How to know which shampoo is best for your needs when there is so much choice available?
This is the question women all around the world face every day.
Are the claims made by manufacturers accurate?
Let’s have a look at some of them.
1. Hair repair shampoos
Shampoos can make hair feel silky by smoothing the cuticles, their job is to clean your scalp and hair, that’s it. Shampoo is not supposed to and does not repair existing damage. You should always try to prevent damage to natural hair in the first place, rather than repair it, as once damaged, it often cannot be fixed, just like the only fix to split ends is to trim them off.
2. Volumising shampoos
YES! They work, in a way. Some shampoos are lighter than others and encourage more movement, while others can weight your hair down. Volumising shampoos have properties that allow hair to FEEL more voluminous. However do not confuse more voluminous look with having more hair. As in most cases, volume in the hair is usually a result of the use of correct products suitable for particular client’s hair and styling technique. Such choice of shampoo could be good for very fine, limp hair coupled with a light conditioner used only on mid lengths.
3. Hair loss preventing shampoos
Maybe. There has been research supporting the claim that caffeine based shampoos might impact hair loss in test tubes. This is not a definite truth for human scalps, especially if there are underlying health-related reasons for losing hair. Who knows really?
4. Hair Growth supporting shampoos
No. There is no scientific research confirming these claims. Shampooing your hair is a relatively short activity, which does not allow any significant changes to intricate hair growth processes.
5. Anti-ageing shampoos - Similar situation as above here. I can only assume such claims come from our constant longing for youth, hence it’s easy marketing.
6. Sensitive scalp, anti-dandruff and colour protecting shampoos
Yes. There are shampoos available on the market that can deal with these tasks effectively. Now it’s the matter of finding the right one for your individual hair characteristics and needs.
Remember that the main aim of shampooing after all is to clean your hair. Individual differences in hair texture, strength and condition will have impact on results, therefore should also be taken into consideration when making your choice. Essentially, the aim is to make the ends feel as healthy as the root where the hair is really new and not damaged by the elements and styling because it hasn’t been long since it’s grown out of the follicle. For most, the best combination would be to use a light clarifying shampoo to clean the hair, then moisturise according to how dry it is throughout the mid ends. Serums and protein spray treatments can also be very helpful with managing dryness and aid easier styling.
What is your hair washing routine and what products do you love or dislike the most?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.