But what is a protein treatment, how can you tell if you need one, and which products should you try? And, more importantly, how can you have protein moisture balance? Read on for all the details.

In a hurry? Check out our top picks:

Top Pick	EVOLVh UltraRepair Hair Masque 4.8	$21.00 ($10.50 / Fl Oz) Shop on Amazon Buy from EVOLVh
	Hairfinity Hair Strengthening Amino Treatment Masque 4.5	$19.99 ($2.50 / Fl Oz) Shop on Amazon
Strongest!	Aphogee Two-step Treatment Protein for Damaged Hair 4.5	$25.49 ($1.59 / Fl Oz) Shop on Amazon

Top Pick

EVOLVh UltraRepair Hair Masque

4.8

$21.00 ($10.50 / Fl Oz)

Shop on Amazon

Buy from EVOLVh

Hairfinity Hair Strengthening Amino Treatment Masque

4.5

$19.99 ($2.50 / Fl Oz)

Shop on Amazon

Strongest!

Aphogee Two-step Treatment Protein for Damaged Hair

4.5

$25.49 ($1.59 / Fl Oz)

Shop on Amazon

12/17/2023 07:11 pm GMT

What is a protein treatment?

Our hair is primarily made up of the protein keratin. Keratin is what keeps it healthy, strong, and full of elasticity.

Damage to our hair from the environment, processing, and styling causes the keratin to break down.

A protein treatment is a treatment that infuses a boost of protein into your hair. It works to strengthen and repair the keratin.

Benefits of a protein treatment for hair

Protein treatments offer several benefits, especially for damaged hair. If your hair is chemically processed or has heat damage then most likely protein treatments will help improve the health of your hair.

Some benefits of a protein treatment are:

• strengthens hair
• reduces frizz
• improves curl definition
• adds volume
• smoothes the hair cuticle
• increases shine
• helps grow hair longer
• increases elasticity

How do you know if you need to do a protein treatment?

If your curls are limp, frizzy, don’t hold their curl for long, or feel too soft then it likely needs a boost of protein.

The Stretch Test

Try the stretch test to check for the elasticity of your hair.

In order to test for elasticity, take a single strand of hair between both thumbs and forefingers and stretch the hair (it may be necessary to detach a hair from the client’s head) (source).

Healthy hair will stretch roughly an extra 1/3 its length and return to its original size. Damaged hair may not return fully to its original size, whilst dry or brittle hair may break when put under tension (source).

If your hair snaps quickly, it needs moisture. If it stretches a lot, it needs more protein.

Usually, low porosity hair dislikes too much protein while high porosity likes more protein. This is not an absolute, as every person is different and the ingredients in your products will have an effect on how often you will need to do protein treatments.

If you don’t know your hair porosity, then read this post.

Now, these are some of the same reasons you would need to clarify so take that into consideration. Ideally, you should be clarifying on a regular basis so that shouldn’t be the case.

You should also check out these 11 reasons your hair is frizzy if you’re having frizz problems.

Still not sure if your hair needs protein or not? Try a rice water rinse first. Rice water is a protein mimicker and will provide similar benefits. If your hair responds well to the rinse, then it probably needs protein.

How to identify proteins in Hair products

Many products will advertise if they’re protein heavy with words like “strengthening” or “repairing”. Check the ingredients list to find proteins.

If you’re not sure what to look for, some of the most common proteins found in products will be listed as the following:

• hydrolyzed protein
• keratin
• oat flour
• soy
• collagen
• amino acids
• silk
• wheat protein

Quick tip: anything “hydrolyzed” is a protein

You could also simply use http://www.isitcg.com/ and paste the ingredients list in. It will tell you exactly which ingredients are proteins so you don’t have to figure it out.

You’ll know a product is really a protein treatment if there is at least one protein in the top 5 ingredients.

The best Protein Treatment Products For Curly Hair

If you prefer ready to purchase products then there are a few protein treatments to choose from:

EVOLVh UltraRepair Reconstructing Masque

This is my absolute favorite for my fine hair because it is lighter on the moisture, which is hard to find in protein treatments. Many times they load up on the moisturizing ingredients to combat the extra protein.

Top Pick

EVOLVh UltraRepair Hair Masque

$21.00 ($10.50 / Fl Oz)

Lightweight moisture with a good amount of protein makes this mask a great pick for finer hair that tends to get weighed down by treatments.

Use code HE15 to save on your first order with EVOLVh.

Shop on Amazon

Buy from EVOLVh

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12/17/2023 07:11 pm GMT

Curlsmith Bond Curl Rahab Salve

This is a great pick if you need a bonding treatment as well. This is extremally helpful for color treated and damaged hair.

Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve

$22.00 ($2.75 / Fl Oz)

If your hair needs a boost of protein without a lot of moisture, this is a great pre shampoo treatment. It's also a bond building treatment that strengthens and repairs hair form the inside out.

Shop on Amazon

Buy from Curlsmith

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12/17/2023 07:06 pm GMT

Ecoslay Matcha Boost

This is another favorite of mine for the lower moisture content. Just note that this product needs to be refrigerated after opening.

Matcha Boost Protein Shake

$22.40 ($2.80 / Ounce)

Shop on Amazon

Buy from Ecoslay

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12/18/2023 12:01 am GMT

Aminotouch

This is a unique product because it is just pure protein drops that you can add to any other product and apply to your hair. This makes it very customizable and easy to use.

Aminotouch Pure Protein Treatment

$18.95 ($9.29 / Fl Oz)

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12/18/2023 12:21 am GMT

Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Mask

This is a popular intensive hair mask that repairs and conditions.

Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Mask

$8.54 ($1.07 / Ounce)

Shop on Amazon

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12/18/2023 12:11 am GMT

Hairfinity Hair Strengthening Amino Treatment Masque

This is another popular protein treatment and the formulation is very nice.

Hairfinity Hair Strengthening Amino Treatment Masque

$19.99 ($2.50 / Fl Oz)

Shop on Amazon

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12/17/2023 06:21 pm GMT

Aphogee Protein Treatment

This is one I don’t like to recommend too often because it is very strong and it can be easy to overdo it and damage your hair. So this is for extreme cases. Please be careful!

Aphogee Two-step Treatment Protein for Damaged Hair

$25.49 ($1.59 / Fl Oz)

Shop on Amazon

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12/17/2023 06:01 pm GMT

DIY protein treatments for curly hair

If you’re looking for DIY protein treatments, the only option I know of that actually works is a gelatin treatment. This is not vegan which I know is a concern for some people.

You might find recipes for DIY protein hair masks made with foods like eggs and yogurt but every hair expert I’ve heard speak on this has said that the molecules in these foods are too big to penetrate the hair shaft so these don’t actually work. This is the case for rice water too.

Many people recommend a rice water rinse as a protein treatment. Rice water rinses are amazing and offer similar benefits but it’s not truly a protein treatment. Regardless, it can be used for the same reasons and give you nearly the same results. Check out my rice water rinse routine here.

I have done the gelatin treatment once before and it was actually too much protein for my hair so I prefer to do the rice water rinse. If you want to try out the gelatin, check out this post.

Other Protein Products

You could also incorporate protein into your daily routine by using products with some protein in them. Then, you may not need to do protein treatments at all. I actually recommend this.

There is some experimenting with this though. Some hair loves protein in cleansers and conditioners but not in styling products (like mine!), and others prefer the opposite. You’ll have to find out what your hair likes.

So check your current products and see if they have protein. Think about how your hair does when you switch to products with more or less protein in them.

I recommend you keep a record when you’re testing out new products, tweaking your routine, or trying to figure out how certain ingredients affect your hair. This curl tracker is a great, easy way to keep track of this.

Here are some popular curly girl products with protein in them:

• Briogeo Curl Charisma leave-in – the whole Curl Charisma line has protein but I really love the leave-in
• Curls Blueberry Bliss leave-in
• Bounce Curl – everything has protein
• TreLuxe Hi! Definition Gel
• Mop Top Curly Hair Custard
• Mop Top Bamboo Essence leave-in conditioner
• Mop Top Daily Conditioner
• Mop Top Light Conditioner

Protein Overload

One thing you need to look out for is protein overload. This is the result of not getting enough moisture into your hair and can cause chemical damage to your hair. This is why I don’t recommend straight protein treatments be used regularly.

Signs of protein overload include:

• Hair snaps off when you do the hair strand test
• Unusually dry/lifeless and brittle
• Less natural shine/luster than it used to have
• Heavy shedding and tangles
• Feels very straw like and stiff

If this happens you want to reduce the use of protein in your routine. Remove as much protein as you can and add in lots of moisture.

It can take weeks to overcome this so be diligent and patient.

What about OLAPLEX?

OLAPLEX 3 is a great product for color treated hair but it is not a protein treatment, it is a bond builder. It reduces breakage and visibly strengthens hair and it can be used along with protein treatments.

Olaplex No. 3

$60.00 ($7.06 / Fl Oz)

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12/17/2023 03:26 pm GMT

Protein Moisture Balance

Protein moisture balance seems tricky and I see questions every day from others wondering if their hair needs protein or moisture.

Don’t complicate this. Your hair needs both. Just keep a balanced routine and you shouldn’t have to worry about this.

Ensure your line of products is moisturizing and provides some protein, but not too much protein. Check the ingredients on all your products and make sure there is at least one protein in a few of your products.

I usually advise against using straight up protein like the drops or Aphogee because they’re so strong. It’s safer to cut down on moisture and add products with more protein in them if you want more protein.

Likewise, if your hair is in protein overload, cut back on the protein heavy products and add in more moisture.

Maintain a balanced routine and keep track of your treatments to keep the balance. Again, you can use the curl tracker to build and maintain a balanced routine.

The first step anytime you’re not sure what’s going on with your hair and you don’t know what it needs is to clarify.

After clarifying, check the chart above to see if your hair needs more protein or moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of protein treatments for curly hair?

Protein treatments can help strengthen your curls and improve their overall health. These treatments work by filling in gaps in the hair cuticle, which can result from chemical processes, heat damage, or general wear and tear. By repairing these gaps, protein treatments can prevent further damage, reduce breakage, and improve the elasticity and shine of your hair (source).

How often should I apply protein treatments to my curly hair?

The frequency of protein treatments varies depending on your hair type and the product you’re using; however, a general guideline would be once or twice a month. It is essential not to overuse protein treatments, as too much protein can make your hair brittle (source).

Can homemade protein treatments work for high porosity hair?

No, homemade protein treatments are not effective for high porosity hair. This is because food ingredients typically used in DIY recipes contain proteins that are too large to be absorbed by the cuticle (source).

How do I decide between protein and moisture treatments for frizzy curls?

It can be helpful to examine the signs that your hair is exhibiting. If your hair is dry, dull, and frizzy, it may benefit from a moisture treatment. On the other hand, if your hair is weak, breaks easily, or lacks elasticity, it could benefit from a protein treatment. Pay attention to how your hair reacts to the treatments and adjust accordingly.

But also remember that protein helps your hair hold onto moisture, which is why we need both.

What are the signs that my curly hair needs a protein treatment?

Signs that your curly hair may need a protein treatment include breakage, excessive shedding, a lack of elasticity, and a rough texture. If your hair feels weak or limp, it’s possible that a protein treatment could help restore its strength and resilience (source).

Want to remember this? Save Protein Treatments For Hair – A Guide To Protein & Curly Hair to your favorite Pinterest board!

The post The Best Protein Treatments For Curly Hair appeared first on The Holistic Enchilada.

Although their scientific names can be intimidating, these ingredients have many benefits, like giving your locks a smooth, silky feel or helping to make detangling easier. Sounds great, right?

However, polyquaterniums (or polyquats) can have some downsides, and if you want to be sure they’re suitable for your hair, it’s essential to have all the information.

So, in this post, we’ll take a look at the kind of products that you’ll find polyquats in, how they can benefit your hair, and what their potential side effects are. This information will help you make the right decisions to keep your hair looking great. 

Let’s start off with a bit of chemistry to explain what a polyquaternium is.

What Is A Polyquaternium?

The word “Polyquaternium” is a combination of two words, “poly and quaternium.” This is the name used in the International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients to a range of cationic polymers used in hair and skin products. The name describes the chemical structure of a polyquat, which includes quaternary ammonium centers in the polymer.

