How do you even know if silicone is in your shampoo or conditioner and, more importantly why does it even matter?
Silicones are synthetic polymers and a common ingredient in haircare (shampoo, conditioner and almost always in hair masks), skincare and cosmetics.
In good news, you can still get the same amazing results by using natural plant based silicone free shampoo & conditioner bars - without the worry of harsh chemicals.
Why are silicones in your shampoo?
In hair products, silicones are used for the effects of smoothing, detangling, conditioning and adding volume. And while they might make your hair appear healthy and feel silky at first ... they accumulate, weighing it down and creating a barrier that actually prevents moisture from penetrating your hair shaft.
Non water-soluble silicones build-up, making your hair dull, dry and setting off an unpleasant cycle of over-production of oil - leaving you with greasy roots and dry ends. Sound familiar?
How to identify silicones in your shampoo or conditioner
The easiest way is to check the ingredients listed for those ending in "cone".
Some of the most common silicones you might find in haircare (and some skincare) are:
- Dimethicone
- Amodimethicone
- Cetyl Dimethicone
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Dimethiconol
How to make the switch away from silicones in your haircare
To remove any of these ingredients from your hair, you’ll likely need a clarifying shampoo or one containing sulfates.
In good news our best seller and multi-award winner The Rebalancing One Shampoo Bar will help remove any residual silicones.
Together with The Restoring One Conditioner Bar will leave your hair silicone free, looking and feeling healthy all day long.
Will my hair need time to adjust?
If you're making the move to shampoo bars from liquid products containing silicones, the gentler formulation of the bars may not be able to shift any accumulated silicones in the first wash. It might take a few washes for your hair to adjust – but don’t confuse this with a “transition period” you might have heard of. This term is often used when people are talking about soap based hair bars, they are not shampoo and due to the high pH we would advise that you DON’T use soap on your hair. Learn more about why pH matters here.
Avoiding silicones isn’t just about hair health, they’re bad for the planet.
Both Cetyl Dimethicone and Dimethicone are named by Plastic Soup Foundation on their Red List of ingredients considered to be microplastics - which means they pollute our water and are toxic.
Amodimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethiconol are all classified as orange, “skeptical microplastics” - meaning synthetic polymers for which there are concerns with toxicity to humans and/ or aquatic environments (but limited research).
There's no silicone in any KIND2 bars.
For the sake of your health and the planet, we believe it’s important to create products that are totally plastic free on the inside and outside. We’re proudly certified micro plastic free "Zero Plastic Inside" by Plastic Soup Foundation.
Check products and find brands that are truly plastic free on their website and with their Beat the Microbead App .
Healthy shiny hair with plant based ingredients
We know you can still have soft, shiny and healthy hair from the power of our plant based bars, while still avoiding silicones.
Our formulations include incredible hair nourishing oils like Coconut, Macadamia, Argan, Shea and Hemp Seed for shine and strength, plus Cacao Seed Butter and Panthenol (Vitamin B5) for moisture.
Learn more about the benefits of plant based oils for hair here.
