Beauty
Author:
January 14, 2022
Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Director
By Alexandra Engler
Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Director
Alexandra Engler is the senior beauty and lifestyle director at mindbodygreen and host of the beauty podcast Clean Beauty School. Previously, she's held beauty roles at Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, SELF, and Cosmopolitan; her byline has appeared in Esquire, Sports Illustrated, and Allure.com.
Our picks Image by mbg Creative January 14, 2022 We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines. Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links. I'll be the first to admit it: Taming my frizz and getting my curls to hold just right without silicones in my styling products feels like an uphill battle. Without them, my strands just balloon up at the first sign of humidity—or, worse, are weighed down with actives that don't allow for a little spring.
It's a delicate balance. A balance that silicones, honestly, do quite well. So why are some hair care fans so against them?
Well, because even if they are great at solving some problems—they may create a host of other issues if you're not careful. Allow us to explain.
How silicones work:
So before I can tell you why you may want to avoid silicones, I need to (unfortunately!) explain why they work so well: Silicones are water-resistant molecules that have many uses: skin care, hair care, and even home improvement.
When silicones are formulated in hair care, the molecules coat each strand, creating a thin layer that repels water, fills in gaps in the strand, and smooths down the cuticle.
For example, when the humidity hits, the water in the air cannot penetrate the strand, which is what causes frizz. And this layer can also help the hair hold in moisture (it's why you'll see them in leave-in conditioners).
And, finally, because they smooth down the cuticle, they provide a shiny slip to the hair (it's why they are in shine-enhancers or non-natural oils). Sounds pretty great, no?
Why you may want to avoid silicones:
So, after hearing all of this, you might be thinking, Why wouldn't I want to use them? The why is because while they're fantastic short-term, they are potentially damaging long-term.
"They aren't actually helping the health of your hair—they are just coating the strands so they feel healthier," says Ron McLaughlin, vice president of research and developmentatLivingProof, a clean hair care brand that helped pioneer and usher in the wave of silicone-free products.
"The obvious drawback of all this is that you end up with hair that can frizz and gets weighed down or greasy-feeling, so you are more likely to shampoo and style more often. This perpetuates what we call the cycle of damage. The more you wash and style, the more damaged your hair is, so the more you will feel like you need to reach for a silicone to get that soft feeling again. It's a vicious cycle."
This is especially true if you see the word "dimethicone" on the label. This is an oil-soluble silicone, which means it can't simply be washed off with water.
And, when the buildup is severe enough, it will then need to be washed off with a clarifying shampoo (these are basically heavy-duty shampoos that blast open the cuticle and can only be used every-so-often because if used regularly, they will strip the strand of its nutrients).
And as we currently live in the age of less is more when it comes to washing, there's a good chance that if you're using multiple silicone-filled products, you might have some buildup.
"Over time, hair products can deposit on the scalp leading to skin irritation and inflammation. You may experience dryness, itching, and flakes as a result," board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., says of buildup.
The best silicone-free hair care products:
So if you are looking to cut out the ingredient, here are the best silicone-free styling products available, no matter your need. I should note that while most silicone-free products tend to also be natural, some more traditional products are also silicone-free, and I included both on this list.
This is packed with 16 essential oils but is so light, it feels like skim milk (hence, the name). This is best used as a leave-in conditioner when your hair is damp, but you can apply it to the ends of second-day hair if your strands tend to dry out between washes. Milk: Anti-Frizz Leave-In Nourishing Treatment, Reverie ($42)
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Silicones often pop up in texturizing sprays to add conditioning agents—so they're not completely drying. But this one comes with argan oil and sea kelp instead. It works great for amping up natural waves while drying or to add a little grit to strands before styling. Moroccan Sea Salt Spray, OGX ($5.99)
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You'd be shocked by how many hair oils also come with silicones. This natural blend will, yes, help tame frizz, but I was most impressed by the shine factor: If you miss the glossy payoff of silicones, this is your best bet. Farewell Frizz Rosehip, Argan & Coconut Oil Blend, Briogeo ($30)
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This innovative product goes well beyond a hair spray: Sure, it gives hair hold, but it does so with loads of flexibility and movement. You can also customize how much spray you're getting by twisting the nozzle. And last (but certainly not least), it acts as a heat protectant, something that you will have trouble finding sans silicones. Perfect Hair Day (phd) Body Builder, Living Proof ($15.88)
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Here, we have an organic aloe and honey based styling gel. The product increases shine, helps set your hair in place, allows for some flexibility—all while hydrating and conditioning strands with the aforementioned blend, as well as rooibos tea and eucalyptus. I Create Hold, Innersense ($26)
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A texturing spray is an easy way to give flat, lifeless hair some oomph: Just spritz it in, scrunch or tussle, and go. This option is 98% natural—and the power players are a carnauba wax that adds dimension, hold, and shine, while castor seed oil adds shine. Wax Poetic Texturizing Spray, Together Beauty ($28)
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A cult-favorite curl item, this contains a garden of actives that helps curls spring into shape. There's avocado oil for nourishment, rosemary for stimulating the scalp (it may even encourage growth!), and flax seed to help hair elasticity and damage. Curl Defining Styling Souffle, Curl Smith ($12)
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Silicones are notably popular in conditioners, since they smooth down the cuticle and can help you detangle knots. This gets the job done with a blend of organic additions, like mango fruit extract, slippery elm, marshmallow root, and lemongrass. Knot Today Conditioner, Kinky Curly ($15.39)
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If you want maximum hold, you'll find it in this jar: The goop seriously keeps your hair in place. But that's not the only reason we love it. It also uses Jamaican black castor oil to strengthen hair will styling. Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Max Hold Gel, Shea Moisture ($6.89)
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If you're looking for a proper silicone-free hairspray, with a mist atomizer and everything, look no further. This spray will keep your strands in place—but don't worry, no needly stuffy dullness or stiffness. It's also infused with hemp and collagen. Higher Hold Vegan Collagen Hairspray, Pacifica ($7.97)
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Need a midday hair refresher? This mist will impart just enough gloss, sans the greasy or sticky residue. It does so with a blend of jojoba oil and shea butter, both of which are ideal for hair health. Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Hair Sheen, Carol's Daughter ($11.99)
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For an easy, effortless look, this styling cream will provide just the right amount of movement, gloss, and texture. It's ideal for those with waves who want to air dry, with no crunch post style. Bonus for those with sensitive skin: It's fragrance-free! Fragrance Free Soft Shine Grooming Cream, Kristin Ess ($12)
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