The ingredients in our shampoos and conditioners are intended to clean and condition our hair.  Some do a better job than others.  Many are intended to mask the damage caused by the mistreatment of hair - heated appliances, chemical processing, rough treatment of the hair itself.  As our hair gets longer, it obviously is older.  It needs to be treated gently.  

Silicone based ingredients are intended to coat the hair and make it glossy/shiny.  That is desirable, except that in coating the hair, it is "smothering" it, preventing moisture from getting to the shaft of the hair.  Eventually the hair will split or break off if it does not get its moisture.  There can be many different types of silicones used in hair products.  They will end in -cone and are frequently referred to as "cones".  If the silicone product is mixed with alcohol, it will be water soluable, and less prone to build up on the hair.

Listed below are some the typical ingredients used and their purpose.

Acetamide MEA - Water soluble conditioning agent compatible with anionic and nonanionic systems as opposed to quaternary surfactants compatible only with cationics, adds shine.

Alcohol - A general term for organic ingredients that contain the OH (hydroxyl) group. Alcohols differ substantially in their properties ranging from water soluble solvents like isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, ethyl alcohol (used by breweries, the only drinkable alcohol) through moisturizing agents like glycerine or propylene glycol to fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol and sugars (multi alcohols).

Algae Extract - Extracted from seaweed and pondscum, rich in minerals, algae extract is claimed to prevent wrinkles, very moisturizing.

Algal Polysaccharides - Extract from red marine algae gathered off the Hawaiian coast known for its moisturizing potential and lubricity.

Allantoin - Water soluble crystal known for its ability to help heal wounds and skin ulcers and to stimulate the growth of healthy tissue.

AMP (Aminoethyl Propanol) - An organic pH adjuster used to maximize the effects of styling products.

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate - The ammonium salt of lauryl sulfate derived from the natural coconut alcohols, it is a mild anionic surfactant widely used at acidic (mild) pH values.

Amodimethicone with Cetrimonium Chloride - Cationic emulsion for hair conditioning; all the benefits of silicone without build-up.

Amphoteric Surfactants - Those in which the active molecule bears both positive and negative charges. Their properties depend upon th pH of the system and they may behave like anionics or cationics. Some of the finest amphoterics are used in shampoo systems formulated for dry or chemically treated hair due to their mildness and light conditioning properties.

Annatto Extract - A food grade vegetable dye from a tropical tree, yellow to orange.

Annionic Surfactants - Those in which the active molecule bears a negative electric charge. These surfactants are primarily used as cleansing agents in relatively mild shampoos for oily or normal to oily hair

Beet Extract - Extract from the stem base of the beet used for its reddish color.

Benzophenone - 3 and 4 - A sunscreen that blocks UV - A rays.

Beta Carotene - Found in all plant and many animal tissues, beta carotene is extracted as red crystals or crystalline powder, used as coloring in cosmetics. Also used in the manufacture of Vitamin A. Used also as antioxidant.

Biotin - A naturally occurring vitamin H. Some studies show that it has a positive effect on hair growth when taken internally.

Boric Acid - An inorganic acid and mild antiseptic, and preservative.

Butylene Glycol - Organic humectant similar to propylene glycol.

Caramel - Used as a coloring in cosmetics and a soothing agent in lotions. Produced by heating sugar or glucose and adding small amounts of alkali or a trace mineral acid during heating.

Carbomer 940 - An organic gelling agent.

Carrageenan - Natural thickening agent.

Cationic Surfactants - Those in which the active molecule bears a positive charge. These sufactants usually have strong conditioning properties and are used in conditioners, moisturizing treatments and paks. Cationics often have antimicrobial properties (germicides).

Ceteareth - 5 - An emollient and emulsifier. See Cetyl Alcohol.

Cetearyl Alcohol - A mixture of fatty alcohols derived from coconut oil consisting predominantly of cetyl and stearyl alcohols. Used as emollients, thickeners and emulsion stabilizers.

Ceteth - 2 - A polyethylene glycol derivative of cetyl alcohol. Water soluble. Emollient and conditioning agent and emulsifier.