Polyquaterniums were introduced in the early 1960s and are now found in almost every hair care product on the market. So far, the INCI has approved more than 100 polyquaterniums. 

The numerical value that follows the word ‘polyquaternium’ shows the order of registration, so polyquaternium-11 was registered after polyquaternium-7 but before polyquaternium 39.

Polyquats are known as cationic conditioning polymers, but what does that actually mean?

A polymer is defined as “Any of numerous natural and synthetic compounds of usually high molecular weight consisting of up to millions of repeated linked units, each a relatively light and simple molecule.”

Cationic means that the polymer carries a positive charge, which attracts it to the negative charge in your hair or skin. 

Finally, a product is considered to be conditioning when it improves the appearance and manageability of the hair alongside quality characteristics such as body, combability, curl retention, and slip. Hair is basically dead material derived from the few live cells in the follicle, so conditioning has to be a continuous process.

Putting all of that information together, you can now see that a polyquaternium is a polymer that:

• consists of up to millions of linked units
• contains quaternary ammonium centers
• carries a positive charge
• improves the condition of your hair and skin

All polyquats have a different molecular weight, structure, and strength of positive charge, which is why each polyquaternium reacts differently with your hair.

How Do Polyquaterniums Work On Hair?

Polyquats are attracted to your hair strands because they are cationic conditioning polymers. This means they carry a positive charge and are attracted to the negative charge in your hair strands. This negative charge is stronger on hair exposed to popular hair care products like most shampoos, high alkalinity relaxers, and hair proteins.

The surface of your hair strands is easily damaged through heat styling, color treatments, sun exposure, or wear from general daily grooming. The scales of the cuticle usually lay flat to protect the cortex at the center of the hair structure. However, when the scales become worn or damaged, they may stay lifted, exposing the cortex to even more damage. 

The nitrogen in cationic polymers attaches to the hair strand, while long carbon chains are directed toward the hair’s cuticle. This has a hydrophobic (water-repelling) effect that binds the polyquaternium to the hair proteins and forms a protective film around the hair shaft. This film helps the cuticle scales resist uplift, which is what gives your hair a smooth, silky feel.

The chemical structure of a polyquaternium allows it to bind more firmly to hair that has been damaged. This makes polyquats really effective on high-porosity hair or hair exposed to damage from heat styling or chemical treatments. 

The higher the molecular weight of the polymer, the stronger it will bind to the hair’s surface. This means deeper conditioning but also makes washing the polymer off the hair strands more difficult.

Hair Care Products That Contain Polyquaterniums

Polyquaterniums are excellent hair conditioning compounds and often offer other benefits, such as frizz control. 

You’ll find them in a wide variety of hair care products, including:

• Conditioning shampoo
• Rinse off conditioner
• Leave in conditioner
• Styling mousse
• Styling gel
• Hair spray

What are the Different Types of Polyquaternium?

Scientific advancements mean that new polyquat variants are constantly being refined, and there are now over 100 polyquats currently registered with the INCI database.

The list below is a small selection of the most common polyquaterniums used by the personal care industry in hair care products:

Polyquaternium-4: this water-soluble tan powder is often used as a fixative in styling products. It may also be listed as hydroxyethyl cellulose dimethyl diallylammonium chloride copolymer or Diallyldimethylammonium chloride-hydroxyethyl cellulose copolymer.

Polyquaternium-7: this polyquat offers good conditioning benefits and is also an effective detangler. It is a copolymer of acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride.

Polyquaternium-10: quaternized hydroxy ethyl cellulose is used in hair care products as an anti-static agent. It also has good moisturizing and film-forming properties.

Polyquaternium-11: this quaternary ammonium compound makes hair feel smoother and softer and also leaves it looking shinier. It is also known as a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate. 

Polyquaternium-22: this is a copolymer of acrylic acid and diallyldimethylammonium chloride with excellent conditioning qualities. It also provides firm hold in hair styling products for use on wet and dry hair.

Polyquaternium-39: this is a terpolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide, and diallyldimethylammonium chloride. It provides fantastic conditioning properties and offers excellent hold, so it is often found in curl retention products. 

Polyquaternium-44: this is a viscous clear amber liquid that is used in shampoos and conditioners. It improves the creaminess of the shampoo’s lather, makes hair softer and easier to comb, and is also an anti-static agent that reduces the static electricity caused by brushing.

Polyquaternium 47: this polyquat is a terpolymer of methacrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride, methyl acrylate, and acrylic acid, which exhibits outstanding properties as a detangler.

Benefits of Using Polyquaternium Hair Products

Adding polyquaterniums into hair care formulations helps to improve the overall quality of the hair fibers. Each polyquat also provides some specific advantages, such as:  

Enhanced Softness: Some polyquats, like Polyquaternium-6, have excellent conditioning benefits, so they are often used in leave-in and rinse-out hair conditioners. These hair conditioning compounds add moisture to your strands, making your mane feel softer and more manageable.

Frizz Reduction: Certain polyquaterniums, including Polyquaternium-10, are film-forming. They wrap your strands in a coating that repels humidity and gives you frizz free hair.

Easier Detangling: Polyquaterniums can also increase slip between your hair strands, which makes detangling simpler and reduces the risk of damage or breakage. An excellent example of this is Polyquaternium-7, which is a common ingredient in detangling sprays. 

Styling Support: Styling products like hair mousses and hair gels often include Polyquaternium-4 because of its great styling hold. 

Color Protection: Certain film-forming polyquats like Polyquaternium-55 are used in shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair. That’s because the coating they leave on the strand helps to prevent the color particles from being washed out of your hair too quickly. 

Heat Protection: Polyquaternium-55 can also be used in heat-protectant sprays, as the film places a barrier between the hair shaft and the source of heat.

Shine Enhancement: Some polyquaterniums, like Polyquaternium-11, also make your hair look shinier by coating the strands in a clear film that makes the cuticle scales lay flat.

Potential Side Effects of Using Polyquaternium Hair Products

The polyquats mentioned in this guide have been tested thoroughly and are safe for use within the recommended concentrations.

However, if you have sensitive skin or are worried about the possible health side effects from a cationic polymer, it’s vital to check ingredients individually for side effects. It would also be sensible to do a patch test on a small area of skin before you first use a product to rule out any allergic reactions or sensitivities on the skin surface. 

Product Buildup and Polyquaternium

The main problem generally associated with polyquaternium hair products is product buildup. This is the problem I have with most polyquats.

Overusing cationic polymers can alter the hair surface, causing your strands to feel limp, greasy, and weighed down. Not everyone will experience product buildup from polyquaternium use, but it tends to affect low porosity hair and chemically treated hair more seriously.

If you’re unsure whether you have low porosity hair, our Ultimate Guide to Hair Porosity will help you decide.

Heavy buildup polyquats

Buildup can happen with any conditioning ingredient, but polymers with a higher molecular weight are more likely to cause buildup. These include:

Polyquaternium-4

Polyquaternium-4 is often used to thicken hair and add hold to styling products such as gels. It is a cellulosic polymer that can be difficult to remove from strands even with a sulfated clarifying shampoo. 

Polyquaternium-7

Polyquaternium-7 is a thick viscous liquid often used in deep conditioning treatments for curly, kinky, or coily hair, and it is also an effective detangler on wet hair. However, it has a high molecular weight (1,600,000 units), which leads to heavy product buildup.

Polyquaternium-10

There are different grades of Polyquaternium-10 with varying molecular weights. Lighter grades are used in detangling and styling products for curly or wavy hair and can usually be removed with a clarifying shampoo. 

The heavier versions of Polyquaternium-10 are used in deep conditioning products. The buildup they cause can be difficult to remove even if you use a sulfated clarifying shampoo.

Low buildup polyquats

A low molecular weight polyquaternium is less likely to cause product buildup. So you may prefer to use products that contain these polyquaternium ingredients:

Polyquaternium-6

Polyquaternium-6 is a lubricating conditioner that bonds firmly to damaged hair strands. However, it doesn’t form a film and is water soluble, so there is less risk of product buildup. 

Polyquaternium-37

Polyquaternium-37 provides softness, volume, and shine without weighing down strands or causing product buildup, so it’s a good ingredient for thin or fine hair. 

Polyquaternium-69

Polyquaternium-69 provides hold and is a common ingredient in hair gels. It does form a film on the strands, but one or two washes will soon remove the residue. This is my favorite of the polyquats since my hair needs the extra hold but gets buildup very easily.

How To Remove Polyquats From Hair

Using polyquat-enriched products could make your hair look dull and feel weighed down or matted. If this happens, it’s better to avoid using products containing polyquaterniums or use them just once or twice a week.

The best way to remove polyquats from hair strands is by using a clarifying shampoo containing C14-16 olefin sulfonate. This anionic surfactant is very effective at clearing cationic residue, such as polyquats. 

Some good shampoos that contain C14-16 olefin sulfonate include:

Are Polyquaterniums Good or Bad for Curly Hair?

Curly hair tends to be dry, brittle, and prone to tangling and damage. Polyquaterniums can be very beneficial for damaged hair, as they are effective conditioning ingredients and can also provide added slip that makes detangling easier.

However, certain polyquats can cause build-up on your curls, so it’s essential to choose products carefully. 

Polyquaterniums with a lower molecular weight, like Polyquaternium-37, are better suited for curly hair as they are less likely to build up on the strands. You can also use a clarifying shampoo every few weeks to remove any product buildup.

If buildup is still a problem after using a clarifying shampoo, it would be better to avoid using polyquats on your curls.

Alternatives to Polyquaterniums

Polyquaterniums are often used as an alternative to silicones. So, you could consider using products that contain silicones if you want to avoid polyquats.

Like polyquats, silicones can make your hair look and feel smooth, and they also help fight frizz. Unfortunately, they can also cause product buildup on your locks, so using a clarifying shampoo every week or two to remove excess silicone from your strands is advisable.

Using water soluble silicones may be a better alternative.

Is A Polyquaternium Safe for Daily Use?

Polyquats are fantastic ingredients that can help your hair look and feel fabulous. However, they do have some downsides.

If you find that polyquat-enriched products don’t cause you any problems, you can feel free to use them regularly in your daily hair care routine.

However, if you find that they cause buildup, you should use a good clarifying shampoo regularly to remove the residue or use an alternative product.

FAQs

Still baffled by polyquaterniums? Here are some of the most frequent questions about polyquats:

Can I Use Polyquaternium if I Have Sensitive Skin or Scalp?

Every polyquaternium has its own advantages and disadvantages, and some of them will be unsuitable for use on sensitive skin.

Polyquaternium-7 and Polyquaternium-10 are two cationic polymers that frequently appear in hair formulations. Both of these are suitable for use in skincare and hair care products at the recommended concentrations, which are up to 5% for Polyquaternium-7 and up to 2% for Polyquaternium-10.

Above these levels, both ingredients may cause irritation or allergic reactions on sensitive skin.

Are Polyquaterniums Safe for Color-Treated Hair?

Some polyquaterniums are safe to use on colored hair. For example, Polyquaternium-55 is too heavy to use on fine or low-density hair and may cause product buildup, but it gives excellent heat protection for color-treated hair.

If in doubt, it is best to stick to hair care products labeled as color-safe.

Can I Use Polyquaternium-Enriched Products on Children’s Hair?

Some polyquats are suitable for children’s hair. For example, Polyquaternium-10 is used in children’s hair care products like JOHNSON’S® Strength Drops Kids Shampoo and Aussie Kids Moist Sulfate Free Shampoo. 

However, not all polyquats are gentle enough for use on children, so it is safer to stick to products formulated for children’s hair.

What Is the Difference Between Polyquaternium-10 and Polyquaternium-37?

Polyquaternium-10 is often used in conditioning shampoo and deep conditioning treatments suitable for curly and coily hair. As well as its conditioning properties, it also adds shine and volume and acts as an excellent detangling agent.

Polyquaternium-37 is also a conditioning ingredient that adds volume and shine. However, this polyquat is more suitable for thin and fine hair as it is non-film-forming and won’t weigh strands down.

Is Polyquaternium-11 a Carcinogen?

