to other incidental exposures in beauty products.
Work with your healthcare provider to decide what level of caution is right for your individual case. They can help assess your sensitivity level and need for strict gluten avoidance.
Other hair care tips
In addition to choosing gluten-free shampoos and products, here are some other tips for healthy hair management on a gluten-free diet:
- Consume foods rich in protein, omega-3s, vitamin C, zinc and iron to nourish hair from within. Good choices include fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.
- Consider taking a gluten-free multivitamin to help fill any nutritional gaps that could impact hair health.
- Use silicone-free conditioners and masks to hydrate hair and minimize breakage.
- Let hair air dry when possible instead of over-styling with heat tools that can damage hair over time.
- Get regular trims to keep split ends in check.
- Use a wide-tooth comb when hair is wet and tangled.
- Reduce use of harsh styling products like gels that can strip natural oils.
The bottom line
When you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, checking your shampoos and other hair products for gluten can be an important component of your treatment plan. Take time to carefully read ingredient lists, look for gluten-free labels, and contact manufacturers with any questions.
Focus on choosing simple, naturally derived formulas without wheat, barley, rye or questionable ingredients. Pair your gluten-free hair products with a healthy, nutrient-rich diet and smart hair care practices for your best locks ever.
