13 Best Hairstylist-Approved Silicone-Free Hair Products Of 2024
Form a protective layer on your hair to prevent the tresses from excessive dryness.
Alicia Igess is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has experienced tremendous success in building an exclusive “referral-only” clientele consisting of many of the who’s who of Atlanta.
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Silicone is a common ingredient that is present in most shampoos and conditioners. But did you know that hair products infused with silicone can lead to dull, damaged, and lifeless hair? So, we have listed some of the best silicone-free hair products in this article for you. Silicone may be good to temporarily make your hair soft look good, but in the long run, it might damage your tresses. It is because it forms a protective coat around your hair strand, preventing water from penetrating your hair, thus leading to excessive dryness and damage over time. But, fret not. We have got you covered! In this post, we have listed some of the best silicone-free products worth investing in. Keep scrolling to check them all out!
In This Article
What Are Silicone-Free Hair Products?
Silicones are used in hair care products to cover strands, repel moisture, and smooth down the cuticle. Even though this ingredient sounds appealing, it may damage hair in the long run by preventing moisture absorption. Usually, dry ends repair products, flyaway control products, hair detanglers, hair repair treatments, hair perfumes, and hair thickening products contain silicone. Regular use of silicone-laden formulas can cause hair to be greasy, frizzy, and weighed-down due to build-up. This leads to more shampooing, which in turn, causes more damage. When you opt for silicone-free products, the hair shaft opens to allow moisture in. This leads to less drying and your hair’s natural oils penetrate better. Your hair’s oil production is balanced and you needn’t shampoo your hair as frequently. Silicone can also be irritating for some skin types, so when you ditch it, you can reduce a flaky and itchy scalp as well. Most dandruff control hair products, hair growth products, and hair clarifiers fall under the category of silicone-free hair products.
13 Best Silicone-Free Hair Products To Detangle & Soften Your Hair
1. Best Anti-Frizz:Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Ultra-Hold Gel
This silicone-free hair gel by Maui Moisture is all your curls need to fight frizz and remain hydrated and crunch-free. Holding the coil in place, the rich silicone-free gel dials up on definition and shine, keeping your curls bouncy. The vegan formula can also work as a hair loss treatment as it incorporates aloe vera as a key ingredient for moisturization and a blend of coconut oil with papaya and plumeria extracts for a flake-free natural hold. Even thick curly hair can benefit from this gel that you can either rake through your strands or use with a diffuser. To know more about this product, check out this video that details a reviewer’s experience with it.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Free of synthetic dyes
- Mineral oil-free
- Doesn’t contain sulfate surfactants
- Eliminates frizz and adds volume
Cons
- Might weight down low porosity hair
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 1,857 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
2. Best Moisturizing:Cantu Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel
One of the most moisturizing hair products without silicone, Cantu’s formula also de-frizzes hair and renders it more manageable. It uses nourishing ingredients, mainly pure shea butter, and no harsh ingredients to keep your locks and twists shiny. The silicone-free moisturizer offers a hold that is silky smooth sans any crunch and can level up your braids and twists. A blend of hair-loving oils like soybean, avocado, sweet almond, carrot seed, argan, macadamia, olive, and jojoba are also present for nourishment. Learn more about the formula in this video detailing a tester’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Contains moisturizing oils
- Eliminates frizz
- Increases manageability
Cons
- Some may find the scent too strong
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 16,765 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
3. Best For Chemically-Treated Hair:Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
Living Proof offers one of the best sulfate and silicone-free hair products in the form of dry shampoo that absorbs odor, oil, and sweat with a Triple-Action Cleaning Technology. The Perfect Hair Day vegan formula is not tested on animals, which makes it an ideal cruelty-free option. It lends a clean smell and look to your hair with fast-absorbing powders. With the help of the patented Healthy Hair Molecule, dirt and humidity is repelled away from hair to keep it fresh and polished. A time-released fragrance and odor neutralizers give your mane a nice scent, making it one of the most effective silicone and sulfate-free hair products. This YouTube video details nuances from a tester’s experience of using the product. It will also provide you with added insights about the formula. Moreover, multiple reviewers on Amazon have raved about the product’s rejuvenating formula.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for both chemically-treated and color-treated hair
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance to be overwhelming
StyleCraze TriviaWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 6,812 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Ultra-Hold Gel Best Anti-Frizz | Cantu Moisturizing Twist & Lock Gel Best Moisturizing | Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo Best For Chemically-Treated Hair | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Thick, Curly | Wavy, Frizzy, Curly | Oily |
| Dimensions | 3.69 x 3.69 x 2.68 inches | 4 x 5 x 6 inches | 3.54 x 3.15 x 8.66 inches |
| Weight | 0.03 Ounces. | 13 Ounces | 1.1 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,857 | 16,765 | 6,812 |
| Price | $7.09 | $5.38 | $41.0 |
4. Best For Hair Growth:HAIRFINITY Nourishing Botanical Oil
HAIRFINITY’s silicone-free hair oil combines 100% naturally-derived ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen with essential oils. Coconut, grapeseed, jojoba, sweet almond, lavender, cinnamon, rosemary, thyme, peppermint, and moringa oils condition hair. Trapping moisture to prevent dryness, these elements also work to increase the elasticity and strength of your locks. Not only does the formula fight off frizz, you will also notice a reduction in breaking with this organic hair oil without silicones. This professional-grade product has garnered multiple positive reviews due to its nourishing formula. All hair types including weakened and over-processed ones can use HAIRFINITY’s oil and notice better hair health.
