You must have heard shampoo advertisements or haircare brands talking about silicone-free products. You can also see the term “silicone-free” on certain shampoos and conditioner bottles. Many beauty brands also suggest that silicone is not good for the hair and skin. But have you ever wondered what silicone is and what does silicone do to hair? Is it really bad for your hair?

There are mixed opinions on the use of silicone in hair products. While some believe that it causes no harm to skin and hair, other argue that silicone should not be added to hair products. 

You might be aware that silicone is a man-made product, but you should also know what role it plays in hair care products and why you should stay away from it. Read on to find out more. 

Table of Contents:

• What is silicone and why is it used in shampoos and conditioners?
• What does silicone do to hair? 
• Is silicone bad for hair? 
• Why should you choose silicone-free hair products?
• Why are WOW silicone-free shampoos and conditioners good for your hair?

What is silicone, and why is it used in shampoos and conditioners?

Silicone is one of the most commonly used ingredient in hair conditioners. It is a mix of synthetic plastic or synthetic rubber material. Different types of silicones are used for various purposes, such as to make children's toys, manufacturing plastic containers, and in many industries. It can be available in solid form or liquid form (particularly in cosmetics and hair care items).

What does silicone do to hair? 

The purpose of using silicones in shampoo, conditioners, or other hair care products is to add bounce to our locks and keep our hair shiny and smooth.

When we apply silicone-based hair care products on our scalp, the silicone acts as a layer of protection and locks in hydration. Silicones do not allow moisture to evaporate from the surface of the hair. Hence, your hair feels smoother and it has more shine. 

Is silicone bad for hair? 

Now, you must be wondering: if silicones can make hair smooth and shiny, then what is the harm in using them?

It is believed by many that silicones are a safe material and do not cause any side effects to your health. However, prolonged uses of silicone in hair care and skincare products can cause damage in the long run. Let us understand what silicone does to hair. 

Silicones can temporarily make your hair look shiny and smooth. However, they do not allow the inner moisture to move out. Similarly, silicones do not allow the other hydration products to work on the scalp and hair. 

If your scalp is naturally dry or if you have frizzy hair, silicone can seem like a good idea at first to make your tresses look smooth. But, when you use it for a long time, it can make your hair and scalp drier. 

So, silicone is not necessarily toxic for your hair, but it might damage your hair to use silicone hair products regularly.

Why should you choose silicone-free hair products?

Even though silicone shampoos and conditioners can give you temporary shine and smoothness, their regular use can damage your hair. Silicones act as a layer of thick grease and do not allow external hydrating products to penetrate your hair. This may cause your scalp to start producing more sebum, which, in turn, can worsen dandruff and other scalp infections. On the long run, silicones can also dry out your hair shaft, making it brittle and dull. 

Another reason why you should use silicone-free shampoos or conditioners is that many silicones are not water-soluble. They cannot be washed away with water. Eventually, they will cause excess buildup on your scalp, which can cause problems such as weak hair follicles, split ends, frizzy hair, and more. 

Silicones can help tame your tresses, but they also weigh them down and can affect hair volume.

If you do not want to get stuck in this vicious cycle, it is best to switch to natural products that can help make your hair healthy and shiny in a safe way. 

Why are WOW silicone-free shampoos and conditioners good for your hair?

Using silicone hair care products can be appealing, but it is better to focus on healthy hair rather than temporary shine. You can use shampoos with natural moisturizing ingredients that boost hair growth and reduce damage.

The WOW shampoo and conditioners are silicone-free. They use natural ingredients, such as natural oils, that can moisturize your hair and make it smooth. Here are some of our best recommendations:

The WOW Coconut Milk shampoo and conditioner is the best option if you have dry hair. It has extracts of coconut milk, which contains fatty acids and Vitamin E. It naturally hydrates hair and helps you maintain healthy and smooth hair. The Coconut milk shampoo and conditioner also helps promote hair growth, reduce dandruff, and prevent hair damage. 

Another natural ingredient that nourishes hair by restoring moisture and helps prevent hair damage is Moroccan Argan oil. Including Argan oil in your hair care routine can transform your dry and damaged hair to healthy and smooth. You can use the WOW Moroccan Argan Oil shampoo and conditioner to replenish dry hair. Moroccan oil contains Vitamin E and fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acid. It has antimicrobial properties that can help soothe the scalp. Moroccan oil is also beneficial in reducing hair fall caused by breakage.

The WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Avocado Oil Conditioner is a power-packed combination that can control frizz and improve hair health. Apple Cider Vinegar can gently cleanse your scalp by removing extra buildup. It can also smooth the hair cuticles and give you soft and silky hair. 

Avocado oil is a rich source of vitamin E that conditions your hair. It makes the hair cuticle strong and healthy and reduces breakage. 

Conclusion

Silicone based shampoos and conditioners can make your hair look lustrous and smooth. However, long-term use of silicone products will rip the natural oil from your hair, cause follicle damage and scalp build-up and weigh down your hair. Check out the vast collection of WOW Skin Science silicone-free shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products that can help you maintain healthy, beautiful hair in a safe, natural way!