So I did a little research of my own

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.

See also: Black Owned Gifts on Amazon for the Whole Family

Eco Styler Gel Alternatives to Try

 As I Am Smoothing Gel – 8oz $7.99

I liked this gel and it had a coco-nutty 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.

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! 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.

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 curling custard because it is so expensive. We go through a lot of hair gel in my house so my coins have to be in agreement.

Eden BodyWorks Kids Coco Shea Berry Smoothing Gel 8oz. $7.99Sulfate-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.

Yep, I even considered this kids hair gel. Shoot, if it works, it works! Besides my gbabies could use it if I don’t end up liking it.

The bottom line

Ultimately the decision is yours whether to cancel Eco Styler or not. Like I have previously stated, toxins in our beauty products are all over the place and many are in all sorts of beauty products. It’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it or not.


Looking for more info on how to care for naturally curly hair? Check these beauty posts out!

30 Black Owned Brands to Support

Pattern Collection by Tracee Ellis Ross

Renpure Viva Curls for Super Defined Curls

Easy Head Wraps to Keep You Looking Good in No Time

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?

 

 

 

 

11 Comments

  1. Madam Too Much
    June 5, 2018 / 1:31 am

    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!!!

    • Stacie Raye
      June 5, 2018 / 8:55 pm

      You are so welcome. I've been eyeing Aunt Jackie's too.

  2. Lou Martin
    June 5, 2018 / 2:52 pm

    I just stopped using it, well, except for the protein one. I started using La Bella Gel I found at Target yesterday.

    • Stacie Raye
      June 5, 2018 / 8:56 pm

      Oh okay, I'll look into that one.

  3. Joyce Brewer
    June 5, 2018 / 3:38 pm

    I 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.

  4. Crystal Nicole
    June 6, 2018 / 2:53 pm

    At 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.

  5. robincharmagne
    June 7, 2018 / 2:21 am

    Good 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.
    robincharmagne.com/blog

  6. Cleverly Changing
    June 7, 2018 / 8:37 am

    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.

  7. Leslie H
    June 8, 2018 / 1:56 am

    I 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.

  8. Mimicutelips
    June 8, 2018 / 2:03 am

    I 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!

  9. Kasi
    June 9, 2018 / 11:03 pm

    I 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.

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