The humble shampoo can do far more than just clean your hair. Whatever your hair woe, we’ve a shampoo for that…
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FLAT AND LIFELESS
Full, thick hair starts with your shampoo – but check the ingredients. Panthenol (vitamin B5) gives the illusion of thickness by plumping out strands, while protein strengthens the outer layer, preventing breakage. Hyaluronic acid, amino acids and biotin are efficient body-builders, and peptides may increase hair density. Look for quinoa, which contains all the essential amino acids, and bamboo extract, which contains biotin. Try New Nordic Hair Volume Shampoo, with hydrolysed rice protein and amino acids, for instant bounce and body.
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DANDRUFF-PRONE
Dandruff is brought on by a yeast called Malassezia globosa, which loves an oily environment, so shampoo at least every three days. Look out for essential oils – rosemary relieves itchy scalps, lavender soothes, and tea tree has antibacterial properties. Salicylic acid dissolves dead cells, and antifungal sulphur prevents scalp skin cells from clumping together. Zinc pyrithione kills organisms including yeasts, ginger is a known scalp-soother, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) combats scalp inflammation, which can contribute to dandruff. Try Jason Dandruff Relief Shampoo, an anti-dandruff powerhouse with salicylic acid and rosemary oil.
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OILY ROOTS
Greasy roots but dry, brittle ends? Mother Nature has you covered. Rosemary oil has decongesting qualities and can help prevent excess oil production, while aloe removes extra oil, soothes the scalp and protects strands. Green tea extract reduces sebum production, clay helps eliminate excess oil on the scalp, and citrus oils cut through grease while balancing oil production. Apple cider vinegar also helps reset the scalp’s pH. Avoid sulphates, which can strip the hair, and use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil between washes. Try Ethique St Clements Shampoo Bar For Oily Hair, with lime and orange oils to balance oil production, plus hydrating coconut and cocoa butter.
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COLOUR-TREATED
When dealing with coloured hair, always go gently. Most shampoos for coloured hair contain lower levels of cleansers and higher levels of conditioning agents. The best thing you can do to prolong colour is go sulphate-free, to gently wash away dirt without stripping colour. Moistureretention helps colour last longer, so look to hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin and cocoa butter. Finally, seek out plant and seed oils like sunflower, Abyssinian, and coconut – these can create a protective film to help colour last.
Try Naturtint 2in1 Shampoo & Conditioning Bar Colour Protect with hydrating meadowfoam seed oil, plus coconut and Abyssinian oils.