Ceteth - 20 - See ceteth - 2.

Cetrimonium Bromide - A cationic conditioning agent and antiseptic widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. Due to its high cost, it is rarely used in cosmetics. Adds shine.

Cetrimonium Chloride - Quaternary conditioning agent, similar to cetrimonium bromide, but more suitable for water systems.

Cetyl Alcohol - A natural fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil widely used as an emollient and stabilizing agent in conditioning and moisturizing treatments (emulsions).

Cetyldimonium Chloride - Used often as a conditioning agent, compatible with sufactants, often used in shampoos.

Chloroxylenol - A crystalline, water soluble substance used as an antiseptic, germicide and fungicide. Penetrates skin. No known toxicity in humans when diluted below 20%.

Citric Acid - A natural, edible organic acid used to adjust pH, one of the natural hydroxy acids derived from citrus fruits.

Citric Acid USP - (see Citric Acid)

Cocamide DEA - Shampoo thickener and foam stabilizer derived from coconut fatty acids. Also assists in removal of fatty soils.

Cocamide MEA (see Cocamide DEA) - Mono - amide (MEA) as opposed to diamide (DEA).

Cocamidopropyl Betaine - An amphoteric surfactant used as a cleanser. Known for its mild conditioning properties. Derived from coconut fatty acids.

Coco Betaine - (see Cocamidopropyl Betaine)

Cyclomethicone - A silicone derivative. Adds luster and sheen.

DEA Oleth - 3 Phosphate - An emulsifier that prevents separation of product. Adds shine.

DEA Oleth - 10 Phosphate - An emulsifier derived from oleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid.

Deionized Water - Water purified by deionization technique based on removal of highly active ions especially positively charged cations like calcium (Ca++) magnesium(MG++) and iron (Fe++) and (Fe+++).

Diazolidinyl - A cosmetic preservative.

Dicetyldimonium Chloride - (see Cetyldimonium Chloride)

Dimethicone - A silicone derivative. Adds luster and sheen.

Dimethicone Copolyol - Same as above and is water soluble.

Dimethyl Lauramine Isostearate - Conditioning and emulsifying agent.

Dimethyl Stearamine - Conditioning and emulsifying agent.

EDTA ( Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid) - A sequestering (chelating) agent with unique properties of "neutralizing" trace metals (like calcium, iron and magnesium salts, etc.) and other deposits on hair.

Ethyl Ester PVM/MA Copolymer - Humidity resistant, non - tacky polymer.

Ethoxydiglycol - Viscosity decreasing agent.

Essential Oils - Used for fragrance, as an antiseptic, germicide and a natural preservative. Derived from natural plant oil.

Glyceryl Cocoate - Surfactant to stabilize oil-water emulsions.

Glyceryl Monstearate - An emollient, emulsifier derived from natural stearic acid and glycerine.

Glyceryl Stearate - An emulsifier.

Glycolic Acid - Derived from sugar cane juice, used to adjust pH in products and as an exfoliant and moisturizer.

Glycol Stearate - See Glyceryl Monostearate.

Grapeskin Extract - The extract of the pulp of Vitis Vinifera, used as a coloring.

Green Tea Extract - A natural extract of Japanese green tea that has antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride - Naturally derived from Guar tree, cationic conditioning agent used frequently in shampoos.

Hyaluronic Acid - It is the most effective moisturizing agent known to science today. It holds 500 times its own weight of water. This spectacular humectant is derived by bacterial fermentation. It is effective in concentrations as low as 20 ppm ( parts per million).

Hydrolyzed Human Hair Keratin Protein - Protein derived from human hair by enzymatic/acidic hydrolyzation.

Hydroxyethel Cellulose - Used as a thickener in creams and lotions.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose - Fibrous substance derived from the chief part of the cell walls of plants. Used as thickener and to give products uniform consistency and body.

Isobutane - Naturally occurring gas.

Isopropanol - An organic solvent of alcohol family. Used to solubilize resins and polymers. Also found in hair colors to dissolve the oxidation dyes.

Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol) - An organic solvent of the alcohol family. Used to solubilize resins and polymers. Also found in hair colors to dissolve the oxidation dyes.

Isopropyl Palmitate - An ester of palmitic acid from coconut oil used to impart silkiness to the skin and hair.

Jojoba Oil - Partially unsaturated Jojoba Oil derived directly from the jojoba bean. Unbleached and chemically unchanged, it is used as a lubricant and sebum emulsifier.

Lactamide MEA - (see Acetamide MEA)

Lactic Acid - A natural, mild organic acid prepared by fermentation. Normally present in blood, sour milk, sauerkraut, pickles, and other food products made by bacterial fermentation. Used in cosmetics to adjust acid/alkali balance. Lactic acid is a primary component in the skin's natural buffer system.

Laureth - 3 - It is the polyethylene glycol ether of Lauryl Alcohol, principal alcohol of coconut oil. It's modified to give it a "water loving" character. Used as an emollient and emulsifier.

Lecithin - From the Greek meaning "egg yolk". Natural antioxidant, emollient and emulsifier used in a variety of cosmetics. Egg yolk is 8 - 9% lecithin.

Lineolamido Propyl Ethydimonium Ethosulfate - Antistatic and hair conditioning agent

Magnesium Citrate - Magnesium salt of citric acid.

Methacryloyl Ethyl Betaine Methacrylates Copolymer - Part of cationic system. A fixative that is water soluble if washed within 48 hours after application. Used for stiffness and high gloss in hairsprays.

Methylchloroisthiazolinone - A preservative used in shampoos to replace formaldehyde.

Methylisothiazolinone - Used with above as a preservative in shampoos to replace formaldehyde.

Methyl Paraben - Preservative derived from benzoic acid. Usually used in emulsions in conjunction with propyl paraben. It's non - toxic and approved for use in foods. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria and fungi. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a wax. Recommended concentration in cosmetics 0.2 - 0.3%.

Myristalkonium Chloride - Derived from fatty acids, it has anti - static and moisturizing properties.

Niacinamide - Mild scalp stimulant with Vitamin B. Also used as a synergizing agent.

Nonionic Surfactants - Those in which the active molecule has no electric charge. Their properties vary widely, from very harsh cleansers (often found in commercial shampoos and rug cleaners) to coating and fiber softening agents found in balsams and rinses.

Nonoxynol 12 - Used as a non ionic surface active agent and as a dispersing agent.

O - Cresol - White to reddish crystals used in the manufacture of dyes.

Octylacrylamide Acrylate Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer - Part of cationic system. A fixative that is water soluble if washed within 48 hours after application. Used for stiffness and high gloss in hair sprays.

Octylacrylamide Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer - (see Octylacrylamide Acrylate Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer)

Octyl Methoxycinnamate - A sunscreen that blocks UV - B rays that is derived from cinnamic acid.

Oleth 20 - Organic perfume stabilizer, derived from unsaturated fatty acids.

Orange Peel Extract - Extract from "green" variety of oranges, very rich in natural elements. Used for color.

Palm Kernelamide DEA and MEA - A mixture of ethanolamides of the fatty acids derived from palm kernel oil. Used as a conditioning agent and thickener for shampoos.

Panthenol - Member of the Vitamin B complex family used as a hair thickener and conditioning agent. During oxidation, it is converted to Vitamin B - 5 (pantheonic acid).

PEG - 100 Stearate - An emulsifier.

Pentacrythritol Tetra Caprate/Caprylate - Emulsifier derived from caprylic acid. Vegetable source.

Phenyl Trimethicone - Water resistant silicone, adds shine and flexibility.

Polyquaternium 11 - A fixative with anti - bacterial properties. Adds hold and sheen in styling tools.

Polysorbate 20 - A viscous, oily, water soluble liquid used to stabilize perfumes in water based preparations (like shampoos, etc.)

Polysorbate 80 - A viscous liquid used to emulsify oils.

Potassium Sorbate - A mild food grade preservative found in cheese, wine, etc.

PPG 2 Isodeceth 12 - An organic solubilixer of perfume oils and emulsifier.

