Here's Why You Need A Silicone-Free Shampoo

With a push for more natural beauty-products and sulfate-free this and paraben-free that, you may be wondering about some of the other common ingredients found in your skin or hair-care products. Like silicones. Sure, they may work in makeup primers, but should they be in your hair care? Or should you use silicone-free shampoo? To find out what exactly silicones do for your hair and whether you should use shampoos and conditioners that have them, I emailed with Matrix SoColor Celebrity Stylist, Nick Stenson.

According to Stenson, the reason silicones are often found in haircare products is because they provide a conditioning agent to help boost smoothness and shine. "Depending on the materials used, silicones can seal the cuticle, make our hair less porous, and eliminate the things we all want to get rid of like frizz, tangles, and the between-trim split end," he adds. However, because there are so many different types and levels of silicones that can be in hair products, depending on what you use, your hair may suffer. Stenson explains that certain types of silicones are not always the best for hair, and an over-abundance can weigh hair down and build up over time. Because relying on a clarifying shampoo to remove build-up is not always the healthiest solution for your strands, if you can't find a line of products you trust that consistently work well for your hair, silicone-free options like these 10 may be the way to go.

1. Nourishing

Matrix Biolage R.A.W. Nourish Shampoo and Conditioner, $25, Matrix

Dull and dry hair will become healthy and soft with this silicone-free formula that is also free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial colorants.

2. Renewing

SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System Shampoo, $11, Target

Rich in antioxidants, this shampoo restores vibrancy, health, and hydration without the build-up associated with silicones.

3. Color-Enhancing

Klorane Anti-Fade Shampoo with Pomegranate, $20, Klorane

Protect and prevent fading in color-treated hair with this gentle, silicone-free formula.

4. Volumizing

Living Proof Full Shampoo, $25, Living Proof

Fine and flat hair will feel lifted and full with this silicone-free shampoo that aims to keep strands cleaner, longer.

5. Texturizing

TRESemme Perfectly Undone Shampoo, $5, Target

Infused with sea-kelp extract instead of silicones, this formula will give your tresses hydration and body so you can easily style that undone, wavy look.

6. Regenerating

Regenerating Shampoo with Prickly Pear Oil, $40, Christophe Robin

This silicone-free formula nourishes strands from roots to tips for smooth and shiny-looking locks.

7. Exfoliating

Phyto Phytheol Dry Hair Moisturizing Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo, $26, Sephora

Treat a flaky scalp while adding bounce back to hair with this shampoo that is made without sulfates or silicones.

8. Repairing

Briogeo Rosarco Repair Shampoo, $24, Briogeo

Damaged locks will be no more with this silicone-free, repairing shampoo that also protects against future breakage.

9. Balancing

Everyone Balance Shampoo, $9, Target

Soothe an itchy scalp while strengthening locks with this tea-tree infused shampoo that is made sans silicones.

10. Hydrating

Reverie Nude Shampoo, $38, Sephora

For a gentle cleanse without silicones, look no further than this minimalist shampoo that is full of healthy and organic ingredients.

Because you can have smooth and shiny hair without the build-up.

Images: AleksandarGeorgiev/E+/Getty Images; Courtesy of Brands