WHY YOU SHOULDN'T BE AFRAID OF USING SILICONES ON YOUR CURLY HAIR | SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN

[@monicafabiola785]

I was REMOVED AND BLOCKED from a fb curly girl support group for posting this video😭😂😂😂

[@ninarai501]

Lmaooo😂😂😂

[@ramayastowell192]

😂

[@Hi-fg5lp]

That’s hilarious omg

[@mrsandyq]

Makes sense if the group is for the CURLY GIRL METHOD - it is a specific method. *There are groups that are curly groups that are not CGM only...

[@blossombloomer]

I’m on Facebook curly groups those girls are crazy and obsessive with the method

[@Kristina2]

The Curly Girl Method has become way more complicated than originally described. Instead of being about simplicity it turned into a complicated array of 'how to's' and 'what not to do's.' It spawned entire sub sections of groups within the CGM community, specifically facebook groups. While these groups can be wonderful, encouraging and very informative, they often present a complicated array of issues, routines, etc... . This causes people to stress over a lot of curly hair stuff, for example protein vs moisture. I've seen plenty of people overly stressed about 'protein overload' or 'moisture overload,' causing them to do various hair treatments (costing $$$) and ultimately getting overwhelmed and upset that their hair did not turn out perfect or it even 'ruined' their hair. Another example would be humectants and when to use or not use them. I've seen a ton of complications arise from this, resulting in extreme amounts of money spent on the 'perfect products.' Another example is the debate to wash or not to wash our hair. I've seen girls shamed b/c they wash their hair instead of only co washing or using conditioner to wash their hair every single time. In all this curly hair chaos, always remember that the CGM was meant to simplify curly hair routines with the use of healthy hair products and to get rid of all the complicated stuff, therefore embracing our curls instead of our curls becoming a burdensome chore. The Curly Girl Method, in the most simplest terms, is to take out all the harsh ingredients in your hair products, use lots of conditioner and learn to use gel and make a gel cast. One of the most important steps in the CGM is squish to condish, it really does wonders for your hair. I'm surprised that squish to condish is hardly mentioned anymore in the CGM community. Maybe it has been forgotten about in all the rules and chaos. And for all you beautiful wavy girls this is for you, too! I posted this somewhere else but found it very relevant to this video, so I am reposting it here!

[@moniquegebeline4350]

Kristina 👏 The actual techniques have helped me way more than anything on this journey. Squish to condish, using T-shirt to plop/scrunch, coiling/finger curling , how to properly apply products/the purpose of each product, how to diffuse properly. These are what I am taking away with me... ❤️

[@Alabastergirl]

Amen! Thinking the same thing!

[@lulua5516]

I love this comment. Thank you :) 💛💛

[@kwhatever5806]

if you read the actual handbook, the routines are meant to take 10-15 minutes and yet people have overcomplicated things and the worst thing is that if you don't do it "right" you're removed from groups or told you're just plain wrong.

[@crazyloon202]

The CGM is like some sort of cult - loads of rules about what you can’t do. It’s like the Skincare groups on Reddit, I’ve given up on them because you’re treated like some kind of pariah if you don’t wear sunscreen everyday.

[@jessicadavis8865]

Mel PLEASE make a follow-up video to this where you list off the silicone products you would recommend. There’s really not much content out there recommending specific products and it’s exhausting trying to figure out which ones to test out!

[@bettywilder3092]

Holy crap you're going to CGM jail!! LOL :) I'm telling you, Mell some people in the CG community border on drill sergeants with all the rules, steps, products, fear of heat, etc etc! Dang gf's if we followed a diet like we follow the curly girl method, we'd all be bangin'. I know we want our curls to pop but omg we could all collectively group together and cure cancer with all the time we spend (shampoo, cond, deep cond, scrunch, leave in, scrunch, styler, scrunch, gel, scrunch, oops hair is too dry, rewet, more product, scrunch, plop, pin, twist, diffuse, scrunch out the crunch, satin everything, Amish bonnet, hair in pineapple, and then you can go to frickin sleep and redo half this crap in the morning). Not to mention the money on products$$$$$$ I want to simplify my life not drive myself crazy. Do what works for you people!

[@Katatawnic]

Imagine being disabled and doing all those steps! I don't even do half of them, because I simply can't. My hair still looks so much better than it used to, but the natural curly transition is indeed slower for me because I simply can't do it all. I just do what I can, and I've made myself stop stressing over what I can't do. Plus, all those products combined are SO expensive, and weigh down my fine, oily prone hair! I wash, condition and detangle, add a touch of leave-in milk (all 3 steps with Maui Moisture Curl Quench), finish with Biotera Alcohol-Free Defining Gel, plop for at least an hour (up to 3 or 4 hours) then diffuse (which I can do sitting in my wheelchair) till mostly dry. Also deep condition once a month or so. Even all these steps are exhausting, but I can take breaks in between, so that helps. Just the last month, I've been able to sleep in a pineapple on a satin pillowcase, pull out the hair tie in the morning, massage & fluff my roots, and be done for the day. Only a tiny bit of frizz, whereas my hair used to be _extremely_ frizzy. So now only wash day is exhausting!