Pristane - - A saturated hydrocarbon found in natural oils

Propane - A natural propellant.

Propyl Paraben - A food grade preservative - see Methyl Paraben. It is often confused with paraffin.

Propylene Glycol Dicocoate - A mixture of propylene glycol esters of coconut fatty acids. Aids in removing unwanted "build - up" from hair.

PVM/MA Copolymer - A water soluble fixative used in hairsprays and styling tools.

PVP/VA Copolymer - A water soluble fixative used in hairsprays.

Pyroxidine HCL - Vitamin B6 used as a texturizer.

Quaternium 15 - A water soluble anti microbial agent active against bacteria.

Salicylic Acid - Broad spectrum antibacterial and fungicidal agent. Used externally as an antimicrobial/anti - acne agent and in anti - dandruff shampoos as the active agent. It is found in nature in several plants, notably in sweet birch bark and wintergreen leaves (commercial sources are synthetic).

SD 40 Alcohol - Often listed as SDA40. It belongs to the alcohol family and is the only drinkable one specially denatured by adding bittering agents to make it not suitable for human consumption. It is used primarily in hair spray as a resin solvent.

SD Alcohol 40B - Same as above with different denaturants

Shea Butter - The natural fat obtained from the fruit of the Karite tree. Used as a replacement for lanolin.

Simethicone - An anti-foaming agent. Besides being used in hair care products it is a primary ingredient in heartburn and anti-gas products such as Gax-X, Gelusil, and Alka-Seltzer.

Sodium Cetyl Sulfate - A derivative of saturated fatty alcohol. Water soluble.

Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate - An organic preservative derived from the amino acid glycine.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate - A derivative of polyethylene glycol and lauryl alcohol. It is much milder than sodium lauryl sulfate. It is also recommended for use in conjunction with other surfactants.

Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate - Very mild amphoteric surfactant. Excellent, very mild cleansing agent with light conditioning properties.

Sodium PCA - A powerful humectant (moisturizing agent). This natural moisturizer is found in stratum corneum and is part of the natural Moisturizing Factor of skin.

Sodium Thiosulfate - An inorganic salt, very reactive. Used to neutralize chlorine and other halogens.

Sorbitol - Humectant, moisturizing agent and lubricant. It has similar properties to glycerin but is more compatible to hair.

Stearalkonium Chloride - Cationic surfactant that has excellent substantivity to hair's keratin protein. Reduces static electricity by neutralizing electrical charges on hair. Good conditioning agent.

Stearamidopropyl Dimethyamine - A water soluble derivative of stearic acid. Possesses unique properties of closing hair cuticles over a wide range of pH.

Steareth 21 - The polyethelyne glycol ethers of stearyl alcohol. The number indicates the degree of liquidity from 4 (thin) to 100 (solid). An emulsifier.

Stearic Acid - An organic fatty acid used as the basic ingredient to create O/W (oil in water) emulsions in conjunction with TEA. These emulsions are water soluble with good penetrating properties.

Stearyl Alcohol - A natural fatty alcohol, very similar to cetyl alcohol. (see cetyl alcohol) Derived from coconut oil.

Surfactant - Surface agents that have many cosmetic uses. For example, cleansers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, solubizers, conditioning agents and foam stabilizers.

TEA Laureth Sulfate - A triethanolamine salt of ethoxylated lauryl sulfate, an anionic surfactant compatible with amphoterics. A very effective, yet very mild, cleansing agent.

TEA Lauryl Sulfate - (similar to TEA Laureth Sulfate)

Tetrasodium EDTA - Same as sodium EDTA or Na - EDTA. It's a chelating agent (sequestrant) that reacts with sodium, calcium and magnesium salts found in hard water and "makes" them water soluble. Reduces build - up.

Triethanolamine (TEA) - An alkanomine used as part of an emulsion system in conjunction with organic acids like stearic acid. Also serves as a softener in hair spray.

Triethyl Citrate - Derived from citric acid. It gives pliability to fixatives.

