Many of the gels and stylers on the market are loaded with alcohols, or have been in the past. In recent years, a growing number of consumers (namely curly girls) now check the back of labels to ensure certain ingredients are not in them, and as a result, brands are re-formulating their products to meet our demands. Short-chained alcohols like ethanol, SD alcohol, SD alcohol 40, and alcohol denat do not interact well with textured hair. These alcohols can cause dryness and frizz by withdrawing all the moisture your curls need.
Image Source: @mayathestylistllc
Now, not all alcohols are the same and they most certainly are not all bad. Fatty alcohols are the alcohols our hair loves as they are commonly used as emollients in skin and hair products. They condition and even soften the hair shaft.
Popular fatty alcohols include:
- Cetyl alcohol
- Cetearyl alcohol
- Lauryl alcohol
- Stearyl alcohol
They are typically derived from natural sources and have higher carbon content, which makes them oilier.
Now, not all alcohols are the same and they most certainly are not all bad.
Image Source: @afsennah
The alcohols you want to avoid are ones that evaporate quickly, which may be helpful in some regard, but in drying quickly can whisk away the moisture that your hair needs.
- Ethanol alcohol
- Ethyl alcohol
- Propanol alcohol
- Alcohol denat.
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Isopropanol alcohol
- Benzyl alcohol
Alcohols, both good and bad (for curlies), are often formulated in styling products like mousse, gels, hair sprays, and even leave-in conditioners. Curlies want products that will give their styles hold or stave off frizz without drying out their hair.
We have compiled a list of popular styles that do not contain the drying, short-chained alcohols that most people avoid.
1. DevaCurl Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam
Popular with the frizz-free crowd, this foam (or mousse) will add volume and curl retention to your hair. It is humidity-resistant, so your hair will experience decreased frizz, leaving you with endless curls, shine, and massive volume.
2. VERB Curl Cream
Say hello to a curl cream that will make your curls weep with joy! The Verb Curl Cream provides the best of both worlds with frizz-free results. This luscious curl cream is alcohol-free and provides lightweight moisture for all hair types. Your ingredients will love the key ingredients: sunflower curls complex, castor oil, and jojoba oil!
3. L’Oreal Paris EverStyle Alcohol-Free™ Curl Defining Gel
Learn to control your curls with this curl defining gel from the professional at L’Oreal Paris. Experience non-crunchy, silky hair from a product that holds your curls in place and maintains frizz-free style. Just smooth, defined coils, waves, and curls to love and adore.
4. Kinky-Curly Curling Custard
Editor’s Choice in 2015 and Best of the Best in 2014 by NaturallyCurly, it is no wonder this is my favorite gel and a winner on giving curl definition, hold, and superior shine like no other. No alcohol, glycerin, parabens, and proteins, this gel goes a long way, fights frizz, and dries clear. You get high performance at a reasonable price, so make sure to try this gel if you have not already.
5. Bouclème Curl Defining Gel
No alcohol or silicones are allowed with this citrus-scented medium-hold gel from Boucléme. If you love a vegan option for your gels, Boucléme contains a powerful blend of argan oil, virgin coconut oil, and linseed extract that won’t flake! Your coils, waves, and curls will love the soft cast that will hold up in any weather.
6. Oyin Handmade Shine and Define Styling Serum
You cannot lose with a styling serum that has water, flax seeds, aloe leaf juice, and a sea vegetable complex as its first ingredients. Oyin created a powerhouse styling serum that will nourish and soften your strands without weighing them down. No drying alcohols to suck out the moisture in your curls in this non-crunchy, frizz-busting, shine-emitting styling serum.
7. Ouidad Intense Curl Cream
Your curls will love this hydrating curl cream that strengthens strands and replenishes curls with moisture with a conditioning milk thistle and sweet almond formula. Whether you’re looking to revive your curl pattern or to eliminate dryness from your hair, this product will keep your curls on lock!
8. Rizos Curls Alcohol-Free Volumizing Curl Hair Spray
A hair spray without alcohol is big news so Rizos Curls hair spray makes the list because it has no alcohol, no parabens, and includes hydrating ingredients like rosemary, argan oil, and red algae. Tame frizz and add shine with a medium hold that does not leave your hair sticky or hard.
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