Choosing the Right Shampoo
Most of us are often unaware what the right shampoo for our type of hair.The range of products available in the market as well as, insufficient information about their right use, leaves us further confused.
A good shampoo should cleanse the hair and scalp by removing accumulated sebum, skin debris, dirt and residues of hair-grooming preparations. It should leave the hair soft, shiny and easy to comb and style.
A shampoo should also give ’volume’ to the hair, prevent ’flyaway’ hair and help improve damaged hair.
A shampoo should be thick enough to massage into the hair and scalp but must also be easy to rinse off after use. It should neither irritate the skin, nor cause any damage to the eyes.
Lather, Rinse, Repeat
A lot of shampoos both cleanse and lather well but, is there a connection between the two?
Most people associate a good lather with good cleansing but, in fact, there is no connection. A good lather is of psychological value, and by acting as a lubricant, it helps reduce the damage to the hair while massaging the shampoo in.
In general, people tend to wash their hair at least once every two days and in some cases everyday. You don’t have to clean your hair as frequently if you brush and maintain it consistently.
How often you shampoo depends on the condition of your scalp, your lifestyle, occupation and where you live.
Only a trained hair expert will be able to give you a correct assessment of the number of times you need to wash your hair. Shampoos are available in a variety of forms and types including liquids, lotions, pates, gels, aerosols and dry products.
These are further differentiated by their specialized uses such as for particular hair or scalp conditions, age, sex, fragrance tints and colour.
Shampoos for daily use are formulated so that they are mild on the hair and don’t leave it too dry.
Which One’s for You?
Care for those Curls
Curly hair is almost always dry hair. The oils produced in the scalp don’t travel as easily down the hair shaft as they do with straight hair. Creamy, moisturizing shampoos work best for this hair texture. Choose wheat germ oil, shea butter and nut oils (macadamia, for example) in your shampoos.
Liven Limp Tresses
Fine or limp hair is most susceptible to looking ’oily’ and can get this way in a day’s time. Opt for clear shampoos and stay away from the creamy ones. Use a gentle shampoo for daily or frequent washing.
A Treat for Treated Hair
Adding moisture is essential for coloured, permed and relaxed hair. Wash your hair every other day with a shampoo made for normal hair. Concentrate on cleaning the scalp. Then use a strong conditioner only from the mid-shaft to the ends of hair.
Damage Control
Avoid clear shampoos and go straight for the creamy ones. These smoothen, detangle and diffuse static.
Always Remember…
* If you have an oily scalp, shampoo daily. Otherwise, shampoo every two-three days. Make sure you cleanse the scalp and hair and try to shampoo after working up a sweat from exercise or some physical activity.
* Seek a trichologist’s advice as to, which shampoo you should be using.
* Almond oil is good for a dry scalp.
* Dry hair but an oily scalp indicates that the hair is damaged or you suffer from zinc deficiency.
* A dry scalp and dry hair indicate nutritional or hormonal imbalances. For example, dry skin and hair may be associated with an under active thyroid gland.
* Use soft water for shampooing and hard water for drinking.
* The moisture in the hair is determined by the humidity in the atmosphere
