Best Phthalate-Free Hair Products
Over the last few years, I’ve become much more conscientious of the ingredients in the products I’m using. Skincare products came first, and then I transitioned my focus towards haircare. I care deeply about the products I’m putting on my hair and scalp, not just to make my hair color last longer, but because I unfortunately suffer from migraines. That’s not to say that certain ingredients in haircare cause migraines - I know it’s much more complex than that - but I do try to be thoughtful when I can.
Phtalates are a group of chemicals that make plastics flexible and durable, and while I’m sure they are important in some areas, they’re not necessary to make a good hair product. You may already have quite a few phthalate- free haircare products already, but if you’re looking for a clear-cut guide, I’ve got you. Below I’m rounding up my favorite haircare products that are phthalate-free, worth the money, and make your hair look (and feel) good.
best phthalate-free hair products
phthalate-free shampoo
Davines NouNou Shampoo - This is my go-to shampoo because it’s gentle, doesn’t dry out my hair/scalp, and keeps my hair color looking fresh. You can find it online (no need to go into a salon), but the person who does my hair allows me to buy it in a jumbo size which helps.
Amika the kure strength repair shampoo - I love this shampoo; it’s easier to get than Nou Nou because you can find it at both Ulta and Sephora, as well as online (I personally subscribe to it on Amazon to save a little extra). The smell is heavenly - a rich vanilla that isn’t too empowering or girly; my boyfriend loves this shampoo, too. It’s incredibly hydrating without weighing your hair down, and if you like a thicker shampoo consistency, you’ll like this more than Nou Nou. A little goes a long way, and is gentle enough for daily use without stripping your hair.
Ouai Detox Shampoo - It’s good to use a detox shampoo every week to 10 days to remove product buildup, and this is one of the best. The formula is effective yet gentle, and it never dries out my scalp (even in the winter or dry climates). A little goes a long way, and it suds beautifully without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Kevin Murphy Young Again Wash - This is a thicker shampoo (the brand called their shampoo “Wash”) so a little goes a long way, and I’ll sometimes dilute with water to make it last even longer or else I end up with way too much. It is very hydrating but doesn’t weigh down my fine hair and smells really good.
That being said, another option is their Heart of Glass Silkening Shampoo for Blondes - This is technically a brightening shampoo, not toning (for a true toning shampoo, I like Davines Alchemic Shampoo Silver). Heart of Glass not too purple, yet not too blue, so it will brighten up a variety of highlight tones (whether you’re icy blonde or prefer a warmer, sun-kissed look). The scent isn’t my favorite; it’s just a little too floral-y, but it’s thankfully subtle. The product title mentions blondes, but my hair is still pretty brunette on the bottom and I love it; my mom is salt-and-pepper grey and this really takes her hair to the next level, too.
phthalate-free conditioners and masks
Ouai Medium Conditioner - This softens my hair without weighing it down, adds hydration without leaving a residue, and the scent is beautiful yet not too strong. It’s priced fairly, and I like that it makes it easier to brush my fingers through my hair in the shower to eliminate any leftover tangles. Side note: Ouai’s Fine and Thick conditioners are just as good; Medium is just easiest for me to auto-ship without worrying about stocking problems)
K18 DAMAGE SHIELD Protective Conditioner - This is just as good as the Ouai conditioner, although it’s slightly more expensive. If you don’t like a floral scent, you’ll like this more than Ouai because it’s subtly fruity without being too sweet or overpowering. Using just the smallest amount still works out my tangles, and my hair is SO shiny afterwards; it looks like I had a treatment at the salon.
Davines Heart of Glass Rich Conditioner - This is one of their newer products, and it’s a toning conditioner for blondes. I’m not super crazy about the smell (t’s very floral), but a little goes a long way and it leaves your hair very soft and shiny. I prefer this to toning shampoos as it’s a bit gentler, doesn’t dry out your hair, and never leaves a purple/ over-toned tint.
Ouai Fine to Medium Hair Treatment Masque - This mask is deeply hydrating, but isn’t so heavy that it weighs my hair down, and detangles your hair really well. The scent isn’t overpowering, and the mask is easy to wash out, too. The brand is great about running sales, but now that Target has partnered with Ulta, I typically add this to my online order.
Amika the kure intense repair mask - This mask feels like a hair treatment, rather than just a mask. I only leave it in for around 2 minutes, yet my hair is still so soft and tangle-free afterwards. It doesn’t leave a film, and my hair is noticeably shinier after (like I will get compliments from strangers asking what I use). One note: this does contain alcohol, so I’d be wary of using them as my only deep-conditioning treatment for an extended amount of time since alcohol can compromise the integrity of your hair, but it’s great for a 1x a month hair treatment.
phthalate-free leave-in conditioners
Unite Hair 7SECONDS Detangler Leave-In Conditioner - I like that this works as a detangled and leave-in conditioner, so you get multiple uses out of one product. The scent is so fresh and lightweight, and the hydration really makes my hair shine without weighing it down or leaving a film.
