What are Silicones
NaturallyCurly Curl Chemist Tonya McKay says that silicones (inorganic) are made up of a backbone of repeating units of silicon bonded to oxygen, with small organic molecules forming a sheath around the outside of the molecule. They are used in rinse-off conditioners, intensive treatment conditioners and leave-in conditioners, where they reduce combing friction, provide an emollient effect, impart gloss, and reduce static charge between hair strands.What Do They Do
Now in layman’s terms, silicones are derived from silica and undergo extensive chemical processing prior to completion. Best Health says silicones "retain moisture, create smoothness, combat frizz, adhere color pigments, and can make your hair or skin care product appear silky." It sounds great but some silicones can cause buildup, weigh your curls down, and for type 2 and 3’s can actually loosen your wave or curl.
How to Spot a Cone
Some are water soluble but most are not and although it may be easier to just avoid them all, there are simple ways to identify them. Most will end in "col", "cone", "conol" or "zane" and the water-soluble ones like stearoxy dimethicone and behenoxy dimethicone can be removed with water.
Going Cone-Free
For this very reason there are curlies, coilies, and wavies that prefer to steer clear of them all together in their day-to-day interactions as well as washday. The Curly Girl Method also supports eliminating silicones, so if you follow that method or just want to live the cone-free life, then here are some great products that will give you what you need and want. Here are examples of products for a silicone-free hair regimen.
Cleansers
Cleansing with shampoo or a cleansing conditioner is pivotal to keeping your hair clean and healthy. Whether you wash your hair weekly or bi-weekly, you can cleanse with ease and not worry about buildup when using great products that are silicone free. Here are two well-loved cone-free cleansers in the curly community:
Conditioners
Conditioner is a curly girl’s best friend and the vast majority of conditioner that bring the magic without the silicone will have you ready for softer, moisturized, tangle-free strands in no time. There are three major types of conditioners that we use:
- daily conditioners (rinse-out)
- deep conditioners
- leave-in conditioners
Many cross over into more than one group, but depending upon your regimen and liking, you may only use one or all three. Here are a few conditioners from all three categories:
- Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
- SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner
- Bee Mine Bee-U-Ti-Ful Deep Conditioner
- Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
- Nubian Heritage Honey & Black Seed Heat Protect Leave-In Conditioning Cream
Stylers
After you have applied your leave-in conditioner or moisturizer, it is time to keep that style frizz free and fab! Stylers, whether it be gels, serums, or mousse, are crucial for retaining moisture and defining your curls to give them lasting hold. Here are great silicone-free stylers:
- Camille Rose Naturals Aloe Whipped Butter Gel
- Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel Extra Strong
- Oyin Handmade Shine and Define Styling Serum
Sealants
Some straight-haired women go running for cover at the mention of oils, but the fact is curly hair thrives on them. For those who prefer blends, here are a few silicone-free oil blends that do wonders for your tresses. Another option is to mix your own essential and carrier oils.
Did we miss any of your favorite cone-free products?
