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Nowadays, people often talk about substances that are contained in hair products or cosmetics. One of the reasons for this may be the increasing number of allergy sufferers and people with sensitive skin. Substances known as silicones have also been the focus of many discussions. Among their primary opponents are representatives of the organic style. But are silicones harmful? What is their function?

When choosing cosmetics, we often face different opinions. One point of view recommends professional products only from salons, the main feature of which is high functionality, directly proportional to the price. At the same time, the origin of the substances does not matter. Another opinion promotes products that can usually be found in pharmacies or supermarkets and claims that shampoo with silicones, whether cheap or expensive, is, in fact, always just shampoo. The third position, promoting natural and organic substances, claims that any chemicals (including silicones) are unnatural for hair. Where are we talking about marketing ploys, and what is reality?

Silicones are found in almost every cosmetic product. They act as a lubricant, smooth the hair and make it easier to comb. In shampoos and conditioners, they are found under the name dimethicone or end with the suffix -methicone, -siloxane, -silicate, or -silane. Why so many names? Each has a different structure and, therefore, other functions.

The term "silicones" covers a large group of compounds. Silicones in hair products are neutral materials characterized by high skin tolerance. There are two types of standard silicones used in the cosmetic industry: molecules with a round structure or a second type with a chain structure. Each of them has different functions and properties. Circular silicones evaporate quickly and are, therefore, most often used as "carriers" for other substances, for example, in sprays with oils and similar products. Straight-chain silicones have many applications depending on the chain length (viscosity). 

Are silicones harmful to hair? 

After using silicones in conditioners or shampoos, you will immediately notice that your hair is smooth and soft to the touch, easier to comb, and shiny. Silicones do not cause irritation or allergies and, in addition, do not weigh down the hair but protect it from the adverse effects of atmospheric factors, such as harmful solar radiation. For this reason, they are an indispensable part of hair care products after washing.

Therefore, silicones in hair care products play an important role - they protect not only from the sun but also the heat of a straightener, hair dryer, or curling iron. The effect of silicones is also immediately noticeable as they fill the cuticles of damaged hair.

Products containing silicones have several advantages:

  • give shine and softness to hair, restore it;
  • eliminate fluffiness;
  • protect hair from heat when styling, blow-drying, or curling;
  • protect hair when combing;
  • protect from the ultraviolet rays of the sun;
  • maintain hydration and moisture in the hair;
  • protect hair from damage during dyeing;
  • silicones in masks make curls silky;
  • give volume and strength.

Silicones have a fantastic property to give hair exceptional softness and shine. They can smooth and tame even very unruly hair. They are also an integral component of various silicone masks and oils that guarantee the restoration of brittle ends.

Silicones are chemicals that have a slippery, silky consistency. They can stick to any material, smooth out damage and create the illusion of a perfectly smooth surface. With prolonged use of shampoo with silicones, they begin to cover the hair. Gradually, a film forms on the surface of the hair, which essentially seals the hair. After that, the hair dries, becomes brittle, and loses its shine.

How to identify silicones in hair products? 

Silicones can be divided into water-soluble and water-insoluble, the so-called good and evil, or light silicones and heavy silicones. While the former does not cause significant problems, as you can easily remove them from the hair with every wash, the latter is much more difficult to remove and should be avoided.

Water-soluble silicones name INCI:

  • Cyclomethicone,
  • Cyclopentasiloxane,
  • Trimethylsilyl dimodimethicone,
  • Trimethylsiloxysilicates.

Water-soluble silicones are those that you can easily remove from the upper layers of your hair. They are not particularly dangerous, safe, and even with prolonged use, will not affect the structure of your hair during dyeing, styling, care, or other procedures.

It is necessary to use strong detergents containing sulfates to remove water-insoluble silicones from the hair surface and clean the hair shaft.

INCI name:

  • Amodimethicone,
  • Dimethicone,
  • Dimethicone,
  • Beonoxy dimethicone,
  • Phenyl trimethicone,
  • Simethicone,
  • Trimethicone.

