What to know about natural hair

 

Afro Hair:

First of all, the natural hair is called natural hair because it is the only hair type that looks like Nature in its natural state.

The afro hair texture is known by its characteristic and unique structure. It tends to have tightly coiled or kinky curls and mixed curls that form a dense pattern, which vary from 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b et 4c. This hair type often has a higher density and is more prone to dryness due to its structure, which makes it important to maintain moisture and minimize breakage. Natural afro hair requires regular hydration, protective styling, and gentle care to maintain its health and promote growth.

It's essential to remember that these descriptions provide general characteristics, and individuals within each ethnic group may have hair that deviates from these generalizations. Each person's hair is unique, and factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and hair care routines can influence its characteristics and needs. Therefore, it's important to embrace and care for your hair based on its specific characteristics rather than solely relying on generalizations about ethnic hair types.

 In order to keep you informed of what to avoid using on your natural hair, here are some common ingredients found in most hair products on the market, along with their uses and potential side effects:

In shampoo:

  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Ethoxylated materials: (PEG - PolyEthyleneGlycol - and SLS, Polysorbates, quaterniums and sodium Myreth Sulfate.: Use: Surfactants that create lather and foam, helping to cleanse the hair. Side Effects: Can strip natural oils from the hair and scalp, leading to dryness and potential irritation in some individuals.

In conditioner, mask, leave-in and hair serums:

  • Silicones (e.g., Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone) Cyclophexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Hexamethyldisiloxane, polysilicones Dimethicone used: Provides smoothness, shine, and heat protection to the hair. Side Effects: Can cause buildup over time, leading to dullness and weighed-down hair if not properly cleansed.

  • Parabens (e.g., Methylparaben, Propylparaben): Use: Preservatives to prevent bacterial growth in hair products. Side Effects: Some individuals may experience scalp irritation or allergic reactions.

  • Formaldehyde: Use: Preservative and antimicrobial agent. Side Effects: Known irritant and potential allergen. Prolonged exposure to high levels may have health risks.

  • Fragrances: Use: Adds pleasant scent to hair products. Side Effects: Synthetic fragrances may cause scalp irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

  • Alcohol (e.g., SD Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol): Use: Helps in product formulation and acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Side Effects: Certain alcohols can be drying to the hair and scalp, leading to increased dryness and potential frizz.

  • Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS): Use: Surfactant used for cleansing and creating lather in hair products. Side Effects: Similar to SLS and SLES, it can be drying and potentially irritating for some individuals.

  • Phthalates (e.g., Diethyl Phthalate, Dibutyl Phthalate): Use: Sometimes used as plasticizers or fragrance carriers in hair products. Side Effects: Certain phthalates have been associated with potential endocrine disruption and other health concerns.

  • Mineral Oil: Use: Moisturizing agent and hair protectant. Side Effects: In some cases, it can weigh down the hair and create a greasy appearance if overused.

  • Synthetic Colors: Use: Adds color to hair products for aesthetic appeal. Side Effects: Some synthetic colors may cause scalp irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

It's important to note that the effects and reactions to these ingredients can vary from person to person. Individuals with specific hair or scalp conditions, such as sensitivity or dryness, may be more prone to adverse effects. It's always advisable to read product labels, conduct patch tests, and choose products that align with your hair type and specific needs. Additionally, opting for natural hair care products that use plant-based and gentle ingredients can be a great alternative for those seeking a more gentle and nourishing hair care routine.

  • Parabens: Parabens, such as methylparaben and propylparaben, phthalate, phthalic, nonyl, nono, phenoxyethanol, Benzophene, oxybenzone 8, and Ethylhexyl, methoxycinnamate 9 and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor. have been restricted in some regions due to their potential endocrine-disrupting properties.

  • Phthalates: Certain phthalates, such as diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), have been banned or restricted in cosmetic products due to their potential reproductive and developmental toxicity.

  • Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: These preservatives, including formaldehyde, quaternium-15, and DMDM hydantoin, have restrictions in place due to their potential to release formaldehyde, which is classified as a human carcinogen.

  • Triclosan: Triclosan, an antimicrobial agent, has been banned or restricted in some regions due to concerns about antibiotic resistance and potential environmental impact.

  • Toluene: Toluene, often found in nail polishes, has restrictions due to its potential neurotoxic effects.

  • Lead and Lead Compounds: Lead and lead compounds are banned or restricted in cosmetics due to their potential toxicity and harmful effects on human health: 

  • Coal Tar: Coal tar and its derivatives, such as coal tar dyes, are banned or restricted due to their potential carcinogenic properties.

  • These ingredients are the most commonly used in cosmetics:

    Ethoxylated materials: (PEG - PolyEthyleneGlycol - and SLS – SodiumLaurethSulfate, Polysorbates, quaterniums and sodium Myreth Sulfate.

    Stearyl Alcohol, methyl-propyl-caprylyl-alcohol, Polypropylene glycol (PPG) Hexadecanol.

    Petrolatum, Cera Microcristallina, Paraffinium liquidum, Caprilic / capric triglycerides, Coco Caprylate Caprate, Octyldodecanol.

    Des silicones lourds tel que Cyclophexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Hexamethyldisiloxane, polysilicones Dimethicone et des polymères.

    Paraben, phthalate, phthalic, nonyl, nono, phenoxyethanol, Benzophene, oxybenzone 8, and Ethylhexyl, methoxycinnamate 9 and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor.

    BHT, BHA, Methylisothiazolinone, et autre thiazolinones, triclosan, EDTA (disodium - or tetrasodium, (P-Phenylenediamine).

    (INCI): International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredients.