Image source: E-how
It used for making the skin and hair feel soft and smooth, and also for looking healthier and younger; the skin is left feeling velvety, wrinkles are reduced and the hair feels silkier and more manageable. It this way, silicones temporarily improve the texture of the skin and hair.
Silicone has low toxicity, thermal stability (heat-resistant) and a viscous consistency, much like honey. You can spot it in an ingredients list most commonly labelled as dimethicone, or else you will see cyclomethicone, phenyltrimethicone or amodimethicone .
Just about every haircare range has their own version of silicone serum which contains this ingredient. A well-known example would be Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny Serum.
Image source: http://www.hairstylepro.com.au/
Silicone serums are used before blow-drying as they provide heat protection and help to smooth the hair for easier styling. Once the hair is dried the serum can also be used on dry hair for extra gloss and to smooth fly-aways.
Silicone also provides UV protection and colour protection and does not disturb the skin's natural functioning (transpiration). So, with all these benefits highlighted, it's no wonder that hairdressers around the world rely on silicone serum to create remarkable results.
Image source: Health Heap
Environmental Effects?
One source says that silicone comes from a polymer, or a long-chain molecule, such as [Si(CH3)2O]n which is not easily degradable or removable. However another source says it degrades to silica (powder) and/or silicone dioxide (silica fumes) and trace amounts of water and a gas such as CO2. This may seemingly only occur when it is burnt though.
Silica SiO2 is made of short molecules and becomes powdery (Remember that stuff in pill bottles that eliminates excess moisture in the bottle? It's called silica). It becomes part of the environment, whereas silicones are apparently not environmentally friendly and are resistant to degradation.
Silicones (particularly dimethicone), have been shown to be safe by the Cosmetics Review Board. The US Food and Drug Administration has also approved dimethicone as safe for use in skin-care and personal-care products.
But it is not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) or Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Read more here: Is Dimethicone Safe for Humans?
Image source: AOL Shopping
Using silicone serum at home
So it seems we can happily use silicone for making our hair shiny and manageable without too much concern. The only consideration you will need to bear in mind is not to use an excessive amount. With silicone a little goes a long way, especially on hair that is in good condition already.Hair that is dry, damaged, colour-treated or incredibly curly may soak up more serum than others but it is still best to apply a small amount at a time.
Also try different application techniques. Sometimes it is better to apply silicone when the hair is still damp so that it glides on easily with only a small amount. If the hair is naturally very dry then applying on dry hair will allow you to see how much is needed as you can apply more and test the texture of the hair as you go.
Last Touch
You know I spoke of the US Food and Drug Administration earlier? Well apparently silicone can be found in many processed foods and fast food items such as McDonald's Chicken McNuggets. lol. That just seems so wrong, doesn't it? :PIf you enjoyed this post you may also be interested in: Treat Your Tresses
Silicons in food!!!!!!!! EEEEEEWWWWW!!!!
ReplyDelete