Top 5 Ingredients to Avoid in Hair Products (And Why)
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You read labels on food — but what about your haircare? Many conventional products contain harsh ingredients that may dry, damage, or irritate your scalp.
Here are the top 5 to watch out for:
1. Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, SLS)
What they do: Harsh detergents that strip natural oils
Why avoid: Cause dryness, frizz, and irritation — especially for curly and sensitive scalps
2. Silicones (Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone)
What they do: Create temporary shine
Why avoid: Build up over time, blocking moisture and making hair limp and dull
3. Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben)
What they do: Preserve shelf life
Why avoid: Potential hormone disruptors, linked to skin sensitivity and long-term health concerns
4. Drying Alcohols (Alcohol Denat., Isopropyl Alcohol)
What they do: Evaporate quickly for fast-drying formulas
Why avoid: Strip moisture and weaken hair structure
5. Synthetic Fragrance
What it does: Adds scent
Why avoid: Often made from dozens of unlisted chemicals, can trigger allergies or irritation
What to Use Instead:
- Sulfate-free cleansers (gentle surfactants)
Natural oils & butters
Plant-based preservatives
Essential oils for fragrance
VAO’s hair mask is 100% free from these harmful ingredients and safe for regular use.
