Shampoos help cleanse both hair and scalp by dislodging sebum, styling product residue and dandruff residue from hair shafts and scalp. Shampoos contain surfactants (detergents) which soften water into lather for efficient cleansing action.
Most shampoos contain small amounts of conditioning substances such as humectants, emollients, silicones and cationic detergents to provide added hydration for dry, normal or oily locks. They may also come tailored specifically for these hair types.
Cleansing
Shampoos clean by stripping sebum from hair follicles. Sebum acts as a protective shield, but also attracts dirt and styling products, leading to dullness and tangles. Detergents in shampoo can help remove this buildup; specific detergents depend on whether your hair is normal, dry, dyed or permed – some contain surfactants with hydrophobic heads for attaching sebum while another has hydrophilic ones which attract water – while most shampoos include multiple surfactants with hydrophobic sebum attachment points as well as hydrophilic ones which attract both.
Most clarifying shampoos contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), but gentler options exist. Look for formulas containing apple cider vinegar which is said to keep scalp health intact without drying, according to trichologist Shab Caspara. You should also select a color-safe and sulfate-free option (both can strip the dye from dyed strands), along with an emollient like shea butter, vegetable oils or silicone which balance out cleansing agents by protecting cuticles and sealing cuticles to increase shine boosting shine boost!
Conditioning
Shampoos contain cleaning agents like surfactants to loosen dirt before being washed away with water, while conditioners replenish what has been washed from your hair during shampooing. Specialized conditioning shampoos may even contain ingredients designed to improve hair condition and help prevent it from becoming dry.
Conditioners’ lubricating property makes hair easier to comb through and prevents it from becoming dry or tangled after being washed, which is why many people opt for 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner products to get all of these benefits at once.
Conditioners can also help reduce hair static electricity. Many contain thickening agents to make hair appear fuller while others contain emollients to soften and moisturize the tresses, as well as pH adjusters and preservatives to inhibit bacteria or microorganism growth (for instance sodium benzoate, parabens and 1,3-dimethyl-5,5-dimethyl (DMDM) hydantoin or methylisothiazolinone or MIT); they can even contain anti-static agents which attach themselves directly to hair strands in order to prevent picking up negative charges from other hair or items nearby.
Medicated
Medicated shampoos are specially formulated with therapeutic agents to address scalp conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis or infections. These hair care products typically include ingredients like ketoconazole (an antifungal medication with valid valid prescription), coal tar, salicylic acid or selenium sulfide to provide relief for flaking, itching and inflammation while simultaneously improving scalp health.
Clarifying shampoos contain heavy-duty surfactants to produce an unrivalled clean. Volume-enhancing or body-building shampoos use proteins to bind water and build volume in hair. Colour-protecting shampoos for bleached, tinted or permed locks help retain colour while preventing dryness; while moisturizing shampoos help lock in moisture to promote scalp health; medicated shampoos may be taken daily or as necessary depending on your condition.
Daily use
Many shampoos are designed for daily use, yet overwashing can strip hair of essential oils that contribute to healthy, soft strands. Utilizing a mild shampoo on an ongoing basis will prevent this from occurring and ensure healthy, soft locks!
Search for a formula made of gentle ingredients, without added fragrances or dyes, that won’t irritate or dry out skin. Avoid harsh cleansers like sulfates that could potentially cause dryness or damage.
If your hair is very fine and thin, considering using dry shampoo may extend the time between washings. Otherwise, choose a daily shampoo with lower concentrations of more gentle surfactants; they can even double up as clarifying shampoos to remove build-up and restore vibrancy and freshness to your locks.