[@cupcakinGAYLE]

🙌

[@juliebruce1114]

Best CG comment ever 😂

[@loveforfrannie2208]

Amish bonnet lmao

[@redrose6636]

what is the CG methods

[@KayLee-dh2wo]

Dry, damaged and wavy hair and honestly I’ve gone silicone and sulfate free for three years and my hair started breaking. So I just recently went back to sulfates and silicone shampoo and conditioner and it has been helping my hair from breakages ❤️

[@bonitagirlyy]

Which ones do you use? I also have wavy hair and don't like how the no silicone conditioner is going

[@milliem8051]

Silicones help smooth my frizz and makes my wavy hair look healthier and more hydrated and now I’m trying to cut down on heat styling and hoping my hair will get healthier and longer

[@milliem8051]

@@bonitagirlyy I’ve been using Kerastase or Moroccan Oil smoothing conditioner or mask, which I originally got for blow drying my hair straight. I found my wavy hair air dries nicely with it, it calms the frizz, but it relaxes the waves some but that seems to work better for me than trying to make my hair look curlier. I don’t need my hair to look curly, I just want decent waves. I need to experiment with some other (cheaper) conditioners, but my hair seems better with this than with silicone free conditioner (used to use mainly Biolage)

[@aenigmatica8]

Thank you!!!! 👏🏻 People with zero science or trichology background started demonizing silicones and everyone just ate it up without questioning it.

[@Star-dj1kw]

TRUTH!!!

[@savannahwatson2955]

I tried to use no sulfate and silicone and my hair looked greasy and heavy and my curls were all whack, so I went back to using sulfates and silicones and my hair looks way better. My hair I guess just likes them.

[@ManesByMell]

Thanks so much for sharing 😍

[@ImNotCallingYouALiar]

Your hair may look better but doesn't necessarily mean it's "healthy" hair.

[@redrose6636]

if u dont mind do u use condetioner with silicon and how do u do in refresh do u use silicon prouducts too or free silicon

[@shireennoroozi5821]

Same. I had really healthy hair for a decade and decided to adopt the CGM. I was using sulfate-free shampoos already but using silicones just fine. Then a few months into switching to the more "natural" products my hair started to become so reactive, slimy, dry, brittle and actually thinning/falling out. Some of the silicone-free alternatives I tried actually stuck to my hair more and were harder to remove. Is there an ingredient that the silicone-free brands use that can also be difficult to remove and damaging? I am now starting to repair and rehydrate my hair from the few months with CGM

[@Katatawnic]

@@ImNotCallingYouALiar If your hair looks good, chances are that it's indeed healthy. Unhealthy hair looks dry, dull, frizzy, stringy, stiff, limp, etc., even when you "fix" it with products or styling.

[@VengefulAngeI]

I tried the CG method for a couple months, and my hair got WORSE. I get it works for some, but not me. I did learn from it though - I was using too many silicones, and it did weigh my hair down. But after 2 months of ZERO silicones and a shit ton of shea butter, an ingredient which I now use more sparingly than a silicone, I was shedding and having more breakage than ever. My hair doesn't Detangle properly without some silicone. Period.

[@milliem8051]

My hair is less frizzy with silicones. Plus I think the silicones I use wash out easily with gentle shampoo. I’m curious to try CGM but don’t want to throw out all my silicone products so prob won’t try it any time soon

[@candicezhang8619]

Same here. Lol I reduced my usage of silicone and found what kinds my hair likes. I only use sulfate about once a month now. My hair is the best ever.

[@genacat4599]

My hair kept falling off after using shea and coconut oil wich it says its good for you 😭😔..might of over protein it but..stopped started incorporating a silicone leave in treatment and my hair is back to life 😭💖

[@VengefulAngeI]

@@genacat4599 My hair HATES coconut oil. It gives my hair a weird waxy yet brittle feel. My hair does great with silicone! I think anyone that has high porosity or just fragile hair can really benefit from incorporating a silicone containing conditioner or leave in. I especially like amodimethicone, but plenty trimethicone & dimethicone work great for me too! I prefer it in my leave in as well - have you ever used the ouai leave in conditioner? It's one of my favorites ever, it's a spray but it's sightly milky, so it's lightweight but moisturizing, & has lots of amino acids in it too. It's kinda pricey, but it doesn't take much so it still lasts me awhile. Smells amazing, but it's a bit strong. However by the time I'm done styling with other products I can only smell it when I turn my head & happen to catch a whiff lol,

[@genacat4599]

@@VengefulAngeI i will check that brand out thank you!

[@michelleramos377]

Actually I use some insoluble silicones, whenever I want to have a really good hair day, I use a leave in with silicones, I just make sure to use a good deep conditioner and use sulfates to rinse it

[@catarinamendes9514]

I love that you actually do the research for this instead of just saying the same as every other curly youtuber that follows the cgm. You’re awesome in every way!

[@adrianagranados4140]

We need a favorite curly hair products video !!!! Please !!!

[@ManesByMell]

Got it! Thanks for the suggestion 😍

[@adrianagranados4140]

We will be waiting!!! @@ManesByMell

[@grannyp5723]

Yes please

[@KLT828]

I use silicones and have for years, they have never caused any problems on my hair. My curls love them😊 this video gets a like. Thank you for the info.

[@raym3735]

How often do you clarify your hair?

[@KLT828]

@@raym3735once a month

[@KLT828]

@@raym3735 once a month.

[@sabr4174]

Oh lord, you’re gonna piss off the Curly Girl purists again 🤣 Loved the video and how you present information and let others decide for themselves.

[@paulafont2386]

your personality and positivity is so addicting. it rubs off on people after just watching one video 💜💜

[@annasuarez.]

I just wanted to thank you for this video because a lot of curly and wavy hair youtubers always discourage silicones in hair products. I never exactly knew why but since every single one said to never break this "rule" I followed it closely. Thanks for clearly explaining which silicones actually can benefit your hair and teaching us other than telling us what to do and what not to do.

[@Katatawnic]

Yes! I want to know HOW to think about it, not be told WHAT to think.

[@ManesByMell]

My pleasure Annie! I’m so thankful you enjoyed this video and learned something new ❤️ thanks for your support

[@hotjanuary]

Anna Suarez, the reason silicones are discouraged is because to remove them from the hair, you need a detergent (an artificial surfactant, like SLS). Natural surfactants, like soap or plants, don’t have the power to strip them. Baking soda can’t remove it either, though it should NEVER be used in your hair, as baking soda does a lot of damage to the hair shaft.

