9 Products Which Can Ruin Thick Hair

Women with thick hair often complain about how time-consuming it is to maintain their hair. This is not the end of their woes, however. Nicole, who is a swimming coach, will give you a long list of thick hair issues such as:

• losing hair in the shower,
• requiring more conditioner than other hair types,
• having to carry extra hair ties because they snap,
• waiting virtually all day for your hair to dry,
• having to combat frizz on humid days,

and the list goes on and on.

An important issue that affects all thick-haired ladies, but is largely ignored is the type of hair products they use. Nicole learned this the hard way during a recent skiing trip with her friends. Having left her toiletries behind, she used the travel-sized shampoo supplied by the B&B they were staying at. She regrets forgetting to pack her toiletries. The B&B’s shampoo was a one-size-fits-all product typically found in traveler’s accommodations. It made Nicole’s hair drier than usual and the resulting frizz was something she was not adequately prepared for.

Nicole’s skiing trip was unforgettable for the wrong reasons. On the bright side, the experience forced her to find out more about hair products that should be avoided by women with thick hair.

This article provides an exhaustive list of products to avoid if you have thick hair. Read on to know what these products are.

Thick hair is a blessing in many ways. However, a lot of work goes into keeping it that way. Using the right type of hair products is one way (and very important, too) of keeping thick curly hair in good shape. Below is a list of those products that can cause problems in thick hair:

1. Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is known to leave residue in thick hair. The unwanted buildup can leave the hair feeling very heavy and can cause headaches.

2. Silicone-based Shampoo

Silicone, especially in the form of dimethicone and simethicone, forms a glossy layer on each strand of hair making it impossible for the conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft. Since thick hair requires generous amounts of conditioner to keep it hydrated and frizz-free, using a shampoo containing silicone defeats the purpose.

3. Alcohol-based Styling Product

Most styling products contain alcohol in some form. Isopropyl alcohol, in particular, has an extremely dehydrating effect on the hair. Due to its high density, thick hair tends to be thirsty. A styling cream, mousse, or gel containing alcohol will make thick hair drier than it already is. No amount of hair conditioner will undo the effects of an alcohol-based styling product.

4. Sulfate-based Cleanser

Although sulfates help to create the lathering effect in shampoo and are great as a cleansing agent (it is widely used in detergents), it is not recommended for thick hair. Sulfates deplete the natural moisture from the scalp and hair shaft thereby creating a moisture imbalance. Thick hair is thirstier than other hair types and a sulfate-based shampoo will only make it drier and prone to frizz.

5. Excessive Protein

Hair products enriched with protein are desirable for building strength and elasticity in the hair. However, too much protein can have the opposite effect. Thick hair needs a balance between protein and moisturizing ingredients to help maintain its integrity.

6. Sea Salt Spray

Popular as a hairstyling mist, sea salt sprays are actually damaging for thick hair. Sea salt spray dries the hair out and thick hair does not need another reason to lose whatever moisture it has left.

7. Shampoo Containing Zinc Pyrithione

Dandruff is common in thick hair. A typical anti-dandruff shampoo contains an ingredient called zinc pyrithione. Although this ingredient is great for getting rid of dandruff, it also sucks out a great deal of moisture from the scalp and hair. Therefore, women with thick hair should seek an alternative anti-dandruff product that will resolve the dandruff issue without drying out the hair.

8. Heat Protection Cream or Serum

Heat-styling tools like the hairdryer, flat iron, curling wand, and hot rollers have become an everyday part of the modern woman’s beauty routine. This makes heat protection product indispensable. However, the form of heat protectant you use must suit your hair type. Thick hair, for instance, will burn from the heat of hairstyling tools if the heat protectant used makes the hair damp or moist immediately before applying heat. To solve this problem, women with thick hair should use heat protectant in the form of a dry spray because cream or serum will make the hair slightly damp.

9. Petroleum-based Pomade

Hairstyling pomade that is made from petroleum blocks any form of moisture from penetrating the hair shaft thereby causing the hair to become very dry and frizz-prone. For this reason, aqua-based pomade is highly recommended for women with thick hair.

Conclusion

Nicole and other thick-haired ladies should be careful in selecting hair products for themselves. The key to maintaining healthy thick hair is avoiding hair products that dehydrate the hair. The first line of defense in this regard is staying clear of shampoo with silicone, sulfate, and zinc pyrithione. These ingredients strip the hair of its natural moisture. Too much protein, sea salt spray, and a styling gel with high alcohol content can disrupt the natural moisture balance in thick hair. Mineral oil and petroleum-based pomade are also inadvisable because they create a barrier around the hair shaft thereby preventing moisture from seeping through it. As long as Nicole and women like her avoid these hair products, they do not have to worry about damaging their thick hair.