The Truth About Alcohol in Hair Care Products

Alcohol is a common ingredient in hair care products, but its effects vary depending on the type used. Understanding the distinction between different alcohols can help you make more informed decisions about which products to choose.

There are two main types of alcohol found in hair care products: drying alcohols and fatty alcohols.

Drying alcohols, such as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and alcohol denat, are often included to help products dry quickly and give them a lightweight texture. While they may be beneficial for styling products like hairsprays and gels, drying alcohols can also strip hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and potential damage. Over time, excessive use of products containing these alcohols can weaken hair, making it more prone to breakage and split ends.

How Fatty Alcohols Nourish Your Hair

On the other hand, fatty Alcohols, including cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol, are derived from natural fats and oils. Unlike drying alcohols, fatty alcohols are moisturizing and work to soften and condition the hair. They help improve the texture of hair, making it smoother, more manageable, and less frizzy without stripping its natural oils. Fatty alcohols are particularly beneficial for those with dry or coarse hair.

While drying alcohols can offer quick benefits like fast absorption and a non-greasy finish, prolonged use may lead to dryness, frizz, and damage. Choosing hair care products free from harsh alcohols is key to maintaining soft, healthy, and hydrated hair.

Wellsen Marula Oil is a perfect example. It's preservative-free, alcohol-free, and paraben-free, enriched with precious Marula Oil to deeply moisturize, repair dry and damaged hair, and add body and tone to fine or thinning strands. With its luxuriously smooth texture, it leaves hair clump-free, silky, and visibly healthier from root to tip.