Why Silicones and Sulphates are Bad for Your Hair?
What are Sulphates?
Sulphates are added to cleaning products to make them foam. Not only do they foam, but they also combines with water to emulsify grease, dispersing it into the water so that it can be washed away. These are known as anionic surfactants. It is essentially added to hair products to wash away the dirt. A typical shampoo is 15% sulphates. Though sulphate-based shampoos do effectively clean the hair, they can also strip the hair of essential oils as well as irritate the skin. The reason sulphates are used in traditional shampoos and conditioners is because they are cheap and effective. Since straight hair is the norm and not particularly impacted by the drying effects of sulphates, there hasn't been a need for mainstream brands to use gentler (but more expensive) ingredients.
Why are Sulphates Bad For Your Hair?
The issue for curly hair is that their hair tends to be drier. This is because the sebum which is produced from the scalp cant travel down curls as easily as it can travel through straight hair. Sulphate free shampoos that strip the natural oils from curly hair can, therefore, make it drier causing damage and breakage. This can also cause an issue for colour treated hair since the sulphates can also remove the colour as well.
What Should You Use Instead of Sulphates?
The alternative to anionic surfactants are cationic or non-ionic surfactants which are gentler for all hair types. Instead of purchasing shampoos that contain sulphates you can use sulphate-free shampoos, no-poo shampoos or even clays such as green clay which has great cleansing properties. These do not contain sulphates, however as a result, they have less foaming abilities but this doesn't mean they aren't cleaning the hair. For many people, it is just not what they are used to seeing but there is a tonne of great alternatives out there such as our Custom Blend Shampoos. All of ourshampoosare sulphate free but have great foaming power and leave your hair feeling clean and refreshed. You canchoose your own ingredientstoo and have your name on the bottle to show it is just for you.
What are Silicones?
Silicones are often used in conditioners, and styling products to help give hair the slip needed to detangle and to give hair added shine. Silicones are also used as heat protectants. Most silicones end in -cone and so are easy to spot on the back of a bottle label. Silicones are a type of polymer that work by covering hair with a thin hydrophobic (waterproof) layer. This coating reduces the porosity of the hair and also reduces moisture loss as a result so your hair will look less frizzy.
Why are Silicones Bad For Your Hair?
The issue with silicones is that they create a film around your hair that stops moisture from entering the hair cuticle. The film also attracts dirt and causes product to build up so your hair will need to be washed out more frequently. However, since silicones are water resistant it means it will need to be washed with a strong shampoo to strip out the product. This cycle of a harsh wash and product build up will cause your hair to become dry and brittle since no actual moisture is making its way into the hair.
What Should You Use Instead of Silicones?
While some silicones are less water resistant than others I would recommend turning to silicone free conditioners that are out there. These typically use oils instead of polymers to coat and moisturise the hair. Some products use silicone esters which are similar to your traditional silicone but cause less product build up. These are more necessary in heat protectants as oils can cause hair to burn. At That Good Hair ourcustom-made hair productsallow are all100% silicone freeand instead use natural moisturisers and oils such asGlycerineand Isoamyl Laurate.
Non-water soluble silicones to avoidtypically end in '-icone'. A commonly used one in hair care products isDimethicone
Sulphates strip moisture from your hair and silicones don't allow moisture into the hair instead they cause product build up. Both aren't great for your hair and when it comes toThat Good Hair Custom Hair Productswe make sure that all of our hair products are Sulphate, Silicone, Fragrance, Paraben Free and More.
You should always be mindful of how your products impact your hair and your health.
After buying from a stall in Westfield, I can’t live without this for my 2 girls curly hair. Keeps the hair so moisturised and soft all day, even the next. A staple and must buy!!
✨ Review: Hydrating Mist + Hair Oil Duo ✨
My son has been using the hydrating mist and hair oil from this company consistently in his hair routine, and the results honestly speak for themselves. His hair looks healthier, shinier, and has so much more volume now. On Eid especially, his hair looked amazing — soft, defined, and full without looking heavy.
The hair oil has become his favourite part of the routine. He massages it into his scalp twice a week and leaves it in for a couple of hours before washing. It really helps keep his scalp moisturised and makes his hair feel stronger and smoother afterwards.
The hydrating mist works perfectly alongside it because it adds lightweight moisture and shine without making the hair greasy. He usually sprays it before styling with mousse, and it helps define the hair while keeping frizz away all day. ✨
What we noticed after regular use:
Shinier, healthier-looking hair
Softer texture
Better volume and definition
Less dryness and frizz
Hair feels hydrated but lightweight
Overall, this combination has worked really well for his routine, especially for keeping his hair looking fresh and styled naturally. Definitely products we would keep using. ⭐
Best beard oil on the market, has the exact results I want from a beard oil and I need to use so little to get my desired results, couldn’t recommend enough
I have only just started using the products. It’s maybe just three weeks now but this leaves my hair feeling so clean without any white residue like some other cleansers. It’s a must have and because I feel so clean and all residue is removed. I no longer wash my locs I just use this now and it gives me the same effect pending when I decide to redo my locs at the salon.
