What are Silicones?
Silicones are one of the hair care ingredients that have sparked a fierce discussion in the industry. Some have said that you should avoid Silicones in your routine, but some said Silicones are good hair tamers. So, what exactly are silicones?
First, Silicone is not a toxic chemical. Silicones are synthetic polymers that have hydrophobic properties, which means they retain moisture by creating an impenetrable seal/coating. The coating serves several reasons:
- Reduces the porosity of the hair, which makes it less likely to absorb humidity
- Reduces moisture loss from the hair shaft
- Lubricates the surface of the hair so it becomes smoother and manageable
Well, it seems like silicones are doing all good for our hair, then should we skip it or keep it in our haircare routine?
Silicones: Skip it or Keep it?
Skip it for Your Scalp
Many Silicones are very hydrophobic, meaning they do not wash out easily and cause thick buildup on our scalp. Silicones buildup leaves the scalp greasy and uncomfortable, and some of us will wash our hair more than is necessary to remove the buildup.
However, if you’re using a shampoo with silicones, the buildup was not able to wash away. A silicones shampoo will intensify the scalp buildup that leads to the cycle of damage.
Our Recommendation:
Use Silicone-Free shampoos to avoid the buildup. And yes, all Greenology Shampoos are silicone-free!
If you have buildup, try scalp exfoliation to remove all the impurities!
Keep it for Your Hair
Undoubtedly, silicones are very effective conditioners. Silicones protect hair from damage by forming a protective barrier around it. Their slick, glossy texture leaves your locks soft, smooth, and tangle-free.
Our Recommendation:
Our Daily Rich Hair Mask contains lightweight silicones. It provides natural protection against chemical treatments; and is excel in hydrating and repairing. Safe for daily use!
The Bottom Line
Our conclusion? Use silicones separately - skip them for your scalp but keep them for your hair. Silicones work as a double-edged sword for our hair but the benefits of silicones far outweigh any negatives. Deciding what to put on your scalp and hair is your decision, just make it wise to avoid irreversible damage.