Is It Safe To Use Alcohol On Your Hair

Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!

Is it safe to use alcohol on your hair and scalp? Here’s all I know about the bad alcohols and the good fatty alcohols in hair care products.

In This Article:

As a hair expert, I often have hair readers and my clients ask me about alcohol in hair care and styling products. I get that people are cautious of alcohol in hair products and their potential negative effects.

But contrary to popular belief, not all “alcohols” in hair product ingredients are bad.

So today I thought I will discuss the good alcohols that can actually benefit your hair, as well as the list of bad alcohols to avoid.

Alcohol is a common ingredient found in many hair products, including styling sprays, gels, and tonics. While alcohol can provide certain benefits, it’s important to understand its potential drawbacks and risks.

The Pros:

Effective Cleanser: Alcohol acts as a solvent, effectively removing dirt, oils, and product buildup from the hair.
Rapid Drying: Due to its quick evaporation rate, alcohol can help to speed up the drying process, making it useful for those with oily or fine hair.
Enhanced Styling: Some hair products contain alcohol to assist in providing hold, volume, or texture, giving your hair the desired style.

The Cons:

Drying Effect: Alcohol can strip the hair of its natural oils, causing dryness, frizz, and potential damage, especially for those with already dry or brittle hair.
Scalp Irritation: If applied directly to the scalp, alcohol can cause dryness and irritation, leading to itching and discomfort.
Sensitivity: Some individuals may have allergic reactions or increased sensitivity to alcohol, resulting in redness, itchiness, or inflammation.

Tips for Safe Use:

Avoid Alcohol-Based Products: If you have dry or sensitive hair, look for alcohol-free alternatives to minimize potential damage.
Moisturize: To counteract the drying effects of alcohol, use a hydrating conditioner or hair mask regularly.
Limit Exposure: Avoid applying alcohol directly to the scalp and minimize excessive use of alcohol-based styling products.
Monitor Reactions: If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist or trichologist.

Are All “Alcohols” In Hair Product Ingredients Bad For Hair

When it comes to hair products, the word “alcohol” can be misleading. While some alcohols can have drying effects, not all of them are bad for your hair. It’s important to understand the different types of alcohols found in hair products and their impact:

Fatty alcohols: These are moisturizing alcohols derived from natural sources like coconut or palm oil. They have emollient properties and can help to condition and soften the hair. Examples include cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.
Drying alcohols: These alcohols are derived from petroleum and have a higher evaporation rate, leading to a drying effect on the hair. They are often used in styling products to help them dry faster. Common drying alcohols to watch out for include denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or SD alcohol.

While fatty alcohols are generally beneficial, drying alcohols can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and more susceptible to damage.

However, the presence of drying alcohol doesn’t automatically mean a hair product is bad. The key is to look for products that also contain moisturizing ingredients to counteract any potential dryness.

When choosing hair products, it’s essential to read the ingredients list and prioritize the overall formulation rather than demonizing alcohols alone.

I think you should look for products that strike a balance between beneficial ingredients and minimal use of drying alcohols if you are concerned about potential drying effects on your hair.

List of Bad Alcohols For Hair

When it comes to hair care products, it’s important to be aware of the ingredients they contain. Some alcohols, commonly found in hair styling products, can be harmful to your hair health. Here is a list of bad alcohols to avoid:

Isopropyl Alcohol: Known for its drying effect, it can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and breakage and even contact dermatitis. (García-Gavín, Juan et al. “Allergic contact dermatitis caused by isopropyl alcohol: a missed allergen?.” Contact dermatitis vol. 65,2 (2011): 101-6. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2011.01936.x)
Denatured Alcohol: This type of alcohol has a similar effect to isopropyl alcohol, causing dryness and making your hair more susceptible to damage.
SD Alcohol: Also known as Alcohol Denat or Alcohol 40, it has a high alcohol content and can cause your hair to become brittle, frizzy, and prone to breakage.
Ethanol: This alcohol can also be drying to the hair, leaving it dull and lifeless.
Methanol: Found in some hair styling products, methanol can be damaging and lead to hair dryness and breakage over time.

It’s important to note that not all alcohols are bad for your hair. Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol are considered good for hair as they have moisturizing properties.

When choosing hair styling products, always check the ingredient list and be cautious of products containing these bad alcohols. Opt for alcohol-free alternatives or those that contain the beneficial fatty alcohols.

List of Alcohols Good For Hair

When it comes to hair care, not all alcohols are created equal. While some alcohols can be drying and damaging to the hair, others can actually offer benefits. Here is a list of alcohols that are considered safe and even beneficial when used in hair products:

Cetyl alcohol: This fatty alcohol acts as a moisturizer, helping to soften and condition the hair.
Stearyl alcohol: Similar to cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol is an emollient that provides added moisture and smoothness to the hair.
Behenyl alcohol: This alcohol helps to thicken hair products, giving them a more luxurious texture and feel.

Additionally, there are some alcohols derived from natural sources that can benefit the hair:

Lauryl alcohol: Derived from coconut oil, lauryl alcohol is a natural emollient that can help moisturize and protect the hair.
Cetearyl alcohol: A blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol is often used in conditioners to provide moisturizing and detangling properties.

When choosing hair care products, it’s important to read the ingredient labels and look for these beneficial alcohols. They can help to nourish and improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.

How To Safely Use Alcohol On Hair

Alcohol is a common ingredient found in many hair products, including styling sprays, gels, and hairsprays. While alcohol can be beneficial for certain hair types, it is important to use it safely to prevent any potential damage. Here are some guidelines for effectively and safely using alcohol on your hair:

Choose the right product: Look for hair products that contain lower concentrations of alcohol, such as those labeled “alcohol-free” or “alcohol denat-free.” These options are less likely to cause dryness and damage to your hair.
Use sparingly: Apply alcohol-based products sparingly to your hair. Excessive use can strip away natural oils and lead to dryness and breakage.
Avoid the scalp: When applying alcohol-based products, focus on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair rather than the scalp. The scalp is more sensitive and prone to dryness and irritation.
Protective measures: Before using alcohol-based products, consider applying a leave-in conditioner or oil to provide a protective barrier and minimize potential damage.

In addition to these guidelines, it is crucial to listen to your hair and adjust your routine accordingly.

If you notice excessive dryness or brittleness, reduce the frequency of alcohol use or consider alternative products. Always prioritize the health and well-being of your hair while experimenting with any hair styling techniques or products.

Why You Should Trust Us?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, when it comes alcohol-based hair care products, it is generally safe to use them, provided you follow some precautions.

While alcohol is a common ingredient in these products, not all alcohols are harmful to your hair.

Avoid products containing bad alcohols like isopropyl alcohol or SD alcohol, as they can strip moisture from your hair.

Instead, opt for hair styling products that contain good alcohols like cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol, which are less drying.

Remember to gently apply the products and limit its use to avoid buildup as even large amounts of even the safe stuff can also make things bad for hair.

When used correctly, hair care products can enhance your hairstyle without causing harm.