Top Silicone-Free Hair Products for Healthier, Shinier Hair
Last Updated on September 7, 2024 by Amy
Struggling with greasy, weighed down hair? Discover the game-changing benefits of silicone-free hair products that transformed my natural waves!
Many common hair care items contain silicones, which can build up over time. I started using only silicone-free hair products a few years ago when I embraced my natural waves and stopped straightening my hair. It is the biggest positive change I have ever made to my haircare routine.
I’m not here to demonise silicones; they can certainly play a beneficial role in your haircare routine. They help reduce frizz and add shine, making your hair more manageable. Think of silicones as a quick fix—they can enhance your hair’s appearance in the short term. However, prolonged use can impact its health, potentially leading to dryness and brittleness. Your scalp might also produce more oil, causing your hair to get greasy faster. If you decide to keep using silicone-based products (which I do from time to time!), just ensure you’re incorporating a good clarifying shampoo every few washes to remove any buildup.
Let’s explore why you should consider going silicone-free and some top product choices to keep your tresses looking their best.
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Benefits of Silicone-Free Hair Products
Reduced Build-Up:
- Silicone-free products help prevent product build-up on your hair. This means your hair stays cleaner for longer and is easier to style.
- A healthier scalp environment with less itching and flaking.
- Silicone-free products are often lighter. They won’t weigh your hair down as much. This can be great if you have fine or thin hair.
Improved Hair Health:
- Allows moisture to be absorbed more easily, keeping your hair hydrated from the inside out.
- Natural oils in silicone-free products nourish your hair, leading to softer, shinier hair over time.
- Enhances your hair’s natural texture, making curls bouncier and straight hair more voluminous.
- If you have colour-treated hair, silicone-free products can help your colour last longer and look more vibrant.
How to Find Silicone-Free Hair Products
Reading product labels is key to finding truly silicone-free options. Look out for these common silicones:
- Dimethicone
- Cyclomethicone
- Amodimethicone
- Any ingredient ending in “-cone” or “-siloxane”
Best Silicone-Free Shampoos and Conditioners
Arkive The All Day Everyday Shampoo and Conditioner 250mls, £12 each
I only discovered Arkive hair products earlier this year but I have been a big fan of everything I’ve tried so far. They are easily accessible in the UK in Boots, ASOS and Selfridges. The brand is also available at Walmart in the US.
Why I Love It!
- Natural Ingredients: Formulated with a blend of natural botanicals and essential oils, promoting scalp and hair health.
- Daily Use: Perfect for everyday use without causing damage or dryness. However, it also works brilliantly for less frequent washes. I wash my hair twice a week and these products make it feel clean without stripping.
- Sulfate-Free: Gentle on the scalp and suitable for colour-treated hair. I haven’t experienced any colour fade in my blonde highlighted hair with this shampoo.
- Suitable for all hair types.
- The products all smell amazing! You really feel like you are getting a luxury shampoo and conditioner at a budget-friendly price.
Van Clarke Cashmere Protein UV Protective Shampoo and Conditioner, 250mls £21.50
Van Clarke Hair is a brand I frequently rave about on this blog, and for good reason—I haven’t come across a product from them that I don’t love. This brand introduced me to silicone-free haircare, and now I can’t imagine my routine without their shampoo and conditioner duo! Although they are a bit pricier than other options on this list, nothing else detangles and leaves my hair as soft and shiny. Currently, I alternate between these products and the Arkive shampoo and conditioner mentioned earlier. If your budget allows and you have colour-treated or damaged hair, these are my top recommendations.
Why I Love It!
- Detangles and hydrates: These products are infused with cashmere proteins to strengthen and repair hair, leaving it silky smooth and resilient.
- UV Protection for Long-lasting Colour: Shields your hair from harmful UV rays, preventing colour fade and damage.
- Gentle Cleansing: My hair feels so clean when using this shampoo. It removes impurities without stripping natural oils.
- Deep Conditioning: This conditioner deeply nourishes and hydrates, enhancing your hair’s texture and manageability. I used to struggle with combing through my wavy, easily tangled hair after washing, but this conditioner has made a world of difference. As a busy mum, the time-saving benefits alone make it worth every penny!
