Ever stood in the hair care aisle, bewildered by the endless rows of bottles with complex ingredient lists? You’re not alone!
Understanding hair product labels can feel like deciphering a foreign language. That’s why the Jonsson Protein team has put together a review of common hair care ingredients, some ingredients you might want to avoid, and tips on how to pick the right hair care products for you.
But before we explore common hair product ingredients, let’s understand why they matter. The ingredients in your hair products directly impact the health and appearance of your hair. Choosing the right products is important in addressing your specific hair concerns, whether it’s dryness, frizz, hair loss, or scalp sensitivity. Conversely, picking something unsuitable for your hair and scalp might trigger itchiness, redness, or dryness – so it’s important to pick a hair care product that works for you.
Common Ingredients in Hair Product Labels to Look Out For
1. Surfactants
Surfactants are the cleansing agents that create lather and remove dirt and oil from your hair. Examples include:
- Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)
- Sodium laureth sulphate (SLES)
- Cocamidopropyl betaine
- Sodium cocoyl isethionate
Sulphates (SLS and SLES) can be harsh on hair, stripping away natural oils and leading to dryness and irritation. If you have a dry or sensitive scalp that’s prone to redness and itchiness, opt for gentler surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine or sodium cocoyl isethionate.
2. Conditioners
Conditioners help to detangle, smooth, and add moisture to your hair. Examples include:
- Cetrimonium chloride
- Behentrimonium methosulfate
- Fatty alcohols
Many conditioners today also include emollient oils and butters like shea butter, aloe vera, or natural oils (e.g. coconut oil, argan oil) to add extra shine and smoothness to your hair.
3. Moisturisers
Moisturisers help to hydrate and soften hair. Examples include:
- Humectants (e.g. glycerin, hyaluronic acid)
- Panthenol
- Natural oils (e.g. coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil)
4. Preservatives
Preservatives are considered a ‘bad’ ingredient by some but they are actually highly useful as they prevent your hair products from growing bacteria and mould. Examples include:
- Parabens
- Phenoxyethanol
- Potassium sorbate
While these ingredients are generally considered safe, some people have reported sensitivity to parabens. Fortunately, there are now many paraben-free alternatives available if you have sensitive skin.
5. Proteins
Protein is key to maintaining a healthy scalp environment for optimal hair growth. If your hair has damage from environmental or lifestyle factors (e.g. frequent heat treatment or styling), having protein in your hair care is key to improving and maintaining your tresses. Examples include:
- Amino acids (e.g. histidine, leucine, methionine)
- Peptides
- Collagen
- Keratin
- Soy
Choosing the Right Products
Understanding hair product labels empowers you to make informed choices for your hair care routine. By paying attention to the ingredients covered in this Jonsson Protein review, you can select the right products for your specific hair care needs.
Some rules of thumb to keep in mind:
- Dry Hair: Look for moisturising ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils. Avoid sulphates and alcohol.
- Oily Hair: Choose lightweight, oil-free products that won’t weigh down your hair. Look for clarifying shampoos that help control oil production. Avoid products with silicones as they can build up on hair, weighing it down and preventing moisture from penetrating.
- Colour-Treated Hair: Specialised colour-safe shampoos and conditioners are key to protecting your hair colour from fading.
For personalised advice on choosing the right hair products or addressing specific hair concerns, consider consulting a hair care professional, such as engaging Jonsson Protein’s scalp review. You can also find valuable information and reviews on Jonsson Protein Reviews which contains expert hair care insights to help you achieve your hair goals.