For moisture look for a humectant: Humectants are substances that moisturizes your hair by drawing moisture from the air into your hair. An example of this would be Vegetable Glycerin which can be found in natural foods shop. Urea, lactic acid, aloe vera gel, and sorbitol are also humectants.

For strength, look for Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5). Panthenol is a humectant, emollient, and moisturizer that actually penetrates your hair shaft. It is offen used in shampoos and hair conditioners, typically in a concentration of 0.1 – 1%. It coats and seals the surface of your hair, lubricates your follicles, and makes hair look shiny. Other names for panthenol are: D-Panthenol, Dexpanthenol (DCIR), Dexpanthenolum, Propanolamine, N-pantoyl, d-Pantothenyl alcohol.

Avoid products that contain petrolatum, petroleum, and mineral oils as one of the main ingredients (within the first 7-10 ingredients).

Tags: humectant, mineral oil, petrolatum, petroleum, vegetable glycerin
Filed under: Nappy Hair