The Concern Over Silicones

According to treasuredtressesblog.wordpress.com and curlynikki.com, there are several categories for silicones approved for use in hair care products.

1. Dimethicones 

2. Low molecular weight cyclic silicones (cyclomethicones) 

3. Dimethiconols 4. Dimethicone copolyols 

5. Phenyl trimethicones 

6. Amine-functional silicones 

Silicones that are not soluble in water and build up on the hair are:  

Cetearyl methicone

Cetyl Dimethicone

Cyclomethicone

Cyclopentasiloxane

 Dimethicone

Dimethiconol

Stearyl Dimethicone, 

Amodimethicone 

 Trideceth-12 (and) Cetrimonium Chloride, 

and Trimethylsilylamodimethicone. 

*** Trideceth-12 and Cetrimonium Chloride are only considered a silicone when both are combined with Amodimethicone.

Silicones that are slightly soluble in water and will build up on most types of curly hair: 

Amodimethicone, 

Behenoxy Dimethicone

Stearoxy Dimethicone.

Silicones that are soluble in water and safe to use (they are not listed with PEG in front of them): 

Dimethicone Copolyol

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein 

Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane

Lauryl methicone copolyol

 Curlynikki also adds out that a study revealed that silicone molecules are almost 100% removed from the surface of the hair when a shampoo containing sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl ether sulfate, or cocamidopropyl betaine was used. However, if one plans to use the method of conditioner-washing one’s hair, these water insoluble and organic insoluble materials seem to be something that should possibly be avoided, with the exception of the dimethicone copolyols or PEG-modified variety. Purchasing a quality clarifying or chelating shampoo will remove the product build-up. Some women still swear by mixing baking soda into their normal shampoo to convert it to a clarifying shampoo. Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow-up with a apple cider vinegar rinse to regulate the pH balance of your hair. 

Sources

http://treasuredtressesblog.wordpress.com/2011/06/03/brief-post-on-silicones-in-your-conditioner/

http://www.curlynikki.com/search?q=silicones