How should I decide between shampoos?

The array of hair products often seems infinite and can create a difficult situation for the common individual trying to just grab a bottle on the way out of the drug store. From color to scent and consistency, a plethora of options confronts you as you try to make your purchase. So how do you decide? Are there really big differences in the various types of shampoos?

 

Most shampoos claim to do something besides just clean your hair. There are shampoos for greasy roots, dry ends, and fine hair. There are some that completely cleanse your hair from all unwanted oil and build-up, while others save the oil and gently restore shine. Some shampoos help frizzy hair, while others tenderly relax hair, straightening curls.  Shampoos can help those with color treated hair, permed hair and hair with dandruff. You just have to know what you’re looking for.

 

The first thing you should do when considering shampoos is look for something that is designed for your hair type. Shampoos are designed with specific options that protect hair and treat problems. Following are three of the most common hair problems that shampoos address:

·        Damaged, overprocessed hair. Whether you perm, color, regularly use styling instruments, or just stay out in the sun too long, your hair may be deeply damaged. There are many shampoos that can bring life back to your dry, hurting hair, adding body (but removing the bad frizz) and shine.

·        Lifeless, stringy hair. Your hair may be very naturally fine, very thin, or perhaps you just don’t have much of it. Also, it may be extremely oily. Any of these situations can cause you to have hair that lies limp and lifeless. Shampoos that are volumizing and go low on the extra oils that they add, so as not to weight it down, will be a life-saver for your hair.

·        Dry, frizzy hair. Frizzy hair is usually very dry at the ends, sometimes quite damaged and sometimes just naturally curly. Someone with this kind of hair should use shampoo that will condition your hair (and probably a separate conditioner) and possibly a curl relaxer. You should also refuse to towel dry your hair by rubbing it; this will only worsen the problem.

 

Also, when deciding between shampoos, many people wonder if there really is a difference between expensive and inexpensive shampoos. Yes, there usually is a difference; however, the real question is – Is it a big enough difference to justify your spending the extra $18? The important thing to look for on the bottles is the list of ingredients. If it uses a cleanser like sodium laureth sulfate, it will gently clean your hair. If it has ammonium auryl sulfate, it will probably be very strong rather than mild. Basically, cheap shampoos often contain ingredients that can dry out your hair; so if you have oily, lifeless hair – the cheap shampoo will probably work great for you. However, if your hair is damaged because of coloring, perming, exposure to the sun, or something else, you should probably consider using a salon product.