Why are there various shampoos available in the market? The explanation is straightforward: there are numerous hair types (blond, brown, red, thin, curly, long, etc.) that require specific treatments. While you may choose a shampoo based on personal preference, ultimately we all strive for healthy and well-maintained hair.
For good hair care, some products are essential, just like prose shampoo. Unlike what we might think, its function goes beyond washing.
Since there is a wide variety of shampoos on the market, all with different functions and characteristics, we thought of creating this guide, to clarify your ideas a little.
Here we had selected some of the best prose shampoos that would be great for your hairs are listed below.
Prose Shampoos Buyer Guide
It is important that before buying any shampoo you know its main aspects. Below we have listed the most relevant aspects of shampoos so that we can inform you correctly. In addition, we will answer the most frequently asked questions among users.
What Exactly Is Shampoo?
The shampoo is a cosmetic product used primarily for washing hair. Our hair is exposed to various sources of dirt every day. The most important of these come directly from our own bodies.
The sebaceous glands of the scalp, in fact, release the sebum, a type of fat that accumulates and dirties the hair. In addition, the scalp tends to peel off, releasing small pieces of skin that are retained by the hair.
In the environment there are also many particles that settle on the hair, coming from pollution. Finally, remnants of cosmetics such as rubber bands or hairspray can accumulate in the hair.
The combination of all the mentioned agents can provide a dirty and unpleasant appearance to our hair. At this point, shampoos come into play.
Their mechanism of action allows you to remove all the dirt from our hair, thus giving it a clean and healthy appearance. In addition, they provide softness and shine.
Benefits Shampoo Bring to My Hair
As we have already said, the main role of the shampoo is to clean the hair. Shampoos remove excess sebum accumulated in the hair. In addition, they remove the remains of flaking, environmental particles, and other products that settle in the hair.
Thanks to this, our hair acquires a clean, healthy, and pleasant appearance. However, today the shampoo formulation has been modified to provide many other properties.
For example, some shampoos improve hair hydration. Others, on the other hand, promote greater elimination of sebum. There are also shampoos whose components facilitate smoothing or improve the appearance of curls.
In short, shampoo is an essential hair care product. It is used to have a very clean hair and to get the care it needs. Each type of hair, depending on its characteristics, will require a different treatment. Therefore, shampoos adapt to all hair types to meet their needs.
What Are Shampoos Made Of?
The composition of shampoo can be very varied depending on the properties of the product. That is, not all shampoos include the same ingredients, but this will depend on the type of shampoo. The components of shampoos can be grouped into eight main categories which we will see below.
They are the detergents par excellence and allow the formation of foam. The other components are conditioners, thickeners, acids, preservatives, pearlescent, essences, and essential oils, and active principles.
How Does a Shampoo Work?
We know that shampoo is used to wash hair, but how does it work? The shampoo works by removing excess sebum from our scalp. It forms a layer on the scalp that protects it from external agents, but in turn, accumulates dirt.
The surfactants of the shampoo separate the sebum from the hair, dragging all the accumulated dirt and debris with them. Soap acts through the same mechanism of action but mixes with sebum much more easily.
As a result, sebum is excreted excessively, causing dryness. Therefore, hair cannot be washed with soap.
What Specific Properties Can Shampoo Have?
- For oily hair: removes a greater quantity of sebum.
- Anti-fall: strengthens hair and prevents it from falling out.
- For dry hair: gives greater moisturizing power.
- Colored protective shampoo: specialized in maintaining the color of colored hair.
- Balancing shampoo: to restore the normal pH of the hair.
- Moisturizing shampoo: helps the hair to maintain the moisture necessary to stay healthy.
- Volumizing shampoo: provides extra volume and gives hair more body.
- Smoothing shampoo: improves hair straightening as well as providing hydration and shine.
- The coloring shampoo, which is used for hair coloring, we do not consider it on this list because we will dedicate a separate article to it.
How Should I Use Shampoo?
As with any cosmetic product, to obtain the desired results it is necessary to use the product correctly. Then we will provide you with a detailed step-by-step explanation of how to apply shampoo.
Although it may seem obvious and easy for you, there are some details that you will surely not know and will be of great help. To start, wet your hair in the shower with lukewarm water, not very hot because you could dry your hair too much.
Deposit a coin-sized amount of shampoo on your hand. It is not necessary to apply more product for better results. Distribute the shampoo between your hands and gently massage the scalp with your fingertips.
Rub all the hair from the roots to the ends and insist on them. Once your hair is lathered, rinse it carefully. Reapply the same amount of shampoo and wash your hair a second time. Then, rinse them well with plenty of hot or cold water. Wrap your hair with a towel and dry it well.
How Often Should I Use Shampoo?
We all like to have clean and well-groomed hair. However, it will not be achieved by washing your hair every day. In fact, it is not recommended to wash them too often.
This would lead to an excessive elimination of sebum, the natural protector of our scalp, which is not positive. There is no strict general rule on the frequency of hair washing. It will depend on the needs of each type.
In general, experts recommend washing your hair between 2 and 3 times a week. In the case of dry hair, this interval may be prolonged. Conversely, it could be reduced in the case of oily hair.
Negative Effects of Shampoo
Despite being a product of daily use and widely used, the shampoo is not free from side effects. These are due in particular to incorrect use of the product.
For example, an overuse frequency or a product with inadequate characteristics. Some side effects could affect people with skin conditions.
Scalp and skin irritation are among the most frequent adverse effects. This can occur more frequently in shampoos that contain irritating components, such as alcohol derivatives which can cause dryness and flaking.
Some people also report itching and eye irritation on contact with the shampoo. Some components of the shampoo can cause other changes. For example, there have been cases of SLS intoxication.
In addition, sodium sulfate has a negative effect on vision. Substances like DEA (diethanolamine) cause harmful effects on the digestive system. Finally, allergic reactions may occur.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Shampoos
Below we include a comparative table with the main advantages and disadvantages of using shampoo.
Advantages
- Cleaning
- Hydration
- Sebum regulation
- Healthy hair
Disadvantages
- Allergic reactions
- Irritation of the skin, scalp, and eyes
