beauty

The 3 Conditioner Ingredients Beauty Experts Say Are Actually So Bad For Thin, Fine Hair

May 11, 2023 by Lisa Cupido
shefinds | beauty

This article has been updated since its initial publish date. 

They’re a must-have hair product that can solve so many of your beauty woes, but they’re not one and the same: we’re talking about conditioners, of course. The right conditioner for your hair type can add major shine, smoothness, and make your hair more manageable so that you avoid split ends and breakage when you’re detangling your post-shower tangled hair. But the key words here are “the right conditioner.”

Not all conditioners will prove nourishing for your hair, especially if you have fine or thinning hair that gets weighed down at the very mention of a product. For thinner and finer hair, it’s especially important to know which ingredients can cause more damage and make your hair appear even thinner than it is. The next time you shop for a conditioner, check out the ingredients list and avoid these conditioner ingredients, which are not recommended for thin hair.

 

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hair stylist squeezing conditioner bottle white product brown hair

3 Conditioner Ingredients To Avoid, According To Experts

1. Silicones

Silicones are a type of synthetic polymer that are often added to hair products to provide lubrication and shine, says Ana Vasilescu, the founder of Womens Concepts and a certified skincare consultant. In other words: they trick the idea into thinking your hair looks shiny and healthy, but aren’t all that they seem. “Silicones can leave a heavy, greasy residue on the hair, which can weigh down fine and thin hair, making it look flat and lifeless,” Vasilescu reveals.

Silicones can be particularly harmful for fine hair because they can build up on the hair shaft over time, making hair look limp and oily, adds Valentina Bolivar, a mental health and physical wellness officer at Hot Frameworks.

woman-applying-conditioner

2. Sulfates 

Sulfates are a type of surfactant commonly found in conditioner and other haircare products, according to Vasilescu, and they are known to be harsh. “Removing natural oils from the hair can cause it to become dry and brittle,” Vasilescu says.

“This can be especially damaging to fine and thin hair, which is weaker and more prone to damage than other hair types.” Sulfates can also be the reason why your hair feels and looks frizzier than usual, Bolivar cautions. 

 

 

woman with black hair in shower rinsing hair applying white conditioner tan background

3. Alcohols 

“Alcohols are found in many haircare products, such as shampoos, conditioners, and styling products,” Vasilescu says. “They can be very drying to the hair and scalp and can strip away essential oils, leading to thinning and breakage. Avoid alcohols such as ethanol, SD alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and propanol in your hair products.”

But it’s not all doom and gloom, we promise. There are a number of good-for-fine-hair conditioner ingredients that are worth searching for when you shop for conditioners. 

woman-disappointed-thin-hair

4 Healthier Conditioner Ingredients To Look Out For

1. Natural Oils

Natural oils such as argan, coconut, and jojoba can help to nourish and hydrate fine, thin hair without weighing it down, Vasilescu says and adds: “They can also help to seal the cuticles of the hair, reducing frizz and promoting shine.

2. Protein

Protein helps to strengthen and thicken the hair, making it look thicker and fuller. It also helps to repair any damage and nourish the scalp, Vasilescu says.

woman brushing through wet brown hair with a blue comb

3. Vitamins

Vitamins are important for keeping fine, thin hair healthy and strong,” Vasilescu says. “Look for conditioners that contain vitamins like Biotin, vitamin B5, and vitamin E. These vitamins can help nourish and strengthen the hair, promoting growth and volume. They can also help protect the hair from environmental damage.”

4. Humectants

Humectants are ingredients that draw moisture from the air and trap it in the hair, helping to make it softer, smoother, and more manageable, according to Vasilescu. “They can also reduce frizz and provide extra hydration to fine, thin hair,” she adds. “Examples of humectants include glycerin, honey, and hyaluronic acid.”

woman-thin-fine-hair

Overall, don’t skip conditioner — it’s an important part of your haircare routine no matter what your hair type is. But do take a beat and check out the ingredients list before you purchase a product to ensure it’s going to be the best choice for your hair, especially if it’s on the finer and thinner side of the spectrum. 

Author:

Lisa Fogarty is a lifestyle writer and reporter based in New York who covers health, wellness, relationships, sex, beauty, and parenting.

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