Research indicates that Polyquaternium-11 is not a carcinogenic ingredient. However, each polyquaternium is a separate ingredient, so if you are worried about this, it’s essential to check the research for each polyquat individually. 

Does Polyquaternium-10 Cause Build-Up?

Polyquaternium-10 is often used in detangling shampoos and provides light hold in some styling products. 

There are different grades of Polyquaternium-10, and the lighter grades can cause slight to moderate buildup. This can be removed with a polyquaternium-free, anionic shampoo containing olefin sulfonate. Heavier grades of Polyquaternium-10 may be difficult to remove, even with a clarifying shampoo.

Conclusion

Polyquaterniums are a group of cationic polymers commonly used by the personal care industry in hair and skin care formulations. 

The chemical structure of polyquats means they are attracted to hair strands, especially hair exposed to damage from stressors like chemical damage or heat styling. Polyquats provide many benefits that leave hair feeling soft and free from frizz or provide styling hold.

Although polyquats have been thoroughly tested and are safe in hair and skin care products, some people might experience a sensitivity or allergic reaction. If you have sensitive skin and are considering using a new product for the first time, doing a skin patch test first will allow you to rule out any side effects.

It is also possible to experience product buildup caused by a polyquaternium. A clarifying shampoo containing C14-16 olefin sulfonate will help to break down most polyquat buildup. If that isn’t effective, you might prefer to avoid using polyquats on your hair. 

Polyquaterniums can be very beneficial for all hair types, including curly hair. However, if you’re worried about whether a polyquaternium is good for hair or have any other questions, your stylist can advise you on the best products to suit your locks.

The post What is Polyquaternium? Polyquats and Curly Hair appeared first on The Holistic Enchilada.

Sea moss is a really popular natural ingredient that people have used for centuries to treat skin conditions or improve their health, and it also offers many benefits for hair. You might have seen it listed in the ingredients list on hair care products or heard that you can add sea moss to smoothies. 

But perhaps you’re at the start of your hair care journey and you’re curious to learn more about the hair benefits of this nutritional powerhouse. Perhaps you’d like to incorporate sea moss into your hair care routine and want more info before you start. 

This guide will help you discover more about sea moss for hair, how it can hydrate and strengthen hair, and support healthy hair growth. Read on to discover 10 fantastic sea moss benefits for hair.

What Is Sea Moss?

Sea moss is a type of tufted edible seaweed (red algae) found on rocks and in pools around the coastline of the North Atlantic Ocean. Its Latin name is Chondrus crispus, and it’s also widely known as Irish sea moss. 

Sea moss has many health benefits, thanks to its rich blend of vitamins and minerals. For example, the natural prebiotics and dietary fiber found in this seaweed can aid digestion and gut health. 

Is Sea Moss Good for Hair?

Sea moss is also a popular ingredient in hair care products, thanks to its nourishing and moisturizing effects. 

Using sea moss as part of a healthy lifestyle can improve scalp health, which is essential for good hair health. The nutrients it contains have many other benefits for hair health, including strengthening hair, promoting healthy hair growth, and making your tresses shinier. 

Sea moss is packed with a powerful blend of minerals that can benefit your hair and scalp, including iodine, iron, zinc, and magnesium. It is also rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A, C, D, and E, which promote hair growth. 

Is Sea Moss Safe for Everyone?

Generally, Irish sea moss is safe for everyone to consume or use externally on all hair types. However, there isn’t much research on whether it is safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers. For this reason, avoiding sea moss during pregnancy or when nursing is the safest option.

Seaweed has high levels of iodine, which can cause various side effects if consumed in large quantities. The FDA recommends consuming no more than 150 micrograms of iodine daily for people aged 4 and older. If you plan to eat sea moss, keeping your portion size to around 2 to 3 tablespoons is considered safe. 

It can also have a blood-thinning effect, so you should avoid it when taking blood-thinning medication. 

Additionally, if you have a hypersensitive scalp, you shouldn’t apply this seaweed to your scalp as it may cause irritation.

Sea Moss Benefits for Hair

The nourishing properties of Irish sea moss make it a great choice if you want to improve the health of your hair. Here are 10 of the main benefits for hair health:

Promotes Hair Growth

Sea moss contains high levels of vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which can protect your skin from oxidative stress. This is one of the most common causes of hair loss, so using sea moss can help promote hair growth. 

And because sea moss is rich in iron, it can also help reduce hair loss due to iron deficiency.

Strengthens Hair Strands

Curly hair is often dry and prone to breakage, making it hard to grow hair to your desired length. The rich nutrient profile of sea moss includes protein, which can strengthen your strands significantly and boost hair growth.

Prevents Hair Breakage

Stronger strands are less prone to breaking when you brush or comb them. Taking sea moss supplements or using it on your hair can reduce breakage and help with length retention. 

Boosts Scalp Health and Hydration

Healthy hair needs a healthy scalp but if your scalp is dry, itchy, and inflamed, you will likely have a flaky scalp and dry hair. Thanks to its anti inflammatory properties, sea moss will soothe and moisturize your scalp, helping to reduce irritation and eliminate dandruff.

Balances Sebum Production

Sea moss is rich in vitamin A, which increases the oily sebum your scalp produces. Sebum  keeps your scalp healthy and also moisturizes your hair as it travels down your strands, giving your mane additional shine and vitality.

Enhances Hair Shine

As well as increasing sebum production, Irish sea moss helps to smooth the cuticle on the hair shaft, making your strands smoother and shinier. Using Irish moss in your hair care routine can help transform dull, lifeless locks into a glorious, glossy mane.

Hydrates and Retains Moisture

Sea moss has natural conditioning properties, so using it is a great way to moisturize your locks without applying chemicals. As well as hydrating your hair and making it more manageable, sea moss will also help make detangling easier, reducing the risk of breakage and split ends.

Thickens Hair

If you have thin hair that needs a little extra body, the high protein content in Irish moss makes it an excellent option for your hair. The protein will help thicken and strengthen your locks, which makes sea moss a fantastic addition to your washday routine.

Protects from Environmental Stressors

Irish sea moss contains MAAs (mycosporine-like amino acids), which protect it from UV exposure in its natural environment. These MAAs are used in cosmetics and hair care products as a shield from UV damage. Applying sea moss will encase your strands in a protective layer, helping to reduce damage and combat oxidative stress.

And its natural antioxidant effect can also help combat hair damage from toxins, leaving your hair and scalp healthier. 

Natural Alternative to Chemical Products

Many people are trying to reduce the chemicals they put in their bodies, so there’s a growing demand for products containing natural, chemical-free ingredients. Sea moss is a natural ingredient and is vegan-friendly, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for a kinder way to pamper your hair.

Potential Side Effects of Sea Moss on Hair

Irish moss is generally a safe ingredient to use on your hair, but there are some potential side effects to consider.

Allergic Reactions

Although it’s rare, some people are allergic to sea moss. In this case, using sea moss gel on hair could cause an allergic reaction such as itching, swelling, hives, or breathing difficulties.

If you experience any adverse effects after using sea moss, you should stop using it and seek medical attention immediately.

Consumption of pollutants

If you consume or apply sea moss that has been grown in contaminated water, it may contain pollutants like pesticides, heavy metals, and other chemicals. These can cause side effects such as fatigue, headaches, and digestive issues. 

You can avoid this problem by buying high-quality products from a reputable retailer.

Iodine overdose

Sea moss contains high levels of iodine, and consuming too much iodine can cause stomach upsets, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to serious health issues like cancer or thyroid problems.

Clogged Pores

Sea moss is generally suitable for most hair and skin types. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may find that it can cause clogged pores and acne on your scalp.

How to Use Sea Moss on Hair

You can use sea moss to improve your overall hair health in two main ways.

Internally 

You can cook Irish moss in your meals, add it to smoothies, or take sea moss supplements in capsule form. However, it’s important to remember that cooking seaweed can reduce the level of nutrients in it.

Externally

Using sea moss gel on your hair and scalp is a great way to enjoy its benefits. 

It’s possible to make a sea moss hair gel at home; however, making the gel is time-consuming, and the gel goes off within a few days. You can also buy sea moss gel online, such as ACEYO Natural Irish Sea Moss Gel, which you can use to replace your usual hair gel or add the sea moss gel to your regular haircare products. 

Sea moss gel can be used after the LOC method or LCO method for a final boost of moisture and soft hold.

Sea Moss Hair Mask

Sea moss makes a great hair mask or deep conditioner. Apply the gel to damp hair after you’ve washed and conditioned it, being sure to coat your scalp as well. Leave for at least 30 minutes, then rinse your hair strands with lukewarm water. 

Sea Moss Leave-In Conditioner

Sea Moss can also be used as a leave-in conditioning treatment by applying just a small amount of the gel to damp hair and then styling it as usual. Leaving the gel in your hair overnight will give your hair more time to absorb the rich nutrients, encouraging healthy hair growth.

Sea Moss Pre-Poo

Applying sea moss before your regular hair wash routine makes an effective pre-poo treatment to add moisture to your locks. Work the gel through your strands and leave for 30 to 60 minutes before washing with your usual shampoo.

Sea Moss Infused Products

If you want to experience the benefits of sea moss for hair but don’t want to use the gel, you might like to try some hair care products infused with sea moss, which can give your hair a natural boost. Here are a few of the best sea moss products to get you started:

LUS Brands Irish Sea Moss Gel

$24.00 ($3.00 / Ounce)

Use code HOLISTICENCHILADA10 to save at LUSbrands.com

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Mielle Organics Sea Moss Anti-Shedding Shampoo

$9.99 ($1.25 / Fl Oz)

This gel is packed with nutrients and has a rich lather that hydrates and seals in moisture. 

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CURLS Sea Moss 92 Vitamins & Minerals Conditioner

$15.86 ($1.98 / Fl Oz)

This is a deep conditioning treatment with a nutrient-rich formula for healthier hair.

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Sea Moss, Rosemary & Hibiscus Hair Growth Oil

$17.99 ($4.50 / Fl Oz)

This is a rich blend of natural hair oils, herbs, and other natural ingredients that are excellent for nourishing your hair and promoting hair growth.

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FAQs

If you would like more information about sea moss benefits for hair, here are some of the questions we get asked most often.

Can I Use Irish Sea Moss Daily?

It’s best to use sea moss on your hair a few times a week. You could start with a weekly hair mask and build up to using sea moss products 2-3 times each week.

Can You Use Sea Moss as a Leave-In Conditioner?

Yes, you can use sea moss gel as a leave-in conditioner to improve the look and feel of your hair. You can even leave the gel in your hair overnight, which will give your hair the maximum time to absorb the rich nutrients.

How Long Does It Take Sea Moss To Grow Your Hair?

Some anecdotal evidence shows that hair growth could be boosted after using sea moss consistently for 4-5 weeks. 

Is Sea Moss Safe for Colored or Chemically Treated Hair?

Yes, you can use sea moss safely on colored hair and chemically treated hair. It will help hydrate dry hair and protect your locks from further chemical damage. 

Conclusion

Irish sea moss, or Chondrus crispus, is a popular ingredient in many skin and hair care products. 

There are many sea moss benefits for hair. It can support scalp health, add moisture to dehydrated hair, and help make damaged hair softer, shinier, and more manageable. It may also help improve hair health, reduce hair loss, and promote hair growth.

Irish sea moss is safe for most people to use regularly. However, it isn’t suitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people taking blood thinners.

You can take sea moss internally, either as food or in supplement form, and it can also be applied topically to your scalp and hair. The most popular ways to use sea moss are in the form of a gel or as an ingredient infused into haircare products like shampoos, conditioners, and serums.

However you choose to use sea moss for hair, it’s a powerful natural ingredient for maintaining healthy hair.

The post 10 Amazing Sea Moss Benefits for Hair appeared first on The Holistic Enchilada.

This common ingredient can be found in many products recommended for curly hair, from leave-in conditioners to curl creams. So it’s essential to know whether behentrimonium chloride is good for curly hair and whether there are any side effects of using behentrimonium chloride daily.

This guide will unpack everything you need to know about behentrimonium chloride. We’ll answer questions like what behentrimonium chloride is, the benefits of using behentrimonium chloride, and how to use it safely.

What Is Behentrimonium Chloride And What Does It Do?