Pros
- Petroleum-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral-oil free
- Boosts hair growth
Cons
- The scent might be overpowering if you’re sensitive to fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 6,924 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
5. Best For Hair Styling:Maui Moisture Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse
Maui Moisture’s silicone-free mousse has a lightweight texture that volumizes, moisturizes, and de-frizzes your hair to keep your curls intact. Creamy coconut milk combined with mango butter and guava oil gives dry hair a generous dose of shine and a healthy glow with no build-up. One of the best silicone-free styling products, this mousse kicks the crunch in your curls to the curb. Multiple reviews on Amazon have stated that this product adds definition and bounce to the hair for a head-turning look.
Pros
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Color-safe
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Doesn’t contain synthetic dyes or mineral oils
Cons
- Might be greasy on finer hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 594 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
6. Best For Frizz-Prone Hair:The Honest Company Conditioning Hair Detangler Spray
For tangled-up curls, The Honest Company’s detangler combines quinoa extract, jojoba and sweet almond oils, and jojoba protein. A single spritz leaves knotted hair feeling super smooth and moisturized so you can bid farewell to dry hair woes! Hair products without silicones like this detangler spray can fight frizz-prone hair for a softer mane. Naturally derived nourishing ingredients like shea butter and argan oil are also present to separate strands in this spray formula that can also be handy on-the-go.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Doesn’t contain synthetic fragrances
- Free of formaldehyde donors
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Some might find it to weigh hair down
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 39,248 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
7. Best For Long Last Moisture:Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo For Dry Hair
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Nexxus, a scientifically proven brand, offers the best silicone-free shampoo that locks in moisture to keep your strands feeling smooth come what may. It features an elastin protein complex and green caviar that replenishes your hair fiber and keeps it moisturized for 24 hours. Lifeless hair sees a boost of nutrients restored while the surface is fortified to keep the natural barrier protected with this deep conditioner without silicones. You will also notice a long-lasting shine that gives off a luxurious look to your mane. Nexxus is one of the most trusted silicone-free shampoo brands that you can trust your hair with.
Pros
- Suitable for all types of hair
- Offers 24-hour moisture
- Retains hair’s natural movement
- Restores flexibility in dry hair types
- Smooths and softens hair
- Adds a glossy finish
Cons
- Might make hair feel heavy
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 6,387 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
8. Best For Dry Hair:Pureology Hydrate Superfood Deep Treatment Mask
Pureology’s silicone-free hair mask quenches thirst in dry hair and restores softness. It acts almost like a vitamin shot especially for hair that not only moisturizes it but also adds shine. Packed with essential nutrients, all hair types are color-protected with the Anti-Fade Complex. Sunflower seed contains UV filters and joins hands with vitamin E to keep your hair safe from the sun and other pollutants. Coconut oil contains amino acids and electrolytes, which combine with avocado oil in this nourishing recipe. The scent of pineapple, coconut, and vanilla leaves your hair smelling delicious, almost like a piña colada! It has not undergone any animal testing, which makes it an ideal option for ethically conscious consumers.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Free of mineral oils
- Repairing effect on dry hair
- Suitable for colored hair
Cons
- Might leave hair greasy
9. Best Heat-Protectant:SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Styling Lotion
To protect your hair and follicles, this oil-based lotion restores both moisture and shine. A blend of nourishing ingredients like peppermint, Jamaican castor oil and shea butter makes this an intensely moisturizing formula. SheaMoisture’s conditioner without silicones hydrates hair and strengthens it from within, so it grows out fuller and stronger. Curly hair types and those that regularly heat-style hair could also use this as a silicone-free heat protectant. The styling lotion increases your strands’ resistance to breakage and keeps them healthy.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Free of mineral oil
- Petrolatum-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might leave a coating on of residue
"I love using this lotion regularly. It makes my curls moisturized without the greasiness. It works wonders on tangles and dryness. Use just a small amount to avoid that dreaded sticky feeling."
