Shampoo tips

There are a million different kinds of shampoos available. So how do you know which one is the best for you? Should you buy volumizing, for moisture, for dry, or what? The following are some tips for how to choose your shampoo, and some information on the different kinds of shampoo available and what they do.

First, you want to analyze your hair. The texture and health or condition of your hair is going to make a difference in the type of shampoo you buy. So, look in the mirror, feel your hair, and decide, is it fine, course, dry, moist, oily, thick, thin, curly, straight, flat, fluffy, etc.? Then choose a shampoo that is specifically made for your hair type. Try it for a few months, then try a different brand to see if there is a formula you like better. You should be able to determine rather quickly what you like, and rotating products is healthier for your hair. It keeps it looking better.

Second, know what can be helped with shampoo, and what is caused by other forces. The fact is that your shampoo can make a difference in how your hair looks and feels, but it is not the only factor in a healthy head of hair. If you style your hair with heated tools, if you color it a lot, etc. it can be damaged, and it won't matter what kind of shampoo you use.

Third, do not over-wash your hair. Shampoo is designed to get rid of the sebum, or natural oil in the hair, dirt, and any pollutant that might be in the hair. Such pollutants include exhaust fumes from cars, the scent from your dinner that clings to your hair, smoke from a cigarette or campfire. While any shampoo can get rid of these things, the nicer ones may take more away from your hair, so you do not want to wash it too often, as it can strip it away and add to the damage. When you wash your hair, only wash your scalp, and skip days in between washings unless you have really oily hair naturally.

Fourth, know what the various types of shampoos do and how. For example a shampoo that claims to make your hair shinier, works by coating your hair with silicone or polymers. It is a temporary boost, but it is going to make your hair look and feel silky smooth. However, this can lead to build up that eventually makes your hair dull. So, a better option may be to simply be careful with your hair. Brush it gently, condition it, wash it the right amount etc. A volumizing shampoo will thicken hair temporarily by coating the strands, but in order to volumize, it doesn't condition, which means dull hair.

If you are concerned about getting the right shampoo, then talk to your regular stylist. They should be able to make a good suggestion based on your hair's personal texture and condition.