If you're not aware of all the Eco Styler gel drama, let me bring you briefly up to speed. YouTuber
Bri Hall mentioned that Eco gel has bad ingredients in it and everyone has jumped ship. My daughter was the first to tell me about it. Usually, I don't pay things like this no mind. But the video caused me to look into it for myself.
Bri Hall mentioned that Eco gel has bad ingredients in it and everyone has jumped ship. My daughter was the first to tell me about it. Usually, I don't pay things like this no mind. But the video caused me to look into it for myself.
I decided to take note of how the product felt on my hair the next day. I've been using the Eco Styler Moroccan Argan Oil Styling Gel, but when I ran out, I started using the Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel. Everywhere that I applied the Eco Styler gel itched. And wouldn't you know, I started getting headaches in that area? Now I don't know if it was the power of suggestion but when I stopped using it, the itching and headaches went away.
Eco Styler Gel Argan Oil Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Glycerin, Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium EDTA, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Fragrance, Cl 19140 Yellow 5
Here's what I found out. These chemicals have always been in our natural hair care products. Not only are they in Eco Styler Gel, but in mascara, lotions, creams, you name it! So if you're going to boycott Eco Styler, you've got to get rid of it all, hunty. Honestly, it just doesn't seem reasonable.
Still, I want to make small changes where I can so I put together a list of natural hair gel that doesn't have as many harmful chemicals in them. Some of these I recently tried out and others I have yet to.
Eco Styler Gel Alternatives to Try
As I Am Smoothing Gel - 8oz $7.99
Eco Styler Gel Argan Oil Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Glycerin, Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium EDTA, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Fragrance, Cl 19140 Yellow 5
Here's what I found out. These chemicals have always been in our natural hair care products. Not only are they in Eco Styler Gel, but in mascara, lotions, creams, you name it! So if you're going to boycott Eco Styler, you've got to get rid of it all, hunty. Honestly, it just doesn't seem reasonable.
Still, I want to make small changes where I can so I put together a list of natural hair gel that doesn't have as many harmful chemicals in them. Some of these I recently tried out and others I have yet to.
Eco Styler Gel Alternatives to Try
As I Am Smoothing Gel - 8oz $7.99
I liked this gel and it had a coconutty scent but it just didn't do much for my curls and waves. They ended up being a bit frizzy and that's a no-no. Next.
Mo Knows Hair Curl Collection
Pattern Collection by Tracee Ellis - Ross
The Mane Choice® Biotin Infused Styling Gel - 16oz 11.99 - Contains biotin, phthalate-free, butylparaben-free, formaldehyde donor-free, formaldehyde-free, nonylphenol ethoxylate free, propylparaben-free, sodium lauryl sulfate-free, Sulfate-free, contains shea butter, aluminum-free.
This natural hair gel was a bit liquidy but I loved the consistency. Almost tacky. When I applied it to my edges it whipped my edges like they stole something! Unfortunately, the smell and fumes made my eyes water to the point I had to wash it all out. I honestly think I got a bad batch but I'm too afraid to try it again.
*Update, I definitely got an old batch from Sally's because when I went to Target to try this again, it was just fine. I've been using it sparingly ever since. My daughter even tried it and loved how it gave her defined curls. So this gets a thumbs up from me!
*Update, I definitely got an old batch from Sally's because when I went to Target to try this again, it was just fine. I've been using it sparingly ever since. My daughter even tried it and loved how it gave her defined curls. So this gets a thumbs up from me!
Alikay Aloe Berry Style Gel $9.99 - This styling gel is alcohol-free and has a mix of natural and organic berries, botanicals and essential oils.
I haven't tried this one yet but I like the organic ingredients. It's just a bit pricey for such a small amount.
Mielle Organics Styling Gel Honey & Ginger - 13 fl oz $12.99 - This hair gel is made with more than 70% certified organic ingredients.
Mielle hair gel is my go-to hair gel now! This styling gel had the best reviews so I decided to give it a try. Boy, am I glad I did! I have purchased it several times and have made it a part of my natural hair care regimen.
Kinky-Curly Curl Custard Gel - 8oz $16.99 - Botanical Infusion of Water, Horsetail, Chamomile, Nettle and Marshmallow, Organic Aloe Vera Juice, Agave Nectar Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Pectin, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate and Natural Fragrance.
I may or may not try this one because it's so expensive. We go through a lot of gel in my house so my coins have to be in agreement.
EDEN™ BodyWorks Kids Coco Shea Berry Smoothing Gel - 8 oz $7.99 - Sulfate-free, paraben-free, contains coconut, phthalate-free, butylparaben-free, formaldehyde donor-free, formaldehyde-free, nonylphenol ethoxylate free, propylparaben-free, contains shea butter, dye-free, aluminum-free.
Mo Knows Hair Curl Collection
Pattern Collection by Tracee Ellis - Ross
Are you going to stop using Eco Styler gel? Have you tried any of these all-natural hair gels? What are your thoughts on them?
Thanks to you, I have all my hair care products out on my desk reading the ingredients. I never used Eco styling Gel but my Niece used it for a long while. I did use Aunt Jackie's Curl la la last year and liked it. Now back to reading. . . . Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome. I've been eyeing Aunt Jackie's too.
DeleteI just stopped using it, well, except for the protein one. I started using La Bella Gel I found at Target yesterday.
ReplyDeleteOh okay, I'll look into that one.
DeleteI used to use EcoStyler more when my hair was longer. Now that I have a TWA I can use a cream and a sponge to create the coils I like.
ReplyDeleteAt this point, I feel like if you're breathing you're at risk for cancer *shrug*. I use whatever gel I have on hand, which happens to be EcoStyler 99% of the time so I'll continue to use it. I've been using it this long.
ReplyDeleteGood point that there are probably these same ingredients in other products but we don't usually read the labels. I haven't used this and I guess I won't.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.robincharmagne.com/blog
The eco styler gel does have chemicals in it, but it caused my locs to flake at the scalp so i didn't use it. The other product i've tried was the kids Eden body works gel. It only worked for my daughter with 3b hair and not her 4c sister.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard about banning eco styler until now. I do have some too but I hardly use it. I may or may not throw it out.
ReplyDeleteI saw the picture on FB, but I didn't know why everyone had quit it. I used to swear by them in 2005 when I went natural. I swore by it for many years. I rock a clipper cut, so I haven't used gel in many years. I won't be buying it again though. Dang!
ReplyDeleteI have too huge things on Eco styler gel that I don't use very often. But I definitely will keep using them because I use them so sparingly, I don't think it's going to affect me, lol. I love the Kinky Curly Custard! It is definitely pricey, so a really similar alternative is the Shea Moisture Gel Souffle. It has basically the same effects on my hair as the KC.
ReplyDelete