Just like your bedroom your haircare needs cleaning up. A new wave of clean beauty has landed but that doesn’t mean everything you pick off the shelves is good for you. While there are countless beneficial haircare ingredients, it's equally important to be aware of those that can potentially do more harm than good. In fact, the results may surprise you.
Sulphates:
Sulphates, such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulphate (ALS), are commonly found in shampoos and other hair products due to their cleansing properties. Sounds good right? Wrong, these harsh detergents can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and even colour fading, that’s right my blonde, red and dark-haired beauties (and definitely my curl girls) it’s time to start checking the bottle. Opt for sulphate-free options and not only feel but see the difference.
Parabens:
Parabens are preservatives used in many personal care products including shampoos and conditioners, yet they cause drying and irritation to you scalp. Remember, healthy hair starts at the scalp. Parabens cause your hair to feel rougher, and can cause your colour to fade.
Silicones:
Silicones are often added to hair products to create a smooth, glossy appearance. While they can provide a temporary illusion of healthier hair, they build up over time, weighing down your locks and leading to dullness and decreased manageability. Particularly dangerous for curly girls, the build up of silicone can block moisture from reaching your actual hair locks, drying out your hair from the inside out. Look for products labeled "silicone-free" to avoid this.
Alcohol:
Certain types of alcohol, such as denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, are commonly found in hair products. While they help the hair product to dry quicker, it dries out the scalp and causes frizz, not to mention the scalp irritation it can cause – yikes. Instead, look for products that use fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol, which have a moisturizing effect – it is all about that clean healthy hydration.
Phthalates:
Often used in your shampoo, to help gel it and add fragrance, giving that post shower fresh feel, but this chemical should be avoided at all costs. Phthalates can cause severe consequences for your hair’s health and has been linked with several disorders in hairstylists who have inhaled the chemical over long periods of time. An easy fix is to avoid choose fragrance free products whenever you can!
In Summary:
It’s healthy hair summer (or at least spring) and it’s time we all treated our hair a little better by checking that bottle. By avoiding sulphates, parabens, silicones, alcohol, and phthalates as much as possible you can make more informed choices for your hair's well-being. You may be surprised just how hair-raising the results are. Embrace a healthier approach to haircare that prioritizes ingredients that promote nourishment, shine, and vitality, ensuring that your hair is the picture of hair, from root to tip.
To help you get started here are our some of our favourites:
Juuce Full Volume Shampoo 300ml
K18 Peptide pH Maintenance Shampoo 250ml
NAK Hair Blonde Conditioner 375ml
AG Care Curl Fresh Curl Enhancing Shampoo 1L
AG Care Boost Apple Cider Vinegar Silicone-Free Conditioner 1L
AG Care Re:coil Curl Activator 355ml
Joico JoiWhip Firm Hold Design Foam 300ml
Davroe CurliCue Hydrating Hair Oil 50ml
milk_shake Incredible Milk 12 Effects 150ml
For a whole list of products we adore inside and out click here.