- Enhanced Strength and Resilience: Since incorporating these products into my routine, I’ve noticed significantly less breakage. They were a lifesaver during the post-partum hair loss phase.
- Suitable for all hair types.
- Available in 1 litre bottles which last forever!!
Best Silicone-Free Products for Wavy Hair
Merwave Feed Treatment 250mls, £16
Merwave is a fantastic British brand for wavy hair. I fell in love with their products when I first started embracing my natural waves. The Feed Treatment product has been a real stand-out for me. It’s a leave-in treatment that gives your hair all the vital nutrients and protein it needs to stay strong and healthy.
Why I Love It!
- Deep Hydration: Infused with a blend of natural oils and botanicals, Merwave Feed Treatment delivers intense hydration, ensuring your waves stay soft, bouncy, and full of life. It makes my waves look a lot more defined and adds shine.
- Frizz Control: Frizz is a big problem for many of us wavy-haired girls, this product significantly reduces the frizz I get when air-drying.
- Easy to Use: Suitable for all hair types, this treatment is easy to incorporate into your routine. Simply smooth into the lengths of your hair and then continue with any other styling products you need. I only use this product every 2-3 washes. Any more than that and I run the risk of protein overload. How often you need to use it will depend on your hair type.
- Heat Protection: It also protects hair from environmental damage and heat styling.
Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly 200mls, £8.95
I have tried my fair share of scrunching gels for wavy hair over the years and this is always the one I come back to. It defines your waves without the crunch, leaving them soft and bouncy.
Why I Love It!
- Wave Definition: This product allows you to form a cast without the crispiness of some other wavy hair products.
- Frizz Control: With its anti-frizz properties, this gel tames unruly hair, leaving your waves smooth and manageable.
- Lightweight Formula: The lightweight, non-sticky formula ensures your waves stay soft and natural. It is the perfect balance between long-lasting hold and soft, bouncy waves.
- Moisture Lock: Infused with nourishing ingredients, it locks in moisture, keeping your waves hydrated and healthy.
Best Silicone-Free Styling Products
JVN Hair Complete Nourishing Shine Drops 50mls, £23
As you can see from the nearly empty bottle in the photo, this product has become a staple in my haircare routine. It’s a versatile oil that not only protects against damage but also reduces frizz and adds shine. All JVN Hair products are formulated with high-quality ingredients, making them feel more like skincare for your hair.
Why I Love It!
- Intense Nourishment and Shine: The ends of my hair tend to get dry a couple of days after washing but the blend of nutrient-rich oils in this product brings them back to life by adding shine and hydration
- Frizz Control: Effectively tames frizz and flyaways, leaving hair smooth and polished.
- Lightweight Formula: I’m usually not a big fan of the feeling of oil-based products on my hair. However, this lightweight, non-greasy formula which feels more like a serum, absorbs quickly, ensuring hair feels soft and silky without any heavy residue.
- Improves Hair Health: I love knowing that this styling product is also improving the health of my hair. Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, these shine drops strengthen and protect your hair, promoting overall hair health. The addition of hemisqualane, which is a sustainable silicone alternative, is also reported to reduce frizz over time.
Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer 200mls, £24
On the days I actually find time to blow dry my hair or use my Dyson Airwrap, this Color Wow product is the first thing I reach for. It transforms flat hair into a voluminous masterpiece. It is by far the best product I have found for achieving that salon-quality bouncy blowdry look.
Why I Love it!
- Instant Volume: Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer delivers instant, long-lasting volume, making your hair look fuller and thicker.
- Lightweight Formula: The non-sticky, weightless formula keeps your hair soft and touchable without leaving any heavy residue. After using this product, my hair feels significantly softer and free of the crunchiness that other mousses often leave behind.
- Frizz Control: Tames frizz and flyaways, ensuring your voluminous hairstyle stays smooth and polished.
- Improves Hair Health: It is formulated without alcohol, salt or drying resins (often found in volumising products) so won’t dry out your hair.
- Available in 200ml or 50ml bottles.
These products are all silicone-free and packed with natural ingredients to nourish your hair. Give them a go and see the difference for yourself! Remember, everyone’s hair is unique. What works for me might not work for you, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect match.
Let me know in the comments if you have tried any of these products or have any other silicone-free recommendations!
