Silicon was the answer? The breakdown healthy hair 101

Silicon derivative known as silicones. Silicones are synthetic polymers with a silicon-oxygen backbone, and they’re used in hair care for various purposes.

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1. Chemical Structure: Silicones used in hair products are typically derived from silica, a component found in sand. The silicones commonly used are silicones with organic groups attached, like dimethicone or cyclomethicone.

One of the key benefits of Cyclomethicone is its ability to act as a lightweight moisturizer and evaporating agent. This means that it can help to hydrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue, and it can also help to evaporate quickly, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and smooth.

The use of certain silicones, like cyclomethicone or cyclopentasiloxane, in cosmetic products has raised concerns in some countries. These silicones are volatile and can contribute to air pollution when released into the environment. Due to environmental and health considerations, some countries have restricted or banned the use of certain silicones in cosmetic formulations.

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2. Properties:

• Smoothness and Shine: Silicones create a smooth, shiny surface on the hair, helping with detangling and reducing frizz.

• Water Repellency: They form a protective layer on the hair, repelling water and preventing moisture from penetrating the hair shaft.

• Thermal Protection: Silicones provide some heat protection by forming a barrier against the heat from styling tools.

• Slip and Texture: They contribute to a slippery feel, making hair easier to comb and style.

• Lightweight Feel: Silicones are lightweight and don’t weigh down the hair when used in appropriate amounts.

3. Application in Hair Products: Silicones are commonly found in conditioners, serums, and styling products. They’re added for their cosmetic benefits, enhancing the appearance and manageability of the hair.

4. Potential Downsides: While silicones offer cosmetic benefits, some people with certain hair types may experience buildup over time. This can be addressed by using clarifying shampoos occasionally.

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The chemical structure of silicones is based on a repeating unit composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. The most common type of silicone used in hair care products is a linear or branched polymer with organic groups attached to the silicon atoms. Dimethicone is a representative example.

Chemical Structure of Dimethicone:

• Basic Unit: The basic unit of dimethicone consists of alternating silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) atoms in a linear arrangement.

• Organic Groups: Each silicon atom is bonded to organic groups, typically methyl groups (CH3). Dimethicone specifically has two methyl groups attached to each silicon atom.

• Polymer Chain: These basic units link together through silicon-oxygen-silicon bonds, forming a polymer chain. The length and branching of this chain can vary depending on the specific type of silicone.

• Inert Nature: The organic groups attached to silicon provide the hydrophobic (water-repelling) nature of silicones, contributing to their water-resistant and protective properties on hair.

• Dimethicone Example:

[-Si(CH3)2-O-]n

• In this representation, “n” indicates the variable number of repeating units in the polymer chain.

Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer that is frequently used as a skin protectant in skincare products. The second most common moisturizing ingredient found in moisturizers after petrolatum, dimethicone helps condition the skin—improving its softness and flexibility.

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Notes without edits!

Silicon derivative known as silicones. Silicones are synthetic polymers with a silicon-oxygen backbone, and they’re used in hair care for various purposes.

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1. Chemical Structure: Silicones used in hair products are typically derived from silica, a component found in sand. The silicones commonly used are silicones with organic groups attached, like dimethicone or cyclomethicone.

The use of certain silicones, like cyclomethicone or cyclopentasiloxane, in cosmetic products has raised concerns in some countries. These silicones are volatile and can contribute to air pollution when released into the environment. Due to environmental and health considerations, some countries have restricted or banned the use of certain silicones in cosmetic formulations.

2. Properties:

• Smoothness and Shine: Silicones create a smooth, shiny surface on the hair, helping with detangling and reducing frizz.

• Water Repellency: They form a protective layer on the hair, repelling water and preventing moisture from penetrating the hair shaft.

• Thermal Protection: Silicones provide some heat protection by forming a barrier against the heat from styling tools.

• Slip and Texture: They contribute to a slippery feel, making hair easier to comb and style.

• Lightweight Feel: Silicones are lightweight and don’t weigh down the hair when used in appropriate amounts.

3. Application in Hair Products: Silicones are commonly found in conditioners, serums, and styling products. They’re added for their cosmetic benefits, enhancing the appearance and manageability of the hair.

4. Potential Downsides: While silicones offer cosmetic benefits, some people with certain hair types may experience buildup over time. This can be addressed by using clarifying shampoos occasionally.

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The chemical structure of silicones is based on a repeating unit composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. The most common type of silicone used in hair care products is a linear or branched polymer with organic groups attached to the silicon atoms. Dimethicone is a representative example.

Chemical Structure of Dimethicone:

• Basic Unit: The basic unit of dimethicone consists of alternating silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) atoms in a linear arrangement.

• Organic Groups: Each silicon atom is bonded to organic groups, typically methyl groups (CH3). Dimethicone specifically has two methyl groups attached to each silicon atom.

• Polymer Chain: These basic units link together through silicon-oxygen-silicon bonds, forming a polymer chain. The length and branching of this chain can vary depending on the specific type of silicone.

• Inert Nature: The organic groups attached to silicon provide the hydrophobic (water-repelling) nature of silicones, contributing to their water-resistant and protective properties on hair.

• Dimethicone Example:

[-Si(CH3)2-O-]n

• In this representation, “n” indicates the variable number of repeating units in the polymer chain.

So how did team natural replace it?

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Frizz occurs when hair strands gain or lose electrons, creating an imbalance in their charge. This charge imbalance results in an electric field around the strands, causing them to repel each other. The repulsion between individual hair strands leads to the characteristic frizzy appearance, as they stand apart due to the static charge. In summary, the movement of electrons within the hair creates an electric charge that causes the strands to push away from each other, resulting in frizz.

 When your hair becomes charged with static electricity, it means some hair strands gain or lose electrons. This charge creates an electric field around the strands, causing them to repel each other. The uneven distribution of electrons leads to individual hairs standing apart, resulting in frizz.

Hair serums often contain ingredients like silicones and oils. These substances form a thin, protective coating over the hair shaft. This coating helps to neutralize the electrical charge by providing a barrier between the strands.

Additionally, the smooth surface created by the serum reduces the friction between hairs, preventing them from pushing away from each other and causing frizz. Essentially, serums work by addressing the root cause of frizz—static charge—through ingredients that promote a balanced and sleek hair surface.