Photo of lovely woman with pensive dreamy expression, wears hair curlers and bathrobe, prepares for

We all love our hair and want it to be shiny, strong, and unbreakable. However, for this to happen, choosing the right hair care products is important.

Hair care is essential, considering the exposure we have to dust, humidity, dryness, and the sun. Wearing a hat or using an umbrella can be a temporary solution, but it eventually boils down to the care we are providing for our hair and the products we are using. Whether you shop dry shampoo frequently, have plenty of serums stocked up, or are looking for a change, paying attention to the ingredients can be a game changer.

Identifying your hair's needs is the best guiding force in choosing the best products. Here are some ways you can buy the right hair care products for yourself:

1. Identify your scalp type

Knowing your scalp’s condition and its type can help you identify the products that are good for you and the ones you should avoid. For instance, every shampoo has different cleaning actions. A shampoo with dense cleaning action can dehydrate the scalp, making it itch due to dryness. On the other hand, a shampoo with mild cleaning action will leave behind oils, sweat, and dust, resulting in a mushy odor.

Here’s how to identify your scalp type:

  • If your scalp remains tight after washing, it is dry and needs hair care products that gently clean while not stripping away the natural oils.

  • If your hair clumps together within a day or two of washing, then your scalp is oily, and you will need products that thoroughly clean the scalp and moisturize it (without overdoing it).

  • Whereas, if your scalp gets oily only after two to three days of cleaning, you have a combination scalp that needs minimal care and maintenance

2. Alignment with lifestyle

If your lifestyle involves excessive exposure to sunlight, dirt, and dust, you might want to invest in products that offer deeper cleaning, thereby nourishing and strengthening the roots. You should also consider exploring other range of products that can protect your hair and scalp without leaving residuals behind.

Additionally, if you are curling or ironing your hair on a frequent basis, getting products that protect you from heat damage becomes a must. These products can prevent frizz and prevent hair from breaking.

The same applies if you are coloring your hair. In such cases, getting products that offer protection and restoration will be beneficial in the long run. Avoid hair colors that contain ammonia, peroxide, resorcinol, and sulfates, as they can cause serious allergic reactions and damage your scalp’s pH levels.

Here’s how these chemicals wreak havoc:

  • Ammonia: Irreversibly disturbs the pH levels of the scalp, which ends up in a loss of natural oils and moisture. The chemical also causes severe hair loss in the long run.

  • Peroxide: Disrupts and breaks down the presence of natural melanin pigment, resulting in dry, brittle strands that break easily.

  • Resorcinol: While mild doses can cause dizziness and headaches, using it multiple times can have negative effects on the central nervous system.

  • Sulfates: Strips the hair and scalp of moisture and natural oils, leaving the scalp and hair excessively dry, itchy, and brittle.

3. Hair texture and type

Your hair type decides the care regime you will need. Using products based on their cleaning, repair, and restoration features will only benefit you if they are meant for your hair type. Products that are not meant for your hair will do no good.

For instance, fine hair needs shampoo and conditioners that can volumize the hair strands. Meanwhile, hydrating and deep-cleansing hair products will be effective in maintaining the shine and health of thick hair. Aside from this density, buying products that complement the hair type is another crucial aspect to consider. Here’s how:

  • Wavy hair will need a shampoo that balances texture.

  • Curly hair will need products that tackle the frizziness without dehydrating.

  • Straight hair will need extra moisture to help seal the cuticle.

Strengthening or fortifying hair care products are best for damaged or colored hair, as they provide the extra protein needed to improve the quality of hair.

4. Ingredients on the label

Regardless of how impressed you are with an advertisement, it is crucial to read the ingredient list carefully. By doing so, you are clear and aware of the products you are putting on your scalp, hair, and body.

There are instances where a certain ingredient can yield mindblowing results on a particular hair type but can cause damage to a different hair texture.

Always look for ingredients that can address specific concerns you may have. Paying close attention to the application process will ensure you are getting the maximum benefit from the product.

5. Changing products with seasons

As the seasons change, your hair will also need specific care. Having different sets of products for different seasons will ensure that your hair gets proper treatment throughout the year.

For instance, when the winter months hit, you will need a shampoo that gently cleans your scalp and hair, followed by a conditioner that restores moisture. If your scalp still feels dry and tight, you can consider using creams to add more moisture to your hair and scalp.

Similarly, during the summer months, there will be a need for shampoo that can cleanse the scalp, removing sweat and grime while hydrating the scalp. If this happens frequently, you can consider using a dry shampoo. They are highly effective in managing grease and can add volume to your hair until you are ready to wash it.

Why your shampoo matters

Choosing the right shampoo ensures that your hair and scalp get cleaned properly while addressing your hair type, texture, and treatments you have undertaken. Moreover, shampoos can also be used to target any hair-related concerns you may have, including dandruff, hair fall, frizz, roughness, and color care. While there are plenty of shampoo options available, it is important to identify your specific needs and goals so that you can invest in products that add more value and care to your hair care routine.

Seven hair care tips to follow for lush and healthy hair

  • Get your hair trimmed once every 6 to 8 weeks if you are noticing split ends. Doing so can significantly reduce premature hair breakage and encourage growth.

  • Use lukewarm water to clean your head every time. Doing so encourages just the right amount of blood circulation without drying out your scalp or clogging pores.

  • Make sure to include more protein, iron, Vitamins A and C, and fatty acids in your diet. These add to the building blocks of the hair, ensure adequate natural oil secretion, and aid collagen production, strengthening the hair from within.

  • Avoid using hair straightening products and curling irons as much as possible. The heat from these devices can cause serious damage to the hair in the long run.

  • Keep your hair open as often as you can. Keeping your hair tied in a ponytail or in a bun can stress the roots, cause headaches, and may even result in excessive hair fall.

  • Avoid brushing your hair when it is wet, as it can break easily. In case you are compelled to, a wide-tooth comb can be less damaging.

  • Get only the hair treatment that your hair needs. Unnecessary exposure to complex procedures and chemicals can cause damage to the hair.

Hair care begins with the right choice

Our hair care routine plays a major role in how healthy our scalp and hair are. The products we use have a significant impact on these, making it essential to be wise with one’s choices. Without choosing the right hair care products, you may end up getting results that do not align with your expectations.

Experimenting with too many products can even cause serious hair and scalp damage. Be sure to check the ingredients, analyze the product’s promised outcomes, and buy only the ones that perfectly fit your needs.

 

Here are some other articles related to your search:

(0) comments

We welcome your comments

Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.