sweetmia22
New Member
Product Ingredients to Avoid for Healthy Hair!
Remember how your mother used DAX Pressing Oil for a good "hard" press? Or how you swore by that brown gel that kept your "baby hair" properly plastered to your head? Did you ever think about whether or not the ingredients in those products were healthy for your hair? I never did. Oftentimes, when we go natural, we become more acutely aware of product ingredients. Making better choices about ingredients becomes an essential part of our lives. I am a firm believer in the idea that "less is more." I have observed that natural hair thrives with minimal product whether loose or loced. It's just one of the many things that I enjoy about being natural.
Here are some common ingredients to avoid:
Petroleum only coats the hair and scalp, and creates the illusion of moisture and shine. This coating also prevents moisture from getting in and attracts dirt and dust.
Alcohol is the main ingredient in many gels, which dries the hair out severely.
Sodium Lauryl or Laureth Sulfate is a harsh cleanser found in most shampoos. It strips the hair of moisture. To combat this, try diluting your shampoo by filling a spray bottle with half distilled water and half shampoo. Be sure to use a moisturizing conditioner afterward. You can also opt to use the no-poo method.
Mineral Oil should be avoided in both hair and skin products as it coats and acts in the same manner as petroleum.
Silicones or Cones are added to conditioners to add sheen to the hair. Silicones coat the hair over time, leaving it dull and lifeless. It also prevents other products from penetrating the hair shaft, thus keeping moisture out. Be sure to check your conditioner for this ingredient.
Protein can dry the hair out, which may lead to breakage. Be careful with protein treatments, and always follow up with a deep moisturizing conditioner.
Glycerin in the wrong climate can dry out your hair as well. Glycerin works well with humidity but may do more harm than good in drier climates.
Avoid beeswax and butters for locs. There is a misconception that products such as beeswax help the hair to loc; however, hair locs simply because it is not combed and products do not speed up the process. Your hair will loc in due time, and though beeswax may aid in controlling the "fuzzies" more so than other products, just allow and embrace this stage. Your locs will thank you. Opt for lighter products for re-twisting, like aloe vera gel or a spritz of distilled water and your favorite carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond, etc) to keep your locs free of build up.
http://urbansalonnetwork.com by Nekea Valentine of Naturally You Magazine (
Here are some common ingredients to avoid:
Petroleum only coats the hair and scalp, and creates the illusion of moisture and shine. This coating also prevents moisture from getting in and attracts dirt and dust.
Alcohol is the main ingredient in many gels, which dries the hair out severely.
Sodium Lauryl or Laureth Sulfate is a harsh cleanser found in most shampoos. It strips the hair of moisture. To combat this, try diluting your shampoo by filling a spray bottle with half distilled water and half shampoo. Be sure to use a moisturizing conditioner afterward. You can also opt to use the no-poo method.
Mineral Oil should be avoided in both hair and skin products as it coats and acts in the same manner as petroleum.
Silicones or Cones are added to conditioners to add sheen to the hair. Silicones coat the hair over time, leaving it dull and lifeless. It also prevents other products from penetrating the hair shaft, thus keeping moisture out. Be sure to check your conditioner for this ingredient.
Protein can dry the hair out, which may lead to breakage. Be careful with protein treatments, and always follow up with a deep moisturizing conditioner.
Glycerin in the wrong climate can dry out your hair as well. Glycerin works well with humidity but may do more harm than good in drier climates.
Avoid beeswax and butters for locs. There is a misconception that products such as beeswax help the hair to loc; however, hair locs simply because it is not combed and products do not speed up the process. Your hair will loc in due time, and though beeswax may aid in controlling the "fuzzies" more so than other products, just allow and embrace this stage. Your locs will thank you. Opt for lighter products for re-twisting, like aloe vera gel or a spritz of distilled water and your favorite carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond, etc) to keep your locs free of build up.
http://urbansalonnetwork.com by Nekea Valentine of Naturally You Magazine (