K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask - This is a miracle worker for dry hair and a little goals a long way so don’t let the price scare you. After testing a shampoo that led to lots of breakage, I credit this leave-in with preventing my split ends from getting any worse, even as I continued to use hot tools a couple times a week. To get the most out of it, I like to apply it to damp hair in the morning and leave it in all day, really letting it soak in and work its magic; it’s a great weekend self-care treatment that leaves your hair visibly stronger, shinier, and softer.
Crown Affair Leave-In Conditioner Cream for Hydrated Hair - Slightly less expensive than the K18 mask, this leave-in still feels luxurious and actually makes a difference. It doubles as a heat protectant which helps justify the $48 price tag, and a little goes a long way; I’ve had mine for months and have barely made a dent in it, even with regular use. As a cream, it’s easy to work into your hair and reduces frizz yet doesn’t leave it feeling crunchy. I like to apply this to damp hair and then let my hair air dry naturally; it gives it a natural bend and looks done without being too polished, so it feels like this leave-in works into your hair routine, rather than something you have to schedule out. The fragrance is elegant yet strong; it doubles as my perfume on the days I wear it, but if you’re sensitive to fragrance, I’d stick with K18 or Unite.
phthalate-free hair treatments and oils
Dae Prickly Pear Hair Oil - A lot of people will recommend the K18 hair oil for frizzy hair, but I just can’t justify the price. The Dae Prickly Pear Hair Oil is a great alternative. It’s a thicker oil, but absorbs much better than Ouai (a thinner, best-selling oil). The scent of the Dae oil is heavenly - fruity yet not too sweet - and it makes your hair incredibly shiny while penetrating the follicles to smooth frizz and heal dryness. I recommend rubbing your hands together with the oil for a second; warming the product up makes it easier to work through your hair. I’ll even take whatever is left over onto my roots (those pesky baby hairs), and it doesn’t weigh my fine hair down. A little goes a long way, so it’s worth the purchase.
Ouai Hair Oil - This is more of a styling oil than a hair treatment. I find the texture to be really slick rather than hydrating, but it adds incredible shine to your hair and tames flyaways, so it’s perfect for polishing off your look.
phthalate-free heat protectants
Dae Agave Dry Heat Protection & Hold Styling Mist - This is a really lightweight, hydrating heat protectant. I never bothered to use heat protectant up until recently, and wanted something that didn’t make it feel like I had a ton of product in my hair. This brand’s products are known for having incredible scents, and I like that this one is fresh yet subtle, so I can wear it even if I have a headache.
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray - This is a cult-favorite for a reason. and I’m grateful Oribe recently reformulated their product lines to remove all phthalates. It adds lots of volume to fine hair without weighing it down or making it frizzy. I am not the biggest fan of aerosol sprays, but this mist sprays evenly and I’ve never had a problem with the nozzle clogging or breaking over time. The scent is nice yet very light, so it doesn’t trigger any headaches for me. A little goals a long way, so one can will last you a while. I recommend buying this during the holidays, as you can typically get it in a gift set to save a little extra, or during Nordstrom’s 3x beauty point promotion to stretch what you’re spending a little more.
phthalate-free styling products
Moroccanoil Frizz Shield Spray - One of my favorite anti-frizz finishing products. This is lightweight, easy to work through your hair, and makes my hair feel styled (not just done, if that makes sense). Some anti-frizz products work best if you’re curling your hair (or have natural waves), but this makes my straight hair look sleek, even in the most humid climates. It doubles as a heat protectant, so if you want a styling product instead of a leave-in, your hair will still be protected.
Unite Hair Beach Day Texturizing Spray - I never thought salt/ beach sprays did much, since my hair is naturally straight and there’s no texture to ‘enhance’ unless you use a ton of product, which then leaves your hair feeling gross. This texturizing spray does make a difference, though. I’ll spray it on damp hair and then lightly braid my hair until it dries for a natural-looking wave, or use it to make my curls last longer. The texture isn’t too gritty, and a little goes a long way.
Amika the shield anti-humidity spray - This is a great anti-frizz hair spray. It’s going to give you a polished, finished look but won’t dry out your hair like some traditional hairsprays do. The scent is pretty yet not overpowering, and it makes my hair noticeably shinier whenever I use it. Strategically speaking, I recommend buying the mini/ travel size because a little goes a long way, and I rely on this product more when I travel than at home.
