Silicones in hair care: what the science says
Silicones have a complicated reputation. The reality is more nuanced; their effect on your hair depends heavily on your porosity, your wash routine, and which type of silicone is actually in the bottle.
Silicones work by coating the hair shaft, reducing friction, adding shine, and sealing moisture in. For heat-damaged or high-porosity hair, this can be genuinely beneficial as they smooth a roughened cuticle and reduce further damage from styling.
The concern with silicones is buildup. Water-insoluble silicones (like Dimethicone) do not wash out with water alone; they require a sulphate-based cleanser to remove. If your shampoo is sulphate-free, silicones from your conditioner or stylers may accumulate over time.
Water-soluble silicones (like PEG-modified silicones or Cyclomethicone) rinse off easily and are generally not a buildup concern. These are often a better fit for low-porosity hair or for anyone using a gentle cleanse routine.
The key question is not whether a product contains silicones; it is whether your cleansing routine can adequately clear them from your hair.