Hydrophobic Silicones
Watch out for hydrophobic silicones, like dimethicone and dimethiconol, in your hair care products as they can result in silicone buildup, which can mean trouble for your hair.
Eric Spengler, Chief Commercialization Officer & SVP of Research & Development at Living Proof, told Coveteur, explains how hydrophobic silicones can result in buildup.
He explains, "By nature, many silicones are very hydrophobic, meaning they do not wash out easily, leaving hair feeling heavy and greasy at the end of the day. We’ve found when hair feels greasy, consumers will wash and style their hair more than is necessary. That leads to extra damage, meaning these materials are not helping to improve the condition of your hair over time. We call this the cycle of damage."
If this buildup occurs on the scalp, you might be facing some serious hair problems soon.
According to Healthline, "Scalp buildup can cause hair loss if left untreated and the dead skin, oil, and sweat clog your hair follicles. This can lead to an uncomfortable condition called folliculitis."
In severe cases, folliculitis can lead to inflammation, infection, and even hair loss.
With that in mind, avoiding hydrophobic silicones in your haircare products can be one effective way of keeping your hair looking and feeling its best.
Plus, adding a clarifying shampoo to your hair routine can help keep any residue buildup at bay.
Another important tip: skip your scalp when conditioning your hair.
Healthline explains, "Your scalp doesn’t need more moisturizer. Adding conditioner to your scalp will only cause more buildup. Instead, focus on putting conditioner on your ends, which need the most moisture."