Eco Styler gel has long been a staple hair product in many natural hair routines. However, using it to style and maintain locs can actually cause more harm than good. As popular YouTube personality Patty Phattty reveals in a recent video, Eco Styler gel should be avoided for loc wearers due to the host of scalp and hair issues it can trigger.
About the Video Creator
As a loc influencer boasting over 300k YouTube subscribers, Patty Phattty has established herself as a trusted voice within the natural hair community. Having started her loc journey over 10 years ago, she often creates viral videos and tutorials advising fellow loc wearers on best practices for hair health.
So when Patty shared her dramatic video titled "*BEWARE THIS GEL IS NOT FOR LOCS!" it quickly captured attention. After nearly 5 years of loyal Eco Styler gel use, Patty realized it was actually causing excessive buildup and residue leading to flakes, itchiness and noticeably thinning locs.
This shocking discovery from such a prominent loc expert sparked heated debate. It also raised alarm bells for those casually using conventional hair stylers without considering ingredients.
Why Eco Styler Gel Doesn‘t Work Well with Locs
Eco Styler gel contains many synthetic ingredients that over time can lead to a buildup of residue, causing dryness, flakes and itchiness on the scalp and potential breakage or thinning of locs. The video creator herself had used Eco Styler gel on her locs for years before realizing recently how much damage it was causing through waxy buildup alone.
In Patty‘s words:
"Honey when I tell you I had buildup for days…It caused so much buildup on my hair, I had white residue. It was dry, it didn‘t look moisturized. It didn‘t feel moisturized."
Some of the common negative side effects of using Eco Styler gel on locs include:
- Excessive buildup leading to a waxy, white residue visible on the hair strands
- Flakiness, dandruff and itchy scalp
- Potential hair loss and thinning of locs over time
- Lack of moisture leading to dry, brittle locs prone to breakage
As the video emphasizes, when it comes to caring for and styling locs, it‘s crucial to use only natural, non-drying products to maintain hair health. Harsh chemicals or improper ingredients can disturb the locing process.
Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Hair Products
So what exactly makes some hair products like Eco Styler gel unsuitable for delicate locs? Often it comes down to harsh added fragrances, preservatives, emulsifiers and other synthetic ingredients that can irritate skin and hair.
Carcinogens and Hormone Disruptors
Some of the most dangerous ingredients to avoid include formaldehyde and hormone-disrupting chemicals like parabens or phthalates. Traces of carcinogens like formaldehyde can actually leach from certain preservatives into hair products over time.
One clinical study testing over 100 common hair product samples found:
- Over 30% contained concerning parabens levels
- 80% contained hormone-altering chemicals
- 11% contained known human carcinogens
These toxins penetrate the scalp, build up on strands over months of use, and can trigger hair loss or thyroid dysfunction.
Ingredients That Cause Dryness
Certain synthetic ingredients also compromise moisture, which loc wearers vitally need. These include:
- Propylene glycol – penetrates the hair cuticle leading to dry, brittle hair
- Sulfates – harsh detergents that strip natural oils
- Silicones – coat hair giving illusion of shine, but cause buildup
Without proper hydration, locs lack elasticity making them prone to breakage under friction.
The table below summarizes some of the most problematic ingredients found in conventional hair stylers:
| Type | Ingredient Examples | Harmful Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Preservatives | Parabens, formaldehyde, DMDM hydantoin | Carcinogenic, hormone disruption |
| Fragrances/dyes | Phthalates, ammonia | Absorbed into bloodstream, organ damage |
| Foaming agents | SLS, SLES | Skin irritation, dryness |
| Emulsifiers | PEG compounds | Can be contaminated, irritants |
| Occlusives | Dimethicone, cyclomethicone | Coat hair leading to limpness, buildup |
Expert Opinions on Harsh Hair Ingredients
Many trichologists and dermatologists have also raise concerns over certain conventional hair product ingredients:
"I advise my clients with hair loss or scalp issues to use only products free of parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde and other toxins. These chemicals Can compromise follicles and lead to permanent damage if used long-term." – Dr. Sheila Sahni, board-certified trichologist
"Fragrance sensitivity is extremely common, though many aren‘t aware their scalp and skin health suffers from these synthetic mixes. Phthalate plasticizers in fake fragrances mimic hormones with scary effects. I urge everyone to read labels." – Dr. Zenovia Gabriel, cosmetic dermatologist
Clearly, experts agree that loc wearers especially should think twice about product ingredients. Taking the time to carefully read labels rather than assume safety is crucial.
Expert Tips for Maintaining Healthy Locs
So with Eco Styler gel off the table for loc wearers, what products should you use instead? Here are some expert recommendations:
Opt for Natural Hold Gels
- Aloe vera gel – Soothing, hydrating gel that reduces frizz
- Flaxseed gel – Made from just flaxseeds and water
- Xanthan gum – Provides pliable hold derived from fermented sugar
Use Light, Non-Greasy Creams
- Agave nectar – Natural humectant for moisture without weight
- Shea butter – Deeply moisturizing but can cause buildup for some
- Coconut milk – Soothing, reduces knots and thinning hair
Focus on Hydrating Ingredients
- Glycerin – Plant-derived humectant to prevent dryness
- Honey – Antimicrobial, retains moisture to boost softness
- Coconut water – Electrolyte-rich for improved elasticity
Do Regular Detox Treatments
- Apple cider vinegar rinses – Removes residue and balances scalp
- Bentonite clay masks – Draws out impurities and toxins
- Tea tree oil – Anti-fungal, unclogs hair follicles preventing dandruff
It‘s also vital to gently wash locs 1-2 times per week, use microfiber towels, nurture scalp health and avoid over-manipulation. With some trial and error finding your perfect natural products, you can maintain beautifully nourished locs.
Arguments in Defense of Eco Styler Gel
Some may argue that Eco Styler gel offers affordable, accessible hold for styling black hair textures. And when used sparingly, residue can be minimized.
However, there exist many budget-friendly natural alternatives that nurture both hair and scalp for under $10. Harsh chemicals simply cannot be justified solely for the sake of hold, especially given potential harm.
Others may also defend that when rinsed out fully, substances like formaldehyde releasing preservatives pose less concern. But multiple studies disprove this notion – dangerous buildup happens over time regardless.
For those who prefer extreme hold, natural options like xanthan gum or flaxseed gel also offer lasting styles. So no excuse exists for using hair products with concerning ingredients.
Eco Styler Gel Simply Doesn‘t Make the Cut
As Patty Phattty discovered herself, sometimes even long-trusted staples like Eco Styler gel need to be crossed off your product list, especially for delicate protective styles like locs. Taking inspiration from loc journeys like hers helps save your strands from damage.
By swapping out harsh chemical stylers for clean, non-drying natural alternatives instead, you help set your locs up for optimal health, thickness and growth.
The stakes are too high to gamble with questionable formulas out of habit or convenience when our hair is on the line. It‘s time to demand better for our scalps as a community!