Silicones are commonly used in hair care products to add shine to your hair. They also help tame frizzy and unmanageable hair. In addition, they smoothen out hair strands by sealing them. While all of this sounds amazing, they also have a darker side. This article discusses the pros and cons of silicones, the different types, and how you can use silicones to your hair’s advantage. Keep reading to know.
What Are Silicones?
Silicones are a part of skin and hair care products since the 1950s for their lubricating properties. They are synthetic compounds that form a protective coating that smooths the cuticle and reduces frizz to impart a soft, smooth, and silky feeling to your hair (1). Silicones are especially beneficial for dry, frizzy, and rough hair as they help tame the tresses and improve manageability. While silicones are not toxic for your hair and scalp, they are occlusive substances that form a barrier to prevent moisture loss. Therefore, they can leave behind residue and weigh your hair down. However, this mainly depends on the type of silicones used in the product. Let’s find out in the next section.
Silicones For Hair: Are They Safe?
The use of silicones in hair care products has been debated, with some highlighting their benefits and others cautioning about potential drawbacks. While they make your hair feel soft and silky, they also weigh it down and prevent the penetration of other hair care ingredients, moisture, and products. As a result, your hair may respond in two ways:
Produce excess oil to cover the lack of moisture. Become dry and brittle in the long run.
Not all silicones are bad for the hair. Water-soluble silicones are hair-friendly. You should be specifically aware of the non-soluble silicones or the bad silicones. Let’s take a deeper look into the types.
Types Of Silicones For Hair
1. Water-Soluble Silicones
Water-soluble silicones easily dissolve in water and can be washed out from the hair. They do not leave behind any buildup. They are breathable, add shine, and condition the hair without causing any damage. The water-soluble silicones include:
Dimethicone copolyol Lauryl methicone copolyol PEG-12 dimethicone PEG-7 amodimethicone
Hair care products containing these silicones are safe to use. Remember, all silicones with the prefix PEG are water-soluble.
2. Non-Water-Soluble Silicones
Non-water-soluble silicones are the bad silicones you should be aware of. They will stick to the strands no matter how many times you rinse. Bad silicones include:
Dimethicone Cetearyl methicone Cetyle dimethicone Dimethiconol Stearyl dimethicone Amodimethicone Cyclomethicone Trimethylsilylamodimethicone Cyclopentasiloxane Cetyl dimethicone Pheryl trimethicone Behenoxy dimethicone Propyl dimethicone
Amodimethicone is a popular non-water-soluble silicone that makes the hair feel heavy. However, it is water-soluble when combined with other ingredients like trideceth-12 and cetrimonium chloride. The next section explores the advantages and disadvantages of silicones for your hair.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Silicones In Hair Care
Advantages
Water-soluble silicones have various positive impacts on the hair, like:
They prevent hair damage and dryness. They prevent frizz and minimize split ends. They protect the hair from dust and pollution while keeping it smooth and shiny. Silicones add shine to the hair and prevent friction, minimizing hair damage and breakage (2). They prevent tangles, lock in moisture, and make the strands appear healthy. Silicones make it easier to detangle the hair and comb.
Disadvantages
Silicones, especially the bad ones, coat the hair strands and prevent moisture absorption, which may dry out the hair in the long run. They are tough to wash off and make the hair limp, lifeless, and dull. They may leave residue on the scalp and choke the hair follicles, affecting healthy hair growth. Silicone buildup can make the hair sticky, especially when wet, and can cause breakage when trying to detangle wet strands. Silicones may weigh down fine or thin hair, increase dryness in curly or textured hair, irritate sensitive scalps, or cause dullness in hair that has had color treatment.
Deja Arielle, a YouTuber has used silicone-based products on her hair and shared her experience in a video. She says, “I decided that I’m gonna detox on silicone and just not use any products with silicone in my hair for a little bit so I did this for a period of three days. I’ve got all of its moisture back it was easier to tangle my curls, my hair looked healthier, it felt better and I was like wow okay, so silicones really do make a difference. I still do use silicone products but I am more careful about how I care for my hair (i).” You need a proper clarifying routine to remove silicones from your hair and scalp. Here are a few ways you may try.
