For an effective cleansing of your crown, your shampoo should meet the needs of your scalp first. The roots of your luxurious tresses are seated deep within the scalp. So to have healthy and glowing hair you should have a happy scalp.
If your scalp has just the right amount of oil from the sebaceous glands, you are among the lucky few who have a normal scalp. A normal scalp is usually free from dandruff, excessive dryness or oil deposition.
If your scalp feels too oily or greasy despite washing it daily with different kinds of shampoo, probably it’s time you gave it a break! Also, bear in mind that too much washing may lead to dryness that in turn can stimulate your scalp to secrete more oil.
1. Read the label Pick up shampoos that say ‘volumising’, ‘strengthening’ or ‘balancing’ to deal with the excess oil. Avoid moisturizing, hydrating shampoos or shampoos for curly, frizzy hair.
2. Choose the right formulation
Non-moisturising formulations designed to remove excess oil works best for oily scalps. You can also try a clarifying shampoo once in a while for deep cleansing. But use it in moderation to avoid dryness or irritation of your scalp.
3. Double it up
You can try using a combination of two shampoos-one for your scalp and another for the length of your hair to get a better cleansing effect.
4. Ditch the conditioner
Do not let the conditioner reach your oily scalp. Limit its usage only from midshaft to the end of your hair.
1. If your scalp feels dry, itchy and tends to flake, then a wrong choice of shampoo will only add to your woes. To save your scalp from the constant urge to scratch and cause more flaking, keep the following tips in mind while picking your cleanser:
2. Choose gentle formulations which promote moisturisation, hydration or helps soothe the frizz, to keep your scalp hydrated.
3. You can try shampoos with tea tree oil or menthol to help moisture retention and to soothe your dry scalp.
4. You can also try a Nioxin shampoo if your scalp is moderate to severely dry.
5. Avoid volumizing, fortifying or strengthening shampoos as they tend to make your scalp even drier.
6. It is best to stay away from shampoos containing sulfates as they can have a very drying effect on both your scalp and hair.
Now that you are armed with tips to take care of your scalp, you should also consider the needs of your hair when making a pick of the shampoo. There are a range of different shampoos available in the market, targeted for specific hair types and their special needs.
Curly locks tend to be on the drier side and tend to get tangled easily. A deeply hydrating or moisturising shampoo with ingredients to soothe the frizz is ideal to keep your curls pretty and manageable.
These shampoos are rich in moisturisers and smoothening agents that not only seal the cuticle to retain moisture but are also great in reducing fly-aways.
The lengths of your hair may tend to be naturally dry and brittle. Or, if you have coloured or straightened your hair using chemical treatments, your hair may become more sensitive to stresses like pollution or photodamage and thus prone to damage.
You should opt for a hair strengthening shampoo fortified with proteins to give nourishment to your damaged tresses. Soy extracts and amino acids are great for preserving your coloured hair. Also make sure to opt for sulfate free options to prevent dryness and fading of your colour.
If your hair strands are very fine, they will become oily and limp easily. A gentle, non-creamy, volumizing shampoo will add more body to your hair without weighing it down. Lookout for ingredients like PG-propyl silanetriol, hydrolysed wheat protein to add volume, but avoid products with silicone.
These shampoos are designed to even out the moisture levels of your hair and scalp. For example, your scalp may be oily and greasy while the strands may be dry or have split ends.
Dandruff is a common cause of concern in both men and women. While a little flaking may be normal during the dry winter months, that should go away with the use of anti-dandruff shampoos available in the market.
This is a great option to freshen up your hair on the go. Dry shampoos absorb the excess oil from your hair strands, adding volume and making it easier to style. But make sure to spray the dry shampoo 5 - 6 inches away from the scalp and roots of your hair to avoid irritation.