new thread
I was just wondering how you guys approach silicone in hair care products(shampoos/conditioners).
Do you counter their negative effects(such as build-up and drying out of the hair) with a clarifying shampoo or other home made remedy(such as a vinegar mix)?
Or, do you abstain from using any silicone based products entirely?
It has been a topic that has always fascinated and concerned me, probably due to the mysterious nature of this ingredient.
At the moment, I'm using a regular shampoo and a premium condition(dry/damaged hair) which both contain silicones, used at a frequency of around 2-3 times a week.
I always apply just a small amount to my hair and rinse out fully, after a few minutes. Expect when I deep condition my whole hair, which is about once a week or two, and leave the stuff in for 20 mins or longer. I used to leave copious amounts of silicone based conditioner in my hair, thinking it would be beneficial, when in actual fact, was doing more harm than good.
Is it really difficult to find a cheap non-silicone alternative?
All the products at the supermarket and beauty stores seem to have some form of cones in them. They really are pervasive little things.
Silicone products may actually be good for my hair type, or so I've read. My understanding is that cones aren't all that bad and if rinsed out well will not cause any build up or damage to hair. But I've also read that they are not water soluble. How can this be? Should I even be that worried about using them?
Any good links or info that I could be directed to. Many thanks.
It is my experience to not really worry about the ingredients of the products I use but I do make it a habit to rotate what I use from time to time.Usually that happens after I shampoo and condition my hair and if its really dried out afterwards I'll use some of my other product the next time.Usually this works for me.Also I rinse out the shampoo and later the conditioner quickly as to not let it stay in my hair too long.If I let it remain in too long before rinsing that's when my hair also gets very dried out.Of course this all depends on your hair type.Anyway hope this helps you in making the best call for your own mane.Again, welcome back my friend:)
Mark
Im gonns have to buck the trend.
Silicone is harsh on my hair. It does not effect everyone the same, but I have very dry hair and it's thick and wavey, so silicone can sometimes build up and I lose some shine and it looks unhealthy.
I use baby shampoo and different conditioners. Sometimes I use Dove Shampoo. It woks and is gentle.
Overall, Silicone is not a bad thing for some. I know it's rough on my hair. So I wont use it. I would not reccomend it for really Dry or Damaged hair. I would use something lighter until the hair repairs it's self
I've been using silicone for decades and my hair is just fine.
Kevin
And not a grey hair in sight!
Indeed! Brown silicone.
Well that is certainly a good reassurance :)
I've never had a problem with silicone, but then again I havn't had long hair as long as many of the other people here. I do tend to rotate products as well as constantly try new ones, but I think they all had silicone in them. I personally wouldn't worry about it much unless you are having problems and you suspect silicone to be the source. Only you can decide what is best for your hair in the end though.
What I got in the stores never seemed to bother me and I had butt length hair at one time.
Most likely google it and the answer will be there.
Hey Justin,
I'm saddened to hear of your hair fiasco. I hope it grows back to full length in no time. It's good to see you, man. You were a real support during my 1st growing phase.
So you're not one to read and study up on all the ingredients in hair care products? Too be honest, I don't know much about them either, they all sound foreign to me.
Ahh yes, Google IS the source of all knowledge :)
Personally I avoid them. I used to use them regularly without realizing it, but because I didn't clarify my hair it was generally very dry and and prone to breakage. Once I learned about them I started using clarifying shampoo every week or so because of my coney leave-in, but eventually I just decided to drop them altogether. Now I use Suave Naturals conditioner, which is extremely cheap and cone-free.
If you're using cones I would probably recommend clarifying at least once a month, but it depends entirely on how much you're using. Whether or not you decide to use them probably would depend on your hair type too, I find it's easier to forego shampoo and cones entirely, but my hair is quite curly. If you have straight or slightly wavy hair, cones might be a better option.
My hair is very curly. I thought the opposite was more typical, as in, curly or 'unruly' hair being better managed with cones . Maybe I will take this advice and try a cone free conditioner, such as the brand you mentioned.
Jean,
I tend to rotate through a variety of shampoos and conditioners - mostly the sodium/ammonium lauryl/laureth sulfate free shampoos and their companion conditioners which are 'cone-free. The kinds you find in health food stores.
I do a final rinse of my hair with a mix of apple cider vinegar and water (about 4 or 5 parts water to 1 part vinegar).
Then a few drops of jojoba oil finger-combed into my hair when it's almost dry.
That always leaves my hair feeling nice.
I find that the vinegar rinse seems to help prevent buildup in my hair. Dandruff is virtually non-existent, too.
I wash 2 to 3 times a week.
- Oren
Many people have mentioned rotating different products. I wonder what the science behind it is? Unless they all have different ingredients, which could be of some use.
That sounds like a great concoction. I might try it out. I have white vinegar in the kitchen pantry right now, I wonder if it would be suitable to use as a substitute to the ACV.
That is another advantage of me having long hair. My scalp dandruff infestation completely disappears! With short hair I get severe dandruff and it looks repulsive and dirty.
Same here.