How to Choose the Right Shampoo
[A Guide for Beginners] The shampoo you need varies depending on your scalp type, hair length, and whether you have had a perm or bleached your hair. Many marketing terms are designed to entice us, but here are a few things to keep in mind before you buy so you can avoid being misled and wasting your money.
1. There is no such thing as "surfactant-free" shampoo.
Some advertisements claim their products are surfactant-free to suggest they are less irritating to the scalp. However, surfactants are the core of any shampoo. Their role is to bond water and oil together, allowing the oil and sebum on your scalp to be washed away. If a brand claims to have no surfactants, the creator either lacks basic product knowledge or is intentionally misleading consumers.
2. Double-check the meaning of "Vegan," "Organic," and "Natural."
Vegan; This simply means the product contains no animal-derived ingredients. Since most shampoos are made of chemical components, almost any shampoo is "vegan" as long as it doesn't use extracts like honey or milk. It doesn't necessarily relate to the shampoo's actual performance. Organic; If you truly care about organic products, look for an official "Organic Certified" seal. Many products market themselves as organic even if they only contain a tiny fraction of organic ingredients. Natural; The word "natural" is also frequently used loosely. If you want a genuine natural product, check for a "Natural Cosmetic" certification mark.
3. Lower your expectations for "Hair Loss Relief."
Preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth are global challenges. Expecting dramatic results from a shampoo alone might be unrealistic from the start.
4. Understand the keywords on the label.
Moisturizing / Hydrating / Damage Care / Nourishing: These have milder cleansing power and contain moisturizing ingredients that help smooth the hair cuticles. They are an excellent choice for long or damaged hair. Volumizing / Hair Loss Functional: These often contain polymers to provide a bit of volume after blow-drying. Some formulas reduce moisturizing agents to prevent the hair from becoming weighed down, though this can sometimes lead to frizz. Scalp Care / Deep Clean / Clarifying: These focus on exfoliating the scalp and providing a strong cleanse. They are often unsuitable for those with a dry scalp. Mild / Sensitive / Gentel: These use acidic surfactants to minimize hair damage. While they are gentler, their cleansing power is also weaker. They are ideal for infants or for maintaining bleached hair.