Product Knowledge
Navigate the world of hair products with confidence by understanding ingredients, reading reviews wisely, and finding quality options within your budget.
Ingredient Benefits
Understanding humectants, porosity and hair care ingredients can help you to make informed product choices. Some common humectants like glycerin, honey, propylene glycol, and aloe vera attract moisture to your hair from the environment, but can cause frizz in high humidity. If you have low-porosity hair, using products with high concentrations of humectants in a dry environment could lead to making your hair drier/moisture loss. However, high-porosity hair might benefit from humectants in a humid environment, as they can help retain moisture. Ceramides and emollients are another group of moisture-supporting ingredients, which form a breathable water barrier around the hair cuticle. Learn to read ingredient lists and understand what your specific hair needs. For hydrating products water should be a big portion (sometimes listed first, if not alphabetically).
Product Reviews
Not every popular product will work for your unique hair needs. When reading reviews, look for people with similar hair type, porosity, and concerns. Pay attention to ingredient lists rather than just results - what works for low porosity hair might not work for high porosity. Test new products on a small section first and introduce one product at a time to identify what's helping or hindering your progress. Keep track of what works and what doesn't, your hair needs can change over time.
Budget-Friendly Options
Effective hair care doesn't require expensive products. Drugstore brands often contain the same active ingredients as luxury lines. DIY treatments using kitchen staples like coconut oil, honey, avocado, and apple cider vinegar can be just as effective. Focus your budget on a few key products: a good cleanser, deep conditioner, and leave-in treatment. Generic versions of popular products often work just as well. Remember, the most expensive product isn't always the best for your hair.
Sources
- The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair by Audrey Davis-Sivasothy (Book)
- Humectants and Hair Porosity: Understanding Their Effects
