Healthy hair without silicones & quats

Silicones are widely used in conventional hair care products – in shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments, and styling products. They promise smooth, shiny hair without frizz or split ends. But what sounds tempting at first glance poses long-term problems for hair, scalp, and the environment.

Find out here what disadvantages silicones and their substitutes – so-called quats – have, what you should pay attention to when switching to silicone-free organic shampoos and how you can free your hair from residues.

What are silicones?

Silicones are synthetic petroleum-based polymers used in the cosmetics industry as film-forming agents. In hair care products, they coat the hair with an invisible film—for an instantly smooth, manageable finish.

Despite their oily consistency, silicones are not considered oils according to the EU Cosmetics Regulation – and may therefore be included even in “oil-free” products.

Typical silicones in INCI lists:
Look for endings like -cone , -conol , -xane or -silane – e.g. Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Methicone, Polysiloxane.

🚫 Why are silicones problematic?

Convincing in the short term, harmful in the long term:

• Build-up effect: Silicones build up layer upon layer on the hair and scalp, making it almost impossible to wash out. Hair soon appears dull, heavy, and lifeless.
• Care blockage: Care substances no longer reach the hair fiber – it is literally “sealed” and dries out from the inside.
• Hair and scalp problems: The roots become greasy more quickly, and the scalp can no longer breathe properly. The result: itching, irritation, dandruff, and, in the worst case, pimples or inflammation of the hair follicles.

What are quats (quaternium compounds)?

Since the disadvantages of silicones are now well known, many conventional brands are opting for silicone-free formulations – which, however, often contain so-called quats instead. These, too, form an artificial film on the hair.

What are quats?
Quats (quaternary ammonium compounds) are synthetic petrochemical-based softeners. They have an antistatic effect, smooth the hair surface, and are said to reduce frizz – similar to silicones.

INCI examples for quats:
Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-10

Silicones vs. quats – which is better?

Even though quats are considered a modern alternative, they are by no means harmless :

• They deposit on the hair and scalp like silicones.
• Quats are only slightly easier to wash out , but they also seal the hair structure.
• They are considered to be skin irritants , can trigger allergies and are problematic as biocides in the environment.
• Quats are not biodegradable – they accumulate in water and in the cell membranes of living organisms.

Switching to silicone-free organic shampoos – what you should know

Switching to mild, natural cosmetics without silicones or quats is worthwhile—but it requires some patience. The transition may initially be accompanied by typical side effects:

Common side effects when switching:

• Dry, brittle hair: The smoothing silicone layer disappears, revealing the true condition of the hair fiber.
• Lack of shine & frizz: Hair appears dull – especially with curly or dry hair.
• Difficult to comb: Without a "gliding layer" knots can form more easily.
• Quickly greasy roots: The scalp re-regulates itself and initially produces more sebum.
• Irritations & dandruff: The cleansing is gentler, the scalp has to adapt.

💡 Good to know: These symptoms are temporary – over time, your hair can regenerate, absorb moisture better, and grow visibly healthier.

Our tips for removing silicone & quat residues

✅ Deep cleansing with natural power

Use a mild, silicone-free deep cleansing shampoo , such as our
Purifying Free Organic Shampoo

✅ Care without sealing

Only use silicone and quat-free care products such as:

• Hemp Bio Repair Conditioner – repairing and anti-frizz
• Bio Antistatic Hair Oil – for moisture and natural combability
• Organic Pomegranate Hair Mask – for damaged hair (use sparingly on fine hair!)

✅ Patience & Consistency

Depending on your hair texture and residue levels, the detox process can take several weeks to months . Stick with it—your hair will thank you.

Conclusion: For healthy, naturally cared for hair – without compromise

Silicones and quats provide quick results, but in the long run, they lead to hair and scalp problems. They harm not only your skin but also our environment.

With a little patience and the right products, you can restore your hair's natural balance – for visibly healthier, stronger hair without artificial film formers.

At myrto , we consistently avoid silicones and quats . Instead, we rely on innovative plant-based care ingredients that truly nourish your hair without weighing it down. Discover our organic shampoos , conditioners , and styling products with lasting conditioning effects.