Tyrosine - A building block of protein, tyrosine is the amino acid in hair that color adheres to.

Vinyl Acetate Crotonic Acid Neodecanate Copolymer - Hairspray fixative

Xanthan Gum - A highly molecular polysaccharide gum used as a thickener.

Bikerbraid, you need a hobby!  :D

Seriously, thank you for posting all that. I can't imagine how much patience it must have taken for you to type that all in!

Christine

;D  THIS *IS* my hobby!  I hope this information helps.

Thanks for this detailed list,bikerbraid  :) :) ! It was very helpful,for instance the information about Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate-I always avoided shampoos with it,because I thought it might be too drying(like sodium lauryl sulphate).

Thanks for that awesome posting Bikerbraid!  I'm trying to get my hair long and healthy (of course), and trying to use as much natural ingredients as possible. I don't have a *real* reason for this, just something I've decided to do, plus I've heard some rather disturbing info regarding Propylene Glycol which seems to be in most hair products.  Anyone have suggestions (product or otherwise) for thick, curly hair?  Thanks!

Not having thick curly hair, I don't have any personal experience.  What products have you tried that you liked or did not like?  Do you know if your hair can handle -cones or not?

I don´t know if you have discussed about this before, but here´s a list of the most often used silicones:

- Silicone
- Methicone
- Dimethicone
- Trimethicone
- Amodimethicone
- Cyclotetrasiloxane
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Cyclohexasiloxane
- Hexamethyldisiloxane
- Trimethylsiloxysilicate
- Trimethylsilylamodimethicone

These are usually not harmful if in conditioners (used only to the lenghts). In shampoos they can make a build-up on the scalp, which can cause dandruff, seborrea, hair loss and even infections.  >:(, because  the scalp can´t breathe under the build-up. (This is a fact.)

Non-professional shampoos like Panteen, Elvital and Fructis are usually full of these silicones, because they make your hair feel soft, silky and look shiny, and people love that. Silicones are very cheap ingredients, that´s why silicone-free products are more expensive. Really conditioning, nourishing and strengthening products are more pricey, but they just don´t cover the hair with plastic. (This is just my opinion).

I´m sorry if this is an old issue here. I´m very concerned about those silicones and I feel that my duty is to share my knowledge  ;).

I found a conditioner with an ingredient called dimethiconol (or similar, I can't remember exactly). Is this a -cone or an alcohol or what? What does it do to hair?

/Kate

A chemist friend of mine explained to me that Dimethiconol is a silicone in suspension with alcohol.  He felt that the ingredient would not build up nor harm the hair.  It is basically the same as Dimethicone Copolyol which is water soluble.

Silicone isn't "plastic" anymore than propylene glycol is antifreeze. Being "close" molecularly doesn't make it even remotely the same compound.
In any case, silicones are in nearly every lotion and sunscreen on the market. Not everything that is done is because of an evil corperate empire. Silicones protect the cuticle on the skin so that moisture stays in place.
I never really understood the "natural is good" argument. It falls apart when you think about for a more than a few minutes. It's impossible to actually define with any consistency, and it's romanticizing at best. Anyway, I just don't buy it.



wrote on Jun 18^th, 2004 at 8:43am:

I don´t know if you have discussed about this before, but here´s a list of the most often used silicones: - Silicone - Methicone - Dimethicone - Trimethicone - Amodimethicone - Cyclotetrasiloxane - Cyclopentasiloxane - Cyclohexasiloxane - Hexamethyldisiloxane - Trimethylsiloxysilicate - Trimethylsilylamodimethicone These are usually not harmful if in conditioners (used only to the lenghts). In shampoos they can make a build-up on the scalp, which can cause dandruff, seborrea, hair loss and even infections.  >:(, because  the scalp can´t breathe under the build-up. (This is a fact.) Non-professional shampoos like Panteen, Elvital and Fructis are usually full of these silicones, because they make your hair feel soft, silky and look shiny, and people love that. Silicones are very cheap ingredients, that´s why silicone-free products are more expensive. Really conditioning, nourishing and strengthening products are more pricey, but they just don´t cover the hair with plastic. (This is just my opinion). I´m sorry if this is an old issue here. I´m very concerned about those silicones and I feel that my duty is to share my knowledge  ;).

