Gone are the days when shampoo simply did what it was expected to do, which was to clean hair by removing dirt and other buildup on it. But these days, there are many kinds of shampoos to choose from, that anyone shopping for shampoo will have to consider several things to make sure he or she gets the one that is best for his or her specific hair type.
1. For fine but oily or limp hair, your best bet is a shampoo that boasts of volumizing features. Avoid shampoo-and-conditioner formulas or those with a high priority on moisturizing, as this will only weigh down your limp hair. You would benefit best from daily shampooing, or every other day. This technique will help you get a sleek and radiant look. Be careful to apply conditioner only every two days.
Should you prefer to use conditioner daily, be sure to apply it only to the ends of your hair. If you are a person who uses a lot of styling products, revert to a clarifying shampoo once every week in order to get rid of product buildup. Experts also recommend using cold or lukewarm water. Using water that is too hot will cause hair cuticles to open, making your scalp and hair too dry, which results in oil glands compensating for that loss of moisture.
2. For curly hair, your choice should be a moisturizing shampoo, because curly hair tends to be coarse or dry. This is because the oils from the scalp are not able to down the hair as easily as with straight hair. This is also the reason why curly hair looks better when you don’t shampoo daily. Common moisturizers for shampoos best for curly hair include beeswax, shea butter, or nut oils. Experts recommend conditioner especially for curly hair.
3. If your hair is color-treated, color-protection shampoos would work best for you. The ingredients of these type of shampoos should be gentle cleansers such as ceramides which do not strip hair strands of their color. Some shampoos come with a color guard system or light reflecting formulas to nourish the hair and protect it from external aggressions. Experts explain that color-treated hair is in need of moisture. As such they recommend applying a hair masque about once a month to add moisture to the hair as well as to make it more manageable.
4. For thick and unruly dry hair, creamy shampoos should be your choice. They typically have ingredients that help to smoothen and detangle hair, as well as to diffuse static. Hair experts recommend a leave-in product for thick and unruly hair.
5. If you are prone to split-ends or substantial hair fall, you now have many options of shampoos geared especially to fight hair fall due to breakage. Experts recommend washing your hair with cool instead of warm water, as heat causes pores to open up and may result in a greater tendency for hair fall.
6. If you happen to have dandruff, your shampoo choice would have to be anti-dandruff choices. Dandruff is a sign that your scalp is prone to inflammation and irritation, which results in the white flakes. Look for shampoos with a gentle cleaning base, usually those made from coconut or castor oils that are generally gentle on hair while keeping your scalp in its natural balance.
7. For normal hair, double formula shampoos are fine to use. Shampoo and conditioner mixes can be used. Among the choices, the best ones are those that help protect your hair from environmental factors, as well as those that come with a system to maintain the hair’s pH level.
When you understand the mechanics of choosing the best shampoo, you will most likely experience healthier and easier to manage hair, no matter what your hair type. Also, you won’t be easily conned into trying the latest product when you know it isn’t even suitable for your hair type! This will save you much money in the long run. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t pamper your hair once in a while; you deserve a special treat once a month wherein you indulge in a treatment that rejuvenates your hair and scalp!