Behentrimonium chloride, or behenyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, is a quaternary ammonium compound. It’s derived from canola seeds, which come from the brassica rapa oleifera plant (canola or rapeseed plant), a part of the mustard plant family. You might have seen fields filled with the distinctive bright yellow flowers of brassica rapa oleifera if you’ve driven through countryside areas in the summer.

This yellow, waxy substance has excellent moisturizing and anti-static properties. It can also be used as a preservative and emulsifying agent, and combines easily with other ingredients. 

These properties make behentrimonium chloride a popular addition to cosmetics and personal care products, including bath soaps and moisturizers, and it’s also widely used in haircare products like conditioner and hair colors.

Is Behentrimonium Chloride Good for All Hair Types?

Behentrimonium chloride can be used safely on all hair types, whether you have thin or thick hair, fine waves or coarse curls. It has excellent moisturizing, conditioning and detangling properties, making it particularly beneficial for dry, coarse, and curly hair.

For people who deal with easily over-conditioned hair (like me), this ingredient in conditioners and leave in products can lead to your hair being too soft and a little weighed down over time.

Products That Commonly Contain Behentrimonium Chloride

Behentrimonium chloride is found in many hair care products, including hair conditioner, hair colors, curl creams, and more. These can safely be used daily to leave your hair looking healthy and nourished.

Hair shampoos: Behentrimonium chloride helps emulsify the oil and water-based ingredients in shampoos, and is also an effective frizz control ingredient. You’ll find it in popular shampoos for curly hair like Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo.

Hair Conditioners: Behentrimonium chloride is one of the most popular conditioning agents. It’s commonly found in rinse-out conditioners like Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Conditioner, leave-in conditioners, deep conditioning treatments, and hair masks. That’s because it adds shine and moisture to your hair, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

Hair Colors: Behentrimonium chloride is used in a hair color treatment to help smooth the cuticle on each hair shaft and leave your hair shiny after coloring. You’ll find it in a color-depositing conditioner like Keracolor Color + Clenditioner, as well as color treatments like L’Oreal Healthy Look Creme Gloss Hair Color.

Styling Products: Behentrimonium chloride is often one of the active ingredients in products such as hair serums and curl creams. It works effectively in products like Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream to improve hair texture and define curls or waves.

Benefits of Behentrimonium Chloride Hair Care Products

Behentrimonium chloride is often used in haircare products as a more natural alternative to silicones, thanks to its light moisturizing properties. It’s also used as an emulsifier, which stops oil- and water-based ingredients from separating. This stabilizes hair care products and makes them easier to apply. 

Behentrimonium chloride can also act as a preservative, preventing bacteria growth in your hair care products.

Here are some of the main benefits of behentrimonium chloride haircare products:

Softens Your Hair

One of the main benefits of behentrimonium chloride is its mild conditioning properties. It delivers moisture to the hair shafts, helping to prevent dryness and breakage. Your hair will feel softer and smoother, making it more manageable and easier to style – a significant benefit for anyone with dry or damaged hair.

Improves Scalp Health

Strong hair growth depends on a healthy scalp. Behentrimonium chloride enhances blood flow to the hair follicles and removes excess oil from the scalp and follicles, helping to improve your scalp health and support hair growth. 

Adds Shine

Adding behentrimonium chloride to a product smooths the cuticles on your hair strands. Your hair will reflect more light, making it look smoother, shinier, and healthier.

Reduces Static

If you struggle with flyaway hair, using products containing behentrimonium chloride will reduce static electricity caused by friction between hair strands. This anti-static effect will reduce static cling and improve the appearance of damaged hair.

Enhances hair texture

Behentrimonium chloride helps with frizz control, making your hair look smoother and more polished. Smoothing your hair cuticle will also help reduce tangles and make your hair easier to style. If you have curly hair, behentrimonium chloride will help define your curls. 

Makes Detangling Easier

Behentrimonium chloride softens your hair and adds slip to wet hair, making your locks more manageable and easier to detangle. This is a significant bonus for curly and natural texture hair.

Protects Damaged Hair

If you struggle with split ends, behentrimonium chloride can help prevent them from forming by encasing the hair shafts in a protective film. This will shield the strands from environmental stress, including damage from sunlight, heat styling tools, or chemical treatments like colors or perms. 

Behentrimonium chloride helps keep your hair strands hydrated, reducing breakage and supporting new hair growth. 

Concerns and Considerations for Products Containing Behentrimonium Chloride

Behentrimonium chloride has been thoroughly tested by several organizations including the FDA and EU. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics, skin care and hair care products.

However, it’s always important to consider potential adverse effects and concerns before using a new product for the first time.

Allergies and Sensitivities

Scientific studies have shown that Behentrimonium chloride can be used safely by most people at the recommended concentration of 5% in rinse-off products and 3% in leave-in conditioning treatments.

Above these levels, it can harm the health of your skin, scalp and hair follicles. 

If you are sensitive or allergic to Behentrimonium chloride, it can cause the following potential side effects:

• Allergic reactions, including redness, itching, and swelling
• Respiratory problems, including wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath
• Eye problems, including redness, swelling, and pain

Be sure to check your chosen hair care product and do a patch test on a small area of skin before your first use.

Irritation from Prolonged Contact

Although behentrimonium chloride is generally safe, you may experience mild irritation if the product is in prolonged contact with your scalp. Rinsing your hair thoroughly will prevent extended skin contact and reduce the risk of this happening. 

Overuse and Buildup

The positive-negative charge interaction caused by cationic ingredients like Behentrimonium chloride can cause product build up over time. This will weigh down your hair, eventually leaving it looking limp and flat, even straight after washing it. 

You can eliminate this problem by using a clarifying shampoo once a week to clear the excess cationic mass from your locks. This is what I do since this ingredient does weigh down my hair.

Top Pick

Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Clarifying Shampoo

$17.00 ($1.89 / Fl Oz)

This is my top pick for clarifying all hair types. It removes buildup the best and is still gentle on curly hair.

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How to use Behentrimonium Chloride In Your Hair Care Routine

Behentrimonium chloride can be a great addition to your hair care routine, as long as you follow these guidelines:

Check the Label: The recommended level of concentration in hair care products is 5% for rinse-out products and 3% for leave-in conditioner. You can find this information on the product packaging’s ingredient list or the brand website. A general rule is that the closer the ingredient is to the top of the ingredients list, the higher the concentration of that ingredient in the product.

Follow the Directions: It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s usage guidelines carefully to avoid product buildup or adverse reactions. 

Do a Patch Test: Always do a patch test on a small area of skin before you use a product which contains Behentrimonium chloride for the first time. This will allow you to see if you are sensitive or allergic to the ingredient.

Be Patient: You may need to use a product several times before seeing the full benefit of Behentrimonium chloride for healthy hair. 

FAQs

If you still have concerns about using Behentrimonium chloride on your hair, these frequently asked questions will be helpful.

Is Behentrimonium Chloride Toxic?

Behentrimonium chloride has been thoroughly tested by several bodies, including the FDA and the EU. It is generally considered safe when used at the recommended concentrations and following the manufacturer’s directions. Clinical safety assessment has shown it scores low on concerns such as cancer and reproductive toxicity.

However, behentrimonium chloride can cause allergic reactions, eye problems, and respiratory problems if used at higher concentrations. Doing a patch test on your skin before using a product containing this ingredient is recommended.

Is Behentrimonium Chloride Safe for Daily Use?

Yes, this ingredient is safe to use on your hair daily, as long as you aren’t allergic or sensitive to it.

Does Behentrimonium Chloride Build Up on Hair Over Time?

Using products containing cationic ingredients like Behentrimonium chloride frequently can lead to product buildup, causing your locks to look heavy and limp.

Washing your hair once a week with a clarifying shampoo will remove the buildup from your strands.

Is Behentrimonium Chloride Considered a Natural Ingredient?

Behentrimonium chloride is a naturally derived ingredient produced from the seeds of the rapeseed flower, a part of the mustard plant family.

Are There Any Alternatives to Behentrimonium Chloride for Hair Conditioning?

If you would prefer to use products that don’t contain Behentrimonium chloride, you can look for some of the following natural ingredients:

• Shea butter
• Coconut or Argan oils
• Panthenol
• Hydrolyzed wheat protein

Other naturally derived ingredients that may have a similar effect to Behentrimonium chloride include: 

• Brassicamidopropyl Dimethylamine
• Disunfloweroylethyl Dimonium chloride 
• Arachidyl/Behenyl Betainate Esylate 

Can I Use Products With Behentrimonium Chloride on Color-Treated Hair?

Behentrimonium chloride is safe to use on color-treated hair. It is a common ingredient in hair colors and products designed for colored hair, like Keracolor Clenditioner Color Depositing Conditioner.

What Is the Difference Between Behentrimonium Chloride and Sodium chloride?

Behentrimonium chloride is a waxy substance derived from canola oil, whereas sodium chloride is the scientific name for salt. This can add volume and texture to your hair and is used in some volumizing hair care products like sea salt sprays. 

Is Behentrimonium Chloride Vegan?

Behentrimonium chloride is derived from canola oil and contains no animal products or by-products, so it can be considered vegan.

However, not every product free from animal-based ingredients is also cruelty-free, so check the packaging or brand website if you prefer to buy cruelty-free vegan haircare products. 

Conclusion

Behentrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt that appears regularly on haircare product ingredient lists. Among its many benefits, this ingredient has excellent hair conditioning and detangling properties. It will also help reduce frizz, add shine, and improve your hair’s texture. 

Research has shown that Behentrimonium chloride is generally safe for daily use on most hair types. However, some people may have an allergic reaction to this ingredient, and it can cause product buildup if you use it regularly.

For this reason, it’s essential to do a patch test before using Behentrimonium chloride for the first time, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and use a clarifying shampoo regularly to remove buildup. 

If you follow these guidelines, the benefits of using behentrimonium chloride make it a valuable addition to your haircare routine.

Sources:

1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1091581812467378 
2. https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/11466/ 

The post Behentrimonium Chloride for Hair: Your Ultimate Guide appeared first on The Holistic Enchilada.

Grapeseed oil is packed with essential nutrients and it’s super versatile, so you can use it in various ways. It can boost healthy hair growth, seal in vital hydration, give your locks fabulous shine, and even soothe an itchy scalp.

In this guide, we’ll look at how grapeseed oil can help boost hair and scalp health, and the benefits of grapeseed oil treatments. We’ll also share some tips on how to incorporate grapeseed oil into your hair care routine.

What Is Grapeseed Oil For Hair?

Grapeseed oil is a light, odorless oil extracted from grape seeds left over from the winemaking process. It makes a great lightweight hair oil suitable for most hair types, and it can be used 1-2 times per week as a pre-shampoo treatment or hair mask.

How Does Grapeseed Oil Promote Hair Health?

Grapeseed oil is an excellent natural hair treatment. It’s rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E that fight free radical damage to your locks, repair damaged cells in your scalp, and boost the growth of new healthy hair cells. 

This oil also contains essential fatty acids like oleic acid and linoleic acid. These natural conditioning agents help improve the texture of your hair and add shine to your hair, as well as fighting frizz. 

Grapeseed oil is also an excellent natural sealant. It sits on the outside of the hair shaft, locking in the moisture delivered into the shaft by moisturizing oils or a leave-in conditioner.

Is Grapeseed Oil Safe for All Hair Types?

Pure grapeseed oil is very safe for most people and suitable for any hair type, including natural hair and color-treated hair. Because it’s so lightweight, this hair oil is particularly beneficial for thin or fine hair that tends to get weighed down by heavier oils. 

However, because grape seed oil is produced from grapes, it’s important to avoid using it if you are allergic to grapes. If you are pregnant or lactating, you should consult your gynecologist before using this oil. 

It’s generally better to use an unrefined, cold pressed grapeseed oil. That’s because refined grapeseed oils are produced using a chemical called hexane, a pollutant that can cause side effects1. Refined grapeseed oil is also exposed to high temperatures during the extraction process, so it may not have the same nutrient levels as unrefined oil.

Benefits of Grapeseed Oil for Hair

Now that you know what grape seed oil is, let’s see why it’s so good for your hair health. There are many benefits to a DIY grapeseed oil treatment, thanks to the oil’s rich combination of natural conditioning agents like vitamin E and essential fatty acids like linoleic acid.

