Say no to Sulfates and Silicones for juicy and defined curls

Avoiding sulfates and silicones is the number one tenet of the Curly Girl Method (CGM) and is key to achieving the coveted moisture/protein balance that curly hair thrives on. See below for the list of sulfates and silicones to avoid (spelling variations are excluded from these lists)

Say no to Sulfates

A sulfate is a cleansing agent and surfactant that can be found in household cleaners, detergents and shampoos. The two biggies that many shampoos contain are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). These and other sulfates create the lathering effect that removes dirt and oil from your hair and scalp. Sounds great, but these harsh sulfates can disrupt the moisture/protein balance by stripping the hair of it’s natural oils. Long-term daily use of a sulfate shampoo can create dry, frizzy and undefined curls. 

Say no to Silicones

Silicones are polymers that are meant to provide slip and shine while taming frizz. Wonderful, right? Unfortunately, these silicones can build up on the hair over time and create a residue barrier, which blocks moisture from reaching the hair shaft. The only way to remove silicones is with a sulfate shampoo, which can strip the hair. Endless cycle begins and no moisture/protein balance can be achieved. 

Always avoid both sulfates and silicones

Scenario 1: Sulfate shampoo followed by silicone conditioner and stylers. The shampoo strips the hair and the silicones block the moisture. This creates an endless cycle leaving you with dry, frizzy, lifeless hair.

Scenario 2: Sulfate-free shampoo followed by silicone conditioners and stylers. The sulfate free shampoo is not strong enough to remove the silicones from the hair. The silicones will eventually create an almost plastic-like barrier – no moisture can get in. Ugh … another formula for dry, frizzy lifeless hair.

Scenario 3: Sulfate-free shampoo and silicone free conditioner and stylers (otherwise known as the Curly Girl Method). Gentle cleansing or cowashing does not strip the hair of natural oils. Moisture can penetrate the hair shaft allowing the moisture/protein balance to thrive and curls become juicy and defined! Yay!