Key Takeaways
- Silicones are synthetic, rubber-like polymers that are often used in hair products.
- Silicones in hair products are not harmful to humans.
- Silicones can protect the hair, reduce frizz, add shine, and more, but overuse of non-water-soluble silicones without proper cleansing can result in buildup. It’s best to use products with silicones thoughtfully, cleanse hair thoroughly, and determine usage of silicones based on your unique hair needs.
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All About Silicones in Hair Products
From adding shine to protecting from heat damage, silicones can be hair helpers for sure! Learn all about silicone for hair, its benefits, downsides to watch out for, and how to get the most out of using silicones in styling products, shampoo, and conditioner.
What Are Silicones?
Silicones are synthetic, rubber-like polymers derived from quartz. There are many types and grades of silicones, and they has a wide range of uses, including medical, food-related, electrical, and others, such as in haircare and cosmetics. In hair products, three primary types of silicones are used: water-soluble, non-water-soluble, and evaporating.
Are Silicones in Hair Products Harmful to Humans?
When used as directed, research shows that silicones in hair products do not harm humans and that they are safe for use in hair. Silicones in hair products are generally recognized as being “nontoxic [and] noncarcinogenic.”
Benefits of Silicones in Hair Products
There are good reasons silicones are a go-to in so many hair products. In addition to helping many products feel smooth and luxurious, silicones can have many positive hair effects like these:
- Fight frizz
- Add shine
- Soften hair
- Detangle
- Condition hair
- Help keep moisture and nutrients in
- Protect the hair shaft
- Protect hair from heat
Downsides of Silicones in Hair Products
Are silicones ever bad for your hair, though, you ask? Well, there can definitely be some downsides, too. While they are not harmful to use, continuous use of non-water-soluble silicones without proper cleansing can lead to hair issues like these:
- Potential buildup on the hair shaft
- Buildup and sensitivity on the scalp
- Dry hair
- Dull appearance
- Lock dirt in the hair shaft
- Lock beneficial ingredients out of the hair shaft
Are Silicones Good for All Hair Types?
Some silicones can be used on all hair types, but continuous and/or daily use of silicone styling and hair products on fine or coarse hair may especially lead to issues. For finer hair types, adding silicone may cause it to feel and look weighed down. For especially coarse, curly, and/or kinky hair, silicone may make it harder for hair that already has low porosity to take on needed moisture.
How to Get the Most Out of Silicones in Hair Products
In addition to paying attention to your hair’s specific needs, moderation and a great hair-cleansing routine are key! With these, you can enjoy the benefits of silicone while doing what you can to avoid the pitfalls.
When you need a thorough cleanse that removes buildup, reach for No.4C Bond Maintenance® Clarifying Shampoo.
To learn about more ways to care for your unique hair, take our Hair Quiz and keep reading in the OLAPLEX Blog.
Sources
- https://www.allure.com/story/are-silicones-bad-for-hair
- https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10298615/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/body-modification/is-silicone-toxic
- https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/why-is-silicone-bad-for-hair