[@pixel1446]

@@hotjanuary Not all silicones are bad for your hair and btw, there isn't actually a lot of research to prove whether they are bad or not. A lot of them are actually beneficial. I've used silicones and sulfates my whole life and have had no problems. Three years ago, I went silicone and sulfate free and only have started to go back to them in the past month or so. When I didn't use a sulfate to clean my hair, I got really bad build up and dandruff. My hair is virgin hair and very healthy. All the silicone and sulfate free products just made my hair frizzy, dry, and nasty. I used silk scarves, leave ins, deep conditioners, hot oil treatments, serums, and god knows what else. As soon as I went back to silicones, my hair is a dream again. Before anyone says: "I bet you couldn't grow it out!" My hair was literally down to tailbone for most of my life and it grows VERY fast.

[@hotjanuary]

Pixel, if you actually READ what I wrote, you’ll notice I didn’t write “silicone=bad.” I wrote you can’t use soap and plant surfactants to remove them. Some people, like myself, can’t use detergents because they cause scalp issues and it’s important to know what products are off the table when detergents aren’t an option anymore, so that you know to look for alternatives to replace silicone conditioners and styling products.

[@chelybeann]

From 9k to 26k in a matter of a couple weeks!!!! That growth! You deserve it!!!

[@ManesByMell]

I really appreciate the love thank you

[@AAAReview]

Went silicone free for several months, my hair turned into a shriveled up, dry, brittle, brillo pad riddled with single stand knots. I need silicones to seal in the moisture in-between wash days bc I have thick, damage and porous hair. I went right back to them. F##k the CGM, almost ruined my hair.

[@sophhcurlsx6316]

Same! I just reverted back to sillicones and sulfates

[@candicezhang8619]

Same hair. My natural hair is coarse and low porosity but I highlighted a lot. So my bleached hair is high porosity rn.... I had to use some silicones. But im definitely more cautious abt the amount and what kind now.

[@suzanneaubin7599]

Did the same. But it had to be bis-aminodimethicone and only in a rinse out conditioner. This year I bought Brazilian hair care products with no cones in them and they were not playing nice with my rinse out conditioner with cones. So now I am cone free and my new products work and do not leave my hair dry or with little knots. My conclusion is: we have sh!&&y hair products out here. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@dropla6891]

3C Hair. Sometimes dry sometimes not. I have been using silicone products for years; however, I really appreciate this video so very much. I have been going back and forth with my products. I love that you emphasize do what works best for "ME". Love love love your content!

[@kiki1573]

I'm LOW porosity and I still use silicones. I rather not use them because we all know they make your hair *appear* shinier. I want *accurate* results tho. So my must haves are: Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention shampoo and conditioner + deep conditioner Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Repair Creme Lotta Body Curl Activator and Aunt Jackie's No Shrink Flaxseed Gel.

[@LucianaGrechi]

OMG, I love this girl and her content. I am sorry I found this channel just a few days ago. I will run a Mell - Marathon to keep up with all these treasures.

[@Katatawnic]

I did the same thing when I discovered her channel. I binged for days! 😅

[@Katatawnic]

I never miss a Tuesday upload!

[@Alabastergirl]

I did a 2 day Mell marathon last weekend. Learned alot!

[@angelicatorres1713]

Please do a video on actual products that have these water soluble silicones. Also one with the sulfates that aren’t that bad for u. Thankyou hun

[@Malachia_Giuliani]

Just saw your sulfates video and was looking forward to this! Thank you 🙏🏽. I’m a guy growing out my 3A/3B curls. You da best👏🏽

[@ManesByMell]

Hey curly guy 😍 So happy you enjoyed this video. Thanks so much for your comment and support 😍❤️

[@ohhshanappp]

I love how your videos are educationally focused!! Great quality/production of the video. Love your channel and am learning so much 💕

[@sarahyoder7999]

umm I know it's technically part of the CGM to avoid parabens but I have NO idea what those are or why they're bad! maybe you could do a melthbusters on those!

[@ManesByMell]

Thanks for the suggestion 😍

[@olivia-ux9iv]

They’re a type of preservative that has shown some links to breast cancer

[@Evelyn-uo1rb]

Parabens are not harmful to hair, but are absorbed by scalp. There's a link between parabens and breast cancer, they are easily absorbed through skin and scalp is a skin.

[@InimeKai]

I recommend you watch the video made by dermatologist "dr.dray" on parabens. there is a lot of fear mongering that goes on with parabens

[@blckrainbow]

@@olivia-ux9iv There is no proven link. All they did was found parabens in cancerous tissue, without any proof that the cancer was caused or affected by them, and also they did not do any tests on healthy tissue - so for all we know, there may be parabens in healthy tissue too, and not causing any problems. And. It was ONE study.

[@passbottleman]

TY, TY, TY for this video! I have been so scared to use ANY silicones and am still not happy with my hair after a year and a half. Thank you for reassuring me there are some I can try again. You rock!

[@abimbolakesington7070]

Im litterally watching u on my phone and tv at the same time thats how much of a fan i am

[@spagetd1526]

i’m mesmerised by your hair the ringlets are so perfect and shiny i can’t look away

[@shreddersgirl27]

It wasn't until i started watching your channel that i really understood anything about my hair!! I've been a no product girl for a while just because im terrified ill blow it and ruin my curls. Thanks so much for the help!!!!!

[@eduardaarrais]

The only reason I analyze the ingredients of a product is to know the order they appear because I was taught that the first to appear are the ones that the product has in bigger quantities, if this makes sense? For example, I had a mask with protein in 11th on the list of ingredients and the mask did little to nothing to my hair because although it was a protein mask it had little protein in it. But with a mask with protein as the 5th ingredient my hair would feel like it had received the perfect amount of protein.

