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Last updated on 1/04/22
Although silicones in hair products are not without their cons, they can be extremely beneficial when used properly. Ultimately it is up to you what you choose to put in your hair, but do your research and make an informed decision!
Every day a new chemical comes under fire or is canceled and labeled for being the ‘worst thing ever’ since the previous equally bad thing we just got told about. We hear about the potential dangers of parabens, phthalates, and now it’s silicones.
Silicones are a polarizing topic for curly-haired girls.
Some say they make their hair feel great and give it incredible shine, while others say that they cause dryness and breakage.
What’s the truth?
In this blog post, we’ll examine all of the pros and cons of silicones in hair products so you can decide if it’s right for you!
What Are Silicones?
Silicones are a type of ingredient that is often used in haircare products. They’re usually found in conditioners, serums, and hair oils.
They’re called silicones because they’re made up of molecules that contain silicon atoms. Silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth, so it’s no surprise that these ingredients are popular in haircare!
What are the benefits of silicones?
The main benefit of using silicones in hair products is their ability to form a protective barrier around the hair strand and prevent moisture from entering or leaving.
This means that they can help to reduce frizz, make your hair more manageable, and give it a glossy shine.
Silicones can also be helpful for people with coarse, curly hair because they can make the individual strands of your curls smoother and softer.
This is great if you have a lot of frizz or flyaways that you want to calm down. They also provide great slip in conditioners and have the ability to help seal in moisture, preventing frizz in high humidity.
Some silicones, such as dimethicone copolyol, are also able to form a protective film on top of the hair strand which helps seal in moisture and locks it into place.
Are Silicones Ever Bad For Your Hair?
No, silicones in hair products are not bad for your hair.
They may, on the other hand, weigh down some hair due to their lubricating qualities, making certain textures (i.e. wavy or curly) limp or flat.
If you use many silicone-based goods, you might notice that they leave your hair dry and you may experience some build-up, which can become difficult to remove.
If you do experience any negative side effects from using silicones in your haircare routine, then you may want to consider switching it up.
Silicones should also be avoided if your locks tend to get weighed down easily, you don’t use a shampoo in your regimen, and you don’t like how it makes your hair feel.
Just because something doesn’t work for you does not make it terrible for everyone else.
“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.”
Identifying Silicones
Silicones are a common additive in many personal care and have been used since the 1950s. They can be found under different names such as cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone or trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Silicones are usually identified by their general chemical structure which is Si – O – Si – O – Si.
Silicones generally end in;
-cone
-conol
-col
-xane
Water-Soluble Silicones
Water-soluble silicones are a type of silicone that is soluble in water. This means that it can be dissolved in water and exist in a homogenous solution.
Water-soluble silicones are often used as co-emulsifiers, which means that they help to stabilize emulsions. In particular, they help to prevent the separation of oil and water.
Water-soluble silicones are also used as thickeners and emollients. They help to improve the texture of products and make them feel smoother on the skin and hair.
They are also a good choice for products that are meant to be rinsed off, such as shampoos and body washes. They help to create a luxurious texture and provide a feeling of hydration.
Below are some examples of water-soluble and water-insoluble silicones you may have seen on a haircare product ingredient list.
Examples of water-soluble silicones
If any silicone name has the abbreviation “PEG” or “PPG” in front of it, it is a water-soluble silicone and will not build-up on the hair.
- PEG-7 Amodimethicone
- PEG-12 Dimethicone
- Dimethicone copolyol
- Dimethicone PEG-8 Phosphate
- Hydrolyzed Silk PG-Propyl Methylsilanediol Crosspolymer
- Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Silanetriol
- PEG-12 Dimethicone
- Silicone Quaternium-8
Examples of water-insoluble silicones
- Amothethicone
- Behenoxy Dimethicone Cetearyl methicone
- Bis-Phenylpropyl Dimethicone
- C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer Cyclohexasiloxane
- Cyclomethicone
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Dimethicone
- Dimethiconol
- Disiloxane
- Phenyl Trimethicone
- Trisiloxane
- Trimethylsilylamodimethicone
- Trimethylsiloxysilicate
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.
How to Remove Silicone Build-Up in Hair
Contrary to popular belief, silicones don’t accumulate on the hair permanently since there is only so much surface area on the hair for them to bind to.
To remove silicones from your hair you’re going to need to clarify your hair.
Look for shampoos that contain:
- Ammonium lauryl
- Ammonium laureth sulfate
- Cocamidopropyl betaine
- Sodium lauryl
- Sodium laureth sulfate
- Sodium cocoyl isethionate
- TEA-lauryl sulfate
- TEA-dodecylbenzene sulfonate
If you are looking to remove silicone build-up from your scalp, a shampoo with salicylic acid may help.
