There has been alot of controversy revolving around the use of silicone in hair products. It is said to mask damage and split ends, such that when one stops the use of silicone, all the accumulated damage shows through at once. While this may be true, some people have found that their hair cannot live without silicone! In the past, my hair was very happy with silicone serums, and was shiny and smooth from the use of them. However, it has become very finicky of late,and ends up crunchy if I use a leave-in that contains silicone. Thus, I decided to do a little experimenting to see decide if I should stick with silicone or not.
First thing I did was to abandon my silicone serum in favour of my trusty coconut oil. I shampooed my entire length to get rid of the silicone serum in my hair, and then applied coconut oil when damp. Lo and behold, my hair was much softer and happier with the use of coconut oil. To ensure this was really the result of switching to oil, I tried this for a few more washes, achieving the same result. My silicone serum is happily collecting dust on my shelf now, at least until my hair decides it needs a change again.
Next, I thought that maybe I should try a silicone-free wash-off conditioner too. So I went out and got one, using it for my next wash. This one was a no-go. My hair was tangly and unmanageable, oiling it did not help either. So...I went back to my silicone-loaded conditioner.
Funny isn't it, that my hair loves a silicone wash-off but hates a silicone leave-in? For those having hair problems, it's best to do some experimenting of your own, but be sure to only change one element at a time, so you know exactly what you changed that made a difference. For example, try a different serum while keeping all other parts of your routine the same. Don't change your leave-in and wash-off and the same time! Also remember that hair, like your skin, is always changing. Products you have been happy with for a long time may suddenly stop working!
Showing posts with label Leave-in conditioner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leave-in conditioner. Show all posts
Friday, December 4, 2009
Labels: Leave-in conditioner, Prevent tangles, Silicone products, Split ends0 comments
I've been using various leave-in conditioners for my hair throughout the years, but I recently discovered Phyto's line of leave-in conditioners, Phyto 7 for dry hair, and Phyto 9 for ultra dry hair. Before I move on to my review of these 2 leave-ins, here's some information on both products:
Phyto 7 Daily Hydrating Botanical Cream - Dry Hair

Product description
A genuine "day cream" for hair, PHYTO 7 is a unique plant-based formula consisting of seven plant extracts specially selected for their hydrating and regenerating properties (Calendula, Sage, Burdock, Willow, Soybean, Rosemary and Althea). Its creamy, non-greasy formula works to enhance the natural protection of dry hair by maintaining optimum moisture levels. Your hair regains shine, suppleness and body.
Ingredients
Althaea Officinalis Extract (Mucilage Vegetal), Arctium Majus Root Extract (Bardane), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (Rosmarin), Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract (Sauge), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Leaf Extract (Saule), Lecithin (Soja), Sodium Dehydroacetate, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parabens (Butyl, Ethyl).
Directions for Use
Apply after shampoo to towel-dried hair. Squeeze a pea size amount of Phyto 7 into the palm of your hair and distribute evenly throughout hair, concentrating on the ends. Do Not Rinse. Style as usual.
Phyto 9 Daily Ultra Nourishing Botanical Cream - Ultra Dry Hair

Product description
A genuine "day cream" for dehydrated hair, Phyto 9 is a combination of macadamia oil and plant extracts, all carefully selected for their hydrating and nourishing properties (St. John's wort, calendula, sage, burdock, willow, soybean, rosemary, althea).
Native to Hawaii and very rich in essential fatty acids, macadamia oil has the distinctive feature of resembling sebum and provides intense nourishment without leaving a greasy residue. Soybean, calendula, burdock and plant extracts penetrate the core of the hair fiber to help restore keratin moisture levels. Treated from within and protected on the outside, hair rapidly regains its original shine, suppleness and softness.
Ingredients
Althaea Officinalis Extract (Mucilage Vegetal), Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Arctium Majus Root Extract (Bardane), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (Romarin), Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract (Sauge), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Leaf Extract (Saule), Hypericum Perforatum Extract (Millepertuis), Lecithin (Soja), Sodium Dehydroacetate, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parabens (Butyl, Ethyl).
Directions for Use
Apply after shampoo to towel-dried hair. Squeeze a pea size amount of Phyto 9 into the palm of your hair and distribute evenly throughout hair, concentrating on the ends. Do Not Rinse. Style as usual.
My Review:
Having tried both leave-in conditioners, I have to conclude that I prefer Phyto 9 to Phyto 7. Phyto 7 has a slightly more watery texture while Phyto 9 is more creamy. On separate days, I tried Phyto 7 and Phyto 9 on my towel-dried hair. Phyto 7 did not have effect on my hair at all, applying it on towel-dried hair did not help untangle, and after air-drying my hair felt as dry and frizzy as ever. It probably wasn't rich enough for my hair. However, it was a total different story with Phyto 9.
