The Wash Day Series: Step 3 - Shampoo

This is probably the step that anyone who has ever been on a healthy hair journey, would know about.

There are so many shampoos out there, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which one you need. Here is a list of types of shampoos:

1) Chelating Shampoo: While similar to a clarifying shampoo, a chelating shampoo helps in removing metals, minerals and chlorine that get deposited in hair due to hard water. This is the kind of shampoo that swimmers often use.

2) Clarifying Shampoo: A clarifying shampoo is formulated to remove product build up from the hair and scalp. However, these shampoos tend to be harsh and therefore need to be followed up with a moisturising conditioner.

3) Sulfate free Shampoo: A sulfate-free shampoo, however, has no soap alkaline base. Since sulfates tend to dry your hair out by stripping it of moisture and cause rough brittleness, a sulfate-free shampoo is good at keeping your hair’s natural oils intact and texture oh so soft.

4) Neutralising Shampoo: A neutralizing shampoo helps restore balance and the normal pH level of your hair. These shampoos must ALWAYS be used to rinse off a relaxer, as they ensure that the relaxer process stops.

5) Volumizing shampoo: A volumizing shampoo works by opening up the hair cuticles to encourage growth

6) Dry shampoo: A dry shampoo is for days when you don’t want to wash your hair but still want it to look less greasy and more fresh. Dry shampoos can be liquid, powder or come in an aerosol spray. All you need to do is take a small amount and spread it through your roots to clean your hair and absorb excess oil and grease.

I typically use sulfate-free shampoos a maximum of once per week. When my hair and scalp feels like it has a lot of buildup, I use clarifying shampoos for a thorough cleanse.

I have never had to use a chelating shampoo, as the water in my area does not have any minerals or chemicals that make hair hard.

I ALWAYS use neutralising shampoos on relaxer days, and more specifically, I prefer the colour-coded neutralising shampoos which turn to pink if the relaxer has not yet been washed off completely.

Cleansing hair with shampoo strips out alot of your hair's natural oils, so it is important to use shampoos sparingly. Apply the shampoo to your scalp and let the lather flow down to the length of your hair - this will minimise the harsh effect of shampoos on your hair.

Which shampoo do you use most often, and when did you last use one?

Source of info: poxpo.com