Blame It On The Alcohol!

By . - Wednesday, January 13, 2021




Alcohol may be banned in South Africa while the government tries to gain control over the COVID-19 pandemic, but it's most certainly not banned from our hair products. The damaging effects of certain alcohols in our hair products are well known. While some alcohols can cause dry, crunchy and frizzy hair others can actually act to condition the hair! To take the fear out of seeing alcohols in your hair product ingredients, I am going to teach you about the alcohols.

Acceptable Alcohols

It's a great idea to utilize hair products with fatty alcohols, which just so happen to be derived from natural resources. Fatty alcohols have a creamy consistency, which keeps the hair smooth and soft by helping the cuticle to lay flat. Fatty alcohols can be found I shampoos, conditioners and moisturizers and styling products. Keep your eyes open for the following acceptable alcohols:
  • Behenyl Alcohol
  • Cetearyl Alcohol
  • Cetyl Alcohol
  • Lauryl Alcohol
  • Myristyl Alcohol
  • Stearyl Alcohol

Unacceptable Alcohols

I consider unacceptable alcohols to be the short-chain alcohols. These alcohols evaporate quickly leading to the dry and crunchy feeling that we all hate. Needless to say, these types of alcohols are usually found in our finishing products such as hair spray, spritz and gels. Steer clear of the following alcohols to avoid damage to your precious strands:

  • Alcohol Denat
  • Ethanol
  • Isobutane
  • Isopropyl Alcohol
  • Propanol
  • Propyl Alcohol
  • SD Alcohol
  • SD Alcohol 40

Choosing the right alcohols can make a world of difference in managing your hair. Remember that the acceptable alcohols have a conditioning effect to the hair, and the unacceptable alcohols will leave your hair dry and crunchy.

Do you check for alcohols in your hair products? Let me know in the comment section below.


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