After washing, my hair is normally rather tangled, and a good leave-in conditioner usually helps provide lubrication for ease of untangling. Phyto 9 is that leave-in conditioner. It smoothed down my hair and my fingers slid through tangles with little or no coaxing.
Air-dried hair was smooth, shiny and soft to the touch. My brush glided through my hair very easily. The best thing was, it did not weigh down my fine hair! Hair was full of bounce and looked extremely healthy, no lanky or dirty-looking effect like how some leave-ins give.
I did not have to used too much of the product, probably about a 1 cm squeeze into my palm for each half of the head. You do have to experiment to get the right amount that works for you as it depends on factors such as hair length, condition, and hair thickness.
I recommend that anyone with dry, frizzy or damaged hair try this leave-in immediately! You probably won't regret it. But if you are unsure, try getting samples of the product before you commit to the full size. Phyto doesn't carry the cheapest of hair products, but to me, it is a well-worth and likely long-term investment.
Phyto 7 Daily Hydrating Botanical Cream - Dry Hair
Product description
A genuine "day cream" for hair, PHYTO 7 is a unique plant-based formula consisting of seven plant extracts specially selected for their hydrating and regenerating properties (Calendula, Sage, Burdock, Willow, Soybean, Rosemary and Althea). Its creamy, non-greasy formula works to enhance the natural protection of dry hair by maintaining optimum moisture levels. Your hair regains shine, suppleness and body.
Ingredients
Althaea Officinalis Extract (Mucilage Vegetal), Arctium Majus Root Extract (Bardane), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (Rosmarin), Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract (Sauge), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Leaf Extract (Saule), Lecithin (Soja), Sodium Dehydroacetate, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parabens (Butyl, Ethyl).
Directions for Use
Apply after shampoo to towel-dried hair. Squeeze a pea size amount of Phyto 7 into the palm of your hair and distribute evenly throughout hair, concentrating on the ends. Do Not Rinse. Style as usual.
Phyto 9 Daily Ultra Nourishing Botanical Cream - Ultra Dry Hair
Product description
A genuine "day cream" for dehydrated hair, Phyto 9 is a combination of macadamia oil and plant extracts, all carefully selected for their hydrating and nourishing properties (St. John's wort, calendula, sage, burdock, willow, soybean, rosemary, althea).
Native to Hawaii and very rich in essential fatty acids, macadamia oil has the distinctive feature of resembling sebum and provides intense nourishment without leaving a greasy residue. Soybean, calendula, burdock and plant extracts penetrate the core of the hair fiber to help restore keratin moisture levels. Treated from within and protected on the outside, hair rapidly regains its original shine, suppleness and softness.
Ingredients
Althaea Officinalis Extract (Mucilage Vegetal), Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Arctium Majus Root Extract (Bardane), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (Romarin), Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract (Sauge), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Leaf Extract (Saule), Hypericum Perforatum Extract (Millepertuis), Lecithin (Soja), Sodium Dehydroacetate, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parabens (Butyl, Ethyl).
Directions for Use
Apply after shampoo to towel-dried hair. Squeeze a pea size amount of Phyto 9 into the palm of your hair and distribute evenly throughout hair, concentrating on the ends. Do Not Rinse. Style as usual.
My Review:
Having tried both leave-in conditioners, I have to conclude that I prefer Phyto 9 to Phyto 7. Phyto 7 has a slightly more watery texture while Phyto 9 is more creamy. On separate days, I tried Phyto 7 and Phyto 9 on my towel-dried hair. Phyto 7 did not have effect on my hair at all, applying it on towel-dried hair did not help untangle, and after air-drying my hair felt as dry and frizzy as ever. It probably wasn't rich enough for my hair. However, it was a total different story with Phyto 9.
After washing, my hair is normally rather tangled, and a good leave-in conditioner usually helps provide lubrication for ease of untangling. Phyto 9 is that leave-in conditioner. It smoothed down my hair and my fingers slid through tangles with little or no coaxing.
Air-dried hair was smooth, shiny and soft to the touch. My brush glided through my hair very easily. The best thing was, it did not weigh down my fine hair! Hair was full of bounce and looked extremely healthy, no lanky or dirty-looking effect like how some leave-ins give.
I did not have to used too much of the product, probably about a 1 cm squeeze into my palm for each half of the head. You do have to experiment to get the right amount that works for you as it depends on factors such as hair length, condition, and hair thickness.
I recommend that anyone with dry, frizzy or damaged hair try this leave-in immediately! You probably won't regret it. But if you are unsure, try getting samples of the product before you commit to the full size. Phyto doesn't carry the cheapest of hair products, but to me, it is a well-worth and likely long-term investment.
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