[@ManesByMell]

This is correct! Even with food. The first ingredient listed is the base, there is the most of that ingredient in the product.

[@hollowengel]

Rae - I know this is from a while ago, but have you found a protein mask with the right ratio of ingredients that works for you? I'm in the market for a new one...

[@socialinteraction_8252]

I've actually asked my hairstylist and he said it is a great protectant for hair. As long as you use water-soluble. But at the end of the day, it depends on your specific hair needs. If your hair doesn't like sulfates/silicones don't use them but don't act like they are the devil for everyone else. I personally don't follow the CGM and use silicones/sulfates because my wavy hair didn't respond well to it when I tried the method. We need a good routine for us wavies!

[@milliem8051]

What kind of shampoo conditioner do you like? I’ve been using kerastase or Moroccan Oil smoothing conditioner/mask on my wavy hair, it helps with frizz and I usually just comb in little gel and cream and it dries kinda wavy, curlier at the ends. Scrunching doesn’t seem to work great for my wavy hair. I don’t care to make my hair look super curly I just want decent waves that don’t look super messy.

[@socialinteraction_8252]

@@milliem8051 I love Moroccan oil! I also use Maui moisture alot it seems to work with my hair and it's more affordable also Shea moisture is good too.

[@milliem8051]

@@socialinteraction_8252 thanks, I’ll have to try Maui moisture. I think Shea moisture might be too heavy for my wavy hair but I’ve only tried their masks In the packets

[@mistyramon]

You should collaborate with the cosmetic chemists on the Beauty Brains podcast. They talk about silicones and sulfates and various myths related to hair.

[@papayanuts]

I love your personality and education you offer :) I use plant based water solulbel silicones and they work fantastically on my hair! Silicones have damaged my hair in the past.. I love being opn minded and trying things!

[@MichelleZulli]

Mell, you are a breath of fresh air! Thank you for bringing the science to the curly community. I've been a fan of the Be Curly line for ages. I wish I lived closer to your salon! 👍

[@doopdedoop13]

You hate me because I believe in *sCiEncE*

[@diana4043]

Nacho Libre!!!

[@joselyndiaz9790]

Diana Leon yes!!!

[@itsamandapasceri]

I use AG fast food and AG recoil curl cream 😍 my hair type is 3A and extremely thick 🙃

[@ginapaige5832]

Thank you so much for posting this video!!! It's such a relief to know I don't have to be a slave to the ingredient list to have healthy, frizz free curls!

[@JessicaPandino]

Thank you!! I'm having SUCH a hard time finding products that work! I've finally realized that my hair doesn't like aloe and HATES coconut oil. It also seems to be protein sensitive and I've been having trouble with glycerin this winter. Other oils and butters also build up very quickly and easily on my relatively low porosity hair. Trying to find curly girl approved products without these ingredients is nearly impossible!! I'm thinking of going back to silicones. The last time I did, it was awful. But I was not paying attention to ANY ingredients so it could very well have been other ingredients that were the issue. I just jumped to blaming silicones because of all the vilification of them.

[@amyslupe5019]

I so love this! Nothing makes my curls spring like Catwalk’s Curls Rock Amplifier. Digging that it’s silicone ingredient is water soluble. THANK YOU FOR THIS EXCITING INFORMATION!

[@campergal6140]

I Was on one of the FB curly groups. Asking for recommendations for product. What I got was a recommendation for “silicone free” products- it freaked me out so of course I ordered the products that were recommended 🤨 $$$$. Now I’m out - my curls don’t look Va that great and I’m once again on the hunt for products that will be the best for my hair. Thank you for making it so simple You are such a help!!! And I’m glad You put the outtakes at the end of your videos lol They’re funny and also they remind us that making these videos takes a lot of time and hard work. (Not to mention all the research and preparation that you have to do before the video starts!

[@denisemurray149]

Another great video that takes the myths and applies the science. Thank you so much for explaining. I was wondering if you could do a video on the best way to treat fine, thinning, curly, older women’s hair. I have a problem with clumping resulting in great curls, but because I don’t have thick hair, I get a lot of scalp showing. Everything I watch is for the younger ladies with beautiful full hair. My hair looks full when I straighten it and I am tempted to chock up my natural curls to yesterday’s dream and return to my straight bob.

[@ManesByMell]

Im planning to have more in the chair with Mell videos that will cover people with similar hair types !! Thanks for sharing and for your support ❤️

[@denisemurray149]

Manes by Mell Thank you Mell! I would really appreciate seeing others like myself and see what I can do with my fine thinning hair.

[@tubbinz188]

Can you do a video on affordable conditioners with water soluble silicons .

[@spbrown5158]

I use DevaCurl and I've used it during my transition which I began 1 year ago til now and my hair has improved immensely! I have 2c-3b curls and I use Original No-Poo and One Condition 1-2x a week and I use Build-Up Buster 1-2x a month for a deep clean. Fave styling products: Bleavin, Ultra Defining Gel, Supercream, Set it Free and Best Deep Conditioner: Melt into Moisture. Love your videos Mel!

[@ManesByMell]

Thanks so much for sharing 😍

[@DreamingWithDina]

Honestly my hair was thriving before I started using "natural" shampoos and conditioners. I feel like natural products cause a ton of buildup in my hair and my scalp to itch. I'm going back to my tried and true products!

[@TzRebeca]

I’ve used silicones and sulfates all my life and nothing has happened to my hair or curls. I tried the CG method and my hair got so greasy, I don’t like it at all. Products are much better now than when I was younger, but anyway I’m not going to obsess with any of this stuff. Styling videos are what help me tremendously! Thanks a lot for this and your other amazing videos!

