Wondering is silicone bad for your hair, and thinking about investing in a good silicone free shampoo? We’ve got you covered.
Check out our favorite silicone free shampoos below, and find out which silicone free shampoo is best for your hair type.
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Is Silicone Bad for Your Hair?
First of all, let’s answer the question…
Is silicone bad for your hair?
Luckily, silicone isn’t a toxic chemical.
So if you’ve been using hair products with silicone, that’s one thing you don’t need to worry about.
However, silicone can affect the appearance and overall feel of your hair.
One of the biggest issues with silicone in hair products though is that it can promote product buildup.
While silicone does help to keep hair hydrated from within, the protective layer it creates can also prevent other important ingredients from reaching the hair follicle.
With so many hair products containing silicone, this ingredient can also trigger a cycle where you’re constantly washing your hair, but it only continues to get weighed down and greasy from the continuous product buildup.
Related: How to Do a Messy Bun With Thin Hair
Should All Hair Types Use Silicone Free Shampoo?
Though silicone can get a bad rap, there are of course benefits to this ingredient as well.
One of the main reasons most hair products contain silicone is that it helps hair to lock in moisture.
The coating it leaves on hair can also help decrease frizz and even assist in repairing dry or damaged locks.
If you hair is overly dry, frizzy, or damaged, you may gravitate towards some hair products that contain silicone (though there are plenty of silicone free shampoo brands for all hair types listed below!).
People with thin hair and oilier scalps may especially want to opt for silicone-free products in an effort to avoid buildup.
I like silicone free shampoo and other silicone free hair products because I have pretty thin hair that can get weighed down easily by product buildup.
Even though I regularly use this clarifying shampoo (it is a godsend for thin hair, trust me), it’s important for me to pick the most lightweight hair products on the market in order to prevent my hair from getting too greasy.
If the above sounds like you, make sure to keep reading to learn more about choosing the right kind of silicone free shampoo!
Related: 25 Best Dry Shampoos for Blonde Hair
The 12 Best Silicone Free Shampoo Brands
Ditch the additives and opt for one of these silicone free shampoo brands. We've rounded up options for almost every hair type, so there's bound to be something to suit your style!
Garnier Fructis Hydrating Treat Shampoo
Garnier Fructis Hydrating Treat Shampoo is a great silicone free shampoo option at a friendly price point. Made with 98% natural ingredients, this product will leave your hair feeling light, moisturized, and most importantly non greasy. This line also extends into other formulas designed to treat frizzy, damaged, and dry hair as well, so check those out if this aloe version doesn't sound like a good fit.
Maui Moisture Shine + Awapuhi Moisturizing Vegan Shampoo
For lightweight hydration and shine, opt for Maui Moisture Shine + Awapuhi Shampoo. This vegan silicone free shampoo has aloe as its first ingredient, providing perfect lightweight moisture and cleansing. It also incorporates the tropical vibes of Hawaii, with the magic of Awapuhi — known by locals as the "shampoo plant" of Hawaii.
Nexxus Hair Color Assure Sulfate-Free Shampoo For Color Treated Hair
Another option for color treated hair, Nexxus Hair Color Assure Shampoo helps extend color vibrancy for up to 40 washes. Formulated with Elastin Protein and Quinoa, you won't want to miss out on this previously salon-exclusive formula if you have colored hair.
Love Beauty And Planet Hope and Repair Shampoo
Damaged locks killing your vibe? Check out Love Beauty and Planet's silicone free Hope and Repair Shampoo. This shampoo contains coconut oil to help repair damaged hair, while also nourishing and protecting from split ends & breakage.
Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo
If you have fine color treated hair, Pureology's Hydrate Sheer Shampoo may be just the match for you. A well known salon brand, this is a good silicone free shampoo option if you're looking to level up your haircare and opt for something a bit higher end.
Herbal Essences Honey & Vitamin B Shampoo
If you have colored hair, you need to try Herbal Essence's Honey & Vitamin B Shampoo. This silicone free shampoo contains real botanicals to protect color treated hair, all at an affordable drugstore price point.
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo
This gentle silicone free shampoo is described as a "juice cleanse" for your hair that gently cleanses without stripping away natural oils. With a delicious tropical scent, this vegan and cruelty free formula is a total win for almost all hair types.
Pantene Hair Volume Multiplier Silicone Free Bamboo Shampoo
Hair in need of a little pick me up? Try Pantene's Hair Volume Multiplier with Bamboo. This silicone free formula is designed to increase volume, leaving dry and damaged hair silky smooth.
L'Oreal Paris EverSleek Sulfate Free Keratin Caring Shampoo
Another ideal option for color treated hair, L'Oreal's Ever Sleek Keratin Care silicone free shampoo repairs, smooths, and improve's the texture of hair, all at a price below $6.
Living proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo
Formulated for all hair types, Living proof's Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo does four things — smooths hair, polishes and protects strands, creates visibly healthier over time, and helps repel dirt and oil. This is another great salon quality silicone free shampoo that won't disappoint.
SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut Shampoo
If you have curly hair, SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo is a moisturizing silicone free option designed to decrease frizz and lock in those beautiful curls.
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Shampoo So Smooth Gardenia
For a sleek and smooth style, check out Alba Botanica's Hawaiian Shampoo. This silicone free shampoo is formulated with gardenia extract and soy to gently nourish your locks, without weighing it down.