AVOID SILICONE PRODUCTS FOR GREAT HAIR TO ETERNITY
HAIR products from supermarket shelves promising sleek hair with plenty of shine can cause hair to turn limp and dull if you don’t choose the right type.
Hairstylist Michael Medeiros told Well & Good silicone was used in many of these products.
“Silicone is a mineral found in many products used to coat the hair shaft giving it softness and shine temporarily,” Mr Medeiros said.
“Silicone can be found in most products, some being water-soluble and non-watersoluble. When purchasing a product make sure that it is water-soluble you’re after.
“In that way the plastic silicone mineral can dissolve and not create a build-up of silicone on the hair shaft, making it feel limp.
“Water-soluble silicones are normally found in the higher priced hair products and mostly contains a water soluble mineral called cyclomethicone.”
He said there was a simple way to find out if the silicone in your hair products was water-soluble.
“If silicone is higher on the ingredient list it usually means there’s more contained in the product and the quality of the silicone is cheaper and not ideal,” he said.
“Non-water-soluble silicones create a build up, not allowing proteins and moisture to enter the hair which overtime make the hair feel limp and drab.
“But some silicones can be beneficial to most hair types especially those who fight frizz in North Queensland, like in argon oils.
“Silicones can be found in most smoothing products and conditioners giving that luxurious feeling and slip.”
Mr Medeiros said there were many silicone-free options for people wanting shiny hair every day without risking having dull hair in the long run.
“Ideally moisturising products, that have humectants and hydrating ingredients are perfect for your hair,” he said.
“Hydrating your hair will naturally seal the cuticle to reflect light naturally.
“Silicone, on the other hand, only gives a temporary softness but it is great to fight frizz.”