[@raquels1293]

Reading Luca Turin's books about perfumes really opened my eyes to the genius that is chemistry, especially in the beauty industry. Formulations of new ingredients and products is beyond my full comprehension.But, it is apparent to me that it is an art. ( thus my fascination with "dupes") when something is done right, it is done right. Another product with similar ingredients can produce completely different results. Thank you for this video I loved the information!

[@loubeloubelou]

This is so helpful! I've been using a particular product for a while now, but realised it had silicones in it and almost stopped using it. But it's so good for my hair I decided to carry on using it lol x

[@breannamoore6071]

This is going to sound backwards from everyone else, but I have been silicons free for almost 10 years, and...I’m fed up! I’m going back to cyclic silicones, my hair loved it. I get build up either way, just need to clarify sometimes.

[@sarahkattp]

Just be careful when switching to silicones. Your hair could be used to them now and it could take a while to get to normal. Good luck though!

[@milliem8051]

I think my hair likes silicones too. It’s less frizzy and softer.

[@katintheoc]

How is this going for you? I, too, just started using Ouidad after being silicone free for about 10 years. My hair has fallen out (excessive shedding) while using Innersense. Happened last November and is starting again. Both times using same Innersense gel. I have very fine, curly hair. I think I need silicones.

[@breannamoore6071]

@@katintheoc I love it. I’m not going back to silicone free. My hair is so happy and healthy with silicones, and my curls hold their shape for longer so I’m washing it less often. I also have less breakage and definitely way less shedding.

[@katintheoc]

@@breannamoore6071 thank you so much for telling me this. I've been struggling with my decision but I know that I have to do something different. I have lost 1/3 of my volume within the past 3 years. I am gonna do it and not look back ❤️

[@elizabethb8227]

I can’t believe this is today’s video! Today I went to a curly salon to get my hair washed and styled because I recently decided to stop getting keratin treatments (mostly because of you) and wanted to see my hair potential and to get tips to continue. I’ve been trying CG strictly and it’s not working well. It used to back in the day (before keratin) but not now at least while transitioning. I decided to let her pick products and my hair looks amazing! There were silicones in some of them and had a bit of disappointment (I’m part of some strict CG FB group where you can’t mention silicones) but this video totally helped. Thank you!

[@user-lt5cg5wz8m]

You’re so creative and fun! Thank you for not just giving us new info but also for giving it to us in a genuinely funny ass way!

[@seowen]

I have 2a medium porosity hair naturally blonde hair. I use the OGX biotin and collagen shampoo and conditioner (sulphates and silicones included.) The protein in it is great for my hair, especially when coupled with the occassional moisturising deep conditioner. I love your videos Mell, they're so informative and funny. 😁

[@SG.95]

So glad I found your youtube channel! I started the cgm and did it for a week but my oily scalp didn’t love it. My scalp was so itchy and oily😅 I’m happy I didn’t threw away my original products so I’m going to introduce these silicones and sulfates back into my hair routine and keep some things from the cgm that worked for me. Thank you💕

[@eleventhousandfour]

I'm really glad to see this video. I've avoided silicones for a long time because I did have my curl pattern basically disappear once, because not knowing anything about how ingredients effect the hair I was using a conditioner with non water-soluble silicones and a sulphate free shampoo every single day! My hair was so weighed down and how the build up didn't irritate the heck out of my scalp I have no idea. I learned the basics about sulphates and silicones, cut out the latter and limited the former, but my hair was still falling flat and while trying to figure out what I could change to help it (I know now that my hair was just chemically damaged) I was getting into the nitty gritty on some ingredients like polyquaternium and I was finding exactly what you said here, I'd need a degree or two in chemistry to really know all of this! And most of the people online talking about these things don't have that. What you said here is so correct, try different things and see what works for you since everyone's hair is different anyway.

[@TheSortingHouse]

As someone who INCI scans all the products I may buy, before freaking out about the ingredients and putting them back, I feel a little more in check on reality. However, there is something that is bothering me. I have switched to more natural products, not only to 'try' to embrace my natural curls, naturally, but also because, I feel I cannot ignore the negative impact human existence currently has on the earth any longer. I'd love to know if anyone knows of, and can explain the impact that silicones and sulfates (and any other hair beneficial, but vilified ingredients) may have on the environment? Really enjoy these videos and your whole thang, thank you for you!

[@taragardner1798]

Just stumbled upon your channel a couple days ago...I learned about the curly girl method about 2 years ago and now everything I thought I knew is completely wrong. Lol. It is kind of freeing though. I have watched so many of your videos and found all kinds of things I was doing wrong from routine to diffusing. So glad I found this channel.

[@yinadiaz8158]

Mell!! Thank you for making this videos. I have gone through ups and downs with my hair. Let's just say that my hair use to be really big define curls before the curly hair became a trend for some ppl I went through a straight hair phase. Try returning my hair to big curls by following products that just didn't work for me simply because I was told that the products that worked for me weren't good due to the ingredients, but these new products did not make my hair define either. I did cut large amount of hair and went natural for a year. I gave up on it went back to straight. I recently started doing back to my old ways and I told myself to just use the products that worked for me. I'm glad I found you here to inform that there's nothing wrong with using sulfates or silicones

[@ManesByMell]

What is most important is understanding how to use these products! Too much of anything is not good for us but we can absolutely use these ingredients in our products in moderation and have great results!

[@yinadiaz8158]

@@ManesByMell thank you I very much agree

[@MissSarahVee7485]

Please do humectants next!

[@ErikaRodriguez-jr3qb]

Hi, I’m new here! Thank you so much for making this video. I have not been using sulfates or silicones for almost 2 years now, and lately I feel like no matter what combos I try, my hair is simply limp, fine, and greasy all the time! I’ve been debating going back to my old products which had sulfates and silicones in them which I always felt my hair looked great with! Yet, I never went back because I felt guilty. Thank you so much for making an informative video, but also keeping it so light and fun! ☺️

[@loveforeignaccents]

Thanks for the video!! Every since I started using the silicone-free and everything-else-free for the CGM, my hair growth has stunted significantly!!!!

