Ever felt like navigating the label on your curly hair products is like deciphering a foreign language? You’re not alone!
When it comes to choosing the right products for curly hair, terms like ”no nasties”, "free from parabens" or "no sulphates" can be confusing. And often, totally untrue! (Yes, companies love to trick us!)
"Understanding ingredients and what they do is crucial for maintaining healthy, curly hair".
SIX Common Ingredients In Hair Products That Are NOT Curly Girl Approved
Let's look at SIX of the most common ingredients manufacturers sneak into hair products and why you should avoid them if you’ve got curly hair.
1. Parabens (the “bens”)
Also known as: Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben.
Parabens are preservatives used to prolong the shelf life of beauty products. However, they can disrupt hormone function, cause dryness and irritation, and compromise the integrity of your scalp and hair.
2. Sulphates
Also known as: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS).
Sulphates are detergents that create lather in shampoos. We love a good lathering shampoo, however sulphates can strip natural oils from your scalp and hair, leaving your curls dry and frizzy. Opting for sulphate-free products is a must in curly hair care to maintain moisture and prevent breakage.
3. Silicones (The ones ending with ‘cone’…)
Also known as: Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Amodimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Silicones coat the hair, making it feel smooth and look shiny. That's why when you use a shampoo or conditioner that leaves the hair feeling silky smooth you’re inclined to keep using it. However, they can build up over time, weighing down your curls and leading to product buildup that can be hard to wash out without the help of sulphates. Avoiding silicones helps the long term health of your hair, not to mention making styling curly hair easier.
4. Mineral Oils
Also known as: Petrolatum, Paraffin Oil, Liquid Paraffin.
Mineral oils can make your hair feel greasy and attract dirt. This leads to buildup that can end up suffocating the hair and scalp. Part of maintaining a healthy curly hair routine is avoiding oils that cause build up and gunk on the scalp. For defined curls with loads of bounce avoid oils that will weigh your hair down.
5. Waxes
Also known as: Beeswax, Candelilla Wax, Carnauba Wax.
Waxes are often used to hold your hair in place, or to add texture and body to flat hair. Notorious for weighing down curls and causing buildup the waxy coating makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. In the long run, this can lead to dryness and damage, disrupting your curly hair care routine.
6. Drying Alcohols
Also known as: Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethanol, SD Alcohol 40.
Drying alcohol can strip moisture from your hair, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage. Dry shampoos and hairsprays are frequent offenders for adding in drying alcohols because their aim is to add volume, however they do this through absorbing vital oils and hydration. The result - dry and brittle hair. It’s worth mentioning LOHY.’s ‘Rain Check Texturising Dry Shampoo' and 'Hold It Hairspray' are void of these nasty chemicals, resulting in hydrated, healthy curls every time!
Curly Hair Routine Tips
Tip #1 When selecting products, always check the labels for these ingredients.
Tip #2 Opt for products that are free from parabens, sulphates, silicones, mineral oils, waxes, and drying alcohols to ensure your curly hair remains healthy and vibrant.
Tip #3 Incorporating a deep conditioner for curly hair like LOHY.’s Drench & Quench, can make a significant difference to the overall health of your curls. Curly hair products designed to nourish and hydrate ensure your curls remain soft, defined, and frizz-free
Tip #4 If you’re unsure of an ingredient, a quick google or chat with your stylist can help determine whether the product is right for your hair.
Decoding the lingo on your hair care products isn’t always easy and we hope this article has simplified things to help you along your journey of having healthy hydrated curls.
Knowledge is power! By learning what to avoid and why, you can make smarter choices that will benefit your curls in the long run. Being aware of sneaky ingredients hiding in your curly hair products helps you steer clear of issues like unwanted frizz and limp curls.
LOHY. xx