There are so many factors to consider regarding ingredients in your hair care products.  Each person's hair has different needs based on the age of the hair, the thickness, the type of water used (soft, hard, or well water).

Some silicones are more prone to building up on the hair which can prevent moisture from getting into the hair shaft.  This causes crunchy ends.  Water soluable silicones will not build up on the hair but still give you the benefits of smoothing the cuticle and locking in moisture until you wash your hair again.

We each have to decide what works for our own hair.

I didn´t quite get everything you said, but I think you misunderstood me a bit. I´m not saying that "natural is good", I agree with you that there are good sides in the silicones as well. But - in my opinion - the products which include silicones shouldn´t be used daily. Usually (not always) the cheap market products do not include anything but water, 2-3 types of silicones, parfumes and colors. These products give you impression of silky, shiny and healthy hair, but they do not really condition hair, they just cover it with a silky and shiny plastic.

The products, which include both conditioning ingredients and silicones, aren´t so bad. I avoid silicones in shampoos because of that scalp thing I told before. I usually use silicone-free conditioners, but I do sometimes use those with silicones. I want to be sure that my hair is in good condition, instead of looking like that. For example most Redken products include silicones, but they are still very effective to my hair.

Well, like BR said, it's different for everyone.
Biochemically ther isn't much difference between the "professional" brands and the drgustore brands. I've had good luck with some of both
Redken is a nice line, but not so great for me. Did you try th "So long" line? I tried it and it left my hair a sticky mess. Anyway, I've gotten hooked on Humectress and I have good redults from that. For shampoo I use Jaason dandruff relief, which stinks horribly, but I have eczema on my scalp and it makes it go away. Make my scalp feel really nice too.

Actually, I have not tried the Redken So Long at all (my hair is still so short  ;)) but I like Redken´s Extreme, All Soft and Smooth Down lines very much, although all shampoos and conditioners include silicones, so I use them only once in a while. (The Smooth Down Butter Treat mask is very good by the way, and so is the Extreme Cat reconstructor.) I love Tigi Bed Head Moisture Maniac shampoo and conditioner, no cones and God they make my hair feel good!  :D Very moisturizing and no crunching anymore. L´Anza´s Be Long Strenghten is also deeply loved here (no cones).

Humectress and Jason are not sold here in Finland, so I don´t know anything about them.

I've been using Redken's So Long shampoo & conditioner, but it hasn't been doing much for me. It's effective, but not worth the price in my opinion. The shampoo has one -cone (dimethicone, I think), but that's it.

I'm confused, if your hair likes -cones do you still get bulid-up?

wrote on Jul 2^nd, 2004 at 4:30pm:

I'm confused, if your hair likes -cones do you still get bulid-up?

Probably, but at a lesser rate than other hair.

Some hair (like mine) responds well to -cones up to a certain point. Since I need help to make my hair shine in the evenings, I use -cone-filled (coniferous?) styling products. If I do this for several weeks, I'll get lacklustre hair. That's where the magic of vinegar does the trick!  ;D

/Kate

A good clarifying will do wonders for your hair, won't it??!!

Absolutely! I love my stinky vinegar!! I use it once a week nowadays.

/Kate

Now I'm confused-my hair seems to like cones, If I
don"t use them it gets dry and tangly.  But I don't
want to cause build-up on my scalp caused by my
favorite shampoos.  Would a good vinegar rinse
take care of any scalp build-up, or a hot jojoba treatment?

Vinegar rinses or a clarifying shampoo usually takes care of any build up that might occur.  -Cones are not all bad - they do a lot for hair that is damaged or easily tangles.  Just be sure to eliminate the build up and condition well.  

The jojoba oil is a great moisturizer.  Some people report, however that their hair becomes sticky when jojoba oil is used after conditioners that have -cones, so you might watch for that and if it happens, only use the jojoba oil the day after conditoning.

