Which Shampoo Should You Use for Your 'Do?

In this modern age of technology and social media, beauty standards are higher than ever before. Everyone wants to look Instagram perfect, and part of that perfection is maintaining a perfectly hydrated and healthy 'do. Trying to find the right shampoo for your specific hair needs can be tricky, however. Even walking through the haircare section of your local supermarket or drugstore can feel like a confusing labyrinth of colorful bottles and beauty terminology. Fear not, however: we're here to arm you with the knowledge you need to achieve your #hairgoals!

Let's Take it From the Top.

Regardless of what shampoo you use, its overall purpose is the same. An effective shampoo is formulated to remove oil, perspiration, dirt, skin debris, and other nasties from your hair without adversely affecting the delicate ph balance of your hair or scalp. Most shampoo products can be categorized into two groups: liquid shampoos and dry or powder shampoos.

Most of the liquid shampoos you see in the store today are in cream or clear liquid form, though there are more emollients (a.k.a moisturizer) in cream shampoos than in clear liquid shampoos.

Dry shampoos can be used between washes, to help reduce oil and shine from your hair. This shampoo should be sprayed on the crown area, and it picks up dirt and oils as it is brushed through the hair.

Specialty Shampoos

Almost all of the shampoos on the market today can be further classified into one of these categories:

pH-Balanced Shampoos Also known as acid-balanced shampoo, this type of shampoo is balanced to the pH level of the hair and skin. It usually contains citric, lactic, or phosphoric acid. These mild formulations in the shampoo are designed to prevent the stripping of hair coloring from the hair. The low alkaline content in the shampoo makes this type of shampoo a good choice for normal, chemically treated, or fragile hair. Although you should always read and follow manufacturer instructions, pH-balanced shampoos are generally mild enough for daily use.

Balancing Shampoos Do you have an oily scalp? Is your hair oily? This type of shampoo is for you! Balancing shampoos are formulated to wash away excess oils from your hair and scalp while also keeping the hair from drying out.

Clarifying Shampoos This type of shampoo contains an active chelating agent that binds to metals (like iron or copper) in order to remove them from the hair. This shampoo is also strong enough to cut through product buildup that can coat and flatten your hair.

Color-Enhancing Shampoos This shampoo contains a bit of color, which will provide slight color changes that can be removed with regular shampooing. This type of shampoo is used to brighter hair, add slight color, and eliminate unwanted color tones.

Conditioning Shampoos Also known as moisturizing shampoo, this type of shampoo does precisely what you think it does. This mild shampoo contains moisturizing agents that either "lock in" moisture or draw moisture into the hair. Conditioning shampoos often contain biotin or proteins that help restore moisture and elasticity, strengthen the hair shaft, and add volume to the hair. This shampoo is also formulated to make the hair smooth and shiny while avoiding stripping artificial color from the hair.

Medicated Shampoos Despite the name, you don't have to have a prescription to get your hands on medicated shampoo; you can often find it over the counter. Medicated shampoos contain antifungal agents such as pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole. These antifungal agents help control dandruff by suppressing the growth of the fungus that causes dandruff. This shampoo can be used on all hair types, and is gentle enough to use daily.

Neutralizing Shampoos If you've chemically relaxed your hair recently, you should try this shampoo! This shampoo neutralizes any alkali or unwanted substances that remain in the hair after chemically relaxing it, thereby restoring the pH level of your hair. Be careful when trying to buy this shampoo, however; some manufacturers refer to neutralizing shampoo as balancing shampoo, so make sure you're not buying a shampoo for oily hair and scalp!

Sulfate-Free Shampoos Sulfates are used in shampoos because of their thickening and lathering capabilities. True to its name, sulfate-free shampoos are formulated with little no to sulfates. Because of this, the shampoo does not strip natural oils from the hair. This makes sulfate-free shampoo a good choice for color-treated and chemically treated hair.

Shampoos for Wigs and Hair Replacement Solutions Did you know there's a shampoo for artificial hair? Well, you do now! This type of shampoo is specifically formulated to clean wigs and hair replacements. Be careful to follow the manufacturer's instructions, though, as not all wig shampoos are suitable for all wig types.

Congratulations! Now you know what types of shampoo to use for your hair type. Go forth, wash your mane, and take those gorgeous selfies!