Why do so many conditioners and styling aids contain alcohol? Doesn't it dry hair out? | Sally Beauty

Why do so many conditioners and styling aids contain alcohol? Doesn't it dry hair out?

The kind of alcohol found in shampoos and conditioners is cetyl or stearyl alcohol. This type of alcohol actually helps condition hair to make it softer. Isopropyl alcohol, usually called "SD-40" alcohol on the label, is found in hairspray and some other styling aids. It is the ingredient that makes hairspray dry quickly. Generally, there is not enough SD-40 alcohol in most professional beauty products to be drying. But it's wise not to let styling products build up on your hair. Use a moisturizing shampoo daily to keep hair hydrated, but once a week, use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove all styling product residue.