Here are some of the main benefits of grapeseed oil:

Moisturizing

Although grape seed oil doesn’t penetrate your strands as effectively as moisturizing oils like coconut oil, it’s an excellent choice for sealing in hydration. It gives your hair a gorgeously soft, silky texture, and also works brilliantly to seal in moisture after applying a water-based leave-in conditioner as part of the LOC method.

Adds Shine

Grapeseed oil is excellent for bringing a natural shine to your locks without product buildup. And because the oil is so light, it can be used on any hair type without weighing it down or leaving it limp and greasy. 

Promotes Hair Growth

Grapeseed oil is rich in several nutrients and flavonoids, so massaging your scalp with warm grapeseed oil can boost blood circulation and stimulate hair growth. 

Reduces Hair Loss

Male pattern hair loss, which also affects women, may be caused by high levels of an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This shrinks the size of your hair follicles and causes them to take longer to grow new hairs. 

Grapeseed oil contains DHT inhibitors, so massaging the oil directly into your scalp may help prevent the follicles from being affected by DHT, activate hair follicle growth, and reduce hair loss.

Strengthens Hair

The rich combination of vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants makes grapeseed oil an excellent deep hydrator to strengthen overprocessed, dry, and brittle hair. 

Fights Frizz and Damage

If you have dry or coarse hair, grapeseed oil could be the key to taming the frizz. It’s lighter than coconut or olive oil and acts as a protective layer to lock in moisture, shield your strands from friction, and seal split ends.

Reduces Dandruff and Dermatitis

Exposure to chemicals, high temperatures, UV rays, or a dry climate can cause your scalp to become dry, itchy, and flaky. 

The rich nutrient content and emollient properties of grapeseed oil make it ideal for a DIY scalp treatment. This can stimulate healthy cell growth and reduce dandruff production, while the essential fatty acid content of grapeseed oil will soothe an itchy, flaky scalp.

Protects Against UV Damage

The high level of antioxidant phenolic compounds in grapeseed oil can help protect your locks from UV damage. And because it’s exceptionally lightweight, it’s suitable even for thin or fine hair. 

Potential Side Effects of Grapeseed Oil for Hair

According to the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Grapeseed oil is generally safe for most people to use when applied topically to the hair and scalp. However, some people may see the following side effects:

Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities

If you are allergic to grapes, you should do a patch test before using the oil. An allergic reaction to grapeseed oil may cause the following side effects:

• Hives
• Headaches
• Breathing difficulties
• Swelling of lips, tongue, throat, or face

Important Note:

If you see any allergic reaction after using grapeseed oil, please stop using the oil and visit your doctor immediately.

Scalp Irritation and Itching

Applying grapeseed oil will usually soothe an itchy and dry scalp. If you have sensitive skin and find that your scalp is itchy after using oil on it, you should stop using the oil and consult a medical professional. 

Acne Breakouts on the Scalp

If you have oily skin that’s prone to acne, you may find that grapeseed oil causes clogged pores and breakouts on your scalp. In this case, it’s best to limit how often you use the oil and mist it directly onto your strands with a spray bottle rather than applying it liberally onto your scalp.

How to Use Grapeseed Oil on your Hair

You can use grapeseed oil once or twice weekly as a pre-shampoo treatment to leave your hair soft, shiny, and moisturized. There are three main ways to use it: as a hair mask, mixed with other oils, and applied directly to your locks.

Remember to store your grapeseed oil in a cool, dark place when you’re not using it. This will help it retain its properties for longer.

Sky Organics Organic Grapeseed Oil

$15.99 ($15.99 / Fl Oz)

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Direct Application

You can apply grapeseed oil directly to damp hair if you want to use it as a sealant. Just use a nickel-size amount or smaller and comb it through your locks from roots down to the ends if you’re not wearing your hair curly, or scrunch it in after you’ve applied all your styling products. This will add shine, moisturize your strands, and help reduce frizz.

You can also use a dropper to massage a few drops directly onto your scalp skin. This will soothe a dry, irritated scalp and boost blood flow to promote healthy hair growth.

DIY Hair Mask

Grapeseed oil is an excellent hydrator, so mixing it with your conditioner will give you an intensely hydrating treatment for your hair. 

Mix a few drops into your conditioner before massaging it into your locks. Let it work its magic while you shower, and then rinse out as usual.

Mixing with Other Natural Oils

Grapeseed oil can also be combined with other natural plant oils like coconut, marula, olive, or almond oil. Using a blend of oils in a weekly hair massage will give your tresses a nourishing and hydrating deep conditioning treat.

And because it’s light and odor-free, grapeseed oil is also a great carrier oil for use with essential oils. Adding 3 or 4 drops of rosemary essential oil or lavender essential oil to 2-3 tablespoons of grapeseed oil works well as a gorgeous hot oil treatment for your tresses. 

Mixing 8-10 drops of tea tree oil with 3 tablespoons of grapeseed oil will make an effective anti-dandruff blend, thanks to tea tree oil’s antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal qualities. Doing a patch test before using this massage oil blend is important, as some people can be sensitive to tea tree oil.

Grapeseed Oil in Hair Care Products

You’ll also find grapeseed oil listed in the ingredients of some of your favorite hair care products, like these:

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer Heat & UV Protection

$27.50 ($3.24 / Fl Oz)

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TWIST Curl Reign Multi-use Miracle Oil

$4.80 ($1.92 / Fl Oz)

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ALODIA Nourish & Hydrate Deep Conditioning Masque with Av

$15.99 ($1.33 / Ounce)

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FAQs

If you’re still keen for more info about using grapeseed oil on your hair, these frequently asked questions may help:

Can Grapeseed Oil Promote Hair Growth?

Massaging grapeseed oil into your scalp can help boost blood flow to the skin, which may promote hair growth.

Can You Sleep With Grapeseed Oil on Your Hair?

If you have dry or brittle hair and need a nourishing deep conditioning treatment, grapeseed is an inexpensive option to reduce frizz and make your hair more manageable without weighing it down. 

Apply warm grapeseed oil to dry hair, then sleep overnight with your locks covered by a shower cap and bonnet. Shampoo your hair twice in the morning to reveal your gorgeous nourished locks.

Does Grapeseed Oil Thicken Hair?

There’s no clear proof that grapeseed oil will thicken your hair, but it will help lock in moisture which makes your tresses look thicker and healthier.

How Long Does It Take for Grapeseed Oil To Work on Hair?

You’ll generally start to see the results of using grapeseed oil for hair after about 4-6 weeks. However, it can take longer for some people, especially if their hair is in poor condition at the start. Patience and consistent use will help you see better results. 

Can I Leave Grapeseed Oil in My Hair All Day?

If you use grapeseed as a sealant, you can use it on your hair until your next wash day. If you mix it with conditioner to use as a hair mask, leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash it out.

Does Grapeseed Oil Clog Pores on the Scalp?

Grapeseed oil is very light and can be used to treat scalp dryness. But if your skin is oily and acne-prone, you might find that grapeseed can cause clogged pores and breakouts on your scalp. 

Can I Use Grapeseed Oil Instead of Coconut Oil for Hair?

Coconut oil delivers moisture deep inside the hair shaft, while grapeseed oil acts more as a sealant to lock in moisture. Both oils can be a valuable tool in your hair care routine, but grapeseed oil is a lighter, odorless oil that may be a better alternative for scalp massage.

Do You Put Grapeseed Oil on Wet or Dry Hair?

You can apply grapeseed oil to dry hair as a pre-shampoo hot oil treatment. If you want to use it as a sealant, you should apply it to slightly damp hair after styling.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many reasons for using grapeseed oil to boost hair health. It’s packed full of nutrients like vitamin E and omega oils, which makes this oil a fantastic way to pamper your locks, promote shine, and help your tresses retain vital moisture. 

You can use grapeseed oil in various ways, from a relaxing scalp massage to sealing split ends. It mixes well with other hair oils and essential oils, and because it’s so lightweight, grapeseed oil works well on almost any hair type.

It’s important to buy unrefined cold pressed grapeseed oil if you want to see the best results, and you should do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin. 

But for most people, using grapeseed oil is a simple and inexpensive way to promote healthy hair growth.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Using Grapeseed Oil for Hair appeared first on The Holistic Enchilada.

Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate is an ingredient commonly found in sulfate-free shampoos, so you might have seen it listed on the ingredient list of your favorite shampoo.

But what is Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate, and could using it harm your locks? 

In this guide, we’ll examine what Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate is, which products contain it, and the pros and cons of using this hair care ingredient on your tresses.

What Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate?

Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is an anionic surfactant often used in personal care products. It produces copious foam that can help to remove dirt and product build-up from your hair, scalp, and skin. 

It is the most common form of sodium alpha olefin sulfonates and primarily consists of sodium hydroxy alkane sulfonates and sodium alkene sulfonates. This ingredient is often derived from coconut, and created by the sulfonation of C14-16 alpha olefins.

What Is A Surfactant?

Surfactants are also known as surface-active agents. They are substances that can be added to a liquid to reduce its surface tension, which increases its spreading and wetting properties.

They’re a common ingredient in household cleaning products where they help boost a product’s cleansing ability. You’ll also find surfactants in personal care formulations such as shampoos and foaming cleansers. The foam they create helps break down dirt and grease and makes it easier to rinse away the product after use.

Why Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate in Hair Care Products?

Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate is a popular ingredient in shampoo and conditioners. It makes it easier to spread the active ingredients throughout your locks and mixes well with water to help rinse the product out. 

In addition to this, you’ll also find this ingredient in other personal care formulations, especially foaming cleansers, bath foams, and shower gels. 

Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate is found in many shampoos, including the following popular products: 

Pros and Cons of Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

It makes sense to consider the pros and cons of sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate before reaching for a product containing this ingredient. 

Pros

• Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate is a highly effective cleansing agent that emulsifies well and produces plenty of foam.
• It dissolves well in water, so it rinses out easily. This makes it an excellent ingredient for clarifying shampoos to remove product buildup. 
• High purity grade sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate is safe to use in a skin or hair care product, as it doesn’t generally cause skin or scalp sensitivity.
• It is more effective than C12-lauryl sulfate (SLS) at cleansing and removing oil from your strands.

Cons

• Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate can be irritating and drying, so it may not be suitable if you have dry hair or a dry scalp.
• Some curly girls find that products containing this ingredient can be too drying, but you can use a pre-poo or deep conditioner to prevent this problem.

Safety Precautions To Take With C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

Studies by toxicology experts have shown that sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate is safe at the concentrations found in personal care products.

However, it can cause dry hair and skin, and can also have a comedogenic effect which may cause acne. If your skin is dry or sensitive, carrying out a patch test before using a product containing sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate makes sense.

Alternatives To Consider

If you want to avoid sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, you could look for products containing sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA). This is a mild surfactant that is derived from coconut and palm oil.

SLSA creates a rich lather that will cleanse your locks without stripping the natural oils, and it also dissolves easily in water, making it easy to rinse out.

FAQS

Still looking for more info on sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate? These frequently asked questions may help!

Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate a Sulfate?

Although the names are similar, Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate isn’t a sulfate and has different chemical properties. However, it has some of the same effects as a sulfate so it’s often used in sulfate-free formulations.

Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Harmful?

Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate has been through a thorough safety assessment process to ensure it isn’t harmful. A report in the International Journal of Toxicology states that this ingredient can be used safely in skincare, cosmetics, and rinse-off hair care products.

It is also safe for use in leave-in products in concentrations below 2%, however it could make your hair and skin dry and can also cause acne on sensitive skin. You may wish to do a patch test before using a product containing this ingredient.

This ingredient is not an ethoxylated surfactant and does not use any ethylene oxide. This means that it is non-carcinogenic.

Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Bad for Hair?

This mild surfactant shouldn’t generally damage your locks in the concentrations usually found in hair products.

However, it can make your strands dry and leave the cuticle open, which leads to brittleness and breakage. If your hair tends to be dry, it’s essential to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment after washing your locks with a clarifying shampoo containing this ingredient.

