Last Updated on August 15, 2023 by Verna Meachum

Hair products containing silicone are majorly controversial. Some experts claim they are beneficial, while others claim they should be avoided entirely.

Curly-haired people struggle with this because they don’t want to cause damage. But are silicone hair products bad?

Silicones are not inherently damaging to hair health. They are free from toxic chemicals and entirely risk-free for application. They also do not have any adverse effects on your physical health but can cause product build-up in the hair and scalp and require clarifying to remove the residue.

It is always best to do proper research to make informed decisions about products you apply to your hair.

In this post, we will understand silicones in hair products and examine the pros and cons of using them in your curly hair so you can determine if they will work for you.

Understanding Silicone Hair Products

Silicones are a type of ingredient often used in many hair care products. They are generally found in shampoos, conditioners, masks, serums, and hair oils. Silicones are made up of molecules that contain silicon atoms.

Since silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth, it is no surprise that these ingredients are popular and exist in several products. Hair products routinely contain three types of silicones – water-soluble, non-soluble, and evaporating (also known as volatile). All serve a similar purpose.

One of the primary reasons cosmetics manufacturers use silicones is that they deliver various benefits that can improve product performance. And this is especially apparent for hair products because of what it offers to texture and other aspects. (Discussed in detail later).

Silicones offer long-lasting hydration and emollience and provide a luxurious feel. These ingredients can also act as fillers in liquid formulations while providing a cheaper alternative to the options more prone to oxidation and ultimate spoilage. That means they give products longer shelf life.

Can Silicones Be Bad for Your Hair?

Essentially, silicones are not harmful or damaging to the health of your hair. Silicones do not contain toxic chemicals and are entirely risk-free for application to your hair. They also don’t cause adverse effects on your physical health or skin.

But, like most products and items, silicones come with tradeoffs. They can create build-up on the hair shaft, preventing other products from penetrating the hair and dealing with underlying issues.

This can create a “coating” that may make your hair appear greasy and lifeless or silky and shiny but unhealthy.

Silicones may also weigh down your hair with long-term use due to their lubricating qualities, making certain textures like wavy or curly hair limp or flat. I have personally experienced this during my experimentation days.

When there is excessive build-up forming on the scalp, it can lead to blocked pores or hair follicles that cause red bumps.

These bumps can create an uncomfortable sensation, cause itching, and lead to deeper-rooted issues like excessive hair fall.

If you use many hair products containing silicone, you might notice that they may leave your hair dry (especially if you have low-porosity hair) and can become difficult to remove.

Narrowing down silicones to only “good” or “bad” doesn’t do it justice. It depends on your hair type, desired outcomes, and which silicones work best.

The bottom line is that silicones are safe but may not always provide the best long-term benefits to your hair care regimen.

It’s also important to note that just because silicones don’t work for you does not make it bad for everyone else and vice versa.

“These silicones don’t exist alone – they are accompanied by other ingredients in hair products. Some ingredients in a product are going to stick to your hair no matter what. It may not be the water-soluble silicone that is to blame, but all the ingredients in a formula together.”

Sciencey Hair Blog

What Does Silicone Build-Up Look Like in Hair?

One of the primary concerns with curlies using silicone products is build-up. This is because curly hair typically requires many more products than other hair types.

From curling creams to masks, leave-in conditioners, to mousses and gels. Curlies apply many products. The build-up is inevitable.

Check out the points in the image below to understand what silicone build-up looks like in your hair.

If you’re facing any of these signs, looking over the ingredients list on your hair products is a good idea. If silicones are present, you may be dealing with silicone buildup in your hair.

How to Remove Silicone Build-up in Your Hair

Contrary to popular belief, silicones don’t accumulate on the hair permanently since there is only so much surface area for them to bind to.

But if you have build-up and it is causing issues with your hair, there are ways you can eliminate the residue.

The Benefits of Silicones in Hair Products

Silicones are emollients that can give hair slip and shine, which helps reduce friction and breakage.

Silicones exhibit a hydrophobic nature, meaning they are repelled by water. As a result, they are water-resistant.

The weight of these emollients is also helpful in locking moisture into the hair shaft, significantly reducing frizzing during high-humidity days.

Silicones can genuinely be a godsend for those with coarser, curlier hair types. They help to make your curls softer and smoother and provide better manageability and styling.

Silicones can also provide an excellent protective barrier for hair that is regularly exposed to heat from styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers.

