Silicone and Mineral Oil are Good for Hair

Here is an excerpt from Carla's email to me, 'I have just found your blog and spent hours reading it over the past week. I find it very fascinating. My only issue is with the articles on mineral oil and silicone which are at times contradictory (to be specific you say that sometimes they are not ideal  but can also be good). I have eliminated these two ingredients from my hair care and found that my hair thrived. Can I ask what is your stand point on these ingredients?'



I do realise that I often play the devil's advocate and but it is with good reason:

1. Often times, ingredients are used for a reason and generally that reason is the consumer likes it, so how bad can it really be? This leads me to point number 2

2. The blog is based on looking at scientific research and finding out facts. Science does not always have one answer, most times you get contradictions. Plenty of people report half a story based on their personal view. I try not to be biased in my reporting and give all the research good, bad or indifferent.



Ultimate Myth and Fact : Mineral Oil and Silicones prevent water from getting into your hair



The purpose of any oil including castor oil, shea butter, coconut oil is to block water. Mineral oil and silicones do the same. So in essence this statement is a fact but I could happily substitute that phrase with Coconut oil prevents water from getting into your hair.

1. There really isn't any oil which can fully resist water passage into hair. With sufficient time, water will get through the layer. All the oil does is delay water entry.

2. Sealing with oil is actually helpful in retaining moisture. Preventing water loss is actually a way to increase water levels in the hair.


So what is my stand point on mineral oil and silicones.

1. There are some terrible products out there which have terrible formulations. The ingredients are not to blame but rather the poor mixing by the manufacturer.

2. Some people can use mineral oil and silicones without problems and others can't.

3. Mineral oil and silicones do have plus points and negative points - this is true for most things!

4. Mineral oil - I personally do not use it on hair as research has shown coconut oil to be more effective in preventing hygral fatigue and coconut oil smells lovely (to me!). I do have facial products with mineral oil.

5. Silicones - My hair loves loves silicones in shampoo and conditioner (Herbal Essences!).I do not use any styling serums but would if I was flat ironing (which I don't do).



However, what works for me is not what works for you. We are all individuals and we all have different hair types, diets and environments. Following anyone's method to the letter is not guaranteed to bring you the same results. However taking facts into consideration, testing with your own hair and developing your own method is the way forward.






For more reading

Mineral oil is Evil or maybe not?

(Use the search function for silicones - I promise I'll do a compilation post...soon..maybe lol)