Live, Learn, and Get A Better Shampoo
When I was younger, I had a theory that if it went down the drain, then it didn't matter, and boy, was I wrong. Naturally, the years when I had that mindset were also the years when my hair went through it's hardest transitions. My hair was often dry, brittle, and not flourishing at all. Finally, I had a hair stylist that explained to me the importance of using shampoo that was compatible with my hair type. Even though I had
relaxed hair at the time, I've carried her advice with me throughout the years and into
my natural hair journey. The type of shampoo you use matters and should be compatible with your hair type and your hair goals.
Why Is Shampoo So Important?
Just like a shower, your shampoo sets the tone for the rest of your hair care regimen. A shower cleanses your body and removes dirt, odors, and build-up leaving a clean canvas to reapply moisture and fresh scents. The same is true for your shampoo. Over time, our hair gathers dirt from the environment and our hair products, and this dirt builds upon our scalps. Shampoos cleanse our scalps making for a healthy growth environment. Since our hair grows from our scalp, it's essential that we
create a routine of cleaning and condition our hair regularly. The type of shampoo you use matters because each hair type comes with its own unique set of challenges.
Shampoos for Kinky Hair Types
If your hair is kinky hair type, then you most likely deal with dryness and matting. I know this struggle first hand, as certain spots of my hair are of the kinky texture. It's the job of your conditioner to moisturize your hair, but your shampoo can set the atmosphere to help balance and retain that moisture.
Soften Your Kinky Hair
The right shampoo for your kinky hair type will stabilize your hair's pH balance and cleanse your scalp which is the perfect canvas for reaping the benefits of a deep conditioner. Look for shampoos that have softening ingredients such as avocado and olive oils. It's crucial that you stay away from shampoos that have silicones in them. Silicones form a barrier over your hair that doesn't allow moisture out or in. Select a bottle of shampoo that not only cleanses your scalp but also preps your cuticle for a splash of hydration.
Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo
The title of this shampoo tells you everything you need to know. It works magic on kinky hair by removing product build-up without stripping the natural oils necessary for your hair to thrive. The
key ingredient in this product is the Shea Butter which leaves your hair smooth and shiny.
Shampoos for Curly Hair
Curly hair can be a bit of a puzzle. One second your curls are soft and bouncy, and the next moment they are lifeless and dry. It may seem like the benefits of your wash day don't last long for your curls. It's vital that your shampoo is entirely cleansing as the product can build up within the twists and turns of your uber textured hair.
Nourish Your Curly Hair
You need a shampoo that is strong enough to remove dirt and debris but gentle enough to let your hair beautifully bounce back. Watch out for shampoos that have silicones. While a modest use of silicones may have a good effect on curly hair, too many silicones will prevent essential oils from penetrating your hair shaft and potentially cause long-term issues. Instead, search for nourishing products like ones that contain coconut oil. Coconut oils have fatty acids that help protect the protein in curly hair. The same protein needed to make your curls pop.
Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Shampoo
This product is for thick and curly hair, and it's a favorite among the curly hair community. It has with everything you need to cleanse and nourish your curls plus it has a fantastic scent that lasts all week long. With elements like Neem and Coconut oil, this product has everything you need to rid your curls of harmful buildup. A bonus is that it's free of harmful ingredients like
parabens and sulfates, so this shampoo will keep your scalp clean and healthy in between washes.
Shampoos for Wavy Hair
Wavy hair is the unicorn of the hair textures because it balances somewhere between straight and curly. Wavy hair manages to respect and defy gravity simultaneously. A challenge of having wavy hair is finding products that are capable of controlling your waves without weighing them down. If you have wavy hair, then you need a product that is light. But also can remove heavy oils and other buildups that can leave your hair limp and lifeless.
Tame Your Wavy Hair
You may think that the task of taming your wavy hair belongs to your styling products. But the truth is that gorgeous waves begin with the shampoo you use. If your waves have become dry and wiry, then you're likely not using the right shampoo for your hair type. Jojoba oil is great for wavy hair because it does not penetrate the hair shaft. Instead, Jojoba oil sits on the hair shaft and seals in moisture. Also, Jojoba oil is the oil that best resembles the Sebum that our scalps product naturally.
EDEN BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Moisturizing Shampoo
This EDEN shampoo is rated high among those with wavy hair due to its lightweight properties and moisturizing elements. The Monoi oil helps to prevent breakage and promote growth while the Jojoba seals in moisture which reduces the chances of stripping the hair of too many oils. A plus is that this product is dye and aluminum-free which means less of the harmful ingredients and more of the good with each wash.
