❌ Dangerous Ingredients: 8 Haircare Ingredients to Avoid ❌
Maintaining healthy curls requires careful attention to the products you use. Many hair care products contain ingredients that can damage curly hair, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage.
When you dip your toes into the world of non-toxic self-care, it can feel rather overwhelming at first so we put together a simple list of eight dangerous ingredients you should avoid to keep your curls looking their best:
1. Sulfates
Why They’re Bad: Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are harsh detergents found in many shampoos. They strip away natural oils, leaving curly hair dry and prone to frizz.
Alternative: Look for sulfate-free shampoos that use gentle, plant-based cleansers. Try our Gentle Shampoo filled with junk-free ingredients.
2. Silicones
Why They’re Bad: Silicones like dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane create a false sense of smoothness by coating the hair shaft. Over time, they build up and prevent moisture from penetrating the hair, leading to dryness and dullness.
Alternative: Opt for water-soluble silicones or silicone-free products that allow your curls to breathe. Try our Curly Hair Cream or Curly Hair Custard or any other styler to get the results you are looking for using natural ingredients.
3. Parabens
Why They’re Bad: Parabens are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of hair products. They can disrupt hormone function and have been linked to certain cancers. Additionally, they can dry out curly hair, causing it to become brittle.
Alternative: Choose paraben-free products that use natural preservatives like vitamin E or rosemary extract.
4. Alcohols
Why They’re Bad: Not all alcohols are bad, but short-chain alcohols like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and propanol can dry out your hair and scalp, stripping away essential moisture and leading to frizz and breakage.
Alternative: Look for products with fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, which help to condition and moisturize hair.
5. Synthetic Fragrances
Why They’re Bad: Synthetic fragrances can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, some of which can cause allergic reactions, scalp irritation, and even disrupt hormones.
Alternative: Choose products with natural fragrances derived from essential oils or those labeled as "fragrance-free."
6. Phthalates
Why They’re Bad: Phthalates are often used to help fragrances last longer. They are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to a variety of health issues. For curly hair, they can cause dryness and damage to the hair shaft.
Alternative: Select products labeled phthalate-free to avoid these harmful chemicals.
7. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers
Why They’re Bad: Formaldehyde and its releasers (like DMDM hydantoin) are used as preservatives. They are known carcinogens and can cause skin irritation and hair loss.
Alternative: Look for products that use safer, non-toxic preservatives and are labeled formaldehyde-free.
8. Mineral Oil and Petroleum
Why They’re Bad: These ingredients create a heavy barrier on the hair, blocking moisture and leading to buildup. They can weigh down curls, making them limp and lifeless.
Alternative: Opt for natural oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil, which nourish and moisturize without causing buildup.
To Wrap it Up:
Here at moptop, we incorporate clean, junk-free ingredients into our products in order to get the best results. The fewer the ingredients, the healthier for your hair and the smaller of a footprint we leave on the environment.
Ingredients you WON'T find in moptop products:
- NO Sulfates
- NO Phthalates
- NO Parabens
- NO Wheat
- NO Silicones
- NO Dyes
Choosing the right products for your curls can make all the difference in maintaining their health and vibrancy. Always read product labels carefully and opt for natural, gentle ingredients that work with your hair’s natural texture and needs.
Want to learn more about what products are best for your specific hair type? Take our curl quiz now. Get started on your journey to embrace your natural curls and give them the care they deserve!
Have questions? Email us hello@moptophair.com
Stay Curly! 💛
