We stumbled upon a relatively new haircare ingredient, and we knew we had to investigate this ‘silicone alternative’ that’s being touted as the saviour for dry, frizzy hair. If you’re obsessed with how smooth, moisturised, and frizz-free your hair feels after adding a silicone-infused product into your routine, but are wary of all the side-effects that complement this agent (product build-up, difficult to remove, not water-soluble, breakage), Hemi-squalane is here to give your hair all the benefits of silicone without sabotaging the quality of your tresses. If you’re looking to remove silicone from your hair care repository, pack a punch by switching to this lightweight formula ASAP.
- What is hemi-squalane?
- What are the benefits of hemi-squalane for hair?
- What type of hair does this ingredient work best for?
- How do you use the oil for your hair?
What is hemi-squalane?

Hemi-squalane is an all-natural alternative to silicone. It’s derived from the fermentation of sugar-based plants like sugarcane. A lightweight oil that feels more like water, this ingredient is perceived as a part of the ‘skinification of hair’ trend wherein high-end and sophisticated formulas headlining the skincare industry are weaved into hair care products to reflect the importance of treating our hair with the same amount of care as our skin.
What are the benefits of hemi-squalane for hair?

One of the most sought-after benefits of this oil is its ability to control frizz without weighing your hair down. And because it’s a natural emollient, it seals moisture into your hair and repels dryness. It strengthens your strands by coating them, preventing breakage. It seeps into the scalp quickly and easily because of its lightweight texture and spreads easily through your hair. Allowing you to coat your hair efficiently with little product. It works as an excellent styling product too as it makes your hair look healthier and shinier.
What type of hair does this ingredient work best for?

Since hemi-squalane is best at taming frizz, it’s intended for those with frizz-prone hair. But it’s an important ingredient for the overall health of the scalp as well. According to dermatologists, this oil might not quite benefit individuals with seborrheic dermatitis or any natural build-up or scaliness in the scalp.
That’s because hemi-squalane has sealing properties, and this might exacerbate the build-up situation further. If you have fine or thin hair, try not to experiment with this oil as it can weigh your hair down. If you want to try it out, ensure you’re using very little quantity.
How do you use the oil for your hair?

There’s some scepticism about the oil because of how it is derived. There are animal-derived variations of hemi-squalane, and plant-derived hemi-squalene has been found to contain petroleum, paraffin, and mineral oils. Make sure you’re purchasing a version of this oil that contains only plant-based ingredients and is 100% cruelty-free. Work a pea-sized drop through damp, clean hair every day to tame frizz.
Written by Urvi Shah on 12th Jan 2022
A professional writer by day, and a poet by night, I'm a journalism graduate with experience in the news, travel, and food sectors. A frantic compiler of excerpts from books I've read, you can count on me to incorporate quotes and phrases into everyday conversations without a warning. On days I'm not working, I station myself in front of my laptop, and try to work my way through month-old drafts of my writings.