They So Shady…What’s in Other Hair Care Products that Could be Killing Your Curls

By Tiffani Douglas

Since becoming a curly girl, it's no doubt that you have advanced your education about natural hair care products by leaps and bounds. By now you know what works for you and what doesn’t and you probably have something akin to a PhD. in “curly hair-ology” from “Sidewalk University”. Umm yea…but, anyway… The most surprising thing you’ve probably learned while pursuing your hair-ology degree is that the hair care products you use daily, and in some cases have used your whole life, contain some harmful chemicals and additives that can damage your delicate curls. What’s more, because your curly, Type 4 hair is more fragile than any other hair type, using hair care products that don’t work with the natural chemistry of your hair can do more harm than good if you do not pay attention to the ingredients in those products.

 

 

So peep this…

The key to having healthy curly hair is educating yourself on product ingredients and getting your game up on what NOT to use on your hair. Below are a few ingredients that you should avoid or be wary of when purchasing any hair care product.

 

 

Sulfates

Sulfates are the number one of killer of curls! Sulfates are additives used in hair care products like shampoos and conditioners that trigger the foaming action you see with soaps or detergents. Sulfates are largely used as foaming agents, and they combine with water to break down oil and grease, dissolving it into the water so that it can be easily rinsed away. The most common type of sulfate found in many shampoos and conditioners is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Look out for that! Additionally, sulfates act as a surfactant, which is a natural or synthetic substance that promotes wetting, as with water; and it helps to release dirt, oils, dead skin and sebum from your hair and scalp into the solution that is the shampoo. The use of hair care products that contain sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils as well as irritate the skin and scalp. So if you have sensitive skin, products that contain sulfates should definitely be kicked to the curb – bye Felicia! And although sulfate-free shampoos don't lather like the old school cleansers, they still get the job done.

 

 

Silicones

Silicones are synthetic ingredients similar to rubber or plastic that are used as sealants to create the illusion of shine on the hair. Because it prevents moisture and vital nutrients from getting to the hair it causes the hair to become dry and brittle. Furthermore, it causes build up, which attracts even more dirt and debris leaving your hair looking a mess – dull and limp. Silicone is especially bad for curly hair because most curly hair needs intense moisture and the sealant nature of silicone prevents moisture from getting through to the hair shaft. Silicones are somewhat capable of sliding off straight hair, but unfortunately, that's not the case with curly hair. When silicone builds up on kinky hair, it gets stuck on the curls and weighs them down causing breakage and sad, lifeless curls.

 

 

Proteins

Generally thought of as a good thing for your hair, proteins can also be detrimental curls when too much is added and it’s not balanced with proper moisture. Your hair is mostly made up of a fibrous protein called keratin. Protein makes our hair strong and healthy, but adding too much protein to your hair can cause “protein O.D.” which can lead to damaged curls. Protein overload is when your hair’s moisture and protein balance has been disturbed. Too much protein can cause shedding and breakage, and it makes the hair feel sticky, dry and brittle. One of the main culprits of protein overload is all the hidden proteins found in many of the hair care products you use. You could be unknowingly adding unnecessary proteins to your hair if you are not reading labels, which could be spelling disaster for your curls!

 

 

Get your game up – Check out CURLS all natural ingredients

Many of these ingredients are found in lots of leading hair care products, but not CURLS! We focus on creating products that work with your hair’s chemistry not against it, so we incorporate all-natural ingredients into our formulas to ensure that you are reaching optimal curl health. CURLS natural hair care products are made of plant and fruit elements from the earth to care for and style your hair. It’s what makes our products so different! Instead of using sulfates, CURLS hair care products contain cleansing extracts of grapefruit and pineapple to gently lift unnecessary debris, while preserving the integrity of your hair. Protective emollients of shea and mango seed butter moisturize your delicate strands, helping you balance your protein/moisture balance; and essential oils surround and penetrate the hair shaft for lasting hydration – no silicones to block moisture here. Check out CURLS natural hair care products to see how natural care can help your naturally curly hair!