Silicones are ingredients that coat the outside of the hair shaft. They reduce friction, increase shine, and can help protect against breakage — especially on damaged, coloured, or chemically treated hair. In the short term, they can make hair feel smoother and more manageable.
However, because silicones form a water-resistant coating, they don’t hydrate the hair. Over time, repeated use can lead to buildup that prevents water from penetrating the hair shaft. Since hair health — especially curly hair — relies on water, this can leave curls feeling dry, limp, or undefined beneath the surface, even if they look shiny on the outside.
Silicone buildup often requires stronger cleansers (such as sulfates) to remove it, which can create a cycle of coating and stripping — particularly challenging for dry, curly, or sensitive scalps.
Silicones are ingredients that coat the outside of the hair shaft. They reduce friction, increase shine, and can help protect against breakage — especially on damaged, coloured, or chemically treated hair. In the short term, they can make hair feel smoother and more manageable.
However, because silicones form a water-resistant coating, they don’t hydrate the hair. Over time, repeated use can lead to buildup that prevents water from penetrating the hair shaft. Since hair health — especially curly hair — relies on water, this can leave curls feeling dry, limp, or undefined beneath the surface, even if they look shiny on the outside.
Silicone buildup often requires stronger cleansers (such as sulfates) to remove it, which can create a cycle of coating and stripping — particularly challenging for dry, curly, or sensitive scalps.
