For women who have frizzy hair, silicone hair products are a godsend. They seem to add shine, silkiness and manageability to hair that needs taming. And when you straighten your hair, it helps add that pretty sheen to it. But are these “serums,” as they’re sometimes labeled, aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. If you’re in the market for something that smoothes flyaways, tames frizz and keeps hair in place, then finishing your beauty regimen with a silicone cream, oil or serum could be the way to go. Products such as John Freida’s Frizz-Ease line do just that – ease the frizz. But when you see ingredients like dimethicone and silicone in your shampoo, conditioner, gel and whatever other styling products you use, then you could be getting more than you bargained for.

Silicone’s ability to repel water is what keeps it from allowing humidity to invade hair and make it frizzy. But that capability means that your hair may not absorb the moisture it needs, leading to dry, brittle hair – and more frizziness. But when used sparingly – in only styling products – silicone-based styling aids can be a great help. A good clarifying shampoo can clear out any residue, but alternate it with a shampoo that adds moisture to replenish what’s been lost in using silicone-based styling products. Use silicone products sparingly, especially when you know your hair will be exposed to other harsh chemicals, such as chlorine. Be sure to use hair products with sunscreens in order to minimize sun damage as well.