Silicone Free Shampoos
Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt
dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Soothing Shampoo
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo
Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo
Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo
Suave Naturals Clarifying Shampoo
Silicone Free Conditioner
Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner
Aveda Rosemary Mint Conditioner
Curls Coconut Sublime Moisturizing Conditioner
Curl Junkie Beauticurls Daily Hair Conditioner
Bouncecurl Smooth Cream Conditioner
Eden BodyWorks Peppermint Tea Tree Conditioner
Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner
NYC Curls The Curl Conditioner
Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner
The list goes on. You can find a number of other silicone free shampoos and silicone free conditioners by using the lists above to help you or asking your hairstylist for recommendations.
Conclusion
It’s important not to use too much silicone when styling curly hair because they have a tendency to build up.
Whether you choose to use silicone-based products or not, it’s critical to be informed and follow the necessary usage instructions to avoid build-up and greasy limp hair.
We hope this blog answered your questions regarding silicones in hair products.
Always do your own research as sometimes all of the facts are not presented.
This is a fantastic post Verna. I really enjoyed it and I love the "fact", that you base your opinions about silicones on facts backed up by science. I rarely share that I use them on a regular basis on my shampoo and conditioner because I’m always wary of "product choice shaming" so I simply don’t mention it, but you have motivated me to maybe share my wash days that include silicones in the future.
Hi Lelia! Yeah I hear ya on the product shaming. But you know your hair best and shouldn’t be bothered by other people’s opinions just because it doesn’t work well in their hair. They have no clue what you deal with so be proud to share what you use. I bet there’s many who feel the same way.
Thanks for this Verna, I’ll be sharing on my blog to encourage more in depth education on Silicones! You’re amazing!
Thank you so much babe! You rock!
Amazing explanation. Thank you so much Verna.
Thank you so much Ana!!! I appreciate that!
Great blog! Thank you for all of the information regarding silicones.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it Aura’
Very good read! Thanks to you I think I’ve finally decided to just use silicones in moderation which is great because I do have 2 awesome products with silicones that I didn’t want to give up lol besides I wash my hair with a sulfate shampoo every 2-3 months anyways. I do have a question though, you said dimenthicone is water soluble then I read you steps to beginning healthy hair guide and then that say the only water soluble silicones have PEG or PPG in front of it. Am I looking for products that specifically say "PEG dimenthicone"?? Thank you for your time you’re amazing!!!! -@rainescurls
Hi Kelsey! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read my blog! So yes, if PEG or PPG is in front of a silicone it is more than likely water soluble. However, Dimethicone is considered water insoluble, however, according to the Journal of Cosmetic Science, Dimethicone is permeable meaning water does not completely block from exiting or entering the hair as we’ve all heard. How did you like the beginner’s guide by the way?
Totally agree with this. There is no need to shun anyone for the use of silicones. Ive seen a lot of curlies with gorgeous hair and who have silicones in their routine. To each his own!
IG handle – varunak_95
Great read!! I recently bought a shampoo and conditioner that I later realized had silicones in them! I was worried that I had wasted my money and wouldn’t be able to use them! Now I know I can in moderation. I just have to “listen” to my curls and pay attention to what works and doesn’t work for them! Thank you!
(IG: @amariehoyos)
Amazing read! Since I started my healthy hair journey I avoided silicones like the plague because everyone talked about them like they’re evil in a bottle….I’ll try to experiment more and discover what really works for me ❤
Ig handle: @ritacaputo94
I just subscribed to your blog. I’m so excited about it. I love yout methods of research it makes me feel confident in what I am reading. You are one of the best out there providing facts and valuable resources to us in the community 🤗🤗
IG Handle:@_kimberleyann
I didn’t know you opened a blog until just now. It’s wonderful. My low porosity and very protein sensitive curls are a lot healthier since I avoid using silicones. It makes a huge difference in adding moisture to my strands. Greetings from Europe @little_fooly_curl
Thank you for sharing this! I just started my curly girl method journey for my daughter and mySelf. I’m loving results so far. I’m so scared to dye my hair because I’m afraid to damage it. Very helpful hints! Thanks again. ❤️
My ig is ciciscurls
Omg i needed to know all of this i really really love your blogs thank u so much!♥️🙏
IG: @_fatimameush
Thanks this was something I really needed to know. @curlinsider
😊 IG handle – bex1808
I started my natural curly hair journey about 8 years ago. I was diagnosed with gluten intolerance so I can’t use a lot of products because they carry gluten in their products. So thank you for this information. Carmelilmama Instagram Name.
Very helpful post!! @curlyygee
I’ve been so torn on silicone based products because I love the slip they give. The only thing is idk want the moisture levels in my hair to be compromised. I love your scientific research on hair. I’d always have family members ask me for scientific proof for why I need certain products and now I have it! Thank you!
I subscribed to your blog and my ig handle is dafina_matiku
My IG name is Jaydizzee. Thanks for the info. I have just started my wavy hair (maybe curly one day 😀 ) journey so it’s good to know as much as possible. I’m going to start with as little ingredients as possible and then maybe add things occasionally and see how my hair reacts. That’s the best way to see what your hair likes, process of elimination, from a clean slate.