You’re probably using silicone based hair care products right now, without even knowing! Have you noticed the growing number of people shunning silicone from their day to day hair care and beauty routines? This is why…
What is silicone?
Silicone is a manmade substance that has been used for years in household products, cosmetics, and hair care products; from shampoos and conditioners to serums and heat protectors. Far from natural; silicone is a rubber/plastic like substance. It is primarily used as a sealant against water and even air!
What does silicone do to your hair?
Silicone seals each hair strand and creates the illusion of shine; a fake shine that is far from healthy, it’s simply a refection from the plastic like substance. The shine you should desire comes from your hair cuticle layers being sealed naturally, and reflecting light. This is only possible when your hair is deeply nourished, hydrated and healthy.
In addition to false shine, silicone weighs the hair down, making it limp, lifeless and eventually extremely dull. As silicone makes a seal around each hair, moisture and air cannot penetrate it. Would you starve a plant of water and air? What would happen? Your hair will become unbelievably brittle and dry, leading to breakage and frizz.
Also, the silicone layer becomes a magnet for dirt and build up. So, essentially, we have shiny celeb locks for a day or so, until we attract all kinds of nasties from products and pollutants.
Overall, silicone blocks nutrients and essential moisture penetrating your hair and leads to an unhealthy, weak condition and look.
How do I find silicone on product labels?
There are many types of silicone so start memorising! In general, search for all words ending in ‘cone.’ Here’s a list of some main ones you’ll find in your hair products:
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Cyclomethicone
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Dimethicone
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Methicone
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Dimethiconol
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Amodimethicone
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Cyclopentasiloxane
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Pheryl Trimethicone
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Stearyl Dimethicone
Why are silicones in our hair care products?
As with many older ‘revelations,’ we would value results rather than effects. Remember old school hair spray! It made our hair stay in desired styles that were ‘cool’ yet it was ruining the planet, and our hair. We adapted ingredients and technology as we became more educated; counteract hairsprays damaging effects. We have now collected the evidence and educated ourselves enough to rethink silicone in our hair care!
Silicone was placed in hair products for its silky looking finish; just what we want right? But at what cost when other natural ingredients do it just as well, if not better!
Breakdown: Why you shouldn’t use silicone based hair care products
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Your hair cannot breathe
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Your hair cannot access essential nutrients
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Moisture cannot penetrate your hair
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Silicone attracts build up
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Your hair will become dull, lifeless and brittle
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Your hair will become more prone to breakage
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It is difficult to remove
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Silicone masks the true condition of your hair
Are silicone based hair care products dangerous?
It must be noted that there are many different types of silicone, some of which are worse for your hair than others.
Don’t believe everything you read on labels!
Many brands market themselves as “100% silicone-free” yet are far form it! What they are really saying is that they only contain the silicones that they deem ‘friendly’ and ‘less damaging.’
Always read product ingredients and be aware of what is inside your hair care!
What to expect when you ditch silicone filled hair care products
Firstly, this is a process! Stripping silicone will make your hair feel extremely different! It can feel rough, coarse and unhealthy, but that is OK!!! You’re on the path to the healthiest hair of your life!
You will need to strip the silicone with a natural shampoo, and then you will need MOISTURE MOISTURE MOISTURE! Use a shampoo and conditioning range targeting dry or damaged hair, and make sure you use a rich mask a couple of times in the first week of the switch!
Have you ditched silicone based hair care products? Let us know your experience below or message us on social media!
Read the INSIGHT ethos, we will never use silicone in our hair care!