If you’ve been even slightly exposed to the hair community on TikTok or Instagram, you’ve probably heard “paraben-free” or “silicone free shampoo” countless times. This likely prompted you to run down the shampoo rabbit hole to figure out if parabens or silicones are good or bad for your hair. The truth is, it depends on your hair type and personal preferences. That’s why we’ve broken it all down. Silicone-free shampoo, what’s the deal?
What Is Silicone?
Before we understand why you should avoid this new no-no silicone, maybe we should get the skinny on what it is. In the simplest terms, silicone is what’s in your shampoo that makes your hair look smooth and shiny. But, unfortunately, that’s only temporary. It can leave your hair looking mundane and “drab” since it builds up all this yucky stuff after making it look relatively pretty.
Who Should Consider Staying Away from Silicone Shampoos?
All hair isn’t created equal, and while silicon isn’t bad, some of us can’t quite take it. Here’s the lowdown on who should skip the silicones and try a silicone-free shampoo.
Curly and Coily Hair: This can cause build-up.
Fine or Kinky Hair: This hair type has changed; it needs feather-light beauty items, and silicon can make a formula quite hefty.
Chemically Treated Hair: If you’ve already got ragged cuticles from transitioning or figuring out the whole perm or relaxer thing, don’t do anything to sabotage or bring your strands to the ground.
Sensitive Scalp: Flaking, redness, dandruff, or if your sensitive scalp situation is something along the lines of these common hair issues, shampoo with silicone will only make it worse, so stay away.
Why Is Silicone-Free Shampoo All The Rage?
Everyone seems to be going silicone-free for good reason. Avoiding the aforementioned buildup is the most popular reason, followed by the long-term benefits for the hair. Plus, it falls into the sustainable category while being clean.
The Benefits of Silicone-Free Shampoo
Freedom from Build-Up
Your hair can do its thing without being weighed down by those heavy silicones. Picture having bouncy and free hair! Simply pick something from a reputable, clean brand like Amika. Take their The Kure Bond repair shampoo or Velveteen Dream shampoo, which gives you all the smoothness and gloss sans the silicone!
Enhanced Moisture Retention
With silicones out of the equation, hair can better absorb moisture. Many silicone-free shampoos are packed with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil that work from the inside out to infuse each strand with healthy hydration.
Improved Scalp Health
Using silicone on your scalp might help block out pollution, but it can also clog hair follicles and pores, which is definitely not ideal. Without silicone, your scalp can breathe freely and maintain its health.
Eco-Friendly Choices
Silicone-free shampoos allow you to show love to the environment.
Embrace the Change!
So why not go silicone-free if you are one of the people discussed in this article? And even if you are not, we established that this is not a mere fad.