Conclusion

Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is a popular surfactant that you will often find in sulfate-free shampoo formulations and other personal care products. It helps to create lots of foam, which makes the product easier to spread and also makes it easier to rinse the dirt out of your tresses after shampooing.

Some people may notice drying effects on their skin and hair. If it affects you this way, you can avoid the problem by using a pre-poo or following your shampoo with a deep conditioning treatment. 

But generally, this is an excellent cleansing ingredient that you can use safely.

The post Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Bad for Hair? appeared first on The Holistic Enchilada.

Behentrimonium methosulfate is used in hair care formulations by many of the top beauty industry brands, and it has a lot of benefits for wavy, curly, and coily types. 

So let’s take a deep dive into this misunderstood ingredient and find out why it features in so many of your favorite hair care products. Once you know more about what it is and what it does, you can decide whether to use it on your curls.

What Is Behentrimonium Methosulfate?

Behentrimonium methosulfate is also known as Docosyltrimethylammonium Methyl Sulphate, BMS or BTMS 25. It is a synthetic quaternary ammonium compound derived from rapeseed oil. This oil is produced from the seed of the oilseed rape plant, which is part of the brassicaceae family.

BTMS is a key ingredient in hair care products like shampoos, deep conditioners, and hair masks. You’ll also find it listed in many skincare products and cosmetic formulations.

BTMS acts as an emulsifier that binds water and oils together to form a creamy consistency. This makes the product easier to apply to the hair shaft and helps provide more slip between your strands. This ingredient is also used as a softening and hydrating ingredient in many hair care products.

Many natural shampoos and conditioners use BTMS as a detangling and conditioning agent, and it’s also a great alternative to silicones as it doesn’t dry your hair or cause build up. 

The word ‘sulfate’ might make you think BTMS could damage your hair, especially if you have curly or coily hair. However, it’s important to remember that although the name has ‘sulfate’ in it, behentrimonium methosulfate is not a sulfate.

So if you follow the Curly Girl Method and stick to non sulfate products for the health of your curls, you don’t need to avoid BTMS.

Healthy or Hazardous?

BTMS is a non sulfate ingredient derived from rapeseed oil, and scientific studies have shown that it’s safe and non-irritating for most people(1). It has been approved for use by the European Union(2), which requires stringent testing of all cosmetic ingredients before a product goes to market.

It also won’t cause product build up and has a lot of benefits for dry and damaged hair. 

However, some may find it causes allergic reactions including skin and eye irritation, so it could irritate your scalp. If you have sensitive skin, you should do a patch test before using any products containing behentrimonium methosulfate and avoid them if you find you have an allergy to BTMS.

Behentrimonium Methosulfate vs. Behentrimonium Chloride

Behentrimonium methosulfate is sometimes confused with behentrimonium chloride. This is another common ingredient in hair and skincare products and has a lot of similar effects. 

However, although the safety of behentrimonium chloride has been shown in testing(1), some people may find that it irritates their skin and eyes.

Benefits of Behentrimonium Methosulfate in Hair Products

Behentrimonium Methosulfate is widely used in hair care products, especially curly hair products, thanks to these fantastic benefits:

Reduces Frizz

Because behentrimonium methosulfate is negatively charged, this gives it the ability to flatten the cuticles on your hair strands, leaving your locks smooth and shiny. 

This will reduce frizz and static in the hair shaft, making your curls more manageable and helping to reduce tangles and breakage. As an added benefit, BTMS can also keep puffiness under control in humid weather.

Adds Moisture and Hydrates Hair

Behentrimonium methosulfate hydrates your curls and also leaves a thin film on the surface of the hair strand. This will help to prevent moisture loss from the hair shafts, which is a major benefit if you have high-porosity hair that struggles to retain moisture.

Conditioning/Detangling

BTMS adds slip to your strands for easier detangling. This will also help to reduce breakage and split ends, making length retention easier.

Increase Hair Thickness

Combining BTMS with other hair-thickening products can make the hair shaft look thicker and enhance the bounce in your curls.

Improves Product Texture

Behentrimonium methosulfate improves the texture and consistency of conditioning treatments. This makes the product easier to spread over the hair shaft, making it more pleasant to use and giving better results.

Common Products With BTMS

BTMS is a popular hair care ingredient in shampoo, conditioner, and hair masks, including these great products for natural hair:

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Treatment Masque

This rich deep-conditioning hair mask helps to restore and strengthen dry, damaged, or chemically processed hair.

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Treatment Masque

$16.99 ($1.42 / Ounce)

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Argan Magic 10-in-1 Treatment Leave-in Spray

This lightweight spray is packed with nutrients and antioxidants to hydrate, nourish, and protect all hair types. 

Argan Magic 10 in 1 Hair Treatment & Stylizing Spray

$13.69 ($1.71 / Fl Oz)

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12/17/2023 02:27 am GMT

Olaplex Hair Perfector No.3 Home Treatment

This popular home treatment repairs chemical, heat, and environmental hair damage to leave your tresses stronger and healthier.

Olaplex No. 3

$60.00 ($7.06 / Fl Oz)

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12/17/2023 03:26 pm GMT

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Leave-In Conditioner

This leave-in conditioner will strengthen and moisturize your locks, leaving them soft, healthy, and smelling fantastic!

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner

$9.49 ($0.79 / Fl Oz)

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12/17/2023 03:16 am GMT

Behentrimonium Methosulfate Natural Alternatives

If you prefer to avoid using hair products that contain synthetic ingredients, you could try using these alternatives to behentrimonium methosulfate. They won’t give exactly the same results, but they can have a similar effect to BTMS.

• Avocados and Avocado Oil are packed with monounsaturated fats that coat your strands and provide slip to help your hair feel more manageable.
• Amla powder comes from the Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) and can be made into a DIY hair mask that adds volume and texture to your tresses.
• Henna is a popular natural hair color that also helps seal the cuticle, making your tresses shinier and less likely to break.
• Marshmallow root creates a gel that adds slip to natural conditioners. It also soothes dry, itchy scalps and makes detangling easier.
• Slippery Elm is a great natural detangler and also helps add volume to your locks.

FAQs

If you’re still unsure about using Behentrimonium methosulfate, here are some of the questions we get asked most often.

Is Behentrimonium Methosulfate safe?

According to research published in the International Journal of Toxicology(1), behentrimonium methosulfate is considered safe if used in the correct concentrations and in a non-irritating formulation.

However, some people may find it irritates their scalp, causing allergic reactions like swelling or rashes. If you have sensitive skin, you should do a patch test before using products with BTMS in them. It’s also important to avoid using haircare or skincare products containing BTMS on open wounds or broken skin.

Is Behentrimonium Methosulfate Natural or Synthetic?

Behentrimonium methosulfate is a synthetic quaternary ammonium compound derived from rapeseed oil. This is produced from the seed of the bright yellow flowers of oilseed rape, a member of the brassicaceae family.

BTMS for Hair: The Bottom Line

Although behentrimonium methosulfate has a long and complex name, that doesn’t mean you need to avoid putting it on your locks. This mild ingredient, produced from rapeseed oil, offers many benefits for curly and coily types and is very popular with the hair and skincare industry. You’ll find it on the ingredient list for many of your favorite natural hair products.

Many naturals will find that BTMS doesn’t cause them any irritation, but if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to do a patch test before you use any products that contain it. If you do have an allergic reaction to BTMS, there are plenty of natural alternatives that you could use.

So next time you see behentrimonium methosulfate on your product label, don’t worry; you can relax about using this ingredient on your natural hair journey.

References

1 – https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1091581812467378 

2 – https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/11466/ 

The post How Behentrimonium Methosulfate Measures Up: The Good & the Bad appeared first on The Holistic Enchilada.

If you’ve read my post on humidity, dew point, and weather styling then you understand why you’re having frizz and struggling with hold. But in case you didn’t read that post, although I strongly encourage you do, I’ll give you a quick little recap.

Glycerin, along with other humectants, is usually what’s causing problems in humid weather. So this is a great time to use styling products that don’t have a high concentration of glycerin or other humectants. It is also great to use anti-humidity ingredients and emollients.

Keep reading to find out my top picks for glycerin free products to style your curls in high humidity.

Why Choose Glycerin Free Products for Curly Hair

When it comes to managing your curly hair, you might be surprised to learn that glycerin free products can be a game-changer for some. Glycerin, a common ingredient in many hair products, is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture. While this can be beneficial for some hair types, it may not suit everyone, especially those living in certain environments or dealing with specific hair concerns.

For those of you living in high humidity or low humidity regions, you may find that glycerin can do more harm than good. In high humidity conditions or on days with high dew points, glycerin can cause your hair to absorb too much moisture from the air, leading to frizz and loss of definition. On the other hand, during the winter months or in dry environments, glycerin might struggle to find enough moisture to retain, leaving your curls parched and prone to breakage.

Understanding Humectants and Their Role in Hair Products

Humectants are substances that play a significant role in hair care products. They work by attracting and retaining moisture from the environment, providing much-needed hydration to your hair. When used correctly, humectants can improve your hair’s softness, elasticity, and overall appearance.

A common humectant found in hair products is glycerin. It can effectively absorb moisture from the air and deliver it to your hair shaft, helping it swell and maintain its shape. However, the effectiveness of glycerin depends on the surrounding humidity and dew points. In areas with high humidity, glycerin might cause your hair to become frizzy and unmanageable. On the other hand, when used in low humidity environments, it can make your hair feel dry and brittle.

To ensure that your hair gets the moisture it needs without the unwanted side effects, it’s essential to understand how humidity and dew points affect the performance of humectants. In simple terms, humidity measures the amount of moisture in the air, while dew points indicate the temperature at which the air reaches saturation and produces condensation.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how different levels of humidity and dew points interact with humectants:

• Low humidity and low dew points: In this scenario, humectants like glycerin might draw moisture out of your hair instead of adding it, leading to dryness.
• High humidity and low dew points: If the humidity is high, but the dew points are low, humectants can effectively lock in moisture without causing frizz.
• High humidity and high dew points: This is when humectants might make your hair frizzy and unmanageable due to excess moisture absorption.

Knowing your area’s humidity levels and dew points can help you make informed decisions about the best hair products to use. If you find that glycerin isn’t working for you, consider trying glycerin-free hair products designed for curly hair. These alternatives may provide the desired moisture without causing frizz or dryness, allowing you to enjoy beautiful, well-hydrated curls.

What is glycerin?

Glycerin is a sugar alcohol and is one of the most popular types of humectants.

It’s so good at encouraging curl and adding moisture, and usually isn’t a problem. But in humid conditions, it might be best to avoid styling products with glycerin and other humectants.

Do you need to totally avoid glycerin?

No. Although some people do better off without glycerin altogether, that’s because it’s an ingredient that isn’t compatible with their hair, whether it’s in shampoo or gel, and regardless of the season or weather conditions. For most people, that isn’t the case and won’t need to have a completely glycerin free routine.

My recommendation is that you focus on the first 5 ingredients in the products you don’t rinse off your hair. So don’t worry about glycerin in your cleanser or conditioner. But do pay attention to it in your leave-in conditioner and styling products. You want products that have lower concentrations of glycerin and other humectants, which means they’ll appear near the bottom half of the ingredients list.

Glycerin Free Hair Products For Curls

*Because I focus on clean beauty, this list only contains glycerin free hair products that are considered more natural and clean.

Glycerin Free Gels

Glycerin free gels provide strong hold while locking in moisture for soft and bouncy curls. They can be especially helpful in high humidity, as they generally contain humidity-resistant ingredients. I strongly recommend a gel if you want to maintain your style in high humidity.

Curlsmith Hydro Style Flexi Jelly

This lightweight hard hold gel is great for humidity and doesn’t build up. It’s another favorite of mine for the heat and humidity.

CURLSMITH Hydro Style Flexi-Jelly

$12.50 ($6.25 / Fl Oz)

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12/17/2023 01:11 am GMT

Giovanni LA Hold Gel

The Giovanni LA Hold gel is very popular because it’s affordable, hard hold, and works really well. In addition to being glycerin free, it contains a few humidity-resistant ingredients and is lightweight when watered down.

