Parabens

So, What Actually Are Parabens?

If you've ever side-eyed an ingredient label and spotted "methylparaben" or "propylparaben," you're not alone. Parabens are preservatives — they stop bacteria and mould from turning your favourite products into a science experiment. They've been used in cosmetics (and even food) for decades.

They got a bad rap back in 2004 when a study detected parabens in breast cancer tissue. Cue the panic. But here's the thing — finding something in a tumour doesn't mean it caused the tumour. The overwhelming majority of research since then has concluded that parabens at cosmetic concentrations are safe.

Still, the stigma stuck. And in the curly world specifically, Lorraine Massey flagged them in Curly Girl: The Handbook, noting that experts were questioning their safety — which only added fuel to the fire.

Are Parabens Actually Bad for Your Curls?

Honestly? There's no evidence that parabens damage curly or wavy hair. They're preservatives, not styling agents — they're there to keep your product fresh, not interact with your curl pattern.

That said, we totally get that some of you prefer to steer clear, so we flag them when they show up in a product. It's your hair, your rules.

The real tea: without some kind of preservative system, water-based products would become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould in days. And trust us, that's way worse for your hair (and your health) than any paraben ever could be.