10. Best For Humidity-Resistant:Matrix Total Results High Amplify Flexible Hold Hairspray
Matrix’s silicone-free hairspray offers a strong hold and continuous lift while adding gloss and volume to your tresses. The ultra-fine mist keeps hair free of static and frizz, humidity-resistant, and makes it manageable. Your roots are lifted to give a full-bodied look and the protein adds a high amount of volume. Spritz Matrix’s silicone-free shine hair spray to hold your favorite styles in place while rejuvenating limp and fine hair.
Pros
- Fast-frying
- Lifts hair from roots
- Reduces static
- Eliminates frizz
- Keeps hair humidity-resistant
- Adds volume
Cons
- Might have a sticky consistency
"This hairspray adds volume and fullness to my hair without feeling heavy or sticky. Its scent is mild but very pleasant. The hold is excellent. It even washes out easily without much effort."
11. Best For Damaged Hair:HAIRFINITY Rice Water Hair Mist
HAIRFINITY’s Rice Water Hair Mist fights against dry and dehydrated hair, restoring its elasticity. The gentle formula offers restorative care and reverses dull and lifeless hair with the help of rice extracts that promote healthy hair growth. You will also notice lesser hair fall with anti-inflammatory elements that contain protein and detoxify strands. Combatting a flaky and dry scalp, the silicone-free hair mist cares for damaged and over-processed hair.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for all hair types
- Ideal for weak and damaged hair
- Promotes hair growth
- Minimizes hair loss
- Treats dry and flaky scalp
Cons
- Some might find the scent to be too strong
12. Best For Hair Shine:SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Finishing Oil Serum
SheaMoisture’s silicone-free serum offers deep hydration yet absorbs fast owing to its potent oils and light milk consistency. When used as a finisher, it will lock in moisture, protect strands, and tame flyaways with an added gloss. With a delicate fragrance, your hair is left feeling and looking silky smooth. The coconut oil and milk blend conditions, acacia Senegal seals moisture, and raw shea butter strengthens hair with vitamins and fatty acids. To deeply nourish the tresses, castor, grape, rosehip, avocado, sweet almond, rosemary, and sunflower oils work well.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Adds glossy shine
- Locks in moisture
- Contains nourishing oils
- Quick-absorbing
Cons
- Might have a greasy consistency
13. Best Lightweight:Marc Anthony Bye.Bye.Frizz Protecting Leave-In Conditioner
Marc Anthony’s silicone-free leave-in conditioner banishes frizz and the dual keratin formula penetrates hair cuticles to moisturize and detangle hair. As it also protects your hair from humidity and reduces both breakage and split ends, we think it to be the best silicone-free conditioner. Keeping hair strong, it is also safeguarded against heat styling, so you can try out a variety of updos worry-free. Abyssinian oil helps lend your hair a smooth feel while the scent of coconut oil is pleasing to the senses. If you’ve been on the lookout for conditioners without silicone, don’t hesitate to try this out!
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Lightweight consistency
- Adds natural shine and moisture
- Detangles hair
Cons
- Might have a sticky consistency
Now that we’ve looked at some of the best silicone-free hair products on the market, let’s learn how you can choose the right ones for your hair!
How To Choose The Right Silicone-Free Hair Products
- Hair concerns
Depending on your hair struggles, you can choose a silicone-free formula to combat them accordingly.
There are an array of silicone-free curly hair products out there that enhance and define curls better. They also add moisture to prevent curly hair types from drying out and keep them free of crunch and frizz. Silicone-free styling products for curly hair can include mists, hairsprays, and detanglers that keep the bounce alive and your locks healthy.
A no-silicone conditioner can be added to your hair wash routine as it helps follow-up products absorb better. It can also prevent split ends and add shine to frizzy and dull hair, while taming it. Properly tested hair serums without silicone can be used for extra-dry tresses that need a boost of moisture. Ideally applied on washed hair, they can condition it to keep it soft and smooth. Silicone-free treatments and hair masks are an effective way to care for weak and damaged hair owing to the conditioning formula. They are used around 1-2 times a week and can transform dull strands into healthy ones by providing deep nourishment. Formulas with keratin proteins are great for the overall health and well-being of your strands as they can aid hair growth, strengthen it, and reduce hair loss.
