Choosing a shampoo is not a problem easy, because everyone can have different hair types. Choosing the wrong shampoo can actually make your hair easily damaged. Therefore, you need to be more selective in choosing the type of shampoo to be used.
Basically, all shampoos contain ingredients that have two main functions, namely to clean and soften the hair. Various other ingredients are also added and adjusted to the type of hair and scalp that matches the shampoo.
Choose Sampo According to Hair Type
The first step in choosing the right shampoo is to identify the type and problem with your hair. Therefore, know in advance whether your hair is dry, oily, thin, easy to fall out, or is often colored.
Here's how to choose a shampoo according to your hair type:
1. Dry hair
Dry hair is usually caused by the scalp not being able to produce enough oil or sebum to moisturize the hair, resulting in dry, dull, and unmanageable hair.
Avoid using shampoos that contain lots of detergents and alcohol, because these ingredients can make hair dry and damaged.
Instead, use a mild shampoo containing natural oils, such as coconut, argan, avocado, or grapeseed oil, which can act as moisturizers.
You can also use conditioner after shampooing to make your hair softer and more manageable.
2. Oily hair
Oily hair is caused by excess sebum production on the scalp. This makes this type of hair often accompanied by another problem, namely dandruff.
To reduce oil and dandruff on the scalp, you can use a shampoo that has been enriched with salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, or ketoconazole .
In addition, you are also advised to wash your hair at least once a day, especially after your hair feels oily and sweaty. Avoid the habit of washing your hair too often because it will trigger the oil glands on the scalp to produce more sebum.
3. Thin hair
For those of you who have thin hair, use a shampoo with panthenol which is useful for thickening hair. You can also choose shampoos that contain keratin to make your hair look thicker and voluminous.
Also, if you want to use conditioner, make sure to use it only at the roots of your hair. This is because using too much conditioner can make thin hair look very limp, brittle, and lack volume.
4. Hair loss
Choosing the wrong type and ingredients in shampoo can make hair loss worse. You are advised to avoid shampoo products that contain sulfur.
Although useful for cleaning hair, sulfur can strip oil from the scalp and cause hair to become dry, brittle, and fall out easily.
Instead, use a mild shampoo containing salicylic acid, biotin, keratin, or ketoconazole, which can reduce hair loss.
5. Rdyed hair
Unlike other hair types, colored hairneed a special shampoo that can help hair color stay long lasting. Use a sulfate-free shampoo with pH level below 5.5 to keep hair color from fading.
In addition, you can also try shampoos made from natural ingredients, such as shampoos with oil and seaweed content, which are also believed to protect hair color.
Things to Pay Attention to When Choosing a Shampoo
Many people choose shampoo products because promotions seem convincing and are considered to be able to solve hair problems. In fact, there is no shampoo that can instantly solve your hair problems.
Using shampoos with chemicals that are too harsh or too strong can actually strip your hair of its natural oils, resulting in dry hair and scalp.
Not only that, also make sure your shampoo is free of certain chemicals, such as formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, and cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA). These chemicals are classified as dangerous and have the potential to increase the risk of cancer.
The most important thing to do is to always get used to reading the ingredients listed on shampoo products before buying them. Thus, you can choose a shampoo according to the needs of your hair and scalp and avoid harmful ingredients.
If you still have questions about how to choose the right shampoo to treat and maintain healthy hair, you can consult a doctor.