Haircare products can help with both frizz control, volume increase and maintaining shine – from shampoos & conditioners to styling products like mousses, hair sprays and gels, there are many choices available to meet your specific needs.
To select the ideal hair product, it is important to understand both your scalp and hair types. At Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab we test a wide variety of products such as cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, deep conditioners and more to see which are most beneficial.
Shampoo
Shampoo is a liquid detergent designed to cleanse hair by dissolving sebum, an oil produced naturally by scalp follicles that helps protect the protein structure of hair but may build-up and lead to an oily appearance in your locks. Sebum attracts dust, pollen and debris.
Shampoo typically contains surfactants which reduce water’s surface tension, making it more accessible to oils and soiling particles on your hair. Lauryl sulfate detergent is widely used across general shampoo brands for hard and soft water conditions and creates thick foam that rinses easily from hard water sources.
Most shampoos contain emollients to lubricate your hair strands and help minimize friction between them to protect from its damaging effects. In addition, preservatives may also be added in to combat potential microbial growth.
Conditioner
Conditioner restores the moisture to hair that shampoo strips away. Conditioners usually include various conditioning agents like emollients, oils and cationic surfactants to provide a protective barrier that locks in moisture while protecting against frizz.
Most conditioners contain silicones, which make hair shiny and sleek while potentially clogging pores and leading to acne breakouts if overused; for this reason they should generally be avoided by those with sensitive skin.
Conditioners contain ingredients such as emulsifiers, detanglers and antistatic agents to promote smooth hair. Furthermore, thermal protectors help shield hair from excessive heat generated from blow-drying, curling irons and hot rollers. Other types of conditioners include instant conditioners applied immediately post shampooing to be rinsed off immediately; deep conditioners (which act like hair masks); cleansing conditioners that combine the functions of both shampoo and conditioner in one application; instant conditioners used immediately following shampooing with no rinse off; instant conditioners applied immediately post shampooing; thermal protectors shield hair from excessive heat produced during blow-drying as well as heat caused by blow-drying or curling ironing or hot roller use. Other types include instant conditioners applied immediately post shampooing which then quickly rinse offs; deep conditioners which acts like hair masks; cleansing conditioners which combine shampoo and conditioner functions into one application; cleansing conditioners combine the functions of both functions into one product, unlike some shampoo/conditioner hybrids which combine functions into one product combining shampoo/conditioner functionality into one application/rin off; deep conditioners which act like hair masks while cleansing conditioners combine functions into one product application while cleansing conditioners combine both shampoo/conditioner in one step off applications rin off immediately post-rin offing/rin off; cleansing conditioners combine both functions into one treatments that combine functions and conditioner into one, complete application/rination in one product while cleansing conditioner into one, offering enhanced benefits in one package while cleansing conditioner.
Hair Spray
Hair spray is an essential product to complete your look and lock it down securely. From light formulas that prevent flyaways to stronger holds that combat humidity, there’s sure to be something perfect.
Most popular hair sprays contain chemicals, like polyvinylpyrrolidone, that stiffen your locks while stripping natural oils from your scalp and leading to dryness and flakiness. Many don’t realize the type of hair spray used can greatly alter how their style lasts throughout the day – make sure you read your product’s instructions and hold can six inches away for best results – then rock that updo or ponytail with pride.
Hair Gel
Hair gel offers a flexible hold to create different styling results. It can provide natural looks, control frizz and enhance shine for polished styles that last all day long.
Your hair gel selection depends on your desired style; some offer light hold while others provide maximum strength. Gels work best on wet hair, and should be applied after applying leave-in conditioner, mousse or styling cream.
When purchasing hair gel, read its ingredients list carefully to look out for products without drying ingredients like alcohol. Incorporating regular washing with clarifying shampoo into your routine can prevent build-up of gel and other styling products on your scalp and strands; helping your style remain strong and healthy.
Hair Oils
Hair oil remains one of the go-to beauty staples, serving as both pre-shampoo treatment and overnight scalp hydration for transformative results. Used as either, this transformative product helps prevent breakage while locking in moisture to soften strands, adding shine and softening effects that soften hair strands while improving shine and softening strands.
Many hair oils contain natural lipids and nutrients like antioxidants and vitamins to improve the health and appearance of your locks. Our Honey Infused Hair Oil features moisturizing mirsalehi honey and argan oil for extra strand protection against heat styling damage and UV radiation damage.
If your scalp is susceptible to dandruff, it is wise to choose a hair oil with soothing ingredients like eucalyptus and tea tree oil or that contains antifungal agents like pyrithione zinc for best results.
