How do I remove silicone buildup?

Use a sulfate shampoo or a strong clarifying wash to strip silicone buildup. After the reset wash, switch to silicone-free products to prevent re-accumulation.

Silicone Checker – Check If Your Hair Product Contains Silicones

Q: What silicones are CGM approved?

Water-soluble silicones are generally CGM approved. These include PEG-modified silicones like PEG-8 Dimethicone, and silicones ending in -crosspolymer. However, strict CGM followers avoid all silicones. Always check for ingredients ending in -cone, -conol, or -siloxane.

Q: Is dimethicone bad for curly hair?

Yes, dimethicone can be problematic for curly hair. It coats the shaft, weighs down curls, prevents moisture absorption, and requires sulfate shampoos to remove — creating a harsh cleansing cycle.

What is Silicone Checker?

Silicone Checker is a free online tool that instantly analyzes your hair product's ingredient list to detect silicones. It identifies both water-soluble silicones (generally CGM-friendly) and non-water-soluble silicones that can cause buildup.

Perfect for Curly Girl Method followers, those avoiding product buildup, or anyone who wants to know exactly what's in their hair products.

What are silicones?

Silicones are synthetic ingredients that coat the hair shaft to add shine, reduce frizz, and protect from heat. While they make hair feel smooth and silky, some silicones can build up over time.

Common Non-Water-Soluble Silicones:

• Dimethicone
• Cyclomethicone
• Amodimethicone
• Cetyl Dimethicone
• Cyclopentasiloxane

Are silicones bad for curly hair?

Non-water-soluble silicones can be problematic for curly hair as they build up over time, weighing down curls and preventing moisture from penetrating the hair shaft. This can lead to dry, limp curls.

Who Should Avoid Non-Water-Soluble Silicones:

• Curly Girl Method followers
• Those with fine or low porosity hair
• People avoiding sulfate shampoos
• Anyone experiencing product buildup

What silicones are CGM approved?

Water-soluble silicones can be washed out with gentle, sulfate-free cleansers. These are generally considered safe for the Curly Girl Method:

Water-Soluble Silicones:

• PEG-8 Dimethicone
• PEG-12 Dimethicone
• Dimethicone Copolyol
• Lauryl Methicone Copolyol

What are silicones in hair products?

Silicones are synthetic polymers that coat the hair shaft, creating a smooth, shiny surface. They're the reason your hair feels silky after using certain conditioners and serums. However, non-water-soluble silicones build up over time, blocking moisture from entering the hair shaft and creating a cycle of dependency — your hair looks good initially but gets progressively drier underneath.

This is why the Curly Girl Method avoids them entirely. If you have low porosity hair, silicones are especially problematic because your cuticle already resists moisture — adding a silicone barrier makes it even harder.

Is dimethicone bad for curly hair?

Dimethicone is the most common non-water-soluble silicone. For curly hair, it can weigh down curls, reduce definition, and create buildup that only sulfate shampoos can remove — creating a harsh cleansing cycle. If you want silky results without silicones, look for natural oils like argan, jojoba, or use water-soluble alternatives. Scan your products with our ingredient checker for a full breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check for Other Ingredients

Use our other ingredient checkers to make sure your products are safe for your hair type.

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