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This may seem trivial but finding the right shampoo is key to maintaining a healthy mane. How often you clean your hair depends on your lifestyle and/or if you have a diagnosed scalp disorder. In general it is okay to shampoo your hair every 3-14 days. Assessing your scalp, hair texture, and if your hair has been chemically treated in conjunction with your daily activity will help you determine how often you should shampoo. Choosing the right shampoo is as important as how often you should clean your hair.
For fine hair choose a shampoo that will thicken your hair strands. Ingredients to look for: Hydrolyzed oatmeal protein, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Hydrolyzed vegetable protein. These ingredients will penetrate into the hair shaft easily and plump up your strands leaving your hair full of body!
For dry hair, choose a shampoo that will impart moisture. Ingredients to look for: Shea butter, Nettles, Rosemary, Jojoba, Almond oil, Vitamin E, Abyssinian oil. For severely dry hair it is advisable to to a deep oil treatment before you shampoo or a deep moisture treatment after you shampoo.
For thick, coarse hair, choose a shampoo that will help to soften and detangle your hair. Ingredients to look for: Rose hip, Seaweed, Grapeseed oil, Camellia oil, Almond oil, Avacado oil. These ingredients help to in part and seal in moisture. They are also great for detangling hair!
For brittle hair, choose a shampoo that will help heal the hair. Ingredients to look for: Baobab plant extract, Quinoa extract, Bamboo extract, Sugar cane, Sage. When healing brittle, damaged hair it is important to use a shampoo that will impart strength into your hair!
For dry, itchy scalp choose a shampoo that will help soothe and eliminate flakes from the scalp. Ingredients to look for: Zinc ommadine, Salicylic acid, Menthol, Chamomile, Peppermint oil. For a very irritated scalp, put the shampoo directly on the scalp, cover with plastic cap, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes!
For any hair type, a clarifying shampoo is great for removing excess dirt and oil. Ingredients to look for: Baking soda, Vitamin C, Hydrolyzed oatmeal protein, Aloe, Chamomile. Deep cleansing shampoos are a great first choice to ensure that your 2nd and 3rd shampoo and conditioner will penetrate the hair shaft properly!
If you have a scalp condition, such as psoriasis, your physician or dermatologist may prescribe you a shampoo that will gently exfoliate the scalp. These shampoos are generally used 5-7 days a week for the best results. If you are unable to shampoo as frequently, ask for a topical cream to help manage your scalp disorder.
If you sweat heavily due to exercise the sweat can leave behind salt deposits causing the scalp to be very dry and at times flaky. Always use a clarifying shampoo to remove the salt build up. I find cleaning my own hair 1-3 times a week to be the most suitable way to maintain a healthy head of hair while in a steady workout routine. For days that you don’t do a traditional shampoo try using a dry shampoo to hold you over until your next shampoo. Dry shampooing will remove a small amount of dirt and excess oils leaving the hair fresh and shiny!
If you have any questions or need assistance on choosing a shampoo that is best for you please don’t hesitate to ask!