- Safety
While silicone is a harsh ingredient you ought to keep away from, hair products also contain other chemicals that can damage hair and lead to an irritated scalp. Look for formulas that are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oils, dyes, synthetic fragrances, and petroleum. These elements can lead to health problems in the long run while also stripping hair of its vital oils and nutrients and causing an allergic reaction. Keep in mind to check the expiry dates of the products you purchase as those past the date can have negative effects.
- Hair type
Always opt for formulas that are targeted towards your hair textures and types and those that contain natural ingredients. A product with a heavy consistency might weigh fine hair down and vice versa. Lightweight serums and mists might barely have an effect on thicker hair types. Greasy consistencies might make oily hair types even more oily. Color-treated and chemically-treated hair types require formulas that won’t fade off their color. A sensitive scalp must not be treated with irritating formulas. So, look for hair products that are formulated for your hair type and can enhance it.
If you’re wondering what’s so good about silicone-free hair products, let’s look at some of their advantages below.
Benefits Of Silicone-Free Hair Products
- SIlicone-free shampoos don’t cause build-up on hair, which allows hair products to penetrate better and take effect.
- When you keep away from silicone, your own scalp’s natural oils penetrate better for healthier hair. This also stops hair from drying out too much.
- Your hair’s oil production is balanced and you will need to shampoo less frequently. In the long run, silicone-free shampoos can prove to be cost-effective.
- Silicone can cause rashes, burning, irritation, and itching to both the scalp and hair follicles. Switching to silicone-free formulas can keep both your scalp and hair healthy and irritation-free.
Infographic: 8 Tips For Transitioning To Silicone-Free Hair Care
Products with silicones may make your hair feel smooth and frizz-free, but they also damage it in the long run. Hence, you can use silicone-free products to restore your hair’s health. However, if you have used silicone-based products for a long time, it may take some time for you to get used to and notice the benefits of silicone-free hair care products. Check out the infographic below for some tips to make the transition smoother.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Whether it’s a hair texturizer, gel, shampoo, spray, or conditioner, your hair products contain silicone to smoothen the hair cuticle and cover your hair strands. But regular usage of such hair products might damage the hair strands and make them appear dull. This is because silicone prevents moisture from penetrating your strands of hair, which may cause frizz and greasy hair. Using the best silicone-free hair products, open the hair shaft and allow in moisture, preventing hair dryness and frizziness. You can try the Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Ultra-Hold Gel for its ability to provide a strong hold on curly hair without leaving it stiff or crunchy. However, if you are looking for a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh the hair between washes, the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo is a great pick. Lastly, the Pureology Hydrate Superfood Deep Treatment Mask is most ideal for dry and damaged hair as it promotes healthier and more manageable locks. Always consider investing in hair volumizers, heat protectant sprays, and other scalp care products in your hair care routine that are not only silicone-free but are also free from paraben, phthalate, and sulfate, as they harm your hair. You can also go for clinically tested probiotic hair products and keratin-infused hair products that can help repair hair damaged by the overuse of silicone. Finally, stay away from silicone-infused shine-boosting hair products and smoothing hair products that weigh down your hair and make it limp. Opting for natural hair care products can also help improve your hair health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are silicone-free products better for hair?
Using silicone-free, pH-balanced hair products will allow hair care products to seep into the fibers better. They can also help release a normal amount of natural oils which can in turn reduce the amount of times you might need to shampoo hair.
Why use silicone-free hair products?
Silicone-free hair products allow strands to absorb and lock in moisture better. This prevents dryness and reduces your frequency of shampooing.
Can a silicone-free shampoo cause hair loss?
No, as silicone-free shampoos don’t weigh hair down like silicone-based ones do. They wash out without residue and can actually prevent hair loss. Try choosing silicone-free UV protection hair products as they also help prevent sun-induced hair loss.
Do sulfate-free shampoos remove silicone?
No. Sulfate-free shampoos have milder cleansing agents that are less effective in removing silicones than shampoos with sulfates. However, certain sulfate-free shampoos may partially remove water-soluble silicones.
Is silicone-free and sulfate-free the same?
No. Silicone-free products prevent product buildup, and sulfate-free products are anti-frizz hair products that retain the natural texture and shine of your hair and maintain the hair color.
How long does it take hair to get used to silicone-free hair products?
The hair takes five to eight washes to cleanse the layer of silicones and adjust to silicone-free hair products.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Krati Darak has a keen interest in hair care and advocates using silicone-free hair products to maintain overall hair health. Silicone may leave residue on the hair, which may make your tresses limp and flat. Sneha has conducted thorough research and gone through thousands of online reviews to pick the best silicone-free hair products that will keep your tresses soft, healthy, and shiny, without any build-up.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
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