For years, silicones have been the secret weapon of many haircare products. They’re the reason your hair feels silky after a blow-dry, or why frizz seems to vanish after applying a serum. But while silicones can give instant results, they’re not always the best long-term choice – for your hair, or for the planet.

As more people move towards natural and sustainable beauty, there’s a growing demand for silicone-free products that still deliver the same smoothing, protective benefits. So what are the alternatives, and do they really work?

What do silicones do in haircare?

Silicones are synthetic polymers that coat the surface of the hair. Their main benefits include:

• Smoothing frizz and flyaways by creating a thin, protective layer.
• Adding shine by reflecting light off the surface of the hair.
• Detangling by making hair strands glide more easily past one another.
• Heat protection by forming a barrier against styling tools.

The problem is that silicones don’t biodegrade easily, can build up over time (making hair look dull or weighed down), and often require harsh cleansers to wash out. For those with fine, curly, or sensitive scalps, that cycle of build-up and stripping can cause dryness or irritation.

Why look for natural alternatives?

Natural alternatives to silicones aim to provide the same smoothing, shine-boosting and protective effects, without the drawbacks. They tend to be:

• Biodegradable and kinder to the environment.
• Lighter on the hair, avoiding the heavy build-up silicones can cause.
• Rich in nutrients, offering not just cosmetic results but also long-term hair health benefits.

Plant-powered alternatives to silicones

There’s no single ingredient that behaves exactly like silicone, but nature offers a range of options that deliver similar – and sometimes superior – results.

1. Mushroom-derived saccharides

One of the most exciting new ingredients in natural haircare is a heat protection complex derived from mushrooms. Rich in saccharides like α-glucan and hyaluronic acid, it forms a breathable film on the hair that:

• Shields against humidity for up to 24 hours.
• Reduces damage from heat styling.
• Improves “styling memory,” helping your look last longer with less heat exposure.

This is the star ingredient in our recently launched Hair Serum. It’s a silicone-free formula that uses this natural complex to smooth and protect hair; while also being vegan, biodegradable, and powered by upcycled ingredients.

2. Betaine from sugar beet

Naturally found in sugar beet molasses, betaine is rich in amino acids that help hair retain moisture, improve softness, and maintain elasticity. It’s a gentle conditioning agent that keeps hair hydrated and manageable without heaviness.

3. Upcycled fermented rice water

A staple in traditional Asian beauty rituals, rice water strengthens and hydrates hair thanks to its protein and amino acid content. We source ours as an upcycled by-product from the food industry, putting waste to good use while boosting shine and resilience.

4. Upcycled baobab extract

Known as the “tree of life,” baobab delivers five key benefits: repair, strength, UV protection, moisture retention, and nourishment. Much like the tree stores water in arid conditions, baobab helps hair stay strong and hydrated in challenging environments.

5. Aloe vera and coconut oil

Aloe vera soothes and hydrates the scalp, while coconut oil restores shine and softness. Both work together with lighter film-forming actives to enhance hair’s overall condition.

Do natural silicone alternatives actually work?

The short answer is yes. Advances in green chemistry mean today’s natural actives are designed to perform on par with, or even better than, traditional silicones. Clinical trials on mushroom-derived complexes, for example, show improved straightening results, stronger styling hold, and effective protection against humidity – without the long-term build-up associated with synthetic silicones.

How to use silicone-free haircare

If you’re new to silicone-free formulas, it can take a little time for your hair to adjust. Here are some tips:

• Be patient: it may take a few washes to fully remove silicone build-up and see the benefits of lighter, natural alternatives.
• Pair with gentle cleansing: avoid harsh sulphates that can strip hair and undo the benefits of conditioning agents.
• Apply sparingly: a few drops of serum or oil is usually enough to smooth and protect.
• Focus on mid-lengths and ends: where hair is most prone to dryness and damage.

Give silicone-free haircare a try

Silicones aren’t the only way to achieve smooth, glossy, protected hair. Natural alternatives – from mushroom-derived complexes to upcycled rice water and baobab extract – offer the same instant results while also nourishing hair in the long term.

With our shiny new Hair Serum, it’s easier than ever to switch to a silicone-free routine that’s good for your strands and the planet.