Charcoal is making a comeback not just in cosmetics for the face and body, but also in those formulated for curly hair. Charcoal, an element for removing "toxins", is becoming an increasingly common component in the formulations of many shampoo and conditioner brands for the purpose of ridding the hair and scalp of impurities brought on by the surrounding environment. What exactly is charcoal, and can its benefits actually improve the effectiveness of our regular hair care routines even if we are so fond of using it? Describe charcoal. Charcoal is a type of half-burned wood that is mostly pure carbon. The best charcoal comes from hardwoods like beech or oak. When the wood is cooked in a place with little oxygen, charcoal is made. Archaeological evidence shows that people have been making charcoal for about 30,000 years. What makes charcoal different from activated charcoal? Activated charcoal is similar to regular charcoal, but it is made to be used in medicines to treat poisonings, reduce gas and cholesterol levels, and even prevent hangovers. When regular charcoal is heated in the presence of a gas, "pores" form inside the charcoal. This makes it easier for the charcoal to trap chemicals and increase its ability to absorb them. Does charcoal really get rid of harmful things? I asked Yolanda Anderson, M.Ed., RPhT, a scientific consultant, for help to find out if charcoal really does get rid of toxins. 
First, what exactly are toxins? "Toxins can come from pollution in the air, medicines you take, or even the food you eat. Toxins get stuck in your cells, soft tissues, and muscles, and your immune system can't fight them off. It is a poisonous, non-living substance that can sometimes be proteins and causes disease when it gets into the body "says Anderson. Can they be taken away by charcoal? "Oxygen is added to activated charcoal, also called "activated carbon," to make it more porous, which makes it have more surface area. "More surface area means that molecules can touch each other more, which speeds up the rate of reaction," says Anderson. "Toxins are removed from chemical reactions using activated charcoal. Using activated charcoal to clean fish tanks is the best example. Activated charcoal can also be taken as a supplement. So, activated charcoal does get rid of toxins, which can be more than just pollutants in the environment or substances in our bodies. Toxins can be in our hair or on our scalp, so shampoos with activated charcoal are useful. Here are ten shampoos and one easy-to-make recipe that uses charcoal to get rid of toxins. Briogeo Scalp Revitalization Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo (sulfate-free, silicone-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free) 
This water-based shampoo will remove dirt and oil from your hair and scalp by using Binchotan charcoal, a type of charcoal that is often used in Japanese cooking. Peppermint and spearmint oils cool the scalp and stop itching, so this is a great choice for curly-haired people whose scalps are irritated and flaky. It also has biotin, which makes your curls and coils stronger. Briogeo also makes a charcoal shampoo that fights dandruff.
- Luster's Curl Free-Flow Charcoal Mint Shampoo (sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free)
This sulfate-free formula was made to refresh and calm the scalp, while the healing and nourishing properties of castor and olive oils help keep your hair's moisture balance.
- HASK Shampoo with Charcoal and Citrus Oil to Cleanse (sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free)
A powerful clarifying shampoo that uses charcoal, lemon, and grapefruit oils to remove dirt and oil from the hair and scalp. This shampoo is strong and effective, but it is still gentle enough to use every day. It is made of water, cleaning agents, and glycerin. HASK also makes a charcoal-based dry shampoo for people who need to clean up on the go.
- Love Beauty and the Planet Delightful Detox Charcoal Shampoo (sulfate-free, paraben-free, silicone-free)
This vegan shampoo has bamboo charcoal in it to get rid of buildup in your hair and on your scalp. Love Beauty and Planet try to leave as little of a carbon footprint as possible. Each shampoo bottle is made of 100% recycled materials and can be recycled.
- Renew Detox Black Charcoal Shampoo from Herbal Essences (paraben-free, silicone-free)
Herbal Essences is used by or has been used by a lot of curly girls, and now they're back with a new line that includes black charcoal. 
This shampoo uses the regenerative properties of black charcoal, aloe, and active antioxidants to cleanse the hair and gently remove dirt and buildup. It won't hurt the color of your clothes and is easy to rinse off, so you won't have to worry about any black residue being left behind.
- SheaMoisture African Black Soap Shampoo for Deep Cleaning (paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, silicone-free, sulfate-free)
This shampoo from SheaMoisture is free of sulfates and cleans hair deeply. Charcoal powder, plantain enzymes, and tea tree oil all work hard to relieve itching and irritation. Curlies with eczema and psoriasis may find these ingredients helpful.
- OGX Charcoal and Purifying Detox Shampoo (sulfate-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free)
This clarifying shampoo is made with activated coconut charcoal and kaolin clay, which is a popular treatment for curly hair. Together, they remove buildup without drying out the hair.
- Kuro Activated Charcoal Shampoo is a Kind of Coal (paraben-free, sulfate-free)
Activated white charcoal powder in this black shampoo makes your hair clean, healthy, and shiny. It works best on hair that is oily, normal to thick, or both. Handmade in Japan. Yes to Charcoal Deep Cleaning and Detoxifying Charcoal Shampoo (paraben-free, silicone-free) This product can be used on any type of hair to clean it of dirt, leftover hair products, and other things you don't want, leaving it smooth and shiny. It can be used on both natural hair and hair that has been dyed. 
- Takesumi Detox Overnight Dry Shampoo in Brunette by Kaia Naturals (paraben-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free)
This product uses activated charcoal, which is good for detoxing, to soak up oil and sweat while you sleep. When you wake up, your curls will be clean and fresh. It is meant to be used overnight. You should spray it on your hair before bed and leave it in. The overnight dry shampoo comes in blonde and brown, is cruelty-free, and is made without animal products. Please think about people who might have allergies. If you think your body might be allergic to charcoal or charcoal products, talk to your doctor.