How do you know which shampoo to use?

How do you know which shampoo to use?
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Your choice in shampoo matters because it’s part of your larger hair-care practice. A shampoo that doesn’t weigh down your fine, thin hair may extend the time between washings. Medicated shampoos may require a certain number of uses per week.

You’re probably wondering, “How do I know which shampoo to use?” Here’s a hair stylist tip: use a shampoo that has high-quality surfactants. This will make a big difference in the look and feel of your locks. “The less abrasive your surfactants are, the more moisture will stay in your hair,” says celebrity hairstylist, Michael Dueñas.

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Gentler ingredients

Gentler ingredients
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Abrasive surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate strip your hair of moisture, Dueñas explains. And that can lead to breakage, especially if you’re washing your damaged hair too often.

“Using a moisture shampoo is always a bonus,” he says. “If the surfactant is a variation of sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl ether sulfate or a coconut derivative, you are in good hands.” Sodium lauryl ether sulfate is gentler than sodium laureth sulfate, he says.

Another great product to consider is a deep conditioner, which can offset some of the damage and keep hair looking healthy, Dr Luke says.

Balanced pH

Balanced pH
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To be effective, your shampoo also has to have the perfect pH level, which means it needs an acidic ingredient like sodium citrate or citric acid. A quick chemistry refresher: the pH scale ranges from zero to 14, with 7 being “neutral.” The lower numbers are more acidic, and the higher numbers are alkaline.

Why should you care about your shampoo’s pH? It can affect your hair health. If your shampoo has an alkaline pH, for instance, it can cause cuticle damage and hair breakage, according to research in a 2014 issue of the International Journal of Trichology. Pro tip: if your hair is prone to frizzing, choose a low-pH shampoo (it’ll say “pH balanced” on the label).

Can you use dry shampoo instead of washing?

Can you use dry shampoo instead of washing?
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No. Dry shampoo may be trendy, but it doesn’t work the same way as liquid shampoo, Dr Luke says. “It has ingredients that help absorb excess oil on the scalp,” she says. “They do not cleanse the scalp or remove the dirt or oil.

It’s a good call in a pinch if you are between washes, but it’s not a substitute for shampoo, she warns.

McMichael agrees. “Dry shampoos are best used to prolong washing by a few days at most or quickly allow better appearance of hair shafts when they are oily,” she says.

Is it unhealthy to wash your hair every day?

Is it unhealthy to wash your hair every day?
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It can be. “If you are washing your hair multiple times a week, that in and of itself may not cause damage,” says Dr Luke. But if you always use high-heat styling tools after you wash, and you wash it daily, it may cause cumulative damage to the hair, including dry hair and breakage.

If you are experiencing hair loss and shedding, more-frequent manipulation from over-shampooing or styling may lead to more noticeable shedding, she says.

So, how often should you wash your hair? It’s a fine balance. If you don’t wash your hair enough, you can also run into problems. “You may experience build-up or flaking,” says Dr Luke. Getting it right may involve some trial and error, adds Dueñas. “If your hair seems to get greasier quicker with more washing, then you need to do less,” he says. “If your hair is naturally greasy, then you may need to wash slightly more.”

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Source: RD.com

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