There is more to shampoo than just lather. Most of us search for what smells good and works, but do we really understand the rules of washing our tresses? Check out these quick pointers the next time you think about washing your 'do.
1. The Right Choice
Every hair type requires different maintenance and shampoo isn’t excluded. Coarser hair needs more moisture whereas finer hair needs more clarifying.
2. Let’s Clarify Why You Should Clarify
Have you ever heard someone say their hair got used to something as if it has become immune to their hair products? Well, I can assure you this isn’t the case.
What is really happening here is your hair is full of product (and who knows what else) and needs to be cleansed properly.
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Clarifying shampoo cleanses deep down in the hair shaft removing built-up product. Be careful because overdoing it can create a really dry, brittle situation.
3. Chemically Treated?
Clarifying chemically treated hair is even more vital, as this hair is more porous than most. It is also important to find the proper balance between protein and moisture-based shampoos.
RELATED: 5 Best Shampoos For Black Hair
4. It Expires!
I know you probably don’t want to hear this, but that one kind that you got on sale for 80% off so you purchased 20 bottles of it back in 2007? It’s time to toss it.
If you are a product junkie and collect shampoo, make sure you are keeping track of their expiration dates. It won’t make you sick per se, like rotten milk, but it won’t have the same benefits as a fresh bottle.
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5. Not Too Much
There is a such thing as too much shampoo. A quarter size should do the trick, and definitely not much more than that. Too much product will
create an unnecessary amount of lather, and will take away from the massaging of the scalp and hair.
6. Check the Temp
Want bouncy, shiny hair? Try using warm water. It will lather the shampoo up quickly and won’t leave your hair limp and lifeless. A quick cool rinse at the end will help to seal your hair cuticle giving it the shine you truly desire.
RELATED: 6 Common Shampoo Mistakes New Naturals Make
7. Check The Ingredients
Forget the price tag and where you got it from. Designer shampoo doesn’t necessarily mean it's a good shampoo.
It’s all about the ingredients and how they react with your hair type. Get to know your tresses and you will find that sulfates, silicones and alcohol aren’t all equal or give you the same result.
Beauty and hair maven Naomi Mackenzie is a freelance writer and business consultant. Her passion is to continuously keep up with the ever evolving techniques and topics as it relates to skin and hair, while helping others to embrace their own definition of beauty in a healthy way. Her blog, KissTheChaos shares both an educated and personal perspective, sought to spark ongoing discussion. Follow her on Instagram at @oOolala_laa and on Facebook.
