BY: HALEY AND EMMA

How do Silicones in Hair Products Help Protect your Hair

from Damage?

Basic Ingredients in Hair Products:Silicone – Natural Oils – Organic Oils

Silicone

Mineral oil

Paraffin

Petrolatum

Coconut oil

Jojoba oil

Olive oil

Palm Oil

Safflower Oil

Sesame seed oil

Shea butter

Sweet almond oil

Wheat germ oil

Silicones

Silicones are one of the major ingredients from our research. Silicones are ingredients in many hair conditioners, shampoos, and hair gel products. Silicone provides excellent conditioners, that help improve the feel, and softness, and lessening the frizz of hair. There are actually different kinds of Silicones.

Types of Silicones Amodimethicone Cetrimonium Chloride Behenoxy Dimethicone

Sparingly Cetearyl methicone Cyclomethicone Dimethicone Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Stearoxy Dimethicone Lauryl methicone copolyol

Natural Oils/ Essential Oils

Natural Oils are oils that are concentrated hydrophobic liquids containing aroma compounds from plants. They are better known as Essential Oils. Such oils come from sorces like vegetables, herbs, and other plants. Some examples are Coconut oil, Olive oil, and Shea butter.

Organic Oils

Organic oils are produced in remarkable diversity by plants, animals, and other organisms. Organic oils may also contain chemicals other than lipids, including proteins, waxes and alkaloids. Some examples of organic oils are Mineral oil, Paraffin, and Petrolatum.

Types of Damage

- Heat damage: Heat causes temporary changes to the hydrogen bonds that hold hair together

- Bleaching: Bleaching your hair penetrates the cuticle with chemicals and removes your natural pigment, You are changing the structure of your hair, making it more susceptible to damage. - Chemical damage: from color, perms, relaxers - Physical damage: from over manipulation andhair tools- Poor nutrition

Damaged Hair Strand Healthy Hair Strand

Damage Comparison

How does Silicone Work?

Silicones are actually one of the most effective ingredients in both hair and skin care products. They work by covering hair with a thin hydrophobic (waterproof) coating. It functions in many ways:- It reduces the porosity of the hair, which makes it

less likely to absorb humidity. - Silicone also reduces moisture loss from the

inside of the hair. - Lubricates the surface of the hair so it feels

smoother and combs easier. So basically, silicone puts a protective layer over the hairs, that helps keep it healthy and locks in the moisture that is needed.

How do Oils Work?

Hair contains a protein called keratin. This same keratin also composes the skin and nails. While hair does not technically absorb the oil, the oil does coat the hair. Oil is unable to completely absorb into the hair. Instead, it coats the hair by latching onto cracks and holes in the hair shaft. The hair has a scaly surface which allows oil to penetrate the hair as it slides down and slips into those cracks.

Conclusion

When hair becomes damaged, It needs moisture. So when product is applied to hair, it latches on to any moisture it can find. When using natural and filling materials, hair can be restored to a strong, healthy state.

Sources

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-most-common-hair-spray-ingredients.htm

http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/ingredients-commonly-found-in-hair-care-products-uv-filterssunscreens

http://www.phyto-usa.com/categories/sun-protection/phytoplage-2.html

http://senicanaturals.com/common-types-hair-damage-prevent/

http://www.ehow.com/about_5333604_hairspray-damage-hair.html

http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/celebrities/ingredients-commonly-found-in-hair-care-products/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicone

http://www.self.com/blogs/flash/2012/02/is-silicone-good-for-your-hair.html