Thread: Shine Addicts UNITE!

lol @ Aurantia

I keep being tempted by henna and cassia but I know I would eventually want to give up the henna (I want my sparklies and I kind of like my natural color) and applying henna/cassia seems like a pain in the butt. I am a lazy longhair.

Originally Posted by islandboo

I keep being tempted by henna and cassia but I know I would eventually want to give up the henna (I want my sparklies and I kind of like my natural color) and applying henna/cassia seems like a pain in the butt. I am a lazy longhair.

Applying cassia IS a pain in the butt, and the fabulous results only ever lasted about a week for me. WAY too much work!

I'd like to talk more about specific 'cones if there is anyone with knowledge to share.

There are so many different types, even "dimethicone" is a general term that refers to polydimethylsiloxane which has varying forms. Some 'cones are worse/better than others and I would kill for a detailed list of the properties of each. We would need a chemist for that, and maybe even a specialized chemist.

Funny how those shampoo researchers never show up on hair forums. *Hmph!*

Originally Posted by Aurantia

I'd like to talk more about specific 'cones if there is anyone with knowledge to share.

There are so many different types, even "dimethicone" is a general term that refers to polydimethylsiloxane which has varying forms. Some 'cones are worse/better than others and I would kill for a detailed list of the properties of each. We would need a chemist for that, and maybe even a specialized chemist.

Funny how those shampoo researchers never show up on hair forums. *Hmph!*

Oh, me, me! (^(oo)^)/"

Amodimethicone Grade: A
This amine-functionalized* silicone is my #1 favourite in rinse-out conditioners, as it imparts the most/longest-lasting shine, minimizes tangles, and softens hair. Despite its effectiveness, this cone is also very lightweight and doesn't weigh down my hair at all. I can even apply it to the roots right up next to the scalp without causing my stick-straight hair to look limp or stringy. It's perfect year-round here in San Francisco on my 1a/M/i-ii hair, but you might need something a bit more heavy-duty, like bis-aminopropyl dimethicone (see next paragraph), if you have very cold winters, very dry & hot summers, or thicker/coarser/more high-porosity hair.

Bis-aminopropyl dimethicone Grade: A-
My second-favourite 'cone for rinse-out conditioners is another amine-functionalized* silicone. This one is a bit heavier than amodimethicone but otherwise exhibits most of the same qualities. When I lived in NYC, this cone was just the thing for protecting my ends against the harsh effects of winter weather and the dryness of heated indoor air. However, it's too heavy for me to use near my roots.

Cyclomethicone Grade: A+
This is an awesome one for any kind of post styling shine enhancing product. It seems to show up as the first or second ingredient in nearly every one of my favourite shine sprays, including my HG, aquage beyond shine. It imparts significant, noticeable shine and softness!! I'm a huge fan of this 'cone.

Cyclopentasiloxane Grade: C
Meh. I'm pretty ambivalent about this 'cone. It does a decent job of providing 'coney slip, but it doesn't really do much for my hair's shine & softness.

Dimethicone Grade: D
Not a fan of this one at all. Dimethicone is just way too heavy for my hair type. It makes my hair stringy and greasy-looking by day two or even just by the end of day one in the summer. I can just barely tolerate it in a shampoo and I don't like to see it in my rinse-out conditioners. I won't touch a styling product or shine spray that contains this at all.

*Amine-functionalized silicones are specially modified to have specific desirable properties, such as providing targeted conditioning to damaged areas of the hair cuticle and resisting buildup: Amodimethicone and other Amine-functionalized Silicones | NaturallyCurly.com

Bless you, piggy!

You seem as knowledge about 'cones as you are about shoes. There should be an "Ask Piggy" app.

Haha, there should be an "Ask Piggy" app.

Originally Posted by (^(oo)^)

Dimethicone Grade: D
Not a fan of this one at all. Dimethicone is just way too heavy for my hair type. It makes my hair stringy and greasy-looking by day two or even just by the end of day one in the summer. I can just barely tolerate it in a shampoo and I don't like to see it in my rinse-out conditioners. I won't touch a styling product or shine spray that contains this at all.

A-ha! So that is why the Stephen Knoll stuff I have makes my hair greasy. Good thing I didn't buy it; a friend gave it to me. Anyone want it?

Originally Posted by longhairedfairy

I mostly just use some sweet almond oil on the ends/length of my hair (avoiding the scalp area), usually while it’s still damp. Lately I’ve been using some Fruit of the Earth aloe gel on the scalp hair or all over after it’s dry. It helps tame the frizzy areas/little hairs that stick out and seems to make my hair a bit softer.



I've been curious about that because I've heard good thing about it. Does it have a noticeable smell?

Mine has a little smell as it is unrefined, but an essential oil has no trouble masking the smell.

SO stared as I took my hair down last night and commented on the shine. I made up a batch of Gladtobemom's hair butter early this week and had used a bit in my damp hair before letting it dry. This might be my go-to shine product!