GIOVANNI L.A. Hold Styling Gel - Extreme Hold Hair Gel

$8.97 ($1.32 / Fl Oz)

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12/17/2023 07:56 pm GMT

Jessicurl Spiralacious Gel

Jessicurl Spiralicious is another popular gel to use in high humidity because it’s hard hold and contains humidity-resistant ingredients.

Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel

$18.85 ($2.36 / Fl Oz)

Probably the best gel for humidity and most people seem to really love their results using it. It works on all curl types too so it won't weigh down fine curls if you don't use too much.

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12/17/2023 05:41 am GMT

Biosilk Rock Hard Gelee

This medium to hard hold gel is also pretty popular and has several humidity-resistant ingredients.

BioSilk Rock Hard Gel

$13.34 ($2.22 / Fl Oz)

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12/17/2023 02:31 am GMT

Kinky Curly Curling Custard

KCCC is an easy to find hard hold gel. It is glycerin free but doesn’t contain humidity-resistant ingredients.

Kinky Curly Curl Custard Gel

$20.62 ($2.58 / Ounce)

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12/17/2023 03:31 am GMT

Curls Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly

Although the Blueberry Bliss Control Jelly is glycerin free, it does contain other humectants so keep that in mind if you want humidity protection.

Curls Blueberry Bliss Control Jelly

$14.61 ($1.83 / Fl Oz)

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12/17/2023 03:56 am GMT

Love Ur Curls Irish Sea Moss Gel

If you prefer softer curls and need moisture, this is a great gel that won’t leave you with that crunchy feeling.

LUS Brands Irish Sea Moss Gel

$24.00 ($3.00 / Ounce)

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Glycerin Free Mousses & Foams

For a slightly different styling option, consider a glycerin free mousses. These define and enhance your natural curl pattern and offer a more lightweight hold and natural look.

Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Mousse

This is a good styling product to use in high humidity because of the humidity-resistant ingredients.

Mielle Organics Babassu Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Mousse

$12.81 ($1.71 / Ounce)

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12/17/2023 05:11 am GMT

Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Activating Mousse

This is a hard hold mousse that works really well in high humidity and makes a great single styler.

Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Curl Activating Mousse

$13.72 ($1.96 / Fl Oz)

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12/17/2023 05:41 pm GMT

TreLuxe Soothe & Restore Curl Defining Mousse

This mousse offers a great balance of definition, hold, and volume and it works well in humidity.

TreLuxe Curl Defining Mousse

$23.00

I love this ligthweight mousse for defintion, volume, and hold.

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Verb Curl Foaming Gel

For a more moisturizing option, go with this mousse. It offers a medium hold, lots of definition, and softness.

VERB Curl Foaming Gel

$20.00 ($2.99 / Fl Oz)

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Glycerin Free Leave-in Conditioners & Creams

A lightweight leave-in conditioner can help you retain moisture and combat frizz without making your curls feel heavy or greasy. These conditioners are typically packed with natural ingredients to nourish your hair and promote healthy curls.

Jessicurl Confident Coils Styling Solution

This styling cream is great for humidity, full of humidity-resistant ingredients. It provides some hold as well.

Jessicurl Confident Coils Styling Solution

$18.85 ($2.36 / Fl Oz)

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12/17/2023 08:21 am GMT

EVOLVh Super Curl Defining Cream

This curl cream is lightweight and provides a light hold. It also contains protein which is great to help fight humidity.

Top Pick

EVOLVh SuperCurl Defining Cream

$34.00

A defining cream for all wavy and curly hair that adds lightweight moisture and light hold. Works well on its own but style lasts longer when paired with DreamGel.

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EVOLVh Total Control Styling Creme

This lightweight styling cream provides medium hold and texture, making it a great choice for finer or lower density types that need volume.

Top Pick

EVOLVh TotalControl Styling Crème

$34.00 ($4.00 / Fl Oz)

I struggle with creams but this is a styling cream that doesn't offer much moisture. It provides light to medium hold, light texture, and volume. I can use this as a single styler and skip gel.

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12/16/2023 11:41 pm GMT

Curlsmith Featherlight Protein Cream

This lightweight cream has protein to help your hair hold its structure in humidity. It also has some hold and humidity-resistant ingredients.

CURLSMITH Feather-Light Protein Cream

$27.98 ($3.50 / Ounce)

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12/17/2023 07:16 pm GMT

Giovanni Direct Weightless Leave-in

This leave-in is very lightweight but softens the hair well making a great base for your styling products.

Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner

$5.71 ($2.86 / Fl Oz)

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12/17/2023 04:26 pm GMT

Kinky Curly Knot Today

KCKC is another popular leave-in that provides great slip and is light enough for most curls.

Top Pick

Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner

$14.77 ($1.85 / Ounce)

KCKT is a cult favorite because of its great slip for detangling and softening, while not being heavy.

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12/17/2023 08:46 pm GMT

Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream

For a cream that defines and adds some hold, this is a great option.

Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Defining Cream

$12.00 ($2.00 / Ounce)

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12/17/2023 08:31 am GMT

TreLuxe ReFlex Styling Serum

This is a leave-in product that is actually a lightweight serum, making it the perfect option for those who need lightweight, lower moisture products but want extra definition and shine.

TRELUXE Reflex Curl Styling Serum

$19.50

Make refreshing a breeze with this serum that can be used alone to smooth out frizz and revive curls. I also use it as a single styler on wash day with great results. Great for all hair types. Use code HOLISTICENCHILADA to save 15%.

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Other Humectants To Look Out For

Remember that glycerin is one of many humectants. Some other popular ones include:

• honey
• agave nectar
• propylene glycols
• algae extract
• butylene glycol
• panthenol
• sodium PCA

So again, look at the first 5 ingredients and see if there are any humectants. If you see one or more of these, I’d set that product aside until the humidity goes back down, or layer a hard hold anti-humectant product over it.

Download my free Humidity Styling Guide below to help you choose the right products and style correctly in the humidity. In this guide I list all humectants, emollients, and humidity resistant ingredients; recommended products with links; and include a text version of this blog post so you always have the info available to you wherever you are.

Conclusion

When it comes to maintaining your curly hair, glycerin free products (or simply low humectant products) may be a game-changer, especially in humid conditions. Too much moisture absorbed from the air can cause your curls to swell and frizz, making your hair harder to manage. By choosing glycerin free hair products, you can prevent this issue and better enjoy your curls in any weather.

Remember to pay attention to the labels and ingredients list when shopping for hair products. Ditching glycerin is not the only step you can take to keep your curls looking fabulous. Other humectants, like honey and propylene glycol, can also impact how your hair reacts to humidity. Be mindful of these ingredients when selecting products for your specific hair needs.

In conclusion, adapting your hair care routine to include glycerin free products can help you better manage and maintain your curly hair, regardless of the weather. Combine this with other humidity-proofing tips and tricks to fully embrace your curls and their natural beauty.

Sources:

• Film Forming Humectants – What They Are and Why You Need Them – The Science-y Hair Blog
• Glycerin and Humidity – The Science-y Hair Blog
• Humidity-Resistant Hair Styling Products – The Science-y Hair Blog
• Polyquat or Not? – The Science-y Hair Blog
• Why Is This Ingredient In My Conditioner? – The Science-y Hair Blog
• What Humidity, Humectants and Dew Points Mean for Curly Hair by TONYA MCKAY BECKER – NaturallyCurly.com

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If you want help with embracing your naturally wavy or curly hair, you can join my FREE email course and download my FREE pdf guide, THE QUICK START GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR CURLS, full of everything you need to know to get started and bring out your beautiful waves and curls.

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Humectants are a fantastic ingredient in hair care products that can nourish, moisturize and protect natural textured hair. They help keep your hair soft and hydrated, boost your curl definition, and keep frizz at bay. That’s got your attention, right?

In this ultimate guide to humectants for hair, we’ll explain more about what a humectant is, how they work, and why they’re so important for natural hair types. We’ll also tell you when it’s best not to use a humectant and what you should use instead.

What Are Humectants?

Humectants are a type of ingredient used in hair products that are designed to moisturize dry or damaged hair. 

They are hydrophilic, which means that they attract water molecules. Humectants will pull moisture from their local environment, usually from the air or the products you apply to your hair. They then bind this moisture to the hair shaft, helping to hydrate your locks and reduce the risk of damage. 

Humectant vs. Anti Humectant

Getting the moisture balance right can be tricky. You don’t want your locks to be dry and brittle, but too much moisture can lead to frizz or cause swelling that damages the hair fiber. 

Instead of attracting water, anti-humectants coat the hair shaft and smooth the cuticle on the hair surface. This stops it from absorbing moisture from the atmosphere, and has the added bonus of making your hair shinier and slippier, so it’s easier to detangle.

But here’s a quick word of warning. Many anti-humectant products contain silicones, and while these make your hair soft and shiny, they can also cause a build up on your strands. This makes your hair feel heavy and dull and can even cause dryness by preventing your hair from absorbing moisture.

Using a clarifying shampoo regularly will remove the build-up of silicones. You could also try some other anti humectants:

• Plant-based butter like shea butter or mango butter
• Plant-based oils like olive oil, avocado oil or rapeseed oil 
• Natural waxes 
• Lanolin
• Petroleum jelly

Humectants vs. Emollients

Anti-humectants are also known as emollients, and you’ll often find these in detangling and moisturizing products. 

Popular natural emollients that you can add to your hair care routine include coconut oil, castor oil, argan oil, and shea butter.

How Humectants Work

Basically, a humectant works like a magnet, attracting water molecules from the air, the products you put on your hair, and sometimes even from inside the hair shaft.

When used appropriately, they moisturize your hair, boosting its elasticity and preventing it from becoming dry and damaged. 

Absorption vs. Adsorption

Humectants work through a process known as adsorption. No, not absorption – that’s the process where a substance passes into a material and spreads throughout it so they can’t be separated.

Adsorption describes a different process when atoms and molecules are attracted to and adhere to a surface. The bonds that are formed are pretty weak, so the two substances can be easily separated.

Some humectants can adsorb several times their weight in moisture through hydrogen bonding, and this happens because of the polarity of atoms in the water.

Hydrogen Bonding and Polarity

Like a magnet, every atom contained in water molecules has a more positive charge at one end and a more negative charge at the other. This allows the atoms to link together, positive end to negative end. 

Each water molecule has three atoms, two hydrogen and one oxygen, which are attracted to each other and form a bridge called a hydrogen bond. This triangular formation can be stacked into complex shapes, which are then attracted to the polar hydroxyl groups in hair care or styling products containing a humectant. 

And that’s why humectants are so good at attracting moisture and adding volume to your hair.

Why We Need Humectants

Your scalp produces a waxy substance called sebum, which acts as a protective barrier. Ideally, these natural oils should also coat each hair strand from root to end, helping to prevent the hair shaft from becoming dry and brittle.

But if you have wavy, curly, or coily hair, the bends and kinks in your hair prevent the sebum from traveling down to the tips. This can leave your hair vulnerable to frizziness, tangles, and breakage. 

A humectant can help you to add hydration to your hair, making it softer, more voluminous, and less likely to snap. They also improve your curl definition and improve your hair’s ability to recover from stresses like heat or chemical exposure.

What Products Contain Humectants?

Humectants are usually found in moisturizing hair products like deep conditioning treatments, leave-in conditioners, gels, pomades, and hair butters. 

When to Use Humectants

If you’re thinking of using humectants on curly hair, it’s essential to consider the weather conditions, especially the dew point. 

This is the temperature when the air is completely saturated, and it tells you how much moisture is in the air. A lower dew point indicates that there’s less moisture in the air than a higher dew point.

Humectants are always helpful and you’ll find them in nearly every conditioner, leave-in, and styling product.

When you see that the dew point is between 35°F and 50°F, that’s the time that is okay to use products with high amounts of humectants. But you always want to use products with emollients to help retain moisture in your strands.

When Not to Use Humectants

If the conditions are very humid, a humectant may attract too much moisture into your hair strands. This makes them swell uncontrollably, the cuticle becomes ruffled, and the hair shaft could crack along its length in extreme cases. 

When this happens, your hair will lose shape, becoming big and frizzy. And if you have high-porosity hair, this will be even more of a problem than if you have low-porosity hair. 

On the other hand, when the conditions are very dry with low humidity, the humectant will draw water out of the hair shaft, making it dry and brittle.

