Hair Gel and Hair Wax without Chemicals
Hair styling products often contain chemical substances that can have negative effects on the human organism and the environment. In this article, we examine which ingredients in hair wax and hair gel are questionable and introduce you to products that are free from potentially harmful chemicals.
Microplastics
Conventional hair gels contain firming polymers, so-called film formers, which lay like a thin film around and between the individual hairs. This ensures that the individual hair stick to each other. Hair waxes contain more waxy polymers. These grease the hair and give a supple shine.
These polymers are questionable. A German Fraunhofer study comes to the conclusion that through the use of these waxy or gel-like, dissolved or liquid plastics more than 20,000 tonnes of microplastic flows into the wastewater, in Germany alone.
These liquid plastics are currently classified as non-hazardous to the environment, although little is known about their impact on the environment. If you want to avoid microplastics altogether, check out these articles where we introduce Face Wash and liquid soaps, Face and Body Scrub, Shower Gels, or Lipsticks without microplastics.
Parabens
Parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetics. Methylparaben is mainly used because of its lack of allergy potential. Parabens are suspected to be hormonally effective and are therefore particularly worrying for pregnant women, toddlers and adolescents in puberty. They are also used in Shampoos, Lotions, Liquid Soap or Sunscreen.
PEGs
PEG and PEG derivatives are used as surfactants or emulsifiers. With their emulsifying effect they ensure that the various ingredients of the hair styling products actually mix. They are often made from petroleum derivatives.
However, PEGs cause a higher permeability of the skin, which allows harmful substances to easily penetrate the skin.
Petrolatum
Petrolatum, also called Vaseline, makes skin and hair supple. However, the substance is also made from petroleum. It is suspected to contain carcinogenic impurities. It is also used in Body Lotions and Make up.
Formaldehyde
Hair styling products often use the preservative Dmdm-Hydantoin. It is a so-called Formaldehyde releasers. It releases small quantities of formaldehyde in the products for preservation. Dmdm hydantoin is classified as allergenic, irritating to the skin and carcinogenic.
So, what’s the alternative?
All-natural cosmetics manufacturers do without all this chemistry and use natural substances that are harmless to the human organism and the environment, and still allow a cool and neat hair styling.
MAJESTIC PURE – Hair Gel for Men
This hair gel is made in the US with 95% natural ingredients. It can be easily washed off with water and is suitable for all hair types.
Ingredients:
Purified Water, Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein, PVP, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Glycerin, Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5), Oleth-20, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Citrus Aurantium (Orange) Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Cymbopogon Citratus (Lemongrass) Leaf Oil, Indigo (Baphicacanthus Cusia) Root Powder
Chronos And Creed – Certified Organic Hair Pomade
This pomade is USDA and FDA Certified. It contains absolutely no chemicals, GMO, dyes, fillers or pesticides and is made in the USA. It is formulated with Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Carnauba Wax and Pine Essential Oil.
Ingredients:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Copernia Ceriferna (Carnauba Wax), Pinus Sylvestria (Pine Essential Oil).
Pretty short list of ingredients, right?
Nature’s Brands – Herbal Choice Mari Organic Hair Gel
This is another USDA certified organic hair gel that comes in a BPA-Free bottle. It’s free from gluten, dairy, soy, petroleum based ingredients, Parabens, PEG, DMDM hydantoin, ceteareth, polyethylene, preservatives, synthetic chemicals, dyes, Hydroxypropyltrimonium and other chemicals.
It effectively holds the hair in place without leaving a white residue film and rinses easily out of the hair without having to shampoo the hair. The light citrus aroma will make you think it is edible.
Ingredients:
Purified water, organic vodka, organic guar gum (natural plant based), organic sweet orange oil, organic lemongrass oil, organic olive oil, organic apple cider vinegar (raw, unfiltered), organic green tea, organic sage herb, organic bilberry leaf, xanthan gum (natural gum), organic patchouli oil, organic primrose oil, organic thyme oil, organic rose hip oil.
Pure Body Naturals – Hair Gel for Men
This natural hair gel is free from chemicals and adds fullness and shine without the plastics and silicones found in conventional gels. The natural Aloe conditions, softens and adds shine.
Great for both boys and men.
Ingredients:
Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Glycerin, Ethyl Alcohol (Alcohol), Ethyl Alcohol (Organic Alcohol), Carbomer, Triethanolamine (TEA), Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid
And this is a Styling Gel without Chemicals for Kids:
Little Roseberry – Hair Gel for Kids
Little Roseberry Hair Gel is made with Organic Aloe Vera Juice and Witch Hazel. It works for kids at all ages. It is 100% Toxin-free (No parabens, Sulfates), artificial fragrance-free and dye-free, vegan and cruelty-free. Not just for boys and girls but for the whole family.
Ingredients:
Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel Water), Phenoxyethanol Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Vegetable Glycerin, Ethyl Alcohol (Organic Alcohol from Cane Sugar), Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Tetrasodium EDTA
Conclusion
Sure, we want to get our hair in shape with styling products. Unfortunately, conventional styling products contain substances that are of concern to the human organism and the environment. The natural cosmetics manufacturers have recognized this need and offer hair gels and hair waxes without chemicals that are made of natural ingredients: without silicones, microplastics, mineral oil, parabens, PEGs or formaldehyde.
Photo by Apostolos Vamvouras on Unsplash
