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Simply put, OGX Shampoo contains silicone in its ingredients and does not claim to be silicone-free. But wait till you see the benefits of silicon-based hair products before you dismiss them.
There is a lot of controversy amongst the beauty and natural hair fanatics about silicone being used in skin and hair products. Silicone has been used in hair products for decades but with organic products being in vogue, people are starting to wonder why silicone (a chemical-based ingredient ) is being used in hair products and whether it is safe for human health.
Without further thought, after realizing it is an artificial and chemical-based ingredient, several persons have discontinued usage of hair products that contain any trace of silicone.
What’s so bad about silicone anyway? Are they toxic chemicals we should stay away from? Should we avoid hair products that contain them? Is OGX Biotin & Collagen a silicone-free shampoo? Let’s find out.
Is OGX Biotin Shampoo Silicon-Free?
OGX Biotin & Collagen Shampoo is many things but being a silicone-free shampoo is not one of those things. Dimethicone which is the silicone present in OGX biotin & collagen shampoo is also known as silicone oil. When it is applied to the hair it gives it a radiant shine as well as conditions the hair.
It also leaves the hair feeling softer and smoother than usual.
Silicones are a compound class that is derived from natural sources such as sand and crystal quartz. They are gotten from a natural element or mineral oil known as silica which is subjected to a couple of processes that result in the chemical reactions that finally make it the silicone that is suitable to be used in hair products.
Silicon Benefits In Hair Care Products
Silicones might be derived from natural sources but the form of silicon that makes contact with your hair has been artificially altered with some chemicals.
Now what you might be wondering is whether silicone is safe for use on the hair after being aware of chemicals being included, however just like everything, it has its benefits and downsides but most importantly it is safe for use, below are the benefits of silicone in the haircare products;
1. Silicones reduce the porosity of your hair
Hair porosity simply refers to the ability of your hair to soak up and retain moisture and oils. Your hair porosity level is responsible for how well your hair allows oils and moisture to enter and leave the hair cuticles.
If you have high porosity which is where your hair has plenty of gaps and holes located in the cuticles that allow oils and moisture to gain easy access into and out of your hair but find it hard to retain the oils and moisture, hair products with silicone are an amazing way to reduce your hair porosity to a normal level which is easier to maintain and retains oil and moisture better.
2. Silicones reduce the amount of loss of moisture in your hair
Moisturizing refers to the process where water or any form of hydration is locked into the hair shaft. The hair moisture derived from the process of moisturizing focuses on nourishing and sustaining the surface of your hair strands.
The more moisture present in your hair, the better and the farther you are from getting dry and frizzy hair.
Hair moisture also binds with the protein in your hair to lock it into your hair strands. Lack of hair moisture leads to split ends, dull hair, easily tangled hair, brittle hair, dry hair, and weak hair. Silicone in hair products protect your hair from losing its moisture and oils, making for healthier and stronger hair in the long run.
3. Silicones lubricate the surface of your hair to make it smoother
Nobody wants tangled hair strands that make combing harder and leaving your hair out uncomfortable. Silicone in hair products is known for making the hair smoother and straighter when applied.
Smoother hair allows your hair to appear healthier and makes it much easier to comb through your hair. Smooth hair also makes it harder for the hair to tangle and this allows you to wear your hair out without experiencing any discomfort.
This is why shampoos with silicone leave your hair feeling smoother and you can comb it better right after rinsing the shampoo out.
4. Silicones keep the hair safe from dirt and extreme elements by waterproofing it
Silicone in hair products is efficient in protecting your hair from extreme weather conditions especially heat, as well as waterproofing it to keep it safe from gathering dirt and other environmental pollutants.
Silicone also protects your hair from the heat it is exposed to when you make use of heat-styling hair products such as curling irons, blow dryers, hot irons, hair straighteners, and hair crimpers.
The coating provided for your hair by silicone makes sure your hair stays hydrated on the inside and protects the hair shaft from frizz.
5. Silicones are not toxic chemicals and pose no harm to your physical health
Silicones are approved for use by the U.S FDA (Food and Drug Administration) because it has been tested by experts to be chemically stable.
Silicone is not toxic to your physical health or to the environment. It is completely safe to apply silicone to your hair and any damage caused by using silicone in your hair can easily be gotten rid of by reducing usage of that particular product or using a clarifying shampoo.
Summary
Silicone-free shampoos are no doubt a great choice for your hair, but you should understand that silicone-based shampoos are equally a healthy, safe, and worthy option for your hair.
Silicone-based shampoos such as the OGX Biotin & Collagen Shampoo are laced with a safe amount of silicone that allows the benefits of the shampoo to be more prominent than any side effect of silicone.
Silicon-based shampoos should however be used in moderate amounts and should not be used every day to avoid any hair damage. If you are convinced that you have more fragile hair than others, you can switch between a silicone-based shampoo and a silicone-free shampoo from time to time.
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