okay, this may seem like a really dumb question, but i'm new here so I've never heard  of them before. What are cones? :-?

cones are silicone derivatives.  they end in -cone, which is where they get the name.  a commonly used example is dimethicone.  
they are usually found in shampoos/ conditioners for curly or frizzy hair, though they can be found in all types.  they add temporary shine and smoothness to hair, but can cause build up and crunchy ends.
some people's hair reacts well to going cone free.  i have very curly hair, and i have found that my hair needs small amounts of cones to keep it manageable.  if you do use products that contain cones, it is a good idea to do frequent ACV rinses to remove build-up.

There are no dumb questions here.  Callisto has given an excellent explaination of what -cones are.

I'll just add my 2cents - some -cones are water soluable and do not build up on the hair as quickly/easily as the non-soluable types. Therefore not all -cones are necessarily bad for your hair.  But regular vinegar rinses will help keep any product buildup to a minimum.

Before anyone gets too happy with the anti-cone tyraids, let me just say that certain hair types take extremely well to cones. Most commonly straight and/or fine hair, but they've been known to work for a few curly girls here as well.

I personally have been using cone products for over 8 years and haven't had a problem. Quite the opposite in fact. And now, I absolutely woudln't be without them.

Clarifying regularly is a good idea for anyone, whether they use cones or not. And for the record, I had absolutely no problem with cone products even when I didn't clarify. So it's not written in stone. Cones are only bad news for some people.

If you're considering which way would be best for your hair, my advice is to try both. That's the only way to know for sure. And trial and error is a huge part of this long hair journey.  ;)

i tried going cone-free for a while.  it did NOT work.  my hair tangles very easily  and it was far more difficult to comb without cones.  I don't use very much of them- otherwise my hair gets stiff- but small amounts, especially of dimethicone  really help my hair.

ohhhh ok well that makes sense. :) Thanks for the comments. I just checked this new shampoo that i bought (havent even used it yet) called pantene pro-v beautiful lengths. It has dimethicone and BIS-aminpropyl dimethicone. I think I'll try it tonight. Right now I'm not really sure how well my hair reacts to cones. I havent checked the ingredients on the S & C I've been using. Oh, and by the way, I've never tried a vinegar rinse. There is this kind of shampoo that we have though called Neutrogena anti-residue formula thats supposed to take away the residue left over from conditioners, shampoos, and styling products. I've never tried that either.  :P Anyways, do you think that will work well to take away residue?

Yes. Clarifying shampoos can be used in lieu of vinegar rinses. Almost every haircare brand makes one - not just Neutrogena.
   Personally, I use both 'cause I'm a hardcore clarifying freak.  ;D  But try around and see what you like.

okay! Thanks for the comments everyone! ;D

wrote on Aug 19^th, 2008 at 4:22pm:

And trial and error is a huge part of this long hair journey.  ;)

AMEN!!  ;D

Since not using cones I have noticed I don't get greasy hair the day after I wash. I always thought I had and oily scalp. Turns out that I don't since using cone free products. I think my hair could go either way, but if I go back to cones I would def do more clarifying rinses,

No anti-tirade here. :)  Tried going without cones as I wrote in the thread below.  Can't do it.  It just felt "wrong" and it was dry and I didn't like the look or feel.  Now that I use products with cones again, I feel like I've got my own hair back.  

Last time I tried vinegar rinsing was after a streak dye job and it hurt like hell on my scalp.  Basically, I just filled a cup with vinegar and poured it over my hair in the shower.  Was I suppose to delute it?  How was I suppose to do it?  Probably a really stupid question! ::)  Sorry, it wasn't my intend to hijack the thread.  Please carry on! :-[

A vinegar rinse should be a diluted mix of vinegar and water.  I use about a 1/4 of vinegar with a quart of water.  That is still a fairly strong  mix - less vinegar could be used and still be effective.  (and I suppose I should also say - keep out of your eyes!!!)

Thanks.  I learnt that the hard way because I opened my eyes too fast one time.  

bikerbraid wrote on Aug 19^th, 2008 at 3:39pm:

There are no dumb questions here.  Callisto has given an excellent explaination of what -cones are. I'll just add my 2cents - some -cones are water soluable and do not build up on the hair as quickly/easily as the non-soluable types. Therefore not all -cones are necessarily bad for your hair.  But regular vinegar rinses will help keep any product buildup to a minimum.

Hm The vinegar rinse sounds interesting. I have yet to find a book or tutorial that is in depth enough for me on how to actually carry through with that.
Also, I don't think my hair hates cones, or loves cones. Just unsure. The only things my hair really hates are anything by Aveda. Dries my hair out immediately.

Drear wrote on Aug 21^st, 2008 at 2:20am:

Thanks.  I learnt that the hard way because I opened my eyes too fast one time.

Oh ouch! :(