The greatest struggle my clients have, prior to using DevaCurl, is the arsenal of products they have in their bathroom cabinet. Mouse, gel, cream, hairspray, deep conditioning masks, they have it all but still can’t seem to get their dry, frizzy hair to settle down. It’s simple. It comes down to the three most talked about ingredients in hair care products; sulfates, parabens and silicones. Let’s break each one down.

Sulfates

Sulfates are the “cleaning” agents in shampoo. They create the lathery, suds that remove oil from the scalp. They are known for having one of the most thorough cleansing properties and are classified as an anionic surfactant. Two very common sulfates found in shampoos are sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Check your shampoo! I bet they are in there!

While sulfates do their job at removing dirt and oil from the scalp, they are not ideal for anyone that has texture in their hair. Wavy, Curly and Super Curly hair crave the essential oil the hair naturally produces. Sulfates are too harsh on this texture type and will strip all necessary essential oil out of the hair. This can lead to dry, brittle feeling hair.

Silicones

The definition of silicone is stated on dictionary.com “any class of synthetic material which are polymers…used to make rubbers and plastic and are in polishes and lubricants.”

Silicones create a silky, smooth feeling in the hair. It is a FALSE identifier of hydration and it is also hydrophobic; meaning it repels water. It is not easily removed from the hair and is a common contributor to build up. Curly hair can begin to feel heavy and weighed down if silicone is present in the product being used. It is incredibly important for curly girls to stay away from any product with silicone. It is going to coat the cuticle of the hair preventing the penetration of any moisture. Hydration is key for curly girls, it is what keeps frizz tame.

Common names for silicone: Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Methicone, Amodimethicone, Dimethiconol, Cyclopentasiloxane.

Parabens

Parabens are chemicals that are commonly used as preservatives in the pharmaceutical and food industry and in cosmetic care.

Parabens are notorious in the medical field. Several studies have been done and have determined that they mimic oestrogen in the body. This can lead to reaching puberty at an earlier age, reproductive issues and links to breast cancer.

While there are naturally occurring parabens that are harmless, be on the lookout for any product with these ingredients: methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben.

Avoid Them!

When it comes down to it, sulfates, silicones and parabens are best avoided! Especially if you are trying to enhance your natural curl, these ingredients can negatively affect your ability to do so.