We live in the tropics. We live in an external environment that requires us to be out and about all the time. These two conditions often make it difficult to find the right hair styling product to keep our hair styled the way we want it to be styled, for the whole day.
Unfortunately, this has paved the way for hair “glue” to triumph. No this isn’t an official hair product category or term. Hair “glue” is how I describe the many hair styling waxes, clays, gels and sprays that were created to achieve long-lasting high hold. Whether they can give you those results is debatable. That’s not the only issue. The issue is what the products are made of and how it leaves (or doesn’t leave) your scalp and hair when you try to wash it off. I’ve tried numerous hair styling products since I started using them 25 years ago and almost every high-hold styling product leaves my hair feeling dull and heavy, and scalp feeling oily and flaky. Why is that so?
First, we need to understand what goes into hair styling products. There are 5 main ingredients in every hair styling product:
1. Polymers: These are synthetic compounds that form a film over the hair, providing hold and structure.
2. Waxes and Oils: Ingredients like beeswax, paraffin wax, and various oils can give a more flexible hold. They add texture and shine while helping to maintain the style.
3. Silicones: These create a protective barrier around the hair, which can help to lock in moisture and add shine while also aiding in hold.
4. Humectants: Ingredients such as glycerin attract moisture, which can help maintain the style in humid conditions.
5. Alcohols: Some styling products contain alcohol, which can help the product dry quickly and set the style but may also lead to dryness if used excessively.
Polymers are the most important ingredient in hair styling products because they act as the glue that keeps your hair in place. The issue is that most brands use cheap polymers that might hold the hair but are very hard to wash off. They create buildup on the hair which make hair feel heavy and greasy, if not properly cleansed. Some polymers make hair feel dry or stiffed, especially when used with alcohol. If we don’t wash out the hair products thoroughly, the buildup can clog up pores which results in dandruff and hair loss.
Silicones are the other culprit. Silicones are used to make the hair look shiny and they do that but locking in moisture which then adds shine to your hair. While they act as a protective layer, that also means they act as a blocker to good oils and good ingredients from your hair products, disallowing them to be absorbed by your hair shaft. And… they are hard to wash off and can create buildup which will then work against you.
Build up creates all sorts of issues for the health of your scalp and hair. It also weighs hair down which means it is hard to style. Many people have to resort to clarifying shampoos that help to breakdown the hair products to make it easier to wash off. The issue with that is the harshness of those shampoos that will strip away the healthy oils and moisture your hair needs to look and feel healthy.
I know it sounds like there is no winning. But there are products out there that can provide high hold, good nutrients while being very easy to wash off. All you have to do is to look for the right ingredients. What are the right ingredients?
1. Natural polymers - Natural polymers can do the job of holding hair, but are easy to wash off. They are more expensive and that is why most hair styling products don’t use them. But it’s worth every bit the premium because it keeps your hair looking and feeling great for a long time.
2. No silicones - You don’t need this stuff to make your hair look and feel shiny and lively. You just need a good hair care routine.
3. No parabens and sulphates - Those are just bad for you because they are known to be irritating to the skin and scalp, particularly for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. There is also concern that sulfates can strip natural oils from hair, leading to dryness and damage, especially in color-treated or curly hair.
Thankfully, we have created a hair styling product called, The Clay Hybrid, that is free of the bad stuff and full of the good stuff.
PROPRIETARY BLEND OF NATURAL POLYMERS
Formulated with bio-based polymers derived from corn, the Clay Hybrid makes it easy to achieve your desired hairstyle that will last, even in the tropics. And, it is so easy to wash off completely.
PROTECTION AGAINST HAIR LOSS
We only use the good stuff. With Yerba Santa plant extracts, hair follicles can be energised and protected from oxidative stress and premature hair loss.
NATURAL PRESERVATIVES
We like it clean. Natural antimicrobials and preservatives are used in place of artificial ones, so your crowning glory only gets the good stuff.
There really aren’t many hair products that can go against the norm. High hold, highly nourishing, easy to wash off. Thankfully, we have created THE ultimate product that goes against all norms and breaks all boundaries.
Try The Clay Hybrid and let us know what you think!
Written by:
Ben B & Ian H