Natural Products for Natural Hair

Louisa has recently launched her own line of natural hair care products called Afro Hair Solutions. She also has her own blog where she writes tips and tricks, product information and advice on how to look after your hair.

If you’ve been natural for a while you may have heard of the term, “No silicones, no parabens and no sulfates”, but why, what does it actually mean and why should we avoid them?

What Is a Silicone?

It is a product that some companies use in their shampoo and conditioners. It coats your hair to look shiny and smooth.

Why Is It Bad for Curly Hair?

Silicones coat your hair, which means none of the products you use will actually penetrate the hair.

Hot Oil Treatments won’t work well with silicone in your hair and it won’t wash out, because it is not water soluble. So every time you wash your hair more and more builds up.

So How Do I Get Rid of It?

You need a good clarifying shampoo and use it at least once a week to rid yourself of any build-up.

Be sure to use a deep conditioner, as a clarifying shampoo will strip your hair of its natural oils.

For some people, shampoos containing cocamidopropylbetaine is enough to rid their hair of silicones. So if you use silicones often, try Afro Hair Solutions’ Moisturising Shampoo Bar to see if you can avoid clarifying altogether.

What Ingredients Should I Look Out for?

You need to watch out for anything that ends in “cone”, “one”, “conol”, “col” or “zane”.

For example, cyclomethicone or Dimethicone

What Are Parabens?

Parabens unlike silicones are water soluble, so it rinses out easily and does not cause any build-up. They are used as a preservative in cosmetic products. Without parabens your products may grow bacteria and make your products unsafe to use. They are typically used as mixtures containing several or all of the following parabens: methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and/or butylparaben.

Consumers are choosing to be cautious when it comes to their health, because of the possible health concerns linked to them, such as malignant breast tumours.

What Is a Sulfate?

Sulfates, put simply is a type of detergent used as a lathering agent in products like shampoos, body wash and soaps.

Are they bad?

They are not proven to be bad, but it is not ideal for someone who has curly, kinky or coily hair as it strips natural oils from our hair, resulting in dry hair.

So How Do I Put the Moisture Back in My Hair?

You need a deep conditioner such as Afro Hair Solutions – Deep Conditioning Bar.

The Deep Conditioning Bar contains only natural moisturisers with no added water, or preservatives, keeping the solid conditioner natural. If you see “behentrimonium methosulfate” do not worry, since this is not a sulfate. This is usually used in conditioners to thicken and detangle.

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