WHAT IS A SHAMPOO?
Well, I know it’s pretty evident for me to state what shampoo is but trust me when I say that a lot of people misuse dozens of cosmetic products (or ingredients, to be more specific) just because they have no idea how beneficial or harmful it can be, or when they don’t know what that product is designed for. So let’s start with the basics.
The shampoo is (usually) a liquid-based hair care product used to wash hairs. Shampoo to the hair is what cleanser is to the face. Our hair gets oily because of sebum, a natural oil secreted by the sebaceous glands of our scalp. This natural oil is good for keeping our hair moisturized but not washing our hair for a longer duration can lead to greasy-looking hair. And not just that, excessively oily hairs tend to catch extra dirt, debris, and unpleasant sweat odours and, at times, leave your scalp prone to bacteria. Therefore, washing our hair is a part of basic hygiene, which needs to be followed regularly.
THE UNDENIABLE BENEFITS.
The regular and proper use of a good shampoo would not just help you cleanse your hair, but it will also improve the overall hygiene of your hair. Clean hair with no dirt and grime tends to be more shiny and manageable. If your hair is damaged by heat, chemical treatments or harsh hair dyes, then a good shampoo with a gentle wash can help treat your hair and scalp problems. Regularly using a good shampoo has proven highly effective against dandruff and hair loss. In addition, it aids in hair growth and works well to preserve the hair colour better, leaving your hair and scalp with a healthier look. Just make sure to choose wisely. Always select a product following your given concern.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU NEED TO USE A SHAMPOO?
This undoubtedly is one of the most frequently asked questions. There’s so much data available on this topic, but I still have seen people wondering what the correct answer would be. It has been confusing because people are looking for a specific number, and guess what? Unfortunately, there’s no such formula or exact answer to this question. However, there’s an idea behind this concern, and I would love to break that down for you guys.
The only answer to this question is that the frequency of washing your hair highly depends on your hair type and concern.
People with silky, straight and shiny hair usually have an extra oily scalp, so they should wash their hair daily, once in a couple of days or whenever they feel that their hair has gotten greasy or dirty. On the other hand, people who have dry, frizzy or brittle hair tend to have a dry scalp. Washing such hairs too often can result in more frizz leaving hair dry and damaged. There are so many other hair types and hair concerns as well, but the idea is to wash accordingly. And it’s not just about the type of hair or skin of your scalp; it also depends greatly on your environment and lifestyle. For example, if you are a gym freak or live in a place with a lot of humidity, you are supposed to sweat a lot more than others. So, don’t just look at your hair in the mirror and decide; the key is to feel your hair. It all depends on how you feel about your hair because understanding your hair is no different than understanding your skin. Washing your hair with shampoo is not like one size fits all, and we all need to understand the importance of this idea.
A person with a dry and itchy scalp does not need to wash their hair as frequently as someone with an oily scalp would. It’s that simple.
TYPES OF SHAMPOOS.
Hundreds of shampoos are available for different types of hair and their respective concerns, but even after that, they are divided mainly into the following few categories.
● Clarifying shampoos are specifically formulated to deep cleanse all the oil and dirt from your hair and scalp.
● Colour-protecting shampoos are used to wash dyed hairs so they can preserve the colour, making it last longer, and not just that, but it makes your hair colour look fresh and vibrant.
● People with dry hair need to use Moisturizing shampoos as it helps with providing extra nourishment and smooth texture to the hair.
● Volumizing shampoos are designed to serve what the name signifies. People with thin hair can use such shampoos to bring volume and texture to their hair, making it more manageable.
So, the next time you plan on buying a shampoo, make sure that you choose your shampoo according to your hair type and concern.
Here are some of the best and most loved hair shampoos of all time.
Clarifying Shampoos (for oily hair and scalp):
OUAI is a detoxifying shampoo, and your hairs are going to thank you for this. It deep cleanses your hair and scalp and removes all that excess oil, dirt and other impurities, leaving your hair soft and smooth. The apple cider vinegar, hydrolyzed keratin and chelating agents work as active ingredients in this wonderful formula, and it’s free of sulfates and parabens. However, remember that it could be a little drying on the scalp, so make sure not to use it excessively and wash your hair accordingly.
