7 Surprising Ingredients to Avoid in Curly Hair Products | Hairstyles Edit
Curly hair products and labels
If you have curly hair, you might have heard about “no-poo” or “The Curly Girl Method.” These ideas help make curly hair stronger and healthier. It is well known that curly hair tends to be dry and breaks more easily than straight hair. That’s why many in the curly hair community look for better ways and hair care products to care for their curls. Experts suggest using products that are natural, organic, or free from harsh chemicals. Many store-bought hair care products have chemicals you might want to avoid putting on your hair and scalp if you have curly hair.
Many hair products sold today have chemicals listed on our list. These ingredients are usually safe if used correctly. However, for people with curly hair, they can harm the hair and scalp. That is why the CG method, created by hairstylist and curl expert Lorraine Massey, suggests using natural ingredients for curly hair. Here are 10 common ingredients to avoid in products for curly hair, especially when your hair is dry.
10 Ingredients to check and avoid when you buy curly hair products!
Sulphates
When we wash our hair, we often think more foam means cleaner hair. This thick foam comes from Sulfates. Sulfates help remove dirt and oil from your scalp and hair. But they also take away the natural oils your scalp makes. This is not good for curly hair. It can make curls even drier and cause them to break easily. If you have curly hair, choose a shampoo without Sulfates. You can still use a Sulfate shampoo once or twice a month for a deep clean.
Parabens
Parabens are common in many cosmetics. They act as preservatives and stop fungi and bacteria from growing in the product. While safe in small amounts, parabens can sometimes irritate the scalp. This irritation may make curly hair weaker and even lead to hair loss.
Formaldehyde
When we think of Formaldehyde, we often remember school science experiments. However, Formaldehyde is also used in many cosmetics and hair care products to help them last longer. It is found in some hair straightening chemicals too. Some people are allergic to Formaldehyde and similar chemicals. These allergies can irritate the scalp, weaken hair strands, and lead to hair loss.
Silicones
Silicones can be tricky. They are common in hair conditioners. They cover each hair strand, making hair feel soft and smooth. This layer helps lock in moisture, which is good for our curls. But if you don’t wash it out well, it can build up on your hair. Too much build-up makes hair heavy and flat, which is not good for curly hair.
Alcohols
Hair care products use two kinds of alcohol. Fatty alcohols, such as cetyl and cetearyl alcohol, are good for your hair. They help keep it soft and moisturized. But you should avoid drying alcohols like propanol and benzyl alcohol. These can dry out your hair and cause it to break easily.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is often used in skincare products to help treat acne and pimples. It can also help with skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff. However, if you do not have these problems, choose hair care products without salicylic acid. This ingredient can remove your scalp’s natural oils, making your hair dry and fragile.
Fragrance
Many of us buy hair products just because they smell nice. It’s understandable—everyone loves leaving the shower with hair that smells like fresh roses. But be cautious. Most products use fake scents that can irritate your skin.
Hexachlorophene
This chemical is often used to kill bacteria and clean surfaces. Doctors use it to clean the skin before surgery to stop infections from spreading. However, in shampoo, it may irritate the skin, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.
Phthalates
Phthalate is a gelling agent often used in shampoos, conditioners, hair mousse, and other hair products. It helps make hair feel smooth and soft. It also helps the scent last longer. However, if you are exposed to large amounts, it can cause serious health issues. Pregnant women exposed to phthalates may risk their baby’s health.
Polyethylene Glycols
Polyethylene Glycols, or PEG, are chemicals that help make hair feel softer and smoother. They also help hair hold moisture. In cosmetics, PEG is often used as a base for creams. However, during production, PEG can get mixed with other chemicals like ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is a known cancer-causing substance if people are exposed to too much of it.