The Truth About Shampoo and Why it Matters Which One You Use

Head into any store and you’ll see a huge selection of shampoos. Most of them will declare they are the best and several will even tell you there are perfect for normal hair, greasy hair, or even dry hair. It can be baffling which is why you may simply grab the cheapest or the one that looks good.

However, the truth is that not all shampoos are created equal. There is a huge difference between quality brands such as the purple shampoo range and own brands. 

Chemicals

Cheaper shampoos tend to use chemicals. These are designed to help clean your hair and leave it feeling great. Unfortunately, chemical-laden shampoos are more likely to strip the goodness from your hair and the oil from your scalp. 

If you have greasy hair you may think that this is a good thing, it’s not. The oil, or sebum, on your head, protects your scalp and glides down every strand of hair. In doing so it creates a protective barrier. This helps to keep your hair protected and hydrated. 

To really understand why avoiding chemicals is so important you need to understand what hair is:

• The cuticle

This is the outer part of your hair and the part that is visible. It is actually made of layers of overlapping proteins, in the same way, you would see tiles on a roof. Just like roof tiles, it protects the inner sections. 

• Cortex

The middle section is referred to as the cortex. It is also made of proteins that are bundled together to create strands. The proteins make the hair strong. 

• Medulla

This is actually nothing at the center. The thicker your hair the larger the medulla space. This may be an empty space but it insulates the hair, helping it to stay strong.

Finally, to understand hair you should be aware that protein is an essential part of every cell in your body, along with water. Having an adequate supply of protein and water is critical to keeping your hair healthy.

Shampoos work by using a molecule called surfactants that attract water at one end and oil at the other. This allows them to attract the dirt and grease in your hair but also ensures they are flushed out when you rinse your hair.

Why Natural Shampoos

Natural shampoos use surfactants to aid the process of removing dirt from your hair without damaging it. Any shampoo that uses chemicals is likely to strip the protective oil and even take valuable nutrients from the hair. They are also likely to leave your scalp itchy. This leads to excessive itching and brushing which damages your hair further.

While some choose not to shampoo, this takes dedication as your hair will look and feel horrible for several weeks.

But, if this isn’t for you, a good quality natural shampoo will be beneficial for your hair, just make sure you read the ingredients and avoid the chemicals.