What is Glycerin?

Glycerin’s scientific name is Glycerine or Glycerol it has no scent, is colourless and is thick in consistency. 

It is widely used in hair care products, skincare and other industries such as food. Glycerin can be both synthetic and natural- Natural sources of glycerin are deprived of plant oils such as coconut oil, shea butter these end to be identified as vegetable glycerin on ingredient lists. Synthetic glycerin is derived from animal fats, petroleum and more.

Now, why does any of this matter? Will, if you have been having one too many failed wash days it might be worth turning and learning the first few ingredients. Usually, Glycerin is in the top 6 ingredients. This can be problematic depending on your climate and the style you are trying to achieve. 

Is Glycerin Bad For Kinky Curly Hair?

The short answer is no. Glycerin isn’t a bad ingredient and it’s certainly not bad for your curls. It is heavily used in curly hair products because it is undeniably very moisturising due to its ability to hold water. However, it can be a tricky one because of the speed at which it draws moisture into the hair and away from the hair in dry climates.

Why Do Naturals Hate Glycerin in Curly Hair Products?

If your environment is driers than your hair, glycerin can pull moisture from your hair thus leaving it dry, frizzy and sometimes feeling tacky. Causing the hair to get brittle and increase the likeliness of breakage. 

Conversely, if your environment is very humid, glycerin can over-moisturise the hair loading it with water also causing frizz and preventing your wash and go or twist out to last.

 A small minority of naturals report that they dislike glycerin no matter the climate as it simply dries their hair out. This may be an issue for those using silicones and glycerin combined. 

How To Use Glycerin For Naturally Curly Hair

Glycerin works best for use in the correct environments where it is drawing moisture from the air into your hair. It can leave your curls moisturised and defined.

If you are using a glycerin high leave in conditioner, try to use a strong hold styling gel to retain your curl definition for longer. 

Styling tip- Use anti-humectants ingredients such as Olive Oil, Mango Butter or Coconut Oil to seal the hair. These work by preventing water leaving the hair shaft or drawing anymore in. 

Other Humectants To Look Out For

Glycerin is not the only humectant that can have this effect on your hair. It may be any of the following ingredients such as PVP (poly N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone). Which is also an excellent film-forming humectant but it draws water to the hair quickly. Learn more about film-forming humectants here- Why Your Natural Hair Stays Dry & Dull. How To Moisturise Effectively.

• Honey
• Sodium PCA
• Agave nectar
• Butylene Glycol
• Propylene Glycols
• Panthenol

Glycerin Free Natural Hair Products:

Glycerin Free Shampoo/Cleansers 

 

As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner 454g

Made for coiled and curly hair. Gently cleanses the hair and scalp. Key ingredients Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Fruit Extract. Buy now.

tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo 13 oz

Great at cleaning the hair and scalp without stripping it. Helps reduce breakage and increase moisture retention. Key ingredients Alma, Aloe Vera & Coconut. Shop now.

OYIN Handmade Ginger Mint Cleansing CoWash 8 oz

Excellent formulation! Gently cleanses the hair without any sulfates but removes buildup. Key ingredients Green Tea, Peppermint and Ginger Extracts! Shop now.

Mielle Mongongo Oil Exfoliating Shampoo 8 oz

Sulfate-free and infused with organic ingredients & removes dirt and oils. Key ingredients Mongongo, Almond Oil, Argan & Grape Oil. Shop now.

Glycerin Free Conditioners

Kinky Tresses Avocado Infusion Restorative Conditioner 8 oz

Our favorite conditioner for dry and thirsty type 4 hair. Super thick and buttery, it leaves hair feeling silky. Shop now.

Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Penetrating Treatment 

Super hydrating and moisturising. This deep conditioner is a must for super dry hair. Key ingredients Coconut Water, Aloe vera, Cocoa Butter. Shop now.

Camille Rose Naturals Strength Restorative Deep Conditioner 8 oz

Deeply moisturises and softens all hair textures. Key ingredients such as ghee Butter and Uccuba, Aloe Vera. Shop now.

Nature's Little Secret Coconut Milk Strengthening Deep Conditioner 8 oz

Gives curls a moisture and protein balance but leaves hair with maximum moisture. Key ingredients Green tea, Coconut Milk, Mango Butter. Shop now.

Glycerin Free Leave In Conditioner

Ecoslay Rice Pudding Leave-In Conditioner and Moisturiser 12 oz

An excellent base for wash and go's the Ecoslay leave in melts away tangles. Key ingredient Marshmallow Root Extract, Fermented Rice Water and Slippery Elm Extract. Shop now.

Kinky Tresses Avocado Infusion Hair Milk 8 oz

Super creamy, non-greasy and slippery. This hair milk/leave in is moisturising and nourishing to your tresses. Key ingredients Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, Sage Extract. Shop now.

Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Leave In Conditioner 240ml

Super hydrating and moisturising leave in conditioner. Key ingredients Coconut Oil, Grape, Hemp and Sunflower. Shop now.

​​tgin Green Tea Super Moist Leave-In Conditioner 13 oz

Say hello to soft and moisturised hair. Packed with Green Tea, Shea Butter, and Argan Oil. Shop now.

Glycerin Free Defining Gels

Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator

An aloe based gel that enhances and holds your curls and coils. Excellent at taming frizz. Key ingredients Aloe, Marshmallow, Chamomile. Shop now.

Kinky Curly Original Curling Custard Natural Styling Gel

Get shiny, moisturised and defined curls. Let this custard sculpt your waves and coils. Key ingredients Horsetail, Chamomile, Nettle. Shop now

Ecoslay Jello Shot Firm Hold Okra & Aloe Vera Styling Gel 16 oz

This gel will define and hold the tightest curl pattern and leave you with a strong hold gel. Plus it is packed full of incredible ingredients. Key ingredients Okra Extract, Aloe Vera, Chamomile. Shop now.

Soultanicals Sprung Coil Boosting Gelly 8 oz

Get maximum definition without shrinkage for your wash and gos and twists. Key ingredients Nettle, Saw Palmetto & Horsetail. Shop now.