We love our hair! It’s such a part of our identity, and says so much about us – from the style we wear, to the condition it’s in. There’s not much we wouldn’t do to keep it healthy, full and shiny; however, knowing which products to use can be confusing and undermine our best attempts.
It’s not easy choosing the right products if you don’t understand what they’re designed to do, so, this article – the first of a series on hair care products – will break it down and simplify the types of shampoo available today. Being educated about the different shampoos will enable you to choose the best one for your hair and scalp type, so you can achieve the goal you’re after.
The purpose of shampoo is to cleanse the hair and scalp by removing sebum (the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands of the skin), sweat, dirt, and dead cells from the scalp and hair. Today, shampoos are formulated to not only address cleansing, but specific issues and problems individuals may have. The following list describes the different types of shampoo and when they should be used.
Basic Shampoos
Normal Hair Shampoo: These shampoos are primarily for cleansing, are mild, can be used daily and offer minimal conditioning. If your hair and scalp are normal and free of dryness, excess oil, or any skin problems, this shampoo would be a great choice.
Dry Hair Shampoo
These shampoos offer mild cleansing, good conditioning and reduce static electricity. Mild detergent is used, so not to further dry the hair, and additional conditioner is added to address the hair’s dryness. If your hair is dry, this type shampoo will make it more manageable.
Oily Hair Shampoo
These shampoos have greater cleansing abilities in order to tackle the excess oil on both the scalp and hair. They have minimal conditioning ingredients, so not to add additional oil or moisture to an already oily environment.
Damaged Hair Shampoo
These shampoos are very gentle with mild cleansers, and have a great deal of conditioner, in order to help repair and correct the damaged hair. Hair that is chemically treated with either bleach, dye, straightener, or perm solution would benefit from this type shampoo.
Baby Shampoos
These shampoos are formulated to be mild and non-irritating; made with detergent from the amphorteric group of cleansing agents. Babies’ skin does not produce as much sebum (oil) as older children and adults’; therefore requires gentle cleaning. In addition to being mild on skin, this shampoo is kind to eyes, and will not burn or sting them if it comes in to contact. Because these shampoos cause little to no irritation, they are a safe choice for anyone wishing to shampoo daily. However, if your hair and scalp are oily, or there are any skin issues, this type of shampoo will probably not sufficiently cleanse.
Conditioning Shampoos
These shampoos are a combination of shampoo and conditioner, and although they save time for the person who uses both products by eliminating a step, there are mixed reviews about their efficacy. Many people prefer using separate shampoo and conditioner to achieve the results they want, since this type shampoo can be drying. If your hair is normal, trying this product is the best way to determine if it works for you or not.
Dry Shampoo
This type of shampoo is designed to work without water, and is made from some form of powder; typically starch, talc, or silica. The powder, when applied to the hair, absorbs excess oil. After the product remains in the hair for the manufacturer’s suggest time of use, it is then brushed out. This type of shampoo should not always replace conventional shampooing, but is beneficial when water can not be used, or when you’re short or time.
Medicated Shampoos
These shampoos specifically treat dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis. In addition to cleansing agents, these shampoos include various active ingredients, typically anti-fungal and anti-bacterial medications, which treat the different skin issues, while relieving itching and scaling. Choose a shampoo that addresses your particular issue. You may have to try various medicated shampoos in order to find an effective one. Medicated shampoo can be purchased over the counter in retail stores where shampoo is sold, or be prescribed by your doctor.
Anti-Lice Shampoos
These shampoos contain insecticides which kill lice, and should only be used for this reason. Commonly used insecticides are Gamma Benzene Hexachloride and Permethrin.
Shampoos are labeled and defined by their type, often listing intended results; making the choice fairly simple and uncomplicated. Skin disorders of the scalp can make choosing an appropriate shampoo more challenging, especially if you’re unsure of the condition. Seek the advice of a doctor, typically a dermatologist, if any problem persists or worsens.
Using the correct shampoo for your hair type is the first step to achieving fabulous, proud to own hair! Check out Pete and Pedro Clean
by Aaron Marino
