How to choose a shampoo for hair - the whole truth about
The main function of shampoo - get rid of dirt on the hair. These are peeled scalp cells, greasy secretions and dirt residues. Incorrectly selected shampoo can seriously damage the hair and scalp, worsen their appearance.
The shampoo should perform the following functions.
The main function of any shampoo - This cleansing hair and scalp, It is important that the shampoo can clean hair from dirt, sebum, styling products, dust and silicones, but it does not overdry the hair and scalp. Auxiliary functions include:- protection of hair cuticle; - increase in hair elasticity; - saving of moisture and keratin; - minimization of static electricity.
In other words, shampoo is responsible not only for the beauty, but also the health of your hair. Therefore, it is very important to approach his choice with special attention.
Features of the choice of shampoo by hair type
On the modern cosmetic market there are a large number of variations and brands of shampoos. To buy suitable, first of all, decide on the type of hair. There are special medical tests that are carried out by specialists. But you can do it yourself.
The easiest way to determine greasy hair - they quickly acquire greasy shine, look dull. They have to be washed very often (once in one or two days). Dry hair type a little harsh, bad comb and often cut. All these factors must be considered when choosing shampoos.
Shampoo for oily hair
Of course, owners of oily hair should pay attention to shampoos designed for this type of hair. The shampoo should be strong enough to cope well with greasy grease and dirt, but be suitable for everyday use. The tool should not contain aggressive chemical components that wash away all sebum and sebaceous glands will begin to work even harder.
It is great if the ingredients are natural ingredients - mint, oak bark, nettle, sage, field horsetail. In addition, the composition of this tool should be antibacterial substances that contribute to the normalization of the sebaceous glands.
Shampoo for dry hair
It is also recommended to buy shampoo with a mark for owners of dry and unruly hair. "For dry hair". Such tools in their composition should have more nutritional and moisturizing supplements that will help restore and nourish the hair. Therefore, before buying carefully examine the composition of the shampoo. It is advisable to attend oils, chamomile, calendula, honey, panthenol.. At the same time the base of the shampoo should not be aggressive! About the basis of shampoo read below.
Choose a shampoo for colored hair and damaged hair
Hair in the process of curling or color is damaged, so care for them must be careful. The selected agent should:
1. do not irritate the scalp, restore hair after the action of the paint; 2. save your chosen shade; 3. make hair “alive” and elastic; 4. create protection from exposure to ultraviolet rays.
With a tendency to dandruff
In the event of seborrheic dermatitis, it is important to use special therapeutic agents that will fight off harmful fungi and minimize the production of sebum. Dandruff shampoos should contain ketoconazole, bifonazole, salicylic acid or tar.
The composition of the shampoo - harmful and healthy ingredients
As I have already said, shampoo, first of all, is designed to clean the hair and scalp, so it is important to pay attention to the base of the shampoo, as it is 50% of the shampoo. The basis consists of water and surfactant (surface active substance - it is surfactant that creates foam and cleans hair from impurities).
The most harmful basics of shampoos
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate Ammonium Laureth Sulfate Sodium Laureth Sulfate
All these bases are very aggressive, they are able to dry hair and scalp, harm health. Using shampoos with such surfactants you will encounter such problems as dryness, irritation, peeling of the scalp, the hair will become thin and brittle, will begin to fall. Do not use such shampoos.
Softer shampoo bases that can be used:
TEA Layril Sulfate (Triethanolamine Lauryl Sulphate) TEA (Triethanolamine) Cocamide DEADEA-Cetyl phosphate DEA Oleth-3 phosphate Myristamide DEA, Stearamide MEACocamide MEA, Lauramide DEA, etc.
The safest shampoo basics are:
Cocoamidopropyl BetaineDecyl Glucoside or decyl polyglucoseSodium Lauroyl SarcosinateSodium lauryl sulfoacetateDisodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Such bases will not harm your hair and health in general, but you should not look for shampoos from a mass market with such a composition - they simply do not exist. The use of organic surfactants significantly increases the cost of shampoo and can be found either in organic cosmetics stores or in the line of professional shampoos.
There are also shampoos, which acts as the basis soap root or soap nuts - This is a harmless basis by which you can significantly improve the condition of the hair. For those who want to completely abandon the purchase of shampoos, you can use soap nuts, more about how to wash their hair, read here.
Other harmful components of shampoos
BHT - butyloxytoluene - does not allow fats to oxidize when interacting with oxygen. As a result, the hair becomes dry and without vital energy.
Sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate - The ingredient responsible for the process of cleansing fats. Some companies are positioning such an ingredient as “coconut extractor”, in fact, it is a harmful product of oil refining. May cause allergic reactions.
Silicones - There are different opinions about their use in cosmetics for hair, they are often contained in the composition of shampoos, I would recommend to refuse shampoo with silicones, it accumulates in the hair, weights them and makes them more fragile. Silicones give only cosmetic effect. - they smooth the hair scales and it seems that the hair has become healthy and strong, but it is only outwardly. At least, it is necessary to refuse silicones in shampoo.
Useful ingredients in shampoo
As a rule, at the end of the list in the shampoos indicated useful components, which constitute 5-10% of the total composition. But, despite the small volume, in the right combination, such ingredients can give a good result. Essential oils, plant extracts, cosmetic oil, etc. can be considered useful substances. Let us consider them in more detail.1. Panthenol - envelops hair with a thin film, without making them heavier. Thus, it protects them from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays or high temperatures.
2. Vitamin E - maximizes blood circulation, gives hair vital oxygen and useful trace elements, thereby accelerating growth processes.
3. Collagen - envelops each hair with a protective layer that retains moisture, makes hair bulky and thick, lifting it from the roots.
4. Keratin - It is a building protein that can restore hair structure after damage.
5. Vitamin A (retinol) - accelerates the processes of regeneration, prevents dryness and peeling of the skin.
6. Herbal Extracts
Unfortunately, there are very few beneficial ingredients in the shampoo, so first of all pay attention shampoo base, if it is aggressive, then no useful components will matter anymore. Once again, shampoo exists for cleansing, and for hair restoration it is better to use good hair mask.
Sulfate-free shampoos
In recent years, quite a lot of different programs and articles about the dangers of cosmetics and shampoo have been published. In this regard, the girls began to look for an alternative to regular shampoos with SLS. The manufacturers did not make them wait long and began to release safe, sulphate-free shampoos, but are they safe? Let's see.
The basis of sulfate-free shampoo
Almost every brand has released a shampoo with a mark without SLS, but is it safe? Often, manufacturers replace the already known SLS with another cleaner (for example, DEA diethanolamine) and proudly write that the shampoo does not contain SLS. But such a cleaner is not safe. Therefore, always carefully study the composition.
Sulfate-free shampoos contain soft vegetable cleaners, which gently cleanse the scalp and hair, do not cause itching, irritation of the scalp, dandruff. The base is often an extract of soap nut or saponaria (medicinal soapworm), they are completely natural detergent components. The composition also contains plant extracts, oils, aloe and other components.
How to choose a sulfate-free shampoo
one. Price - natural shampoo can not be cheap, so if you see inexpensive shampoo on the shelf of the store, which states that it is organic and safe - it is not. It is just that manufacturers replaced some harmful components with others or wrote the composition quite blurry.
2 If the shampoo foams very well, then it is likely to contain sulphates, because it is they who are responsible for foaming. A sulphate-free shampoo should form a small amount of foam or not foam at all, it depends on its basis.3 Choose proven brands that occupy a leading position in the production of organic cosmetics. Order products from trusted online stores such as iHerb.com.
Pros and cons of sulfate-free shampoos
Pros:- gently cleanses hair and scalp without tightening it; - does not cause itching, irritation and peeling; - does not violate the natural balance of the scalp, does not wash off the protective layer; - restores hair, makes them smoother and more elastic, does not destroy keratin at their base ( therefore, sulfate-free shampoos are suitable after keratin hair straightening); - due to the gentle base, it preserves the color of colored hair longer; - beneficial effect on hair growth.
Minuses:- unable to wash out silicones and other styling products from hair, because it contains a soft base; - thick and long hair will have to be washed several times or apply more shampoo, the washing process takes longer; - hair needs to get used to such a shampoo, so the first time may look untidy and dull. The adaptation period takes on average a month.
Sulfate-free shampoos - a list of some proven brands:
- COCOCHOCO professional Sulphate-Free- Yes to Carrots and Yes to Cucumbers- Aubrey Organics- Moisture Repair Shampoo MOROCCANOIL- L'Oreal Paris EverPure Smooth Shampoo- sulfate-free shampoos Intense Nutrition Shampoo- Kerastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Sulfur Free- Lebel Hair Soap Shampoo with Cypress- Non-Sulfate Blonde Hair Shampoo, Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde Shampoo
In any case, sulfate-free shampoo is safe, so I would recommend using it.