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ASSIGNMENT
ROLE OF SILICA IN HAIR CARE & APPLICATION
METHODS
SUBMITTED BY
DR JAMIN JOSEPH P
ABSTRACT:A higher silicon content in the hair results in a lower rate of hair loss and increased
brightness. For these beneficial effects, there is growing interest in scientific studies evaluating
the efficacy and safety of using dietary supplements containing silicon.
INTRODUCTION:
Silicon dioxide (SiO2), or silica, is a mineral that consists of the trace element silicon and
oxygen. It’s one of the most abundant chemical compounds in the world — in fact, silica
accounts for approximately 12 percent of all material in the Earth’s crust (the outermost, surface
layer of the planet).
As an ingredient, silica is commonly included in foods as an anti-caking agent, dough modifier,
for controlling viscosity and for clarifying beverages.
It’s also found in medications and dietary supplements, usually as an excipient (an ingredient
used to support or enhance stability).
Organic silica sources include many fruits and vegetables, such as bananas and green beans, as
well as legumes, cereals, nuts and seeds. Most people in Western countries get their dietary
silica from cereals, as well as fruits, drinks and vegetable-derived products.
It’s important to note that the bioavailability of silica (the amount of the compound that’s
actually absorbed by your body) can differ from source to source. While some foods are silica
rich, not all are equally effective at supplying silica to your body. Like many other important
minerals, silica is found inside your body.
Although researchers have yet to discover the full role that silica plays in human health, research
suggests that it may be involved in many functions within the body.
ROLE OF SILICA HAIR CARE:
Silicon is also associated with the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans. Concerning the hair, it is suggested
that strands with higher silicon content tend to have lower falling rate and higher brightness .
The fact that ch-OSA have partially prevented the loss of hair tensile strength suggests that it has
a structural effect on hair fibers. According to the authors, an interaction with keratin is possible,
considering that OSA is the chemical form of silicon prevalent in physiological fluids and that
silanol group, present on OSA, is known to form complexes with amino acids and peptides
Silica has been known to deliver essential nutrients to your scalp and hair follicles, therefore it
may strengthen hair and help prevent hair breakage.
Silica can help with thinning hair issues because it can increase blood circulation at the scalp
and strengthen the hair strand.
Silica is quite often used as a flow agent and anti-caking agent, which means it makes your dry
shampoo spray well, consistently and prevents nozzle clogging
Silica’s role for hair health appears to be two-fold. Firstly, as mentioned above, silica
helps to achieve hormonal balance. An imbalance in the female sex hormones is one of t he
biggest single causal factors for hair loss and the thinning of hair. An intake of silica will
most definitely help to prevent hair thinning, restore vitality to hair and may even address
hair loss without the need for hormone mimicking herbs. This property is particularly
suitable for those with cell mutation associated with excess oestrogen.
Silica bonds with many minerals in the body as mentioned above. Aside from removing
aluminium from the body, silica takes many nutrients to the peripherals of the body,
namely the hair, skin and nails, and thus ensures that the hair follicles are supplied with all
the vital minerals necessary for hair growth and vitality
It also has some absorbent qualities, which means it will help with the oil absorbing action.
Silica contributes to the overall thickness and volume of hair. It helps to pump up the hair shaft,
making individual strands appear fuller and more voluminous.
Hair exhibits a high tensile strength, 150-270MPa, which is significantly dependent on strain
rate and humidity. The strain-rate sensitivity, approximately 0.06-0.1, is comparable to that of
other keratinous materials and common synthetic polymers.
APPLICATION:
Hair products containing silica found in shampoos and conditioners, as well as masks and other
topical treatments. However, researchers are still trying to scale just how effective products with
silica actually are.
Instead, taking vitamins and supplements are typically recommended as a more effective way to
intake silica into your system. Most people don’t get enough silica in their diet because it gets
flushed out by the kidneys So taking vitamins and/or supplements is one of the best ways your
body can retain silica.
Silica supplements most commonly come from bamboo or the horsetail plant extract. Silicon or
silicon dioxide supplements are available in pill, powder, and gel forms.
Bamboo Extract is not a silica supplement for the young who have an abundance of silica.
If you are in your forties then it is very likely that you will be deficient in silica. If you care
about the state of your hair, skin and nails, then ensure that you obtain your silica from one
source – Bamboo Extract.
CONCLUSION:
Silica is a great way to prevent hair thinning and can promote tensile strength .There is still no
consensus among researchers about the statement that silicon is an essential element for man or
about the real benefits obtained from the use of supplements containing silicon. The silicon
intake is considered safe, since there were no reported adverse events.
REFERENCE
1. Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy, An.
Bras. Dermatol. 91 (3) • May-Jun 2016 • https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20163986
2. Advancements in polymers used in hair care: a review International Journal of Research in
Cosmetic Science 2016; 6(1): 6-16
3.Orthosilicic acid stimulates collagen type 1 synthesis and osteoblastic differentiation in human
osteoblast-like cells in vitro, Volume 32, Issue 2, February 2003, Pages 127-135
