In one of our past blog posts (What’s better? Silicone vs. Silicone-Free Shampoo) we mentioned silicones could be a bit of a complex topic. There’s a good mix of opinions out there on silicones. Here’s the reason why.
First, let's go over the pros and cons of silicone.
Pros:
- Makes your hair feel slippery and less tangled
- Makes your hair look smoother
- Makes your hair look shinier
Cons:
- Damages your hair cuticles
- Creates more problems in your scalp
- Makes it difficult to perm and color your hair
- Weighs down your hair and makes it look flat
- Your perms won't last
The good silicones to the bad silicones
With that said, there are different types of silicones with different properties. It's important for you to know the good from the bad. Here’s a break down of the 4 main types of silicone:
This is the most common type of silicone used in hair products. You can often find
them in shine sprays and treatment oils. It easily evaporates with heat and won’t
build up on your hair for the most part.
2. Dimethicone Copolyol
A lightweight, water-soluble silicone often used in conditioning shampoos. It
creates very little buildup and can easily be washed off with shampoo.
3. Amodimethicone (silicones that have “amo” “amine” or “amino” in their
name)
This type of silicone is modified to stick to your hair, which means it conditions well
and makes your hair shiny and smooth. But it also means it’s harder to remove.
Typically found in leave-in conditioners.
4. Dimethicone
The most inexpensive silicone out there. It’s sometimes referred to as silicone oil
and often found in serums and leave-in hair products. It’s great for adding instant
shine but on the downside, the insolubility can make it difficult to remove. On top of
that, the heavy coating can attract dirt and pollutants, weighing down your hair.
Bottom line
Not all silicones are bad for you. You just need to know what you're putting into your hair and make an informed choice.
Silicone or Silicone-free is a choice
We think silicone-free shampoos are better off because it keeps your hair healthy and brings out your natural shine and volume in the long run. If you want an instantaneous fix, go for silicone. But just be aware that if you use it for a long time, your hair will lose its volume and hair will be damaged by the silicone getting stuck in your pores. Do you want a short-term fixer-upper? Or do you want longevity? It's your choice. If you have any questions or concerns, ask our expert hair stylists.
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