[@ManesByMell]

CGM is great for some but be sure to modify it for your specific needs!

[@RayBanana123]

5 years later and this video is still helpful. Thanks!

[@annaburns5382]

The Curly Ninja just posted a podcast about the benefits of silicones. I have gone 15 years without using them, and I think I need to open my mind to the careful use of them. Thanks for your podcast.

[@pamelarivera9011]

Yo I love silicones lol. Silicone free conditioners do nothing for me, I honestly can’t detangle my type 4 without silicones! I use Aussie moist 3 minute miracle

[@ManesByMell]

Thanks for sharing 🥰

[@moniquegebeline4350]

Curly Queen0925 have you tried their new curling milk and curling custard (Aussie)?

[@pamelarivera9011]

Monique Gebeline nah I haven’t, I use the Mielle pomegranate and honey line for styling my hair, I love it and I’m scared to try anything else lol. Maybe one day!

[@moniquegebeline4350]

Curly Queen0925 Ooooooooh I just looked it up! Great prices I might have to try that stuff!

[@michellediceglie4193]

Scientiffy Mell is my favourite Mell

[@campergal6140]

Mel I love your videos! Thank you so much for doing this! I just wanna say just keep being you and keep being real because you are right on. I trust you because you give us the real information from all sides. You are not hard lined on one thing or another because you’re smart enough to know that you aren’t a scientist.

[@TriciaGrace]

Hey Mel! Thank you for this video! BTW...I'm one of your newest BIGGEST FANS! ( I liked the biggest fan imitation you did in last weeks vid.) I love your skits, and the fun way that you explain stuff to us. I watch you whenever I have time to relax. I also have a KZbin channel, but it has nothing to do with hair, but you have not only helped me with my hair, but you have also helped me to try to make better, and more entertaining tutorials. My channel is tutorials, and that can get pretty boring sometimes. LOL! So, last week, after watching one of your vids about sulfates, well...I decided to add a fun skit before my tutorial, and that video is doing better than any of my vids have done in a long time. I make my husband watch your videos with me..LOL! I am not writing you to try to promote me...in fact, I have not written you before because I didn't want to appear that I was writing you to promote myself. I even put a like on your video which as you know means that everyone is going to see your video on my channel before they see my latest video! Thanks for all you do, and much love and blessings! xoxo P.S. I forgot to say that I use Deva Curl. I just started my natural wavy journey this past May, and I had extensions, and then recently got them taken out, and so my herr has been through some major issues, but it's getting better, and better. I so wish my waves could be curls, but I am happy enough with what I have!

[@ManesByMell]

My pleasure Tricia ! I’m so thankful you enjoyed this video and learning new things to help you during your curly hair + your own channels journey! ❤️ i will definitely have to check it out 🙃 thanks for your support, means more than you know xo

[@TriciaGrace]

Oh thank you for the reply! Whooohoo! You made my day! I love you...ok, now I sound weird, but I love you, and your hair! Whoohoohoo! 💃🏼❤️

[@laurelashtonequestrian4024]

Love these videos! I’ve been avoiding silicons and my hair is doing well! However, I just started using a leave-in with a “drying alcohol” (*gasp*) that has been working great for me. And I also got a sulfate shampoo to try after your video on sulfates 😂 because I still get build-up, even with no silicons! My hair seems to do best when using products with a lot of botanical, or olive oil-based, ingredients, rather than just avoiding all these “bad ingredients.”

[@mb.2137]

I have a 2c/3a curl type and I find that the Morrocanoil intense curl cream leave in works amazing just on its own

[@Ah_lee_see]

I need to try this because I have the same curl pattern but I have high porosity hair so it might not

[@umayyayla7806]

I have low porosity hair with 2B-3A wave/curls (sometimes it’s wavy and sometimes it’s on the curlier side idek anymore) and I personally like using sulfates on my hair (alternating between a sulfate and no sulfate shampoo) but no silicones simply because my hair is prone to build up and it gets heavy very easily+my scalp gets itchy because of that. I’ve been using the davines nourishing shampoo, herbal essences moringa oil shampoo, the body shop banana conditioner and inecto coconut conditioner.

[@ManesByMell]

Thanks for sharing what works for you 😍

[@april9798]

Not your mothers curl talk is great it’s 6.99 and buy one get on 50% off at ultra. My daughter uses Maui and it is also 6.99 and she loves it.

[@ManesByMell]

Thanks for the suggestions 😍

[@Katatawnic]

I use the Maui Moisture Curl Quench line, and love it.

[@Kristina2]

The Facebook CGM groups (well at least one that I know of..) shames me for using Maui Moisture Hair Masks because they contain a wax in them that they claim is a huge NO NO. I'm just like uh OK I won't tell you that I still use them then.... HAHA. Because if I told them I still used them I would be banned from the group. I cannot make this stuff up.

[@Katatawnic]

@@Kristina2 They would BAN you for Wrongthink?! I would just leave the group. CGM is a guideline, not a freaking dogmatic religion!

[@XRaawrpokemon]

Which one of the maui line does she use? I use the coconut one and I get a really itchy scalp from it although i must say I tend to have dandruff. Any suggestions would be sooooo much appreciated!

[@loveforfrannie2208]

Thank you for explaining this. I'm a wavy/somewhat curly and I'm trying to talk my friend down from being all-or-nothing CGM. I've just noticed it can be crazy on the wallet - and the mind - and I really just want things that work for my hair. Silicone-free or not. People are supposed to be building each other up for experimenting with their hair, not condemning them and shutting them out.

[@AngelaVEdwards]

I've never had any sort of build up and silicones are really hard to NOT get in hair products. I don't worry about them.

