Silicones are one of the most talked-about ingredients in haircare – and one of the most misunderstood. With over 37,000 beauty and personal care products launched globally in 2024 containing silicones (DOW), including 23% of haircare innovations, it’s clear this ingredient remains a trusted favourite among professionals and stylists alike.
But despite their impressive performance, silicones have become the subject of misinformation online, so what’s the truth? Are they really bad for hair? The answer is no, and in this blog Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf will be sharing why.
First, what are silicones?
Silicones come from silica, a mineral found in sand. In haircare, silicones create a lightweight, invisible shield around each strand – helping to lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and guard against damage from heat, humidity, and pollution. Unlike heavy oils or waxes, silicones are flexible and breathable, allowing your hair to move and shine naturally. There are many types of silicones used in haircare, each designed to deliver specific benefits. Examples of these are:
● Dimethicone: One of the most popular and versatile silicones, offering intense smoothness and shine
● Amodimethicone: Known for targeted conditioning, ideal for damaged or colour-treated hair
● Cyclopentasiloxane: A lightweight silicone that evaporates quickly, leaving no greasy residue
● Dimethicone copolyol: A water-soluble option, often used in leave-in products for fine or delicate hair
At Neäl & Wølf, we select modern, high-performance silicones that are salon-grade, responsibly sourced, and designed for visible results without heaviness or build-up.
What are the benefits of silicones?
From enhancing shine to shielding against heat and humidity, the benefits of silicone go far beyond the surface – supporting hair health, manageability, and lasting style. Read on as we deep dive into a few of these.
1. Lightweight protection without heaviness
Silicones form a breathable, flexible layer around the hair shaft – shielding strands from heat, UV rays, friction and humidity. Unlike waxes or mineral oils, silicones are permeable, allowing air and water vapour to pass through – so they don’t suffocate the scalp or weigh hair down. The result? Smoother, softer, and more manageable locks that don’t feel greasy.
2. Smoothness and shine
Silicones can help create a signature salon gloss. By smoothing the hair cuticle, they enhance light reflection, reduce surface roughness, and create a silky texture from root to tip. Silicones are often the reason your hair feels soft after styling!
3. Detangling and frizz control
Say goodbye to knots and frizz! Silicones can reduce surface friction, making detangling quicker and gentler while also forming a barrier that blocks out humidity – minimising flyaways and frizz throughout the day.
4. Heat protection
Silicones can act like a thermal shield, defending your hair from becoming scorched and damaged by styling tools. With the ability to protect against temperatures of up to 200°C, silicones evenly absorb and disperse heat across locks – reducing the risk of dryness, breakage and split ends.
5. Long lasting colour
Keep your salon-fresh look for longer! For colour-treated hair, silicones seal in pigments, protecting the hair shaft from environmental stressors that strip colour like pollution, UV rays, and water exposure. This can help prevent premature fading, helping your colour stay vibrant.
6. Safe for sensitive skin
Despite common misconceptions, silicones are non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and suitable even for sensitive scalps. In fact, silicones like dimethicone are actually used in medical skincare and wound care for their calming, protective properties. Some newer silicone technologies are even microbiome-friendly, helping support the natural balance of good bacteria on the scalp.
7. Sustainable formulas
Modern silicones are not only effective – they’re also becoming increasingly sustainable. Because they are derived from sand, silicones naturally degrade over time into environmentally benign compounds. Industry leaders like DOW are driving innovation in low-impact silicone production, using renewable energy, biobased materials, and carbon-neutral manufacturing. At Neäl & Wølf, we partner with responsible suppliers to ensure our products are as kind to the planet as they are to your hair – that’s one of the reasons we’re Leaping Bunny Approved!
8. Designed for performance
Silicones are synthetically engineered for high performance, and that’s a good thing. Their stability, versatility, and safety profile make them a trusted ingredient in everything from luxury skincare to medical-grade treatments. In haircare, their role is simple: to protect, perfect, and elevate your hair’s natural beauty.
Discover the power of silicones in Neäl & Wølf products
At Neäl & Wølf, we believe in creating haircare that combines luxury, performance, and science. That’s why our standout styling products – GLOW, VELVET, and MIRACLE – are
expertly formulated with advanced silicone technology. Each delivers a multi-sensory experience and visible results from the very first use.
GLOW Super Shine Spray
GLOW is a lightweight, ultra-fine mist designed to instantly transform dull, lacklustre hair into a glossy, polished finish – without residue or heaviness. Powered by light-reflective silicones, GLOW smooths the hair cuticle to enhance shine and reduce flyaways, leaving your hair looking healthy, luminous, and salon-fresh. Find out more: GLOW Super Shine Spray
VELVET Nourishing Hair Oil
VELVET is more than just a hair oil – it’s a multi-tasking treatment that nourishes, smooths, and protects. Infused with a unique silicone complex, it wraps each strand in a silky veil that defends against humidity, enhances manageability, and restores lustre without ever feeling greasy. Shop now: VELVET Nourishing Hair Oil
MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist
MIRACLE is a time-saving hero. Designed with busy lifestyles in mind, it uses fast-evaporating silicones to speed up blow-drying, while delivering 10 transformative benefits in a single spray. From heat protection to detangling and frizz control, MIRACLE prepares your hair for styling with ease and elegance. Learn more: MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist
So… are silicones bad for hair?
Silicones aren’t the problem, they’re actually part of the solution. When responsibly sourced and expertly formulated, silicones are a powerful ally in maintaining glossy, healthy, beautifully styled hair.
At Neäl & Wølf, we embrace the best of modern cosmetic science – because luxury shouldn’t mean compromise. It should mean results. Read more about our journey to make our products and packaging more sustainable: Our Commitment