Of course you want beautiful hair on your special day.
And as with so many things ‘wedding’, preparation is key to having your crowning glory at its most magnificent.
The secret to truly gorgeous, shiny hair is healthy hair. The shine is a result of light reflecting off healthy hair strands that are properly hydrated and the cuticle layer is sealed to give a smooth surface. Healthy hair comes from a combination of nutritious diet and wise use of good quality hair products.
With that in mind, what you DON’T put in your hair in the weeks preceding your wedding is even more important than what you do put in it.
For the most luscious of locks, whether your hair is naturally curly or straight, avoid these nasties in your hair products …
Silicone
Silicone is a sneaky one!
Silicone gives the illusion of shine for a few days as it coats the hair with a plasticky waterproof substance. However, over time, silicone not only prevents your hair from being hydrated as it repels conditioner, it attracts dirt and buildup that makes hair limp and dull. Yuck!
Check product ingredients lists for anything containing the word ‘Silicone’ or words ending with ‘cone’, conol’ or ‘zane’.
Avoid these as there is no such thing as silicone that is good for your hair.
Sulphates
Cheap and common!
Sulphates are made with petroleum and are artificial cleansing agents or detergents found in many household staples including dish washing liquid and hair care products. Applying them on our hair or body can cause skin irritation and dryness.
There is a long list of ‘bad’ sulphates to avoid including these or anything with similar wording:
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Coco Sulfate
- Sodium Stearate
Sulphate Free Shampoos (aka Low poo) are a much better choice.
‘Bad’ alcohol
Worse for your hair than a big night out!
You will be glad to hear that not all alcohols are bad. The alcohols to avoid for your hair are those that cause it to dry out and become either limp or frizzy, such as:
- Denatured Alcohol
- Ethanol
- Witch Hazel
Alcohols such as Lauryl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol and Stearyl alcohol are good ones.
Waxes and Artificial Oils
Keep the waxes for other body parts!
Artificial oils and ALL waxes (even natural ones) can build up on hair and prevent water and nourishing ingredients from beautifying your hair. Oily or waxy hair is limp, dull and lacklustre.
Artificial oils to avoid are:
- Mineral Oil
- Paraffin
- Petroleum
Beeswax and most other waxes are also to be avoided, the exception being Emulsifying wax.
Natural oils such as coconut, olive, argan, grapeseed, sweet almond and macadamia are ideal for helping repair and moisturize hair.
Even brands perceived as reputable can contain these harmful ingredients– so read the labels carefully. Now is the time to be super-aware of the needs of your hair.
No matter what bridal hair style you end up choosing, here’s to ensuring a ‘good hair day’ on your wedding day – you deserve it!
Special Weddings 