Big Hair + Beauty was born out of a need for natural, high performance + high quality haircare formulations, made from the best handpicked ingredients for your afro + curly hair.
Here's an A-Z of the ingredients we use. Don't worry Beauties, we don't use jargon so you'll find them by their everyday name first, followed by their scientific name:
A
Aloe Vera
Aloe Barbadensis
The mighty Aloe Vera plant has been used for thousands of years. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, and is used both internally and topically for its many active ingredients.
We use Aloe Vera across our range to cool, soothe and soften, as well as providing texture, antibacterial properties and countless other benefits.
Avocado
Persea gratissima
Avocado is literally packed with natural vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E which is said to promote hair growth, restore the health of hair and prevent split ends. This superfood for the hair has amazing penetrating properties, making it intensely nourishing and moisturising – leaving you with soft, silky, springy curls.
We use Avocado Butter – the rich, smooth and creamy butter obtained from the avocado flesh and pulp – in our ‘Moisture Me, Whipped Butter’. We use Avocado Oil – the rich, deep penetrating oil pressed from the avocado fruit – in our ‘DEEP Conditioning Hair Treatment’
B
Banana
Musa Sapientum
Banana is another ‘superfood’ that is great for the hair. It has excellent smoothing, softening and moisturising properties and is rich in magnesium and potassium – both said to prevent hair loss.
We use banana powder in our ‘DEEP Conditioning Hair Treatment’ as it packs a powerful punch for dry curls that need an extra boost.
Broccoli Seed Oil
Brassica Oleracea Seed Oil
We all know that we should eat our greens, but did you know that broccoli came in an oil too? Broccoli seed oil is rich in fatty acids whilst also being light and easily absorbed, so it leaves no oily residue. Instead it provides a protective film that's left on the hair to smooth the cuticle and leave it with a shine.
The combination of long-lasting moisturisation with easy absorption, gives the oil one of its most valued characteristics. It's the reason we use it in our CURL Defining Creme Gel to give it the perfect finish.
BTMS
Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol
BTMS (or Behentrimonium Methosulfate if you want to be fancy) is a detangling ingredient derived from rapeseed/canola oil. Combined with a good fatty alcohol, it adds slip for detangling, conditions and reduces static.
BTMS gives a lovely, silky feel to your hair – which is why we use it in all of our conditioning products (including our ‘Leave In Moisturising Milk’.
C
Carrot Tissue Oil
Daucus Carota
High in beta-carotene, we use this not only for its rich colour, but for its antioxidant properties.
Rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids – Carrot Oil is said to help with brittle hair, split ends and dryness.
Castor Oil
Ricinus Communis
Extracted from the seeds of the castor plant, castor oil is a thick, rich, oil – which is great for conditioners and treatments for dry, brittle or damaged hair.
Castor oil also acts as a humectant and attracts moisture to the hair. We use castor oil to add shine, moisture and protect your curls.
Our Castor Oil is organic.
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol is a vegetable derived fatty alcohol used as a lubricant. It’s a friendly, non-drying alcohol, that leaves your curls feeling moisturised, conditioned and soft.
Citric Acid
Citric Acid
Citric acid is naturally found in high concentrations in citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges and limes.
We use citric acid to regulate pH and match our shampoo to the natural pH of your hair. This closes the cuticle, preventing tangles and snagging, as well as protecting the inner hair strand and locking in moisture. It also has anti-bacterial and preservative qualities. Fun fact – Citric Acid is the same thing that gives sweets a sour taste.
Cocoa Butter
Theobroma Cacao
Cocoa Butter is a rich, firm butter known for its deep moisturising properties.
It’s perfect for dry, damaged or thirsty curls and promotes elasticity and locks in moisture.
Our Cocoa Butter is organic, unrefined and full fragrance, which gives our DEEP Conditioning Hair Treatment it’s chocolatey aroma.
Coconut Oil
Cocos Nucifera
Who doesn’t love this stuff? It’s only right that this popular oil made the cut. Coconut oil is known for its extreme moisturising properties, as it has the ability to penetrate both the skin and hair.
We use pure unrefined, organic, coconut oil, which is the perfect addition to our DEEP Conditioning Hair Treatment.
E
Eco-Cert Preservative
Phenoxyethanol & Caprylyl Glycol
Optiphen is a globally-approved, paraben-free, and formaldehyde-free preservative. It’s Eco-Cert approved and provides protection against microbial growth and bacteria.
Preservatives are a legal requirement, so we’ve chosen the most friendly option available to ensure that we keep our promise to provide natural, safe and effective products that are fit for purpose.
F
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Fractionated coconut oil is literally a fraction of coconut oil. It removes the solid components and fatty acids, making a lightweight liquid that penetrates more easily, retaining the same great moisturising properties we love in coconut oil. Fractionated coconut oil is used as a vegetable based alternative to lanolin.
G
Glycerine
Palm Free
Glycerine is a clear liquid that is a natural humectant, attracting moisture and pulling it towards the hair. It’s also an emollient and has great softening/smoothing qualities.
We use glycerine because it helps maintain moisture levels in the hair.
The glycerine we use is always vegetable derived and is also palm-free.
Grapefruit Oil
Citrus Grandis
Grapefruit oil has a beautiful sharp, sweet citrus scent, and is a another fragrance we love.
It’s said to positively affect your mood and revive the mind, and is used widely across aromatherapy.
H
Honey
Mel
Honey is a natural humectant, which has an amazing ability to draw moisture to the hair and keep it there.
Honey is perfect for dry hair and also has antibacterial properties. You’ll find honey in our deep conditioner – along with several other moisture loving ingredients!
Hydrolysed Oat Protein
Avena Sativa
Hydrolysed oat protein is an absorbable form of protein that creates a protective film on the hair that almost feels non-existent. The process of hydrolysation creates smaller particles for the hair to absorb, which moisturises and conditions, reduces breakage and adds a silky feel.
It’s used as in cosmetics as a vegan alternative to silks.
L
Lemon Oil
Citrus Medica Limonum
Lemon oil has a sharp, clean, citrusy smell and compliments our other essential oils perfectly.
It’s said to help you make decisions and improve your concentration. Great for all that thinking we do in the shower!