Silicone myths: “It suffocates your hair.” “Silicones prevent water from getting into your hair, so it gets dehydrated.” To which I say: A) Hair doesn’t breathe; suffocation is not an issue. B) Silicones do keep water out, but they also keep water in.

Sciencey Hair Blog

Should You Use Hair Products Containing Silicone?

If you choose to use hair products containing silicones – as it ultimately boils down to what you prefer – and they work for you, there is no problem.

Silicones can give hair great shine, lubricity, and frizz-free curls during high-humidity days.

However, silicones should be used with caution and in moderation. Try experimenting with silicones to find out what works best for your hair type, as everyone’s needs differ.

Remember that if you use silicones in excess, you may experience hair breakage or dryness due to product build-up.

Additionally, always ensure to clarify your hair if you use them heavily. Finding the correct ratio that works for you is the key to using silicone products.

That way, you can reap the benefits of silicone hair products without drawbacks. 

When to Avoid Silicone Hair Products

If you experience any adverse side effects from silicones in your hair care routine, you may want to avoid further use of those products.

If your hair gets weighed down quickly, you don’t use shampoo during washes, or you don’t like how silicones make your hair feel, silicone-based hair products might not be a good fit for you.

Hair Types and Silicone Products

Silicones may work best for people with dry, coarse, thick, and frizzy curly hair types. They help lock in moisture, smooth cuticles and add a silky slip to hair. Experimenting with silicone products is the best way to figure out if it will benefit your hair type.

People with fine and thin hair may find silicones too heavy, causing their strands to look weighed down or greasy.

High-molecular silicone polymers featuring large molecule sizes and high viscosity do not benefit fine, naturally curly hair. Water-soluble silicones would be a better option.

Thinner hair often has more natural oils that travel from the scalp down to the hair strands, so overuse of silicone-laden products can weigh down this specific hair type, making it look lifeless and heavy.

Monitor your hair when applying silicone products and know the difference between water-soluble and non-soluble silicones to ensure you’re using the correct type of silicone for your hair type. (Discussed in later points).

How to Identify Silicones in Hair Products

Silicones are a common additive in many personal care products and have been used since the 1950s. They can be found under different names, such as cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, or trimethylsilylamodimethicone.

They are usually identified by their general chemical structure, Si – O – Si – O – Si. Non-soluble ones cannot be penetrated or eliminated by using just water. And evaporating silicones vanish from the hair after some time.

Water-Soluble Silicones

Water-soluble silicones are a type of silicone that is soluble in water. This means it can dissolve in water and exist in a homogenous solution.

They are often used as co-emulsifiers, which means that they help to stabilize emulsions and help to prevent the separation of oil and water.

Water-soluble silicones are easy to remove from hair with only water. They are renowned for their ability to lend a lustrous shine and conditioning effect.

They are also used as thickeners and emollients. They can help improve product texture and feel smoother on the skin and hair.

Water-Insoluble Silicones

Water-insoluble silicones are crafted to shield the hair shaft with a protective coating, reduce frizz, and make the strands feel softer. They remain on the hair until they are removed using a specific cleanser.

They can also be challenging to remove with the wrong hair care products and cause a scalp or hair shaft build-up.

Hair Textures That Should Avoid Silicones

Silicones, as versatile ingredients in hair products, exhibit varying compatibility with different hair types.

Coarse, thick, curly, and dry hair textures tend to derive the most benefits from silicones. These compounds effectively lock in moisture, combat frizz induced by humidity, and lend a polished shine by creating a protective barrier around the hair strands.

Conversely, individuals with ultra-fine, thin, or straight hair should exercise caution when using silicone-containing products.

Excessive silicone use can weigh down these hair types, leading to a greasy appearance. Moreover, individuals with Afro-textured hair should be prudent with silicones, particularly non-soluble variants.

Prolonged use can lead to moisture blockage, resulting in dryness and brittleness over time. As a general guideline, periodic use of silicone-free products can help prevent build-up and maintain hair health for all hair types.

Silicone-Free Shampoos and Conditioners

If you want to avoid silicones in your shampoos and conditioners altogether, here is a list to help get you started:

Silicone Free Shampoos

Silicone Free Conditioner

Conclusion

Now you know that silicones are not bad for your hair. Instead, they are beneficial for some curlies and a helpful product in your routine. Remember that overuse can lead to build-up, resulting in damage. Always follow trial and error and find what works best for your locks!