● Suave Naturals Daily Clarifying Shampoo.
This one is specifically formulated with a gentle formula considering the daily use of a clarifying shampoo. This product is excellent for those who have oily hair. It instantly removes all the product build-up, leaving your hair light and refreshing—good value for money.
● Tea Tree Special Shampoo, Deep Cleans, Refreshes Scalp.
This one is a little pricey but worth every penny. It doesn’t just deep cleanse your hair and scalp but is a big help against dandruff, acne and eczema on the scalp. The natural tea tree oil combined with peppermint and lavender creates a fragrant cleansing formula free of paraben and is an entirely vegan product.
Moisturizing and Hydrating Shampoos (for dry and dehydrated hair):
● Moroccan oil Hydrating Shampoo.
Say goodbye to those dry and brittle hairs. It’s time to bring life back to your hair with this super formula rich in nutrients, packed with natural Moroccan oil. This shampoo is colour safe and gentle enough to be used every day. It’s impressive to see how it instantly provides moisture and lustre to the hair and increases its manageability. A must-try!
● L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo.
This is for you if you want those fresh, flowing, hydrated hairs. This product is aimed to purify the scalp while providing complete moisture and hydration to the ends. Great for fine and frizzy hairs, extraordinarily nourishing and refreshing.
Colour-protecting Shampoos:
One of my very close friends swears by this product, and thousands of people love it. Super gentle on colour-treated hair, it not just protects the hair colour but maintains the vibrancy and also brings out the shine. It’s free of silicon and paraben and is a vegan product—an ideal shampoo for all who love to dye their hair.
● Kerastase Reflection Bain Chromatique Multi-Protecting Shampoo.
It’s Kerastase, you all! It protects the colour-treated hair by neutralizing the water particles to make it last longer. It’s free of sulfate and has a super gentle formula that provides moisture and luster, bringing out the shine like never before.
Volumizing Shampoos:
● Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo.
A fantastic blend of nourishment and hydration, especially for thin hairs. It repairs and strengthens each and every strand of hair, leaving them soft, smooth and healthier with every wash. In addition, it eliminates frizz & flyways, reduces the chance of hair breakage, and brings out the best volume. This is an ideal product for those who have weak and dehydrated hair. Worth the shot!
● KERASTASE, Densifique Bain Densite Bodifying Shampoo.
Regularly using this shampoo has proven to deliver the best results. It brings out visible volume and provides instant thickness to the hairs, making them look healthy. And at the same time, the softness and smoothness are unbeatable—the holy grail for thin hairs.
Anti-dandruff Shampoos:
● Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole.
It is clinically proven to be highly effective against dandruff, along with controlling flaking and itching. Many believe it has cured their lifelong dandruff and other scalp issues, such as fungal acne. Ketoconazole is an active ingredient in this shampoo and works like magic to eliminate all dandruff and other impurities. In addition, it provides thick leather while washing and leaves the hair soft and manageable.
● Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-dandruff Shampoo, Maximum Strength.
Another excellent anti-dandruff shampoo. This maximum strength formula is tough on dandruff but great on hair. Formulated with selenium sulfide as an active ingredient and formulated with menthol that provides a cooling and soothing effect. So say goodbye to dandruff once and for all!
For Swimmers:
● Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three, Clarifying, Removes Chlorine.
Tried and tested for what it says. An excellent product for the swimming freaks. It is proven to remove the chlorine from hairs and wash away all other dirt and impurities, leaving the hair soft and smooth. It is suited for all hair types, but excessive use can result in dryness; therefore, it is advised to use it moderately and make sure to condition your hair afterwards.
For Curly Hair:
● Shea Moisture Curl and Shine Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo for Curly Hair.
Phthalate, paraben and cruelty-free shampoo that provides a gentle yet perfect wash to your precious hair. Specifically formulated for curly hairs to bring out the moisture and lustre to the curls that have lost their natural oils and shine. It provides rich, creamy leather, leaving your hair frizz-free. Get this for yourself, and flaunt your curls and waves like never before!
Thank you for reading this blog! Let us know in the comment section if you find it helpful because I would love to know what you think! And if you enjoyed reading this article, share it with your family and friends.
