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Hair

9 Ingredients You Should Avoid if You Have Curly Hair

 

Haircare is a literal science and a daunting one to master at that. Figuring out your hair type and needs can be the first hurdle, but it's almost impossible to stay informed on what is good or bad for your curls. Especially with so many opinions confidently thrown into the mix. For every vote of confidence an ingredient receives, there seems to be someone else who swears against it. Whether you're just starting to embrace your curls or have been rocking your natural hair for years, there's always a lot to consider when it comes to ingredients. Some products are always harmful, while others become problematic with overuse.

While it may feel overwhelming to navigate on your own, hair experts like dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, trichologist Kari Williams, Ph.D., and stylist and natural hair expert Leigh Hardges are available to make sense of it for you. Keep reading to find out which ingredients you might want to avoid, according to our experts.

Meet the Expert

 

• Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
• Kari Williams, Ph.D., is a board-certified trichologist, licensed cosmetologist, and member of DevaCurl’s Expert Curl Council.
• Leigh Hardges is a stylist and natural hair expert at Maxine Salon in Chicago.

 

Sulfates

Sulfates often get a bad reputation when it comes to curly hair. Usually found in shampoo, sulfates provide the rich lather we expect when washing our hair. They act as surfactants, which break down the oils and impurities on the scalp and hair for a squeaky-clean feeling.1

However, Zeichner warns that surfactants used in shampoos to give a deep cleanse tend to be drying to the hair and scalp. "Curly hair tends to be more coarse and dry than other hair types, so it is important to choose the right shampoo," explains Zeichner. He adds that sulfates can potentially make coarse hair even drier, and studies indicate that repeated rough washing can damage the cuticle.2

Williams, however, counters that they are not harmful when used appropriately. She says that using the more gentle forms of sulfates in the right measure can benefit all hair types by removing dirt and oil. She also adds that most companies have removed the strongest sulfates from their products, such as ALS (Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate).

Parabens

Parabens are used in many cosmetic products, as they provide preservative and fungicidal properties. While the function parabens provide is essential, there are studies that have proven their potential for irritation.3 "Parabens are effective at preventing microbial contamination in cosmetics but can lead to allergic contact dermatitis, so they are increasingly being avoided in skincare and haircare product formulas," shares Zeichner.

The potential for irritation caused by parabens is a concern for curly-haired people. Curly hair tends to be more fragile and hair loss can be a concern as well. The threat of allergic contact dermatitis is the inflammation and irritation it causes to the scalp, both of which have been linked to hair loss.4 Williams adds that because parabens mimic estrogen, there are concerns about parabens interrupting hormonal functions in women which could increase the risk of breast cancer and other reproductive issues.5

Triclosan

While on the topic of preservatives, we'd be remiss not to mention Triclosan. It may not be as much of a household term as parabens, but the two often come up in the same conversations. Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent with antibacterial properties.6 These properties make it a useful component in extending the shelf life of cosmetic products and hair care formulas.

"Triclosan is an active ingredient incorporated into a variety of products to slow or stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mildew," explains Hardges. "It’s a part of the preservative family and can dry out hair or cause allergic reactions." Neither creates a nourishing environment for lush, hydrated curls that are often sensitive to scalp irritation and dehydration.

Formaldehyde

The word formaldehyde likely invokes images of science class and critters preserved in glass jars. The preservative powers of formaldehyde are coincidentally what made it popular for use in beauty products, where shelf life is essential to profit. It's no wonder that seeing it listed as an ingredient on haircare products would give you pause, but do the facts support this fear? Our experts gave a resounding "yes."

Zeichner explains that formaldehyde is a common cause of skin allergies, especially for those with sensitive skin. Like with parabens and Triclosan, this irritation could lead to even worse problems for the scalp and hair, including hair loss. Williams agrees and adds that it is a potential carcinogen as well. Even if it is not listed as an ingredient, there are other chemical compounds that break down into formaldehyde when exposed to high heat, such as methylene glycol and glyoxylic acid.7

Finally, it's important to mention that formaldehyde has most commonly been used in haircare as an ingredient in most chemical straighteners. Beyond damaging the curl pattern during the chemical straightening process, formaldehyde does long-term damage to the hair by making the curl shaft fragile and susceptible to fracture from minor trauma like hair clips and ties.7 Curly hair is already drier and more susceptible to damage than straight hair, so the effects of formaldehyde on curly hair are particularly detrimental.

