Have you ever wondered what the alcohol found in most of our conditioners and leave in conditioners is used for. We are often told to avoid products that contain alcohol because it can be drying to our tresses and can lead to brittle hair that is prone to breakage.
Why then is alcohol found in our favorite ‘moisturizing’ conditioners and leave in conditioners? The answer is found in the structure of alcohol used in the product.
I was not a chemistry major so I will try to make this simple,….alcohol is a chain comprised of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen bonds the short chain alcohols include ethanol, SD alcohol, and Propanol just to name a few. These can be found in products such as hair spray and some gels.
On hair these alcohols
- Allow the hair to dry very quickly because there structure allows it to evaporate fast
- Creates dry frizzy hair
- Roughens the cuticle of the hair
- Removes oil and water from the hair
If moisture retention is your ultimate goal products containing these alcohols should be avoided.
(NB: When you have a cut, alcohol is often used to clean the area because despite the burn it really great at removing any dirt or irritants from the wound, it behaves the same way on hair removing any water or oil you may have in your hair)
Long chain alcohols also called fatty alcohols are often found in our favorite conditioners and leave ins. Examples of these alcohols are Cetyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol and Lauryl alcohol.
These alcohols are created by heating coconut oil* or palm oil with sodium hydroxide (lye); after the alcohol is made it is rather harmless but adds some benefit to our products.
The alcohol acts like an emulsifier and gives the product its creamy texture, the problem the alcohol solves is the fact that oil does not mix with water when added to a product. The alcohol binds everything together so that the product can spread effectively over your hair once applied.
On hair these alcohols:
- Hydrate the hair
- Do not penetrate the hair shaft
- Allows for even product spread
- Makes the hair ‘feel soft’
The moral of the story is, not all alcohols are created equal therefore the next time you look at the ingredients of a product and see alcohol try to determine the type of alcohol before completely dismissing it as bad for your hair.
Harvey Madison says
I Don’t know If It Good Or bad Good But I Do Know That Too Much Isn’t Good Have A Blessed Day
Shantel Williams says
Bad because it drys out your hair.
Sandra Bah Sandra Bah says
Bad
Whitney Waters says
Horribly bad for me it discolored my skin (mainly forehead) so absolutely no alcohol products for me.
Ruth Guzman says
I try to steer clear of them when possible but I do have products with alcohol in them. Doesn’t bother my hair tho.
Rinae Kay says
Some alcohols are good for hair
Micole Spicer says
I have always read that alcohol in hair products was not good.
Natalie M Alston says
Well water is the first ingredient… Idk… The first few ingredients are good.
Robyn Brewer says
For my hair…..all bad. I have a health issue that dries out my skin, nails and hair…..so I avoid other things that could add to that problem!
Shawntrice Jernigan says
Bad, its flammable
Vanessa White says
Most hair products are flammable, most says stay away from naked flame from hair sprays to hair oil lol! Doesn’t necessarily make the product “bad” however “alcohol” in hair products, I personally stay clear from not good for hair. What would be good is if ingredients were listed in plain terms instead of ridiculous long named none understanding jargon!
Hazel Non Ya says
Thanks I realized all alcohols aren’t bad!
Pearl Williams says
Robyn Brewer if don’t mind. Me asking what do u use??
Tonya M. Wallace says
All bad
Stanaya 'nay-nay' Reevey says
The first 3 ingredients are normally what you go by. Plus theres tons of Glycerol in it. Its acidic soo thats good…because it restores your hair to its natural ph if this is a shampoo or conditioner. It says rinse throughly so you’re not leaving it in. I say it’s good. However it does depend on the person and their hair type. The porosity and texture…the overall condition of the hair.
Tylena P. Simpson says
This is Exactly why i make my own products!
Mercedes Evelyn says
The type of alcohol listed here is actually good for the hair.
Chimoi Taylor says
Bad very very bad, alcohol starves your scalp and dries out your hair.