Last Updated on January 3, 2023 by Gaga
Silicone is a plastic-like material that works as an emollient providing slip and silky feel to hair. Silicone-containing hair products can make dry, lackluster hair look and feel smooth and shiny. The silicones form a waterproof coating around the hair shaft that repels humidity, reduces frizz, and tames unruly strands.
You can spot silicones on a product label by their name ending in “cone,” “conol,” “col,” or “xane,”. The most frequently used silicones in hair products are cyclomethicone and dimethicone. Silicones are commonly used in hair conditioners and slightly less frequently in hair shampoos, and styling products.
What do Silicones Do to Your Hair?
Silicone in hair products acts as a filler and forms a thin film around the strands. This coating reduces porosity and prevents internal moisture from escaping. This way, silicones help to tame frizzy hair, giving it a silky softness and shine. Silicones also reduce friction and make hair smoother, easier to comb, and less prone to tangling.
Silicones can be beneficial for some hair types, but they are not suitable for everyone. They work best for people with frizzy, overly porous, and unruly hair. Silicones make unruly hair softer, less frizzy, and more manageable.
However, individuals with naturally curly hair should be more conscious when choosing their hair products. The film that silicones form around the hair may prevent the moisture and active ingredients in hair products from entering the hair shaft. This can reduce the effectiveness of nourishing hair treatments that are essential for dry curly hair.
People with fine hair also should avoid silicone-containing products because this ingredient can weigh down fine hair.
The Dark Side of Silicones in Hair Products
The positive effects that silicones have on hair are just aesthetic and temporary. Despite giving the temporary illusion of healthy hair silicones can do more harm than good in the long run.
As noted above, the waterproof film around the hair strands blocks moisture and nourishing ingredients in conditioners and hair treatments from penetrating your hair shaft. Hair that lacks moisture and conditioning treatments can become dull and brittle.
Some silicones can build up in the hair over time leaving your strands weighed down and heavy. The polymer film also tends to attract dust and dirt, leaving your hair feeling greasy and “dirty.”
Some silicones can’t be removed by mild shampoos or co-washing which has become a trend among curly-haired people. Using strong shampoos that can strip silicones deposited in the hair can dry out delicate curly locks.
Which Silicones Are Bad for Your Hair?
Bad silicones are not soluble in water and tend to build up in the hair. They can be removed from the hair only by using shampoos that have strong sulfate-based detergents. The group of non-water-soluble silicones includes Dimethicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Dimethiconol, Stearyl Dimethicone, Bis-Phenyl Propyl Dimethicone, Propyl Dimethiconestearyl Dimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconol Hydroxy Stearate, Amodimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone, Polysilicon-18 Cetyl Phosphate, and Cyclopentasiloxane.
Sulfate- and Silicone-Free Shampoos and Conditioners
If you opt for a silicone-free hair care routine, start with selecting hair shampoo and conditioner formulated without silicones. If your goal is weightless and bouncy hair, this is a good start. Also, make sure that your shampoo is sulfate-free, so it will cleanse your hair without stripping its natural moisture.
The following is a list of sulfate-free and silicone-free shampoos and conditioners that have a temporary smoothing effect on the hair.
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1. ALTERNA BAMBOO Smooth Anti-Frizz Shampoo
This gentle formula moisturizes and strengthens hair while keeping frizz at bay. It is designed for all hair types but is especially suitable for chemically processed and frizz-prone hair. This ultra-caring shampoo makes your hair more resistant to humidity and leaves it with a smooth, frizz-free finish.
Bamboo extract keeps hair strong and helps reduce breakage, while organic kendi oil locks in moisture and tames frizz and static.
This shampoo is color-safe and free of harsh sulfates, parabens, silicones, and sodium chloride.
2. Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner (available at Walmart)
A team of biomedical scientists based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, invented and patented new molecules that create an invisible shield around each hair strand to lock in moisture-proof smoothness.
Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA) blocks humidity, repels dirt and oil, and creates healthier hair over time. This molecule polishes hair strands and eliminates frizz-causing surface friction.
PBAE molecule creates a microscopic pattern of thickening dots on every hair strand which helps build body and volume without stiff, sticky resins. This new frizz-taming technology is clinically proven to be 70% more effective in reducing frizz than silicone- and oil-based hair care products. If you live in a very humid climate or spend a lot of time in humid areas, this duo will make your hair look better than usual in these places. In combination with leave-in conditioner and styling gel, they can produce even greater results.
3. Devacurl No-poo Cleanser & One Conditioner
This combo is designed for curly hair which tends to be drier and more susceptible to damage than straight hair. These products are formulated with natural ingredients and are free of silicone, parabens, and sulfates. They have a pleasant minty smell.
The shampoo doesn’t create a rich lather but it effectively removes dirt, without stripping natural hair oils. It also makes hair softer, silkier, and more manageable. The conditioner keeps hair hydrated and tangle-free.
4. L’Oreal Paris EverSleek Sulfate-Free Smoothing System
This sulfate and silicone-free shampoo and conditioner duo is designed to smooth unruly, frizzy hair. It is formulated with natural argan, sunflower, and olive oils that help to improve texture and control frizz. Both products are safe for colored and chemically straightened hair.
This system gently cleanses hair leaving it softer, shinier, and tangle-free. It controls frizz for up to 48 hours.
5. Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo
This daily cleansing shampoo is formulated with plant ingredients to soften hair up to 60%, leaving it feeling smooth and silky. It works great on unruly, curly, frizzy, tangled, and uncontrollable hair.
For hair that is naturally straight, it minimizes flyaways and adds shine.
Aveda shampoo makes curls soft and frizz-free. It also makes it easier to straighten hair.
Gaga is a blogger and founder of the Softer Hair website. She often says that insomnia is to blame for her first blogging attempts. Being the night owl, she hated the morning alarm. She left her office job and returned to what she loved most - writing.