How to choose a conditioner with silicones or shampoo?

Silicones in hair products differ from each other in quality. There are cheaper and more expensive forms, such as the new generation of partially water-soluble silicones produced using nanotechnology. These are relatively costly raw materials, and many affordable products contain "substitutes" such as alcohol or cheap mineral oils. These substitutes do not offer any of the benefits listed above.

If you are wondering if there are silicones in a product, look for them most often under these names:

  • Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS),
  • Dimethicone,
  • Cyclomethicone,
  • Amodemithicone,
  • Dimethiconol,
  • Cyclopentasiloxane,
  • Silicone oil. 

When choosing products, pay attention to what your hair needs and what result this product can give. Leave aside the recommendations of various experts, including hairdressers, and decide according to your judgment and price. Even among the cheap products, you can find cosmetics that suit you. Therefore, if you use silicones that fit you, you should not feel guilty because imaginary experts give the impression that products containing these substances are unsuitable.

Silicones in shampoos - what is their function?

Silicones are compounds of silicon or quartz. They are odorless and colorless. And what function do they perform in hair shampoos? First of all, silicones smooth the hair cuticle very well. After using cosmetics with silicones, your hair will become smooth and shiny.

Silicones also have a protective function for hair. Therefore, they are often used in heat protectants, such as sprays that protect the hair cuticle when using a hair dryer, styler, or straightener. Silicone can also protect your hair from ultraviolet radiation. Shampoos, serums, or silicone conditioners are probably the only way to "cure" hair with split ends.

Silicones in shampoos or conditioners are especially good for unruly, frizzy, oily, and damaged hair. You can also use them for curly hair that you want to straighten or simply tame. Masks with silicones will be especially popular with dyed blondes whose hair becomes dull, brittle, and dry.

How to determine if your shampoo contains silicone? First of all, read the INCI composition. If there is a substance in the list that ends with siloxane, silanol, silicone, or methicone, it means that there is silicone in the cosmetics. A sense containing PEG in its name is silicone.

Shampoos that wash silicones well from the hair:

It is also worth mentioning that the last two products from this list do not contain sulfates. That is why they are suitable for hair after hot restoration procedures. Use these cosmetics if you do not know how to wash silicones from your hair. 

Why do they say that silicones weigh down hair? 

Silicones are one of those cosmetic ingredients about which many myths have been created. It is believed that this product "covers" the hair, creating an impenetrable layer on the surface. And this allegedly prevents the penetration of active ingredients into the hair structure and weighs it down.

It is a common misconception that silicones form an impenetrable film on the hair surface. It has also been repeatedly claimed that they are the cause of excessive oiliness of hair.

When applied to the hair, silicones form a thin film whose role is to smooth the hair surface. This makes it easier to detangle the hair. The result? Shiny, smooth hair that is pleasant to the touch. Most silicones are so-called dry light emollients. They do not cause a sticky, greasy film. The effect of "heavy hair" occurs when you use heavier polymeric silicones on excellent hair.

How to use silicones safely?

If you decide to include products with silicones in your hair care, then for the best effect, you should follow a few simple rules:

  • Wash your hair regularly with a shampoo with a strong detergent. This will thoroughly cleanse the length and scalp from unnecessary substances.
  • Silicones in conditioners and masks will work perfectly if you apply them in the direction from the ears down. Thus, they will not weigh down the hair at the roots.
  • For emulsification with oils, choose a product without silicones. Silicone conditioners can also further weigh down and cover the hair, so you should do without them for emulsification.

Remember to eliminate silicones from your hair care routine using the Curly Girl hair-washing method. This also applies to masks, conditioners, and hair ends fixing products.

As you can see for yourself, silicones can bring many benefits to our hair - the main thing is to use them skillfully. And, of course, do not forget to use natural silicones in masks or conditioners simultaneously, as well as oils and butter to nourish and restore hair.