Read more: Silicones: Good, Bad, and Ugly
Why we love and hate silicones
We cannot stress enough the importance in knowing that not all silicones are bad and many actually have favorable benefits. If we have to put them in the good, bad, and downright ugly category, then it would be the water-soluble (good”>, semi-soluble (bad”>, and the water-insoluble (ugly”>. Water-soluble silicones will always fare better as they can be removed easily with water but bad or ugly require clarifying shampoos or sulfates and too much use of those can be counter-productive to moisture retention hair.
What is bis-aminopropyl dimethicone?
Bis-aminopropyl dimethicone is very similar to amodimethicone. These modified silicones have specific properties, which allow them to be excellent conditioning agents and create a protective barrier on the hair strands. They are considered the best high-performing conditioning polymers. This water-insoluble silicone is often found in regular conditioners.
Pros
Bis-aminopropyl dimethicone actually bonds to damaged areas on the hair’s cuticle and makes the hair feel softer. It also creates the protective barrier like other silicones and provides easier combing. What makes it different from other silicones and hair is that it does not cause buildup on the scalp and hair. It will provide conditioning to damage areas, increase color-retention, and aid in deep conditioning.
Cons
This silicone is a pain to remove from our hair despite it not being considered a build-up silicone. Bis-aminopropyl dimethicone is a semi-water soluble silicone that may build up hair over time, but it seems it is a trial and error kind of ingredient because some have no issue with buildup while others do. It is not as difficult to wash out, but it does create a barrier that may require a sulfate or clarifying shampoo to remove.
The takeaway
Out of the so-called bad silicones, many curlies like this ingredient and it can be found in many of our favorite brands and products. To say the good outweighs the bad would be too simplistic of an answer and a better one would be to decide for yourself if this is an ingredient you like. Since it is in many products curly girls love it may become a favorite for others, but know if you do feel a buildup then a sulfate shampoo should do the trick of removing it and know that sulfates can stave off moisture in our strands. Always follow up with a conditioner after you shampoo. Here are some products with bis-aminopropyl dimethicone.