[@darienford860]

Do the glasses come with the silicones because I want a pair

[@kiki1573]

Idk why but you came across my mind today. The most random thing ever cause I don't even like a lot of these KZbinrs LOL! I'm so glad to see your channel growing. We live in 2 different worlds, and we have 2 entirely different hair types. But I can always learn anything from anyone. Congratulations on your burgeoning success, and keep doing your thing Mell❤❤❤

[@gemmaroberts3690]

My hair is looking the best it’s looked in all my 37 years thanks to Mell & I followed the CG method on & off for 10 years

[@misskay3789]

Thank you for all this information. I’ve been following the CGM for nearly a year and have really really bad frizz. After this video looks like I’m going back to using sulfates and silicones! I know at one point a silicone I had used created bad buildup on my hair and made it oily for the first time ever but know I know what to avoid! I plan on trying the Aveda products you mentioned in one of your recent videos. Thanks so much!

[@rileyg.3405]

Tysm for this video! After I watched this and read some articles I know which silicones are water soluble, semi-water soluble, and non-water soluble. This really helped me out.

[@kristen1324]

I just bought some new suave products for curly hair and they have silicones. I'm scared they're going to mess up my hair but I'm tired of avoiding silicones all the damn time. This video helps me feel a little less afraid.

[@catavilao5636]

Oh my god!! Thank you so much for doing this video🤩 In my country there aren't any silicone free curly hair products and I was desesperate because of that

[@clipinqueen]

LOL! Love you Mell. I always said this about silicones. They are great if used properly and not abused. I've never had a problem with them and sometimes I want to weigh my hair down a bit! LOL. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and training.

[@BroganMicallef]

Great video Mell! Bottom line: JUST DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU, PEOPLE. I tried replacing my shampoo with cowash + my scalp freaked out. And I need to use a sulfate shampoo every 2-3 washes to keep it happy. Going silicone free HAS helped my hair - but I tested it. I ditched silicones for a while, then went back to them + compared the results. My hair is mostly 3b, fine + high porosity. A lot of high po girls swear by silicones, but they don’t work for me. (Although one of my deep conditioners does have a water soluble silicone in it - I don’t mind because it washes out easily.) TEST IT FOR YOURSELF.

[@miriamblanco6863]

Amazing video. Curly hair needs silicons if your coloring or especially bleaching your hair. Honestly best video ever.

[@christapenman4240]

Thank you so much for this video!! I started the CGM and my lovely curls turned into horrible lack lustre waves. Went to my silicone styling product today and my hair looks so much better. I was feeling like a failure, but in the end my curls know what they like.

[@crystalaguirre7953]

Silly cones 😂

[@sweetaudrina_]

I only wash my hair like once a week but I need to use a sulfate for the buildup. And i use frizz ease dream curls. It makes my hair so soft and pretty. When I was doing the curly girl method, my hair felt dry, crunchy and weighed down. I have thin wavy/curly hair.

[@Nsquaredd]

I’m so glad that this video exist! When I did the CG method I was in an area with no humidity and now I have moved to an area where I’m next to the beach! I know my hair isn’t at its tip top (yet) but following that method now isn’t working. Right now I’m looking for a good leave in and gel for my curly wavy hair. Right now I use devacurl but it isn’t working the same.

[@moniquegebeline4350]

My fav channel on you tube for all things curls. I have been exploring around and really seeing some cult-ish behavior when it comes to curly girl methods. No other way to explain it. I’m no extremist I’m literally searching for the techniques, the application process, and the right styling products for my hair. Knowledge is power, and ignorance is public enemy number one. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@ManesByMell]

Thanks for your comment Monique 😍

[@isabellabourque4802]

Water soluble silicones are just the PEG8 and above 8. Plus, silicones create a plastic barrier over the hair shaft, so while they keep moisture in, they don’t allow any more moisture in, and you need sulfates to remove most of them. I use silicones here and there, but I have done a lot the research and what exact non sulfate surfactants can remove which kinds of silicone. Plus there are many more variations of silicone than what is mentioned in the video. They can also really weigh the hair down, and sometimes just one use of the product with silicone can cause buildup, so whatever products you use on top of that, won’t penetrate your hair very well or be as useful as if you hadn’t use silicone. Check out naturallycurly.com and science-hair blog ! They are pretty good at explaining it

[@ImNotCallingYouALiar]

This! Silicones give the appearance of healthy hair (that shine in your hair is from the plastic coating, not true healthy hydrated hair) but it can also be damaging in the long run. I use products that have silicones but once those are empty (I spent too much money to just throw them out) I most likely will not be repurchasing as I have found silicone free products I love and don't have to worry about build up and my hair being weighed down.

[@getanjolyroy]

@@ImNotCallingYouALiar agreed! the shine my hair has now that I use CG Method "approved" products vs when i was using sulfates and silicones is completely different

[@RoseannaHughes]

I know right. Silicones are literally plastic. You don’t need sulfates to wash out silicones and dry out your hair if you don’t use them. People say that their hair is less frizzy and more shiny when they use silicones.. yeah it LOOKS healthy because it’s covered in plastic.. and also preventing moisture from getting in

[@getanjolyroy]

Tbh if anything? I have photos of my hair with silicones and my hair was shiny looking but a ball of frizz. I still got a lil bit of it but its waaaay better than it was 5 montgs back

[@isabellabourque4802]

Also, I just really hate that she is spreading false info. There is a lot more to it than just water soluble or insoluble. For example, cyclopentisiloxane is an evaporating silicone, meaning throughout the day most of it evaporates, but there is still a residue left on the hair shaft that will lead to build up and it is not water soluble. All silicones will eventually lead to build up if you are only using water to “wash” them out. Amodimethicone targets the damaged areas of the hair shaft and smoothes them down, protecting them. But still not water soluble.

