Have you ever purchased a lightweight oil and fell in love with the smell and the smoothness that it delivered to the hair without it weighing the hair down? Do you remember after a few months of regular use that your hair seemed to be getting dry?
Remember the brand names like Moroccan Oil, Agadir Oil, Alterna Bamboo Kendi Oil?
Well, they all list dimethicone as their second ingredient.
Dimethicone is a silicone. After years of silicones being actively used in the hair industry, it has been concluded that they instantly smooth hair, but over time can cause hair to become dry and dull. So you stop using them . . . Right?
Can you imagine long-term silicone use plus ionic flat iron use? You got it! Dryness and breakage. Many stylists were using only silicone based products as protection. The clients' hair was looking great going out of the salon door, but everyone knows "everything that shines is not always gold."
So let's talk about what to look for? Based on my experience with various different silicones and serums, I have this rule of thumb: If "dimethicone" is the second ingredient in the list, then it is a "no-no" for my clients and I. However, if the serum has "dimethiconol" (instead of dimethicone) as a second ingredient, then I am okay with it. Pureology Shinemax had dimethiconol as the second ingredient listed, and I still like this product. I have not seen the drastic drying effects that the dimethicone products seemed to cause.
Also, if the product has a phenyl trimethicone next to the dimethicone (3rd ingredient), it seems to be okay.
I just purchased the L'oreal Silicone Free Taming Serum. According to the reviews, it should be a good home use option at half the cost of those dimethicone based oils.
For those who have coarser hair, Mizani's Supreme oil is GREAT and no dimethicone. However, let me be clear, the Mizani Supreme oil is too heavy for fine hair and/or thin hair.
Wondering about the shine sprays? As long as they are used at the finish, then they should seal your moisture in.
Those with oily scalps and straight hair should use a first cut boar bristle brush and re-distribute the oils from your scalp through your hair ends. Those who have curlier hair or normal to dry scalp, should add a moisture hairdress every day.
Bee Mine Luscious Cream Moisturizer has been a great daily moisture boost. Please see my article on it.
Be careful of the dimethicone in shampoos and conditioners as well. Some product lines are revamping to limit which components of their product lines will continue to contain dimethicone. A lot of the "smoothing" shampoos and conditioners will have dimethicone in them. This is not always a bad thing if you are sealing the hair after hydrating it with a moisturizing line, but don't confuse the beauty of the smoothness with healthy hair.
ReplyDeleteVery Interesting! Have you ever heard of Sabino Moisture Block? If so what's your thought on the product?
ReplyDeleteHi Chenoe123! I had not heard of the Sabino Moisture Block until you mentioned it just now. According to the online reviews for this product, a few people swear by the "original" formula in May 2010, but then the manufacturers changed to "Lok and Blok" and then brought the "Moisture Block" back, but it may not be the original formula???? and the latest release of the product may not be as good as the original formula. I hope that this helps!
ReplyDeleteAgadir Hair Shield 450 Intense Creme Treatment Contains Heat Shock Protein And Anti-Oxidants. The Heat From Your Styling Tool Activates The Shock Protein.
ReplyDelete