CurlsBotCurly/Wavy Hair Ingredients Guides
Alcohols
Alcohols in haircare products are used to help products dry quickly, preserve formulations, and enhance ingredient absorption into hair
Drying Alcohols
Short-chain alcohols considered drying because they evaporate quickly and can strip natural oils from the hair and scalp
Emollient alcohols
These are long-chain fatty alcohols that help to soften and moisturize hair
Humectants
Humectants are ingredients that attract moisture to the hair
Film Forming Humectants
These are large, complex molecules that may be better at retaining moisture in low humidity conditions
Proteins
Proteins in hair care products can help strengthen and repair hair, but some people find them drying
Oils
Oils in hair products can moisturize and add shine to hair
Essential Oils
Essential oils are not really oils as they are not fatty. They are mainly used for their fragrance and therapeutic properties.
Petroleum Oils
These are petroleum based ingredients that are often avoided for their build up potential as well as their petro-based origin.
Preservatives
Preservatives in hair products can help prevent the growth of bacteria and mold
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives commonly used in cosmetic products to prevent bacterial growth
Silicones
Synthetic ingredients that create a protective barrier on the hair, reducing friction and adding shine
Evaporative Silicones
Evaporative silicones are lightweight silicones that evaporate quickly, leaving no residue
Non-water-soluble Silicones
Non-water-soluble silicones in hair care products are a type of silicone that cannot be easily washed out with gentle shampoos or cowash
Water-soluble Silicones
Water-soluble silicones in hair care products are a type of silicone that is easily washed out of the hair with regular shampoo.
Surfactants
surfactants in hair products can help remove dirt and oil from the hair and scalp
Mild surfactants
These surfactants are typically amphoteric or cationic and are considered to be gentler on the hair and scalp than anionic surfactants like sulfates. The cationic surfactants are primarily used for conditioning.
Other Anionic Surfactants
Like sulfates, these are anionic surfactants, which means they have a negative charge and are good at removing oil and dirt from the hair
Waxes
Waxes in styling products can add texture, hold, and shine to hair
Non-water-soluble Waxes
Non-water-soluble waxes are waxes that are not easily washed out from hair
Others
Astringents
Astringents in hair care are substances that tighten pores and reduce oil production on the scalp
Esters
Esters are used in hair care products as emollients, conditioners, and carriers for other ingredients, contributing to smoothness, shine, and manageability.
Film Forming Agents
These ingredients form a thin invisible layer on the hair to hold style, prevent moisture loss, and protect from damage.
Polyquats
Polyquats are positively charged polymers used in haircare products to condition, detangle, and add shine by forming a protective film around the hair shaft.