[@sashapalma2033]

Love the video however the only reason I look at an ingredient list is because I want to make sure I’m using products that are actually benefiting my hair rather than harming them in the long run. I know of a lot of great products that can make my hair look amazing, however they aren’t the best to keep my hair healthy, it can actually be damaging my hair in the long Run. This is the only issue I have with using a products and only determining if it’s right for me or not solely by the end results!

[@nike700]

I Show your Video for the first time today then before i met you i was search for the right routine and the Results was all horrible. but your Routine is so perfekt for my hair and i'm so Happy. thank you!!

[@amberfrazier5586]

I've been sulfate, silicone, paraben free for years now and I'm thinking about whether I should go back to using them. Not saying my hair turned out for the worse, my hair is super healthy and I get compliments all the time. But I have to admit I do get tempted to try new products and the only thing holding me back are those darn sulfates and silicones. Really wanna try Verb.

[@sarahferguson0]

I'm on the normal to low porosity grade with 2c/3a curls. I use Shea moisture about once a month( winter is almost over and when this bottle is empty i'm thinking about switching to one of the lighter Shea Moisture formulad) and co-wash about once a week with suave naturals.i use the Shea Moisture curling smoothie and Aussie Instant Freeze. I was a big CG purist for awhile but decided that moderation is the key. I've noticed that many brands are starting to jump on the CG bandwagon and it's easy to find low cost options. I do tend to stay away from silicones because i don't use sulphates but i'm open to trying new products because my goal is beautiful curls so if i see something on the shelf and i like the ingredients i'll give it a go. On another note my satin sleep cap was a game changer and honestly it does more to keep the frizz at bay than silicones, in my opinion so if you're using silicones for frizz i would definitely suggest a satin sleep cap.

[@stephanierussell7018]

Thanks for this video! I’ve been following the curly girl method for about a month and while my curls are looking better, I just can’t justify throwing out $400 worth of products that I had before just because they contain silicone! I also am questioning if all of the CGM rules really help your hair, or do your curls just get better because you’re not straightening them anymore 🧐

[@sherryc2443]

Excellent video and thank you sharing your research. You might be starting a new following from what I read on your comments. You might want to call it curly Girl science or CGS by Mell. I'm loving your videos and your educated reference, logic and explanations. You and your seester are such beauties. Your childhood pictures remind me of my experience. It was no fun. I'm so glad there are people like you to help others.

[@kathyo9420]

I've been transitioning this week and while I love my curls, I HATE the way my hair feels. When it's straight I use little product, but I've been using creams and gels and my hair feels nasty. its either crunchy or feels dirty or both, even after SOTC. I also eliminated most silicones this week too. I can't stand it. Tomorrow I'm washing and starting over. Using what i used to use before. It's the only way I'll make it to third day hair.

[@yourfavepersona8435]

Ive beeb transitioning like 5 months now i used the CGM , i used shea moistute , the first few days ma hair was okay but noww it feels dryy and prone to breackage m gonna go back to using silicones nd sulphates from time to time cuz ma hair loves em . Gluuck ❤

[@queenlay9095]

thanks for this, because i find it really hard to find products without silicones

[@Evelyn-uo1rb]

I have always used hair products with silicones in them, I just try to choose styling products with silicones listed at the end of ingredients list. I clarify once a week with sulfate shampoo, my hair is not dry or damaged. If I feel like scalp gets itchy or hair lacks volume, I add a little bit of baking soda to sulfate free cleanser followed by apple cider vinegar rinse and that removes any buildup. My skin hates silicones, hair seem to like them. I'm not against sulfate shampoos as long as they are not used daily. Different products work for different people, most women who follow Curly Girl Method swear for coconut oil to seal in moisture, I absolutely hate it on my hair, even the slightest amount leaves my hair limp and greasy. So, to me, silicones > coconut oil. Makes no sense, yet works for me. Also, sleeping on a silk pillowcase, ugh. I got silk SLIP pillowcase, I'd wake up with stretched out, limp locks, I'm back to sleeping on cotton.

[@jinz72]

Hey Mell, love your videos they are really educational and funny. Can the next video of this series be if leaving your hair wet four hours lowers your prosity an causes thin, brittle, dry hair. Lots of love from Puerto Rico ❤️

[@ManesByMell]

Ou this is a great topic!! I’ll make sure to note this one down. Thanks for your suggestion 😍❤️

[@jinz72]

Manes by Mell you’re welcome 🤗🤗🤗🤗😘❤️

[@jbei9981]

I have 2c/3a hair that was really damaged and SUPER frizzy. I started trying the CG method (or so I thought) about 2 months ago. My hair has gotten so much healthier and less frizzy, BUT I was not clarifying it (because no sulfates :/) and got a really sore/irritated scalp from build-up (My hair gets a little oily and I work out a lot). Right now I'm using Maui Moisture coconut curls shampoo/conditioner (which I believe is not totally sulfate free but gentle enough for me). I shampoo 1-2 times a week with that and in between use cantu ACV rinse if I need it. Then I use NYM curl talk cream and gel. Super cheap and I am loving my hair so much now! It's looking healthier and more defined every week. Thank you for this video!

[@LaLaPoP09]

I just subscribed because your personality is EVERYTHING! Plus your hair is bomb!

[@robinneese8041]

Love this vid. One of my favorite products is Miss Jessie’s pillow soft curls but stopped using it because of {gasp!} silicones. Thanks Mel!

[@jamielynns6825]

Loved this! Thank you! I try to be mainly sulfate and silicone free but probably once or twice a month I use silicones, it’s makes my hair soft 😍 I have 3A/3B hair I use -shea moisture sulfate free Jamaican castor oil shampoo -I vary what conditioner I use but right now a tresemme naturals -deva curl melt into moisture & deep sea repair as my deep conditioners