1- Harsh Surfactants:
Most commercial shampoos contain harsh surfactants. Surfactant is the active ingredient responsible for the rich foamy lather in shampoos, cosmetic products, hair products, liquid soaps, toothpastes, etc. They include sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulphate (SLS) which is the most commonly used surfactant because it is cheap and potent. This chemical removes the natural oils in the scalp, thereby, making it dry. There are surfactant free shampoos available should you wish to get one. They can be quite expensive.
2- 100 percent Natural Shampoo:
These days, people yearn for organic products. With all the cancer related ailments on the rise, the demand for natural products is on the increase. The shampoo industry is not left out either. They add one or two organic products together, a surfactant, colorants and preservatives. Then, label them 100 percent organic. Before you buy that ‘all natural product’, you need to know that it is impossible to have a commercial ‘all natural product’ unless you want to make it yourself. A purely organic shampoo will not have a shelf life. The preservatives are necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria and for a long lasting shelf life.
3- Choose a shampoo to suit your need:
Always make sure you buy a shampoo that best suits your need in order to achieve desired results. If you have dry and thick hair, opt for a moisturizing shampoo and a volumizing shampoo if you seek volume. If you have dandruff, buy an anti-dandruff shampoo. This is the right way to ensure that you are getting value for your money.
4- An Expensive product is Not Necessarily Equal to the Best Results:
People often equate price with quality. This is so wrong because well known established brands take advantage of the fact that they are popular to sell their products at ridiculously high prices. When next you go shopping for shampoo, take a good look at the ingredients not the brand.
5- Massaging Your Scalp While You Shampoo:
The act of massaging and stroking your hair while washing promotes hair growth because blood is evenly circulated on the scalp. Do this slowly and ensure you cover every part of the scalp.
6- Be Wary Of Shampoo Brands That Claim To Have All The Solutions:
Unscrupulous brands whose only vision is to make a quick buck will claim to have all the solutions to your troubles in one bottle of shampoo. Only for you to jump at the offer and end up being disappointed. Never believe the hype. It is often times a waste of time and resources.
7- Shampoos Can Be Homemade:
You can make your shampoo yourself by grating mild soap and dissolving it in water with drops of tea tree oil or mixing vinegar with water. There are lots of homemade shampoo guides available online to help you. By doing this, you have total control of the ingredients present in your shampoo. That way you don’t have to bother about the toxic chemicals found in commercial shampoos.
8- Shampoos Are Not Made To Last Forever:
They have expiry dates and will not serve its purpose well when it is expired. Use it up before it expires.
9- Daily Use of Shampoo May Be Harmful to Hair:
Excessive washing of one’s hair strips the hair of natural oils and may result to hair breakage. It is advisable to take short breaks between hair wash days.
10- Colour Protecting Shampoo:
This type of shampoo helps to preserve or maintain the colour of dyed hair or hair with highlights.