Yes, silicon can make hair look and feel thicker, though it works in two distinct ways depending on whether it is used topically in hair products or taken orally as a supplement.
Silicon helps to strengthen the hair follicles, making them more resistant to these influences. By improving the structure of hair fibers, silicon can help reduce hair loss. Not only does it make hair stronger, it also helps maintain scalp health, which is essential for healthy hair growth.
Silicones, commonly found in hair care products, can negatively affect thin hair. Thin hair, which is already sparse in appearance, may look even more lacklustre due to potential buildup from these substances.
These versatile agents are widely incorporated into shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and treatments. Silicones create a thin film over the hair shaft, effectively reducing friction during combing, preventing moisture loss, and imparting a noticeable shine [2–4].
Silicone helps control frizz, adds shine, and offers heat protection, making it an excellent choice for those with dry, frizzy, or thick hair. However, silicone hair products can also create buildup, weigh hair down, and potentially block moisture.
Silicones, particularly dimethicone, can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people, especially those with sensitive skin. These reactions can manifest as redness, itching, or breakouts. Some people are concerned that silicones may clog pores, causing blackheads and acne.
The best scientifically proven ways to grow thicker hair naturally
Frequent use of silicone-based products can lead to silicone buildup on the hair. This buildup can weigh hair down, resulting in limp and lifeless strands.
Sulphates strip moisture from your hair and silicones don't allow moisture into the hair instead they cause product build up. Both aren't great for your hair and when it comes to That Good Hair Custom Hair Products we make sure that all of our hair products are Sulphate, Silicone, Fragrance, Paraben Free and More.
Hair Type Considerations
People with dry, frizzy, curly or coarse hair are the ones that typically benefit most from using products with silicone, as it helps reduce the appearance of frizz and tame flyaways.
The "Big 3" in hair loss treatment refers to a popular, multi-pronged approach using Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole shampoo, targeting different aspects of hair thinning (like circulation, DHT, and inflammation) for potentially better results than single treatments, often used for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). While Minoxidil promotes growth, Finasteride blocks follicle-shrinking DHT, and Ketoconazole reduces scalp inflammation, sometimes Microneedling replaces Ketoconazole as a "Big 3" component.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].
Steer clear of these ingredients if you're worried about shampoo that causes hair loss: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Harsh cleanser that causes dryness. DMDM Hydantoin: Linked to formaldehyde in shampoo. Parabens: Can disrupt hormones.
Those who took silicon found that they had stronger, thicker hair after nine months of supplementation. Some hypothesize these results may occur because silica supports keratin production. Keratin is a protein that helps form the structure of your hair strands and nails.
Biotin remains commonly recommended by hair loss specialists at doses up to 5,000 mcg.
Silica is far superior to biotin. Although it hasn't been shown to promote hair growth just yet, it has been shown to strengthen the hair. Less breakage= healthier, shinier hair.
Hair Products That Damage Your Hair
This silicone protective layer also blocks moisture and nourishing ingredients from getting into the hair. Over time this weighs down the hair, making it feel heavy and greasy, weakening follicles and leaving hair dry, dull and prone to breakage. This is especially detrimental to people with chemically treated hair.
There are many benefits for your hair that make it worth the switch to non silicone shampoo. For starters, it can offer clean, healthy hair that can go longer in between washes and color treatment, making overall maintenance that much easier. With the right silicone-free shampoo, you can expect these results.
Silicones are perfectly safe to use on your hair—there's no question about that. However, depending on your hair type and goals, they could be the holy grail or Achilles' heel in your routine. People with coarse, dry, curly or frizz-prone hair will reap the most benefits from silicone-based formulas.
Potential Side Effects of Scalp Massagers
A gentle hand goes a long way here, as too much pressure or too vigorous a rhythm could not only damage the hair follicles but elicit skin injury or bruising in the area, as well. Scalp massagers should not be used on open wounds or infections.
Vinegar Rinse
If you want a simple home remedy, there are a few ways to remove silicone buildup from hair naturally, the most popular of which is an apple cider vinegar rinse. Simply mix apple cider vinegar with equal parts water and let it sit on your hair for a minute or two after shampooing, then rinse.
Vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron, Vitamin D, Biotin (B7), B12, and Zinc, can cause hair loss by disrupting hair follicle function, keratin production, or oxygen supply, leading to thinning, shedding, or brittle strands; though rare, deficiencies in Folic Acid, Niacin (B3), and Vitamin A (excess is also harmful) can also contribute.
The good news is that hair thinning can often be managed and, in certain cases, reversed. The potential for hair to regain its thickness depends largely on the health of the hair follicles. Healthy Follicles: If your hair follicles are still active, they can produce healthy strands given the right care and stimulation.
The "Big 3" for thinning hair, especially male/female pattern baldness, are typically Minoxidil (Rogaine), Finasteride (Propecia), and sometimes Ketoconazole shampoo, or even Microneedling, forming a multimodal approach to stimulate growth and block hormones (DHT) causing hair loss, with Minoxidil boosting circulation, Finasteride inhibiting DHT, and Ketoconazole reducing inflammation and acting as a mild anti-androgen.