Alcohol Ingredients: Safe For Color-Treated Hair?

When it comes to hair care, it's important to consider the impact of the ingredients in your products. Alcohol, for example, has a bad reputation for drying out hair and causing frizziness, especially in hair that is already colour-treated and prone to dryness. However, not all alcohols are created equal - short-chain alcohols like Alcohol Denat are the culprits, while long-chain fatty alcohols derived from natural sources like plants and oils can provide significant hydration and benefits, moisturizing and smoothing the hair. So, when choosing hair products, it's crucial to read the labels carefully and understand the different types of alcohols to make an informed decision, especially if you want to maintain your hair colour and keep your locks healthy and hydrated.

Is alcohol in ingredients safe for colour-treated hair?

The different types of alcohols and their effects on hair health

Alcohol is a broad term for a variety of chemicals, and it has different names and effects on hair. The two main kinds used in hair care products are short-chain and long-chain alcohols.

Short-chain alcohols

Also known as "bad" alcohols, these are known for their drying properties. They have very few carbon atoms, which means they evaporate quickly. For this reason, they are commonly used in products that need to dry quickly, such as hairspray and dry shampoo. While they are good at soaking up excess grease or sweat, they can excessively dry the scalp and hair, leaving the hair cuticle rough and brittle, causing frizz, and making the scalp itchy, flaky, and prone to irritation. Examples include ethanol and propanol.

Long-chain alcohols

Also known as fatty acid alcohols, these are highly nourishing and usually derived from plants to add a thickening or emulsifying effect to beauty products. They are incredibly hydrating and help keep frizz at bay, leaving hair soft and shiny and the scalp moisturized. Examples include lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol.

Alcohol consumption and hair health

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, which can cause hair damage, thinning, and baldness. However, there is no direct link between moderate alcohol consumption and hair loss.

Alcohol in hair products and color-treated hair

Using the wrong hair products can lead to fading, dryness, brittleness, and even hair breakage. Alcohol is one of the ingredients that can strip away hair color and make hair dull, dry, and brittle. Other ingredients to avoid for color-treated hair include sulfates, parabens, silicones, formaldehyde, heavy oils, and synthetic fragrances.

How to identify hair products that are safe for colour-treated hair

Colour-treated hair has undergone oxidization to open up the cuticle, allowing dye to enter the hair shaft and deposit a permanent colour. As a result, it operates under a different chemical state, and certain ingredients found in hair products can strip the hair of its colour.

• Avoid products with sulfates, parabens, alcohol, and sodium chloride. These ingredients can be drying and abrasive, contributing to the lightening of hair colour. Specifically, look out for sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), as well as alcohols like ethanol and propanol.
• Be cautious of "`Clarifying'" or "Detoxifying" formulas, which often contain ingredients that remove artificial pigments from the hair. Charcoal and salicylic acid are examples of clarifying agents.
• Opt for colour-safe alternatives. Shampoos designed to prolong the life of colour-treated hair will ensure that there are no potentially dulling or stripping ingredients in the formula.
• Look for products that meet international industry standards for ingredient safety. This is the easiest criterion for brands to meet, and it ensures that products do not contain controversial ingredients.
• Consider plant-based and vegetable-based dyes, such as henna, chamomile, and senna. These natural alternatives are often milder and less damaging to the hair.
• Avoid hot water when washing colour-treated hair, as heat causes the hair strands to relax, making the colour wash away easily.
• Wash hair infrequently, as washing too frequently can cause colour-treated hair to dull and fade faster.

The dangers of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrances

While colouring your hair can be a fun way to switch up your look, it's important to be mindful of the products you use to maintain your hair and scalp health. Some ingredients commonly found in hair care products, like shampoos and conditioners, can be harmful to colour-treated hair and potentially dangerous to your overall health. Here are the dangers of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrances:

Sulfates

Sulfates are chemicals commonly used in household cleaners, detergents, and shampoos as cleansing agents. The two main types of sulfates found in shampoos are sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, which create a lathering effect to remove oil and dirt from the hair. While sulfates effectively cleanse the hair, they can also strip away natural oils, leaving the hair dry and brittle. This can be especially damaging to colour-treated hair, as the sulphates can cause the colour to fade and wash out more quickly. Additionally, some people believe that sulfates can have negative effects on health, with links to cancer found in some studies. As such, it is recommended to opt for sulfate-free shampoos, especially if you have sensitive skin or hair.

Parabens

Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as artificial preservatives in cosmetic and body care products, including hair care items. They help prevent and reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and mould, increasing the shelf life of the product. However, parabens have been linked to potential health risks. Scientific studies suggest that parabens can disrupt hormones in the body, particularly the male and female reproductive systems, affecting fertility and reproductive organ health. Additionally, parabens can cause skin irritation and contribute to the lightening of hair colour. Due to these concerns, it is advisable to choose paraben-free hair care products, especially for colour-treated hair.

