Product labels are necessary for a variety of reasons, but when it comes to hair products, they are especially important. One reason is that product labels can tell you about the product ingredients, how to use the product, and warnings or precautions that should be taken before applying the products to your hair.
In order to get the most out of your hair product, it is important to read the product label carefully and this blog was written to help you understand what to look for and how to read them.
Table of Contents
7 Tips on How to Read Product Labels
Here are some tips on how to read product labels for hair products:
1) Look for the Product Name and Brand
This will help you identify the product and research it further if needed. The brand should always be listed and you would this is a no-brainer when it comes to looking for a product; however, there are many small business owners that forget to put their brand name on the label or they flat out do not even have a label.
2) Check the Product Claims
Claims such as “moisturizing” or “volumizing” can be helpful in deciding if a product is right for you. Be mindful that product labels are not required to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can have claims that are not true; however, you have to start off with what they provide on the label to know if a product will work for you.
3) Note the Product Type
This is usually listed on the front of the label and will tell you if the product is a shampoo, conditioner, treatment, etc. When you learn how to read the ingredients list, you will be able to read the first few items to have a good indication of what the product type is. For example, if cocamide DEA is one of the first few ingredients, it’s a shampoo. If panthenol is one of the first few ingredients, it’s a conditioner.
4) Find the List of Ingredients
Ingredients are usually listed in order from highest concentration to lowest concentration. If you have sensitivities or allergies, this list can help you determine if a product is right for you. In America, we read from left to right so, on product labels, the first ingredient from the left is the most active ingredient. Companies are not required to state the number of ingredients, but the ingredients list will help you gauge what ingredients are more dominant.
5) Look for Instructions on How to Use the Product
When you’re using a new product, it’s important to read the label to make sure you’re using it correctly. This will usually be listed on the back of the label and will give you specific instructions on how to use the product for the best results. This is especially true for products that require special care or have specific instructions on how to use them. If you’re not sure how to use a product, be sure to read the label carefully before using it. Following the instructions on the label can help ensure that you get the best results from the product.
6) Be Aware of Warnings or Precautions
When using any type of product, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with its use. This is especially true for products that may contain hazardous materials or chemicals. The label on the product will list any potential warnings or precautions you should take into account before using it. By reading and following these warnings, you can help to ensure your safety while using the product.
7) Look for the Shelf Life
Many product labels may not have this and we would encourage you to only buy products that provide this information, but the shelf life is the amount of time a product can be stored before it expires. This is usually listed on the back of the label with a symbol that looks like an open jar with numbers inside of it. The numbers will tell you how long, in months or years, the product can be used after it has been opened.
By following these tips, you can learn how to read product labels for hair products so that you can find the best product for your needs. Product labels are important, so make sure to take the time to read them before using any hair product.