How To Remove Silicones From The Hair And Scalp
1. Use A Clarifying Shampoo
There are different types of shampoos that can be beneficial for different hair types and conditions. Each of them contains specific chemicals that can be useful for particular hair types or concerns. Clarifying shampoos contain sulfates and surfactants that can remove product buildup from the scalp and hair. However, ensure you follow up with a conditioner and never use the shampoo more than once every two weeks.
2. Vinegar
White vinegar or apple cider is often used in traditional recipes to clarify the hair and add shine. You can mix equal parts of vinegar and water and use it as a post-wash rinse.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda has abrasive properties and may help remove buildup from your hair and scalp. You can mix a tablespoon of baking soda with the shampoo and wash your hair. Another way is to wet the hair, rub some baking soda on it, and shampoo the hair. Note: Baking soda has a high pH and can be harsh on the hair. Do not use it more than once in two weeks. Avoid it completely if you have a sensitive scalp.
DIY Hair Mask For Dry And Dull Tresses Caused By Silicone
Silicone can dull the natural shine of the mane and make it look lifeless. Using hair masks containing moisturizing ingredients can improve the vibrancy of the hair. Check this DIY hair mask recipe to add luster to your mane.
1. Avocado Mask
It is rich in fats that can nourish and moisturize the tresses (3). It also reduces frizz and makes the hair smooth and shiny. You Will Need
1 Avocado 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil
Method If you do not want to use silicones, worry not! Here are a few ingredients to look for in hair care products for similar results as silicones.
Alternatives To Silicones For The Hair
1. Octafluoropentyl Methacrylate (OFPMA)
OFPMA creates an invisible shield to protect your hair from dirt, dust, and environmental damage. It is lightweight and does not leave behind a residue like silicones. OFPMA makes the hair look wonderfully sleek and shiny. Also, unlike silicones, OFPMA is lightweight and may not weigh the hair down.
2. Mackaderm
Mackaderm is a popular silicone alternative and works as an emollient to keep your hair moisturized. This is a COSMOS-certified ingredient used in many hair care products, especially shampoos.
3. Alkamuls
Alkamuls is a natural oil solubilizer formulated with different types of vegetable oil. This component adds shine to your tresses without making them look greasy or heavy. It is mainly used in silicone-free hair products, especially in clear shampoos. Do silicones cause hair loss? Silicones may not directly cause hair loss, but they can clog hair follicles, resulting in product buildup and eventually leading to hair fall. Is silicone-free shampoo better? Silicone has some benefits for hair and is not necessarily all bad. Many people use silicone hair treatment to soften their hair. However, silicone-free shampoos are better for those who are concerned about the environmental effects of silicone or individuals who have fine, oily, or low-porosity hair. Are silicones bad for low porosity hair? Yes, silicones that cannot be easily washed off with water are bad for low porosity hair as these may cling to the hair strands and make it more difficult for them to absorb water and become hydrated. What happens when you switch to a silicone-free shampoo? Switching to a silicone-free shampoo may initially make your hair feel less silky and smooth, tangled, and even frizzy. However, in the long run (after a minimum of 5-8 washes with silicone-free shampoos), your hair may start feeling softer, lighter, and more voluminous. Your scalp may also feel lighter and cleaner with no residue buildup. Do sulfate-free shampoos remove silicones? Yes, sulfate-free shampoos usually contain alternative surfactants that may help remove silicone buildup from the hair and scalp. Should curly hair avoid silicones? Individuals with curly hair types should avoid certain types of silicones—the ones that are not water soluble—to prevent hair from becoming heavy, weighed down, or brittle. This eye-opening video explains why silicones might not be the best for your natural hair. Learn how to care for your natural hair with alternative products that promote healthier hair without harmful effects. Tap yo play.