Since using the hair butter and hydrating spray my daughter’s hair has been easier to style and there has been less tears. Before her hair was dry but after using the products her hair looks shiny and healthy. We love how they smell too. Would definitely recommend.
i really like the hair mist so far, i don’t need to wet my hair anymore to refresh the waves i just use the spray and it brings it back to life that little bit more!! when i finish i’ll bring it back to refill!! xx
It absorbs beautifully without sitting greasy on top, which is rare. My hair drinks it up and just looks expensive afterwards. The frizz? Calm. The dryness? Gone. The ends? Sealed and behaving.
I RARELY write reviews so trust me when I say this product has my heart! I believe it's my fourth time purchasing it and honestly my hair absorbs and loves it. I find my hair to be frizz free and I barely get any breakage, I put that down to how moisturising it is. I also use it for my kids and their hair loves it too! I love how gentle the ingredients, it gives me a peace of mind
I’ve been using this hydrating hair mist for a short while now, and I’m genuinely impressed with the results. My scalp feels well-hydrated and comfortable, without any dryness or irritation. My hair feels noticeably softer, healthier, and more manageable, with a natural shine that doesn’t feel greasy or heavy.
What I really appreciate is how lightweight the mist is—it absorbs easily and refreshes my hair without weighing it down. It’s perfect for daily use, especially when my hair needs a quick boost of moisture. Overall, this product has helped improve the look and feel of my hair, leaving it nourished, refreshed, and well cared for. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to maintain hydrated, soft, and healthy hair.
I was recommended this by someone who works here for my 4 month old baby. I’d beg to differ.. essential oils and tea tree are definitely not recommended for a baby so young. I tried it on myself it’s ok but definitely won’t be buying from here again. I wanted to like it but it’s not for me
I’m from the US and was very hesitant about this product. So happy to see that this product gave me the look I wanted! Happy customer…….definitely will purchase again.
I was approached in Westfield Shopping centre as I have curly hair and was told the product would be perfect for my type of hair. I have been looking for something that would be light enough not to weigh my hair down but give it the moisture it needs. I was super excited to use the mist but unfortunately it just dried my hair out. It was very light on my hair but didn’t enhance the curl pattern any more than what it was. I am very disappointed with the product especially for the price. I have to use it with my original hair product for it not to dry my hair out. I would not purchase again,
Sorry 😕 I wanted to love it but it’s not for me!
Great with hydration. Great with making my hair shine. Smells amazing. And I got loads of compliments on how healthy my hair looks deffo will buy again.
Love this mist. It detangles, hydrates and softens my Afro hair. It also prevent breakage.
I have been using mist for a number of years and highly recommend it
3 curly kids and we love this stuff so much! We have the whole range, and I often borrow some on the oil or butter for my own hair. Genuinely wouldn't be workout this spray now. Best things I've used on my kids hair by far
Defines my daughters curls so well! By far my favourite product for my curly kids. And it smells divine! Taken 3 years to find what really works for her, so glad we took a chance on this range.
Second-time purchase of this product for me. I highly recommend it for flyaway or frizzy hair, and it smells great. Lasts a long time (on my hair anyway).
Lovely product, light with a lovely earthy scent. I notice my hair because thicker after a month of usage. I also purchased the hydrating hair mist which add life to my loc. I'm so grateful for this lovely products.yes! will buy again.
“Absolutely love this hair oil! It makes my hair so soft, manageable, and smooth. The scent is amazing too — not overpowering, just right. A must-have in my routine!”
I love this bonnet! 1) I've become a restless sleeper so I toss and turn quite a bit and this does not come off. I don't have to do the mid sleep checks anymore to see if it's still on my head 2) I've spent so much money on silk bonnet and it just not living up to the hype but this £8.50 satin bonnet has done everything i thought those silk bonnets would do. I have thick wavy hair and these have been amazing controlling the frizz!
I Decided To Try The Mist After Using The Oil For A Year. It's Great For When My Hair Is Styled; It Was Especially Good When I Was On Holiday In Ghana; My Locs Were Hydrated and When I Took Them Out Of The Style, They Were Moisured With No Need For Oil. I Only Need To Use It Once A Week In The UK; About Every Other Day In Hot Weather. Give It A Try; The Larger Bottle Is Great Value.
Have had issues with fizzy hair and this product helped very hydrating. Got this from Westfield Shepherd’s Bush and two ladies we very helpful and got tips. Will be purchasing more from this line
Really happy I found this product. I really struggle with definition with my hair and so far using this product my curls last and actually look like curls. Will definitely buy this again.
After doing the big chop I was so worried my hair wouldn’t grow back quickly but omg.. after using this hair oil (along with other TGH products) I finally feel like I have my crown back. I swear by this hair oil!! The scent, the texture and the way my hair has grown back so healthily! I even use it on my hair clients. I can’t fault it at all, thank you ThatGoodHair!! ❤️
This has been the best thing fir my itchy scalp. Been loving the oil and the hydrating Hair Mist for my cornrows. It keeps the style neater for longer and keeps my scalp moisturised.
