The other day, I was working with a client excited about getting a fresh new hair colour. As we chatted, I noticed her hair felt extra silky and soft—almost too silky! At first glance, her hair looked super healthy, but as I ran my fingers through it, I could feel a slippery, almost shiny coating. She mentioned she’d just washed it with no added products, which made me wonder if her shampoo was causing some buildup.
We were about to do a double-process colour—highlights and an all-over shade. Normally, I’d recommend using a strong clarifying shampoo first to the remove buildup, giving the colour a better chance to absorb. But since we were short on time, I decided to go with a stronger, permanent colour instead of a demi-permanent one (which is a bit gentler and gives a softer, translucent finish).
Two hours later, we got the result we were hoping for! But I’m glad we chose the permanent colour, as the final look was still a bit more translucent than expected. That pesky glossy buildup had definitely affected how the colour took.
Ingredients That Cause Buildup
Many shampoos, conditioners, and styling products contain ingredients that can leave a layer on your hair. While this buildup can make hair look silky and shiny, it is unfortunately only a cosmetic coating, and it can prevent your hair colour from fully absorbing.
One Main Culprit? Dimethicone! đź‘‘ (And its buddy, Dimethiconol!)
Dimethicone is one of the most widely used silicones in hair care. It creates a smooth coating on the hair, sealing in moisture and reducing frizz. However, because dimethicone is non-water-soluble, it doesn’t wash out easily. With regular use, it can build up, leaving a layer on the hair that feels heavy or even greasy. This buildup can also make it harder for other treatments, like hair colour, to penetrate the hair shaft.
Dimethiconol, a modified version of dimethicone, is a bit lighter in texture but can still lead to buildup over time. Both of these silicones can leave a residue that blocks hair colour from fully soaking in, affecting the vibrancy and longevity of your colour.
Benefits of Silicones 🌟
Silicones can be useful in hair care for:
- Reducing Frizz: They coat the hair cuticle, sealing in moisture and blocking humidity.
- Adding Shine: Silicones reflect light, giving hair a glossy, smooth finish.
- Detangling and Smoothing: Silicones make hair feel softer and easier to manage.
Downsides of Silicones đźš«
However, silicones also have some downsides:
- Buildup: Non-water-soluble silicones like dimethicone can accumulate on hair, leading to dullness or a heavy feel.
- Blocking Moisture: Over time, these silicones may prevent moisture and nutrients from reaching the hair shaft, which can make hair dry or brittle in the long run.
Common Hair Products in Australia That Contain Dimethicone/Dimethiconol
Here are some shampoos sold in Australia that contain these ingredients. You might recognise some of these!
- Pantene Pro-V Shampoo and Conditioner
- Tresemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo
- Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo
These shampoos are popular because they make hair feel soft and smooth. But using them continuously can cause a buildup that blocks hair colour from properly penetrating the hair shaft. Over the recent years these companies are starting to make “silcone-free” options – but, just be careful as sometimes the replacement ingredients could cause issues as well.
How to Keep Your Hair Colour Fresh 🎨
If you want to keep your hair colour vibrant, here are a few tips to avoid buildup:
- Use a Clarifying Shampoo: Once a week, use a clarifying shampoo to remove extra buildup. This helps give your hair a “clean slate” for colour. Be aware, though—some clarifying shampoos can also strip your hair colour, so use sparingly or time it for right before your next colour session.
- Choose Silicone-Free Shampoos: Look for shampoos without silicones. These are much better in the long run and won’t create as much buildup, helping your colour stay bright and fresh.
- Limit Heavy Styling Products: Try not to use too many heavy products like hair sprays, gels, or leave-in treatments that contain silicones, as they can add to buildup over time.
Summary ✨
Shampoo buildup, especially from ingredients like dimethicone, can impact how well hair colour sticks and looks over time. While silicones can make hair feel smooth and shiny, they can also create a layer that blocks colour from absorbing properly. By choosing the right products and keeping buildup at bay, you can keep your hair looking vibrant and fresh!
💡 In my next post, I’ll reveal some popular supermarket shampoos and conditioners that won’t build up on your hair! Stay tuned!
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— Anita
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