Is Cantu bad for your hair? Or is it good for your hair?
After I started this series and already shared my thoughts on whether Head and Shoulders is good for your hair and whether Garnier is good for your hair, I had a few of you guys requesting my thoughts on Cantu.
Cantu is a beauty brand with a wide range of hair products for curly and textured hair. If you go on digging the internet, you will find mixed reviews on Cantu hair products. Some swear by their products while some not so much, so how to decide to incorporate Cantu hair products in your hair care routine?
Or is it time to ditch them?
Let’s discuss this in detail 🙂
Is Cantu Good For Your Hair?
The straightforward answer is Yes.
Cantu is good for your hair if you opt for the right set of products.
If you have curly hair or low porosity hair, then opting for
Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
- NEW AND IMPROVED FORMULA: more moisturizing formula with pure shea butter,...
- INTENSE MOISTURE: soften, strengthen, and smooth hair from roots to ends
- HELPS REPAIR DAMAGED HAIR: reduces split ends and protects against future...
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cantu Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
- NEW & IMPROVED FORMULA: more moisturizing formula with pure argan oil,...
- STRENGTHEN OVER-HEATED/STYLED HAIR: add elasticity to relaxed, natural, and...
- PROTECT & ENHANCE: protect damaged hair and reveal natural shine
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
- 7 ESSENTIAL OILS: nourish hair with shea butter infused with 7 essential...
- SMOOTH STYLE: define & add shine to natural curls, coils & waves
- GREAT FOR: Type 2 waves, Type 3 curls & Type 4 coils
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cantu Coil Calm Detangler
- NO MORE KNOTS: softening shea butter formula designed to detangle
- HYDRATED GLOW: healthy moisture adds shine to natural curls, coils & waves
- GREAT FOR: Type 2 waves, Type 3 curls, & Type 4 coils
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
- DEFINE & STRENGTHEN CURLS: Soften, condition, & lengthen curls
- AWARD-WINNING FORMULA: Made with lightweight pure shea butter, coconut oil,...
- GREAT FOR: Type 3 curls & Type 4 coils
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
would work great for you. It would not only hydrate and nourish your curls but would help them get more defined and appear shiny.
While if you have high porosity hair, then
Cantu Moisturizing Cream Shampoo & Conditioner
- Product of Cantu
- Pack of 1
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cantu Natural Hair Condition Creamy Hair Lotion
- No Sulfates, Silicones, Parabens
- Curls, Coils and Waves
- No Parabens, Sulfates, Silicones
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
- 7 ESSENTIAL OILS: nourish hair with shea butter infused with 7 essential...
- SMOOTH STYLE: define & add shine to natural curls, coils & waves
- GREAT FOR: Type 2 waves, Type 3 curls & Type 4 coils
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
would work better for you. These would help you detangle your hair and keep them hydrated for good.
You can check out this article to know how to check your hair porosity at home?
Most Cantu products contain coconut oil as its main ingredient which helps prevent protein loss from hair and is very hydrating. As you know I love using St.tropica's coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner. It suits my hair well.
Cantu products are free of SLS, parabens, silicones, and other harsh chemicals.
As per the Journal of American College of Toxicology, SLS has a drying effect on your hair and scalp. It strips off all the natural oils from your scalp which are necessary for your hair’s overall health. You can read more about why silicones, parabens, mineral oils are bad for your hair in our already covered article harmful chemicals in hair products here.
Thus, it is good for your hair if you opt for right products as per your hair type.
Is Cantu Bad For Your Hair?
Cantu’s hair products contain some ingredients like alcohol which might make them a bad choice for your hair.
Does Cantu Have Alcohol In It?
Yes.
This is the most stated con for Cantu’s products, i.e, that it contains alcohol.
Alcohol in your hair products like hair sprays for women, gel, and creams can lead to dry hair that appears fried and lifeless. It also reacts with your hair which in long term has a damaging effect o your hair strands.
So if you have dry hair, or you have sensitive scalp then opting for Cantu might not be a good idea.
However, you might wonder, if alcohol has a drying effect on your hair, why do most hair care brands continue to use them in their formulations?
This is because alcohol helps better and faster penetration of hair products into your hair shafts.
As stated above, Cantu’s hair care line contains coconut oil, which if you have sensitive skin, or if you are allergic to it, the products might not suit you well.
Another main reason behind Cantu being bad for your hair is that Cantu’s custard leaves a layer of the white caste of the hair strands. However, this issue can be solved by simply applying it to wet hair instead of dry hair. You can also check out my hair care routine for dry hair.
You might like: How to Moisturize Extremely Dry Hair at Home?
Does Cantu Curl Activator Work on Straight Hair?
Yes, the curl activator works well on straight hair too. It does help in nourishing your strands, making them wavy and adding a beautiful shine. The activator is free of harsh chemicals like alcohol, parabens, and silicones.
Is Cantu Cruelty-free And Vegan?
Yes, Cantu is a cruelty-free brand that does not test its products on animals. And for them being a vegan brand, I didn’t find any clear explanation on their website.
Conclusion: Is Cantu Bad For Your Hair? Or Is It Good?
Cantu is a good brand that works well for curly and textured hair people. I believe checking out the ingredients list of any hair product you pick up, is a good idea rather than just going after their brand name.
If you have natural hair or are sensitive to coconut oil, or your hair reacts badly to alcohol, I would recommend you to opt for Cantu Beauty alternatives.
Hope you found this article helpful in someway. If it did, don’t forget to share it and let me know if you want me to share my thought on any other brands.
Have a lovely day.