The Effects of Alcohol on Hair

Many hair care products contain alcohol. It is added to provide thickness to the product and protect it from bacteria such as microbes. Alcohol also acts as a preservative, helping products last longer on store shelves. While alcohol has some benefits, it also damages hair, making it appear dry, flaky, dull and lifeless. Does this Spark an idea?

Many Reasons Manufacturers Add Alcohol

Longer shelf life is among the many reasons manufacturers add alcohol to hair care products. Alcohol is used as a preservative because it evaporates quickly. The problem is that when it evaporates, it takes a bit of your hair's moisture with it. Alcohol is also added to thicken hair products, keep them from foaming and protect them from microbes. The types of alcohols used in hair products differ from grain alcohols made by fermenting starch, sugar and other carbohydrates. The alcohols have many cosmetic uses, but when used in excess, cause your locks to look deprived.

Short-Chain Alcohols

Short-chain alcohols include ethanol, propyl and isopropyl alcohol. Ethanol is typically found in hair sprays. Due to a low molecule weight, these alcohols evaporate quickly and are used in hair care products to decrease the time it takes for hair to dry. You have approximately 100,000 hairs on your head. Each hair is protected by a cuticle, or outside layer, which protects the inner layers. When the cuticle gets dry, it causes the inner hair fibers to fray, making your hair appear dry and frizzy.

Fatty Alcohols

Not all alcohols are bad for your hair. Fatty alcohols, or long-chain alcohols, such as stearyl and cetyl actually help to hydrate hair. These alcohols originate from natural sources and contain a high carbon content, meaning these molecules are oilier or fatty. Fatty alcohols are added as a moisturizer in hair care products. Hair looks smoother and softer because the cuticles are weighed down. If used in excess, these fatty alcohols combine with the natural sebum on the scalp, forming a sticky substance that makes hair appear greasy.

Alcohol-Free Products

Some hair products don't contain alcohol, advertising "alcohol-free" on the label. If unsure, read the ingredients.

Give Your Hair a Rest

No matter the products you are using, give your hair a chance to breathe. Avoid washing your hair a couple days a week. This helps to keep your hair shiny, bright and moisturized. When hair is wet, it stretches, making it more vulnerable to cuticle damage and breakage. If you need to wash your hair every day, try using a mild shampoo. If you have curly or dry hair, avoid washing your hair every day, as washing causes it to appear even more dried out.