Thanks Bikerbraid!  I hate to give up using Pantene.
it seems to help keep my hair much smoother.

I use Pantene and love it, and my hair is as fine as it comes, if not thin as yours.

I really think "scalp build-up" is a non-issue. I tend to get skin build-up on my scalp, regardless what products I use, that's just the way my scalp is. I control it by vigorous massage while I wash. If anybody was going to have problems with cone build-up on the scalp, it would be me. I don't observe any problem.

The skin on your scalp sheds constantly, so even if the conditioner contained cones that in some way bonded to the skin, the surface of your skin would be replaced every few days anyway.

I've read repeatedly that scalp build-up "might happen", not that people have actually experienced it. Even if someone said that it actually had happened to them, and hadn't been able to resolve it while using the product, so what? Every product isn't for everybody, and if some product stops working for you, it's ok to stop using it, no irreparable harm done.

It's ok to love Pantene. ::)

I've never had a problem, either, and I've used (and
loved) Pantene for years.  I just make sure to occasionally switch to a clarifying shampoo or vinegar
rinse.  What you said about scalp shedding makes
sense.  I think you're right.

Thank you bikerbraid for these vast lists of ingredients - extremily generous of you to have taken the time to type all that up - and very helpful for the rest of us  :)

I don't like the possibility of silicone building up on my scalp, especially since my hair isn't thick anyway.  I bought Jason Johoba shampoo thinking it would be good, but it has dimethicone in it, so I don't want to use it.

*Looks at list*

Propane - A natural propellant

*Sees her hair expode into flames*

I just noticed this thread! I was wondering about all the hair product ingredients but didn't find it in me to go look for all those. ;D

THANK YOU BB for putting all that effort in, for all of us  :-* :) :D

From a proffetional point of view, I can't speak for store bought stuff, as it has been a long time since i have used any, but most will have more fillers and silicones as biker brade has mentioned.

I will usally recomend to all a proffetional Clarifing shampoo. these are a few reasons

Depending on your location, hard water build up, inexpensive product bui;d up, medication build up, Cloreen build up.

I recommend useing this with a good moisture condioner once every 2 weeks un less you have a water softner and then just once a month.
You should get immediate results.
sorry my spelling sucks!

How about keratin?  A family member gave me a bag full of shampoos that I guess she didn't care for (my fam's very good for doing things like this, half-a-bottle of shampoo, half-a-box of rice, half-a-bag of lentils...so so wierd)...ANYWAY...there were a few bottles of a shampoo called ABBA with human keratin added.  I don't think I'll use it, it really kind of grosses me out, and it's something that I would probably never buy.  However, it did peak my curiosity as to if adding human keratin into a product could actually be beneficial if used that way.  Just wondering if anyone has any input on this.

Here is an interesting and informative page link regarding keratin, I just took a moment to google it before finishing this post:

http://www-biol.paisley.ac.uk/courses/stfunmac/reading/keratin.htm

I've just checked my schampoo and conditioner to this list (I use the Body Shop's Honey-stuff) and it scored rather good I must say...  8-)
No pure -cones at all and many organic ingredients. And though it's quite expensive, I'm only fifteen=poor, one bottle lasts forever (half a year that is). ::)

Thanks Bikerbraid!  :D

Thank you bikerbraid. I've been away for so long and now Im back to the boards (hair is getting longer, almost shoulder length, and it's acting out again with this change of seasons... grrr)
That list is hepful! I am tempted to try aloe vera gel and jojoba oil, as many people have mentioned on these boards before.~

I use Pantene as well, and I haven't found any problems with it.  My hair is very curly and I find that it keeps it from tangling.  I am careful to condition it very well afterwards (I checked, the Anti Frizz doesn't have cones in the conditioner and only dimethicone in the shampoo).

UP_Lisa wrote on Jan 13^th, 2005 at 6:27pm:

I bought Jason Johoba shampoo thinking it would be good, but it has dimethicone in it, so I don't want to use it.

I don't have that Jason shampoo, but I do use the Jason Lavender strengthening S& C, and my hair seems to like it. I'm also addicted the the scent of lavender!