Let's talk silicones and logic

kellz_bellz · 02-19-2012, 02:25 PM

I have a couple of questions about silicones and I'm hoping someone can answer them for me:
1- If they block moisture entry then shouldn't they also block moisture EXIT? I mean, if they form a "water proof barrier" on top of the strands then your hair should stay moisturized untill your next wash because water shouldn't be able to leave either right?
2- If silicones really block moisture from entering hair then why would flat ironed hair revert? Doesn't this reversion require moisture to enter the strands? If moisture can't get in then hair should never revert right?

Maganda · 02-19-2012, 03:17 PM

1. The problem with silicones is that they tend to build up on the hair and they can be difficult to remove without harsh surfactants. So while in a sense you're correct, in the long run this will damage your hair if you're sulfate-sensitive.
2. I'm not sure what you mean by "reversion" of hair. Do you mean flat ironed hair becoming curly again? Usually this only happens if the hair gets wet. But that doesn't mean that flat ironed hair necessarily stays nice until you wash it; if you have very dry hair then your hair will become frizzy.

kellz_bellz · 02-19-2012, 03:34 PM

Thanks for the reply

. So silicones are only bad for those who dont use sulfate shampoos? What I meant by reversion is the hair becoming curly again, i mean if the water couldn't get into the hair without use of a sulfate shampoo to remove the silicones then why does hair become curly when wet? Because my understanding is heat removes moisture to make the hair straight and it would require re-entry of water to make it curly again

Maganda · 02-20-2012, 02:20 PM

Sorry, guess I wasn't clear! It's the sulfates and not the silicones that are damaging. Most silicones are hard to remove without sulfates, and that's why a lot of us avoid silicones. Some silicones can be removed with milder surfactants like coco betaine, and that's not so damaging. Some people get the hair they want using silicones and a low poo now and then; others look better avoiding silicones altogether and cowashing only (that's the CG method). I recommend giving CG a try at least; it did wonders for my hair! You have to experiment to figure out what's best for you, and knowing your hair's properties (such as porosity and texture) helps.

It's not dryness that makes hair straight (in fact, naturally curly hair tends to be drier and naturally straight hair more oily). The shape of hair has to do with the disulfide bonds that link strands of keratin. When heat is applied to the hair, the bonds are broken. The hair can then be manipulated to the desired shape and then the bonds will reform. Moisture is more important for curl definition than for hair shape.

This was a really simplistic answer for a complicated topic. There is a lot of good information out there about curly hair - I recommend the CurlChemist articles! Tonya McKay | NaturallyCurly.com

kellz_bellz · 02-23-2012, 03:53 PM

Ok thank you so much! You really helped me a lot. I'm thinking of trying the CG method especially because my scalp is so sensitive

CurlyElectra · 02-23-2012, 04:15 PM

This article on dimethicone should be helpful as well -

THE NATURAL HAVEN: Ingredients Dictionary: Dimethicone