How to choose the right shampoo

When you use the right shampoo, you can truly see the difference that it makes in your hair. The right shampoo, however, does not necessarily mean that it is an expensive shampoo. Although you may have to do much experimentation in order to find the right shampoo for your hair, it is possible to do so without the help of a professional.

Here are some tips to get you started:

First, always consider your hair type and texture. There are a few general hair types: fine, extra fine, thick, and normal. You can usually determine the type of your hair just by looking at it. Does your hair, as a whole, seem thick? If so, you may have thick hair. You can wrap your fingers around all of your hair. Is your whole hand able to grip the entirety of your hair, or do you need both of your hands to do so? There are also a few general types of texture: fine (or smooth), rough, or normal. Rough hair is considered to be “ethnic hair,” though there is no set standard for what is “normal” and what is not.

Next, consider your hair’s (and your scalp’s) needs. Usually, you should base this decision on your natural hair. For instance, do you have oily hair or dry hair? Is your scalp prone to dandruff, or do you need an extra gentle shampoo?

Visit your local beauty supply store, hair salon, drug store, or even your health food store, to pick out a few shampoos to start with. There are a few types of shampoo, too, so you should be aware of them because they have different uses and some of them are harsher than others. For example, shampoos with sulfates generally are harsher than shampoos without sulfates. However, this can vary from person to person, so it is best to experiment with shampoos that have sulfates and shampoos that don’t.

If the shampoo that you are using leaves your hair too dry or too oily, it is not the shampoo for you. If you experience excessive hair loss right after using a shampoo, discontinue the use of it. Any results that are not what you expect should make you immediately throw that shampoo out (or better yet, give it to someone else!).