Silicon vs. Silicone: What Hairstylists Need to Know

As hairstylists, we often hear about silicon and silicone in hair products, but the two are very different. While the words sound similar, understanding their differences is key when selecting the best products for your clients.

Silicon vs. Silicone: What’s the Difference?

Silicon is a naturally occurring element found in the earth, plants, and even the human body. It plays an important role in strengthening hair, skin, and nails. Silicone, on the other hand, is a synthetic polymer derived from silicon. It goes through multiple chemical changes before it ends up in beauty and haircare products.

Silicone in Haircare: The Pros and Cons

Silicones are commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, and styling products because they create a smooth, shiny finish and help with frizz control. However, they form a coating around the hair shaft, which can lead to buildup over time. While they provide an immediate silky feel, they don’t actually improve hair health—instead, they can prevent moisture from penetrating the hair, leading to dryness in the long run.

How to Spot Silicones in Hair Products

Silicones often appear under different names on ingredient lists, making them tricky to identify. Look for these common endings:

            cone, such as:

• Amodimethicone

• Cyclomethicone

• Dimethicone

• Trimethicone
  

  siloxane, such as:

• Cyclopentasiloxane

• Polydimethylsiloxane conol, such as:

• Dimethiconol
  

The Verdict for Hairstylists

While natural silicon supports strong, healthy hair from within, synthetic silicones in hair products primarily provide a temporary cosmetic effect. They create the illusion of smoother, shinier hair but can lead to buildup and long-term dryness by preventing moisture from penetrating the hair shaft.

As a hairstylist, understanding these ingredients allows you to educate clients on what truly nourishes their hair versus what simply coats it. While silicon-based products offer real strengthening benefits, some professional products may still contain silicones to achieve desired smoothness or shine. The key is to use them mindfully and ensure they don’t compromise the overall health of the hair.