Silicones

Silicones are often found in conditioners for their ability to smooth and soften the hair. They form a thin coating around the hair, which can prevent water from entering or exiting the hair shaft.8 Williams describes silicones as "synthetic oils that behave like natural oils." Silicones can provide some benefit to curls by locking in moisture and preventing frizz.

However, there are diminishing returns when it comes to silicones, as the more of them that you use, the heavier the coating on the hair becomes. "Silicones may initially leave the hair silky and smooth, but with continued use will build up on the hair, weighing it down. So while it may be tempting to use them, I generally recommend avoiding silicone-containing shampoos," explains Zeichner. Curlies may want to consider using only one silicone-containing product as a part of their routine and occasionally clarifying the hair to remove the silicone buildup.

Mineral Oils and Waxes

Mineral oil byproducts, such as petrolatum or paraffin wax, show up in many cosmetic applications (hello, Vaseline). Like silicones, these ingredients are used for their occlusive properties, which prevent moisture loss from the hair or skin.9 On a more general level, the use of these ingredients garners much health controversy as faults in the manufacturing or refining process could pose carcinogenic risks for consumers.10

In the sole context of hair, occlusive ingredients like mineral oils and waxes can be too heavy and difficult to wash out, leading to buildup on the strands and scalp. "I don’t agree that these items should be necessarily avoided," says Hardges. "However, they do need to be removed or cleansed off to avoid pore blockage which can cause thinning hair over time." If you're committed to a holy-grail curl product that features these ingredients, be sure to add a clarifying, deep clean to your haircare routine.

Alcohols

Before discussing alcohols in hair products, it's important to distinguish that there are fatty alcohols and drying alcohols. Williams says that most products contain fatty alcohols like cetyl and cetearyl alcohols, which are good for the hair and keep strands soft and moisturized. However, there are other alcohols that have the potential to irritate the scalp and impact curly hair.

Drying alcohols, like propanol, can make already dry curly hair even more brittle and susceptible to damage. Additionally, some alcohols have the potential to irritate the scalp. Benzyl alcohol is often used as a preservative in products with fragrance. It has the potential to cause contact dermatitis and as such can be damaging to the skin and scalp.3

Salicylic Acid

Seeing salicylic acid as an ingredient for hair care might be surprising to you if you have only ever used it to treat acne and facial skin. While it is most commonly talked about as a skincare ingredient, salicylic acid has actually been found to be an effective treatment for several conditions of the scalp as well. Studies have shown that salicylic acid has benefits for those with psoriasis, eczema, and even dandruff on the scalp.11

Despite the benefits salicylic acid has for these scalp conditions, it may not be something those with curly hair can afford. Zeichner explains that "ingredients like salicylic acid help remove excess oil from the scalp and hair, but can dry out already dry hair." If you are experiencing any of these scalp concerns and your curls are suffering from salicylic acid-based treatments, talk to your dermatologist about what other options might be available to you.

Fragrance

There is no denying that the scent of products plays a major role in whether we choose to use them or not—especially on our hair. Great-smelling fragrance may entice you to buy a certain product, but that fragrance could potentially hurt your curls (and your health).

Williams cautions that artificial fragrance can cause skin irritation in some individuals—and if the fragrance is a phthalate, "this particular ingredient has been categorized as a carcinogen and known to interrupt endocrine and reproductive function." Skin irritation can be detrimental to hair and scalp health, with consequences ranging from pain and itching to hair loss.12 Avoiding ingredients that contain fragrance also prevents exposure to other ingredients needed to preserve them, such as the previously mentioned benzyl alcohol.

It can be overwhelming to try and stay up to date on every ingredient that is being celebrated or shunned by the curly community. There can be a lot of nuance to how and when these ingredients can become harmful and the risk of misinformation is high. If you are concerned about the health of your hair or scalp, your questions are best answered by a dermatologist or trichologist who has the expertise to advise you.