Introduction
You find an expensive shampoo in the hopes that it’ll convert your dry, brittle locks into mellifluous smooth tresses and it works perfectly! For the next few weeks, your locks feel soft and shiny.
However, they start to go back to their initial dull, dehydrated appearance after a month of using your new shampoo. Some months go by and you discover that your hair is worse than it was initially – where did you go wrong?
The silicone ingredient in your shampoo might be the main cause if this sounds dishearteningly familiar. In most cases, these products are prized and advertised for their ability to provide instant shine and smoothness to hair. However, long-term silicone use has been associated numerous problems, including:
- Scalp irritation
- Brittle strands
- Dry locks
Thankfully, a simple fix is available; you just need to find silicone-free shampoos. Silicone-free hair care products boost the smoothness and shine of hair. They have naturally sourced moisturizing ingredients that help them achieve this. Are you unsure whether you should be switching to a silicon-free shampoo or not? Keep reading to discover some main reasons to switch.
The Problems with Silicones
Initially, silicones were one of the best and leading ingredients in the market. Silicones helped seal hair strands, safeguarding them from external damage.
Also, they helped in terms of locking moisture tightly inside and smoothing the hair shaft. Their humectant and lubricating properties made using a comb an easy hair care undertaking. Running a comp through even the thorniest of locks was a breeze, and the outcome was glossy hair.
Silicones continued to deliver what hairstylists and hair enthusiasts wanted throughout the next forty and more years. But in the past few years, the latest hairstylists and hair lovers have started to question these ingredients’ efficacy. Undoubtedly, these ingredients can impart a shiny appearance to your hair, but for how long does this shine last?
For most individuals, the instant gloss that silicone hair care products offer is a temporary fix. Over time, these ingredients build up on the hair, dampening color and shine. Also, they can easily weigh tresses down, making it challenging for wavy or curly hair to spring into the required shape.
Hair feels greasy for some users of silicone products. That means they must wash it frequently. Silicones can result in a flaky scalp in some cases. While these ingredients were initially praised for their ability to coat the hair shaft, this means that nutrients from other products are sealed out and, in most cases, cannot be absorbed.
Silicones aren’t harmful or toxic. But it is clear that their use in hair care products can negatively affect the scalp and locks of users. They don’t affect your hair and scalp only as most silicones are not biodegradable or water-soluble. That means they can enter the waterways when washed down, polluting them.
Reasons to Permanently Switch to Silicone-Free Shampoos
You do not have to use silicones on your natural hair to achieve a glossy look and feel. In fact, you may discover that switching permanently to natural shampoos, especially silicone-free ones, can make your hair shine and stay healthier than before. The top five reasons to make a permanent switch include:
- Silicone-free shampoos do not leave any residue on your hair locks. That means all of the benefits and goodness from hair masks or conditioners can smoothly sink into your hair shaft and deliver.
- Prevent your hair from being weighed down
- Allow your hair to get moisture from the surroundings or nature
- Go longer between washes
- Take excellent care of your scalp
- Tames fly-aways and frizz with natural ingredients
- Great for the environment
- Ideal for color-treated hair
Silicones offer instant results, which come with numerous issues once you use them for a long time or stop using them. To remain safe, switch to silicone-free shampoos, especially bars that feature natural ingredients.
With plant-based ingredients, your hair will stay nourished without weighing down. Every type of hair will benefit from shampoos with natural ingredients.