So when the humidity level is at the extreme ends of the range, it’s best to avoid using high amounts of humectants without using anti-humectants or humidity-resistant ingredients. If the dew point is above 50°F or below 35°F, you should opt for products with anti-humectants (emollients) and humidity-resistant ingredients (polyquats, silicones) to protect your hair and keep it looking great.

This is particularly important if you have curly or coily hair, as these hair types are often dry and easily damaged.

Common Humectants

Humectants in hair care products can be synthetic or natural. You may also see some biologically produced humectants, which sometimes have complex names but are still based on natural ingredients.

Natural Humectants

• Glycerin (including vegetable glycerin)
• Honey
• Lecithin
• Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5)

Biological Origin Humectants

• Agave Nectar
• Glucose
• Fructose
• Glycogen
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Hydrolyzed Proteins
• Inositol
• Isoceteth-x
• Silicon Polyols
• Sodium PCA
• Sorbitol
• Steareth-x
• Sugars and Modified Sugars
• Xylitol

Synthetic humectants

• Propylene Glycol 
• Ethylene/Diethylene Glycol 
• PEG Compounds (For example, polyethylene glycol)

Synthetic humectants may cause irritation and contact dermatitis, so you should avoid these if you have sensitive skin. 

Selecting the Right Humectants for Hair

With so many humectants available, you might be wondering which one is the best humectant for curly hair. 

The strongest humectants are ones like glycerin, sodium lactate, or sodium PCA. These will attract the highest hydration levels, but that’s not always a good thing. 

If the weather is very dry or humid, choosing one of the gentler options, like hydrolyzed silk protein or panthenol, would be better. And you might also want to use them alongside an anti-humectant to give your hair some added protection. 

Look out for where the humectant appears in the list of ingredients as well. Around 80% of your hair care product is made up of the first five ingredients on the list, so if the humectant isn’t near the top, it probably won’t affect your locks as much. 

Creating a balanced Routine

A balanced routine will ensure your locks are moisturized regularly so they stay strong, soft, and shiny. Your products should include humectants and anti-humectants to help keep it healthy.

Using humectants regularly will help enhance your hair’s shine, make it less frizzy and reduce breakage. It will also help replace lost nutrients from your hair and make it feel softer. 

But if the humidity level is over 80% or under 40%, it is even more important to include anti-humectants to prevent your hair from absorbing too much water or becoming dry and brittle.

Pros and Cons of Humectants for Curly Hair

If you’re still unsure whether humectants are right for your curls, here’s a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

• Humectants can help make your curls feel softer and bouncier
• They can improve your hair’s elasticity and make it less brittle
• They can also protect your hair from possible damage from the elements

Cons

• In high humidity conditions, humectants can make your hair frizzy and sticky
• In low humidity, they can leave your hair dry and brittle
• The damage caused may be permanent

FAQs

If you would like more info about humectants for hair, take a look at these frequently asked questions:

Can Humectants Harm Natural Hair?

If you have high-porosity natural hair, humectants may attract too much water when the humidity level is high. This can cause the hair shaft to become swollen and the cuticle to become distorted, which makes your hair big, frizzy, and lose its shape.

And if the humidity level is very low, they might actually draw water out of your hair shafts, causing dryness and breakage.

Can Humectants Cause Frizz?

High humidity is one of the main causes of frizz, which is when each strand has its own alignment and your curls look messy. Humectants can make this problem worse in high humidity because they can make your hair absorb moisture too quickly.

Anti-humectants like natural oils or butter stop your hair strands from absorbing water, helping prevent curly hair frizz.

Humectants for Hair – The Bottom Line

Now you know all about humectants for hair and why they’re so beneficial for natural hair  

Humectants act like a magnet that draws moisture to your hair, while emollients or anti-humectants lock in moisture, which makes them essential for your hair when humidity is very high or low.

Combining these two ingredients will help you achieve the optimal moisture balance, giving you great hair that’s soft, shiny and smooth!

Sources

1 – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/humectant#what-are-they

2 – https://sciencenotes.org/adsorption-vs-absorption-differences-and-examples/

3 – https://chemistrytalk.org/water-polarity-why-polar/

4 – https://blog.weareprovital.com/what-is-the-most-effective-humectant-for-hair/

The post What Curly Girls Need to Know About Humectants for Hair appeared first on The Holistic Enchilada.

Read on to learn more about why coconut can be a problem and which products you can use.

Quick disclaimer: brands often change formulation so, please double-check before buying any of these products to make sure the formula did not change since this post was published.

Signs You Need to Use Coconut Free Hair Products

If you’re allergic to coconut, you would need to avoid coconut ingredients, and you might also have to avoid coconut derivatives in products too.

Coconut derivatives, or ingredients derived from coconut, have a milder to negligent effect than coconut oil or coconut water. Most people should be fine with them but some will need to avoid them.

These are commonly found in shampoos but can also appear in conditioners and styling products. More on coconut derivatives later.

Here are some signs coconut could be messing with your hair and scalp:

• a rash on your skin after using shampoo with coconut
• painful scalp with flaking after using coconut shampoo and conditioner
• scalp problems that don’t seem to go away
• dry, brittle hair lacking moisture no matter what you do

Some people with low porosity and coarse hair also struggle with coconut. This is because coconut is a larger molecule that isn’t easily absorbed by low-porosity hair and instead builds up, causing it to feel dry and brittle.

Coconut is a protein mimicker, so it can act as a protein on some hair types, and we know low porosity and coarse texture hair don’t like as much protein as other hair types.

If you already know your hair struggles with protein, then you might also have issues with coconut.

What to Do if You Think You Have a Coconut Sensitivity or Allergy

If you noticed that your hair or scalp is being negatively affected by coconut, then you need to use products with less or no coconut ingredients.

First, clarify dry or wet hair to remove any buildup from the coconut ingredients. Use mostly coconut-free products with caution. I would pay very close attention to how your hair feels and looks and test one product at a time.

Most people won’t need to cut out all coconut but just leave-in products with coconut or anything with coconut oil. You’ll have to figure out how much your hair can handle.

Why Most Shampoos Contain Coconut

Coconut oil is really popular right now, especially in the curly community. This is why you find coconut oil in so many products.

Shampoos also contain coconut derivatives because they are a great alternative to harsher sulfates. These coconut derivatives are the cleansing agents in shampoos.

Because of this, nearly all low-poo shampoos have coconut derivatives. Some common ones include cocomidopropyl betaine/coco betaine, capryl glycol, and cetearyl alcohol. You can find a full list of coconut derivatives here.

How To Tell If A Product Has Coconut?

Sometimes it’s not so obvious there is coconut in a product.

To check if a product has coconut, look at the ingredients list and scan for the words coconut, coconut oil, cocos nucifera, or the prefix coco- before anything.

Coconut Free Shampoos

If you need to avoid all coconut ingredients, then these coconut free shampoos are for you.

In my search for completely coconut-free shampoos, I only found 3.

• Clean Kids Naturally Tropical Orange Burst Shampoo
• Nourish & Heal Organic Black Soap Wash
• *Chagrin Valley Olive & Babassu Shampoo Bar – *Babassu is closely related to coconut and a reader reached out to say she had a reaction to this as well.

The other way to avoid all coconut derivatives in shampoos is to co-wash.

I did find some shampoos that contain some coconut derivatives, but are balanced with enough moisturizers that most people sensitive to coconut can use them without any problems.

Unless you have a true coconut allergy, these should be fine.

• Giovanni Smooth As Silk Shampoo, 50:50 Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo (it’s not really clarifying)
• Acure Ultra Hydrating Shampoo
• The Mane Choice Easy on the Curls Detangling Hydration
• Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo

Coconut Free Conditioners

These conditioners are all free of coconut, but not derivatives:

• Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner
• MopTop Daily Conditioner – code HE10
• Giovanni Smooth As Silk Conditioner, 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Conditioner
• Acure Mega Moisture
• Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner
• LUS Silicone Free Conditioner – code HOLISTICENCHILADA10

Coconut Free Leave-Ins & Creams

These leave-ins and creams are all free of coconut but not derivatives:

• Giovanni Direct Leave-in
• Kinky Curly Knot Today
• Curls Creme Brule Whipped Curl Cream
• Jessicurl Rocking Ringlets & Confident Coils
• Curl Keeper Leave-In Conditioner
• Bounce Curl Avocado & Rose Clump & Define Cream
• Miribel Naturals Dreamy Hair Cream – code HOLISTICENCHILADA

Coconut Free Deep Conditioners

These deep conditioners are all free of coconut, but not derivatives:

• Boucleme Intensive Moisture Treatment
• Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
• Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner
• Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Hair Mask
• MopTop Salon Deep Conditioner – code HE10
• Uncle Funky’s Heal & Renew Intensive Hair Mask
• LUS Deep Condition & Repair – code HOLISTICENCHILADA10
• Curlsmith Multi-Tasking Conditioner

Coconut Free Gels

These gels are all free of coconut, but not derivatives:

• Giovanni LA Hold Gel
• Miribel Naturals Flaxseed Gel – code HOLISTICENCHILADA
• Ecoslay Orange Marmalade
• Curl Keeper Original
• MopTop Curly Hair Custard – code HE10
• Jessicurl Spiralicious
• Kinky Curly Curling Custard
• Curls Blueberry Bliss
• Bounce Curl Light Cream Hair Gel
• Uncle Funky’s Curly Magic
• LUS Irish Sea Moss Gel – code HOLISTICENCHILADA10

Coconut Free Mousses & Foams

These foams are all free of coconut, but not derivatives:

• Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam
• Giovanni Mousse Air Turbo Charged Foam

Coconut Free Brands

These brands are entirely coconut free, meaning none of their products contain coconut as a main ingredient, with the exception of shampoos. These do contain coconut derivatives.

• Miribel Naturals – code HOLISTICENCHILADA
• Giovanni Eco Chic
• Jessicurl – the Aloeba conditioner & oils do contain coconut
• Kinky-Curly
• LUS Brands – code HOLISTICENCHILADA10

Coconut Oil Free Hair Care FAQs

Is Coconut a Common Allergen?

Coconut allergies aren’t a common issue when it comes to consumption. However, most people allergic to coconut have an allergic reaction to coconut oil in their products. As a result, they may experience itchy skin, a painful scalp, or hair that breaks easily.

What Harmful Chemicals Should I Avoid in Hair Care Products?

Hair care products often contain harmful chemicals that do more damage than good. Common chemicals to avoid include sulfates, mineral oil, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and silicones.

You’ve likely noticed an increase in sulfate and paraben-free shampoos and conditioners because more people know that sulfates and parabens cause dry, damaged hair.

Are There Ingredients to Avoid for Low Porosity Hair?

If you have low porosity hair, it doesn’t absorb moisture well, which means you need moisturizing products and should avoid products with the following ingredients:

• Sulfates
• Silicone
• Mineral oil
• Formaldehyde
• Parabens
• Synthetic perfumes

What Does It Mean When Hair Products Are Sulfate Free?

Sulfate-free hair products don’t have sulfates. For example, in shampoo, sulfates make the lather. Without it, you may not have the telltale lathering shampoo usually has, but your hair won’t experience as much dryness or damage. Hair care product companies replace the sulfates with other, less damaging cleaning ingredients.

Does Coconut Oil Promote Hair Growth?

Coconut oil is one of the most natural ways to enhance hair growth. It provides your hair with the vitamins and nutrients needed to remove buildup and protect the scalp.

Does Coconut Thicken Fine Hair?

Coconut oil may help avoid hair loss, which can be a problem for people with fine hair. Coconut oil reduces hair’s protein loss, preventing breakage and protecting hair.

Can Argan Oil Be Used as an Alternative to Coconut Oil?

Argan oil can be a good replacement if you’re allergic to coconut oil. It fights frizz, promotes hair growth, and reduces damaged hair.

Bottom Line

While it may be tricky to find hair care items that don’t contain coconut and its derivatives, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for your kinky curly hair. So whether you have an allergy or are just looking to avoid any potential irritation, these products will help keep your locks healthy and happy!

Please do me a favor and share this post to social media, as it helps me grow my audience and spread the word about our curly hair movement! And remember to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more curly hair tips and product recommendations. Thanks!

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