Silicone free shampoo is something that we know you’ve heard of, especially when it comes down to incorporating more natural products into your daily life.

Ever wondered why shampoos and conditioners sometimes stop working for your hair and why the products that used to give you that ‘fresh out of the salon feel’ now leave your hair looking limp and lifeless?

Silicone free shampoo will be your new love

Often people resign themselves to the idea that they need to change their shampoo and conditioner regularly as their hair becomes accustomed to products they have been using for a while. But is this true? And if not, what can be done to get beautiful, healthy hair for good?

What are silicones?

Silicones are polymers with a chemical structure based on chains of alternate silicon and oxygen atoms. There are many different types of silicones, and it can be hard to tell if your shampoo or conditioner contains them if you do not know what to look for. Watch for ingredients ending in ‘cone’ on the label, e.g. dimethicone or Cyclomethicone.

Silicones have little to no affinity with human skin or hair and are water-insoluble, meaning they are difficult to wash out. Used to give your hair added shine and smoothness, silicones form a layer around the hair shaft, smothering the hair and preventing moisture from penetrating, which can lead to dryness and brittleness. These shampoos create the temporary illusion of healthy hair, but as they continue to build up layer by layer, your hair gets weighed down, appearing greasy, dull, and lacking the smoothness and shine that the silicones in them are meant to provide in the first place.

Why should you choose a silicone free shampoo?

Silicones coat the hair shafts which give them a synthetic shine, but they mask the true condition of the hair. The most common, dimethicone, builds up, is hard to remove, and prevents moisture and essential oils from getting to the hair shaft. Additionally, it can cause rashes, burning, itching and irritation to the hair follicles, which can initiate hair shedding.

In an attempt to remove silicone build-up, many people resort to using shampoos that contain harsh, irritating foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). SLS strips the natural, healthy oils that protect the hair and scalp, putting the skin out of balance which can lead to hair becoming dry, damaged, and brittle. This reaction then creates a vicious circle as the hair becomes more damaged from the use of harsh detergents. With non-silicon free shampoos, more silicone is used to mask the issue and make hair appear healthier temporarily.

Beauty Hack: Also look for hair shampoos free of sulphates

By using a silicone free shampoo that does not contain SLS, you can get long-term healthy, shiny hair without using harsh, synthetic chemicals.

Ditching silicone laden hair care will allow moisture to penetrate the hair shaft and the natural oils produced by the scalp can then help nourish and hydrate your hair and restore a healthy balance.

Hair will also need washing less frequently as oil production returns to normal and hair is not weighed down. This will not only leave your hair looking less greasy, but it will also save you money in the long run!