Silicone vs. Sili-CLONE™ HairTech: What's the difference?

At Living Proof, we believe innovation and education go hand in hand when it comes to hair care. While silicone has long been a staple in traditional hair products, Living Proof has developed Sili-CLONE™ HairTech, a breakthrough approach to formula design,mimicking results without the drawbacks of heavy silicone. In this blog, we’ll explore what sets silicone apart from Sili-CLONE™ HairTech, explain their unique roles in hair care, and empower you to make informed choices for your hair.

What is silicone in haircare?

Silicones are synthetic polymers that have been go-to ingredients in hair care products for decades. Its appeal lies in its ability to provide instant smoothing, shine, and protection against humidity. However, beneath its surface-level benefits, silicones can mask damage and potentially limit your hair health. Understanding how it works is key to deciding whether you should remove silicones from your haircare routine.

How silicone works

One benefit of silicones in haircare is that it can function as a protective barrier for your hair strands, sealing the cuticle to lock out humidity and reduce frizz. By forming this smooth outer layer, it creates the appearance of sleek, shiny hair that looks polished and healthy. Its silky texture also helps detangle hair, making it easier to manage and style.

Why silicones are not ideal for hair health

While silicones can offer short-term benefits, the long-term effects are less desirable:

• Buildup: Because some silicones used in haircare are heavy and non-water-soluble, it tends to cling to the hair shaft, making it difficult to wash out completely. Over time, this accumulation can weigh hair down and leave it feeling oily or coated.
• Heaviness: For individuals with fine or thin hair, silicone’s dense nature can lead to limp, lifeless strands that lack volume and movement.
• Masking damage: Silicones’ smoothing properties can often camouflage underlying hair issues, such as dryness, breakage, or brittleness. Rather than nourishing the hair, it can temporarily hide problems and potentially preventing improvement.

For those seeking healthier, more sustainable haircare alternatives, silicone’s drawbacks have paved the way for new innovations like Sili-CLONE™ HairTech.

📌 Related Reading: Is Silicone Bad for Your Hair? Our Experts Weigh In >>

What is Sili-CLONE™ HairTech?

Sili-CLONE™ HairTech is Living Proof’s groundbreaking solution to next generation silicone-free hair care. Designed to replicate the some benefits of silicones while addressing its shortcomings, Sili-CLONE™ HairTech represents a new era in hair care formulation. But what exactly makes it so unique?



Why it’s a game-changer

Sili-CLONE™ HairTech doesn’t just imitate some of silicone’s benefits — it elevates them. It smooths, detangles, and conditions your hair without the heavy residue or buildup, ensuring your hair feels clean. Unlike heavy silicones, it works to actively improve hair health over time. And by nourishing your hair, Sili-CLONE™ HairTech helps you achieve a lasting foundation for strong, beautiful hair.

Science-backed performance

Living Proof didn’t develop Sili-CLONE™ HairTech overnight. This revolutionary formulation approach is the result of 600+ lab experiments, 170+ formula iterations, and 1,000+ performance tests. These rigorous efforts led to innovative formulations that deliver exceptional performance across hair types:

• Shampoo: Powered by an eco-luxe sunflower-based surfactant, it produces a rich, silky lather for a luxurious, spreadable cleansing experience.
• Conditioner: Enhanced with Polyricinoleic Acid, a bio-derived fatty acid polymer, it provides exceptional slip and optimizes hair fibers without weighing them down.

The result? Proven, high-performing formulas enhance the long-term condition of your hair. From superior conditioning to its scalp-friendly, sustainable design, Sili-CLONE™ HairTech is a true standout in hair care innovation.

Silicone vs. Sili-CLONE™ HairTech: key differences.

To help you decide between traditional silicone-based products and silicone-free shampoos and conditioners that use Sili-CLONE™ HairTech, here’s a quick breakdown of how they compare:

Why opt for Sili-CLONE™ HairTech over silicone based haircare?

Choosing Sili-CLONE™ HairTech is a choice for healthier, cleaner haircare. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Scalp health: Formulated to be gentle on the scalp promoting long-term hair wellness.
• Longer-lasting cleanliness: Keeps hair cleaner for longer, reducing the need for frequent washing and styling, which can add damage.
• Transforms the condition of your hair: Sili-CLONE™ HairTech is engineered to feel like silicone, in a way that's proven to unlock healthier hair with every wash.

How to incorporate Sili-CLONE™ HairTech into your routine

Living Proof’s shampoos and conditioners with Sili-CLONE™ HairTech offer a tailored approach to addressing a variety of hair concerns. Whether your hair is frizzy, flat, damaged, or dry, there’s a solution for you:

• Perfect Hair Day Shampoo + Conditioner: Transform dry, dull hair with 72-hour hydration for a silky-smooth finish.
• Full Shampoo + Conditioner: Give fine, thin, or flat hair a volume boost with 2x the volume after every wash.
• No Frizz Shampoo + Conditioner: Tame frizz instantly, delivering 3x smoother hair in just one use.
• Restore Shampoo + Conditioner: Heal and strengthen damaged, brittle hair with up to 95% less breakage.

💡 Usage Tips: For best results, pair silicone-free shampoo and conditioner within the same collection. Enhance your routine further with complementary Living Proof styling products for a complete, customized regimen. And don’t worry — Sili-CLONE™ HairTech is safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair.

Conclusion

Sili-CLONE™ HairTech is redefining hair care, offering all the benefits of silicones without its traditional drawbacks. Living Proof continues to push the boundaries of innovation, ensuring you have access to cutting-edge solutions for your healthiest, most beautiful hair.

👉 Take our Hair Quiz to find the best Living Proof products for your hair type!

FAQs

Is silicone bad for your hair health?

Silicones aren’t “bad” for your hair, but they can come with some challenges. While they can make hair appear smooth and shiny, heavy silicones can create buildup over time, which can weigh hair down and make it feel oily. Silicones can also mask damage instead of addressing the root cause, potentially leading to long-term hair health issues if used excessively.

What is the difference between silicone and Sili-CLONE™ HairTech?

Sili-CLONE™ HairTech is a formulation approach that mimics silicone’s benefits without causing buildup or masking damage, leaving your hair healthier for longer.

Are Living Proof products with Sili-CLONE™ HairTechfree of silicone?

Yes, all Living Proof shampoos and conditioners are 100% silicone-free.

Can Sili-CLONE™ HairTech be used on all hair types?

Absolutely! Whether you have fine, thick, curly, or color-treated hair, Sili-CLONE™ HairTech works without weighing hair down.

What are the long-term advantages of using products with Sili-Clone?

With consistent use, hair stays cleaner for longer, and becomes healthier over time.