Silicones

Silicone is a man-made substance commonly found in hair care products, including shampoos, conditioners, and heat protection sprays. It is known for its ability to coat the hair shaft, locking in moisture, reducing frizz, and giving hair a soft and silky feel. While silicone has its benefits, it has also faced criticism due to its potential negative effects on the hair. Silicone can weigh down the hair, causing a weighty feel and dryness. Additionally, it can lead to hard-to-remove buildup, requiring multiple washes with clarifying shampoo to remove. To minimise these concerns, it is recommended to use small amounts of silicone-based products or reduce their frequency of use.

Synthetic Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances are commonly found in personal care and household products, including hair care items, to impart pleasant aromas and disguise unpleasant odours. However, these fragrances are often made up of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can have negative effects on human health. Exposure to synthetic fragrances has been linked to various acute and chronic conditions, including cutaneous, respiratory, and systemic issues such as headaches, asthma attacks, and breathing difficulties. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for fragrance-free or naturally scented products to minimise potential health risks associated with synthetic fragrances.

Natural alternatives to hair products that contain alcohol

Alcohol can be bad for hair when included in hair products due to its drying nature. Those with color-treated hair are already more prone to dryness, so it is recommended to opt for clean, color-safe alternatives.

Some alcohols, like ethanol or propanol, can dry out your hair and create a frizzy texture. However, not all alcohols are created equal. Long-chain fatty alcohols, derived from natural sources like plants and oils, can provide hydrating and smoothing benefits when used as thickeners and emulsifiers in hair products. These include cetearyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol, which are beneficial for product penetration and other aspects of hair and skincare.

If you're looking for natural alternatives to hair products that contain alcohol, here are some options:

• Shampoos: Opt for natural shampoos that are alcohol-free and made with plant-based ingredients. For example, SheaMoisture offers a natural cleanser derived from manuka honey and yogurt, while Ogx has a blend of coconut milk, coconut oil, and whipped egg white protein. Fable & Mane's alcohol-free shampoo is infused with fenugreek seeds and onion juice to promote volume and healthy growth. Carol's Daughter also offers an alcohol-free shampoo free of parabens, silicones, mineral oil, artificial colors, and petroleum.
• Conditioners: Look for alcohol-free conditioners that provide hydration and nourishment. Act+Acre's formula includes apple stem cells, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine to promote thicker, fuller hair growth.
• Hair sprays: Choose alcohol-free hair sprays that provide hold without drying out your hair. Options like Bounce Curl Alcohol-Free Hairspray, Kenra Professional Shaping Spray 21, and Yarok Feed Your Hold Hairspray offer flexible to strong hold while keeping your hair moisturized.
• Styling products: Some styling products, like Color Wow's Speed Dry Blow Dry Spray and Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer, are completely alcohol-free. These products can reduce blow-dry time and deliver volume without drying out your hair.
• Color-treated hair: If you have color-treated hair, it's important to avoid hair products with alcohol to prevent stripping and fading your hair color. Look for color-safe alternatives and avoid hot water when washing your hair, as heat can cause the color to wash away easily. Natural plant-based dyes like henna, chamomile, and senna can be used to create hair color while being milder and less damaging than synthetic alternatives.

How to care for colour-treated hair to prevent damage and dryness

Colour-treated hair requires special care to keep it looking vibrant and healthy. The very process of colouring your hair can weaken the strands, making them more prone to breakage, dryness, frizz, and split ends. Therefore, it is important to take extra care of your hair after colouring it. Here are some tips on how to care for colour-treated hair to prevent damage and dryness:

Choose the Right Products

Avoid hair products that contain harsh chemicals that can strip away colour and damage hair. Some common ingredients to watch out for include:

• Sulfates (SLS or SLES)
• Parabens
• Alcohols (ethanol or propanol)
• Sodium chloride (salt)
• Silicones
• Formaldehyde
• Heavy oils
• Synthetic fragrances

Instead, opt for natural and organic products whenever possible, and look for labels that say "alcohol-free", "sulphate-free", or "formaldehyde-free". You can also choose products that contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera or glycerin, which can add moisture to your hair.

Deep Condition

Regular deep conditioning is crucial for restoring essential nutrients and moisture to your hair. Look for conditioners specifically designed for colour-treated hair, as these can help repair and restore dry, damaged hair follicles and prevent colour fading.

Reduce Heat Exposure

Heat is the enemy of healthy hair. Avoid using blow dryers, and limit your use of heat styling tools as they can cause damage, cracking, and brittleness. When drying your hair, towel dry it first and let the remainder air dry. Also, remember to use heat protectants every time you use heat to avoid over-drying and further damaging your hair.

Limit Sun Exposure

Avoid excessive sunlight on your coloured hair, as UV rays can cause the hair to dry out and break, leading to colour fading. If you're going to be out in the sun for a long period, wear a hat or headgear to protect your hair.

Wash Less Frequently

Washing your hair too often can affect colour-treated hair, causing it to dull and fade faster. Wash your hair no more than 2-3 times a week to preserve your hair's natural oils and colour.

Frequently asked questions