Shampoos for Straight Hair
The biggest myth about straight hair is that it's the most manageable hair type to maintain. All hair types come with their share of challenges, and straight hair is no exception. If your hair is straight, you probably contend with
product build-up that makes your roots and strands look like noodles drenched in grease. Your over-oily hair may tempt you to wash it on a daily basis, but don't give in! Shampooing your straight hair is just as harmful as never shampooing your hair. Instead of reaching for your shampoo bottle every day, swap it for a super nourishing shampoo that will revive your hair.
Revitalize Your Straight Hair
Just because your hair hangs, doesn't mean that it can't hang tough! A clean scalp is the best way to showcase your strands and allow your tresses to flow. It's crucial that you avoid heavy shampoos such as creams that will leave a weighty residue on your hair. Instead, look for gel-based cleansers that rinse off clean and leave behind the right amount of moisture for your hair type. Avoid heavier oils such an olive and castor oils for straight hair. They are too heavy for your strands. Even if your hair is thick, these oils will sit on top the hair instead of penetrating your hair shaft. Consider using products that include
almond oil. Almond oil is a light oil that helps remove accumulated dead cells from the hair while protecting the moisture level within the hair shaft.
Redken All Soft Shampoo
Okay, I have a confession: I don't have naturally straight hair, but I always keep a bottle of this shampoo in my hair product collection. This shampoo not only smells fantastic, but it feels like a conditioner. It leaves your hair smooth and moisturized, and any deep conditioner to follow will be the icing on the cake. Don't take my word for it.
This product is created to treat the entire hair shaft and also add a slight lift to the roots. It also promotes manageability and shine.
Shampoos for Special Scalp Issues
Sometimes our scalps go bonkers, and we need to try something new to get them back on track. A change in climate, medication, diet, and stress all play a role in the overall health and function of your scalp. If you're noticing that things with your scalp are a little off, then start by switching up your usual shampoo.
Best Shampoo for Dandruff
If your hair is producing its snow, then you've probably got an issue with dandruff. Dandruff is dead skin that can be a pest if not treated correctly. There are many causes for dandruff, but the right shampoo can help rid you of your pesky fallout.
Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
You probably guessed that
Head and Shoulders shampoo would make this list. That's because the product works. If you have excessive dandruff that interferes with your everyday life (like, you avoid wearing dark colors at all costs), then you need to try this product. The great thing about this product is that it not only removes dandruff. But it works proactively by protecting your scalp from creating more dandruff.
Best Shampoo for Dry, Itchy Scalp
An itchy scalp is a lousy environment for healthy hair growth. Our scalps are supposed to produce sebum that nourishes our hair follicles. If you notice that your scalp is itchy and dry, then you need to use a bottle of shampoo that will help amp up your moisture and give you relief without leaking too much oil onto your hair strands.
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo
When it comes to Paul Mitchell products, you know that you'll get results.
This shampoo delivers what it promises. As a girl with a
dry, itchy scalp, this shampoo is a life saver when my scalp is driving me crazy. The tea tree and mint combo help to soothe my itch and the formula adds needed moisture to my otherwise desert-like scalp. I don't use this product often, but when I notice that my itchiness begins to flare back up, this is the shampoo container that I use.
Best Shampoo for Oily Hair
While most of us with textured hair are trying to replenish the oils that we lose, there are some women tasked with trying to control the oils their hair produces. Having an oily scalp is the exact opposite of having a dry scalp yet it can be just as much of a nuisance. If a run through your hair only one day after shampoo leaves your hands feeling slick, then you might have an overproduction of oil. The best way to battle your oily hair is to use a
clarifying shampoo. Many avoid using clarifying shampoos too often because they strip the hair of necessary oils that help maintain a healthy growth environment. If your hair is producing too much oil, you'll need to remove it regularly to make room for the extra oils that your scalp will produce.
Nexxus Hydra Light Weightless Moisture Rebalancing Shampoo
This cleansing shampoo does it job with no harm done. This product is made with deep sea minerals and can remove oils while profoundly moisturizing the hair gently. This product is light-weight. Therefore, you can use it regularly or choose to alternate between your regular shampoo without drying out your hair.
Your Shampoo Matters
Every step of your haircare process impacts your hairstyling result and the overall health of your hair. Don't skip over your shampoo by thinking that you can rectify the damage with your conditioner and moisturizing products. It's important to make an honest assessment of your hair type and hair care issues. If you're unsure if something will work for you, buy it while it on sale and give it a few shots before you make a final decision that way you don't feel like you're wasting your money if it doesn't work out. Your shampoo is, and it's vital to the health of your hair that you find the right shampoo for your hair type. I want to hear from you! Leave a comment and share what your hair type is and what is your go-to shampoo? Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @privatelabelextensions for more hair inspiration.
