Shampoo commercials have been promising to make our hair thicker, stronger, longer, and more perfect since the 1970’s. But do those promises really stack up? Several studies have indicated that the shampoo you use really doesn’t matter, except in a few circumstances. Here’s why:
Shampoo is a Detergent
Shampoo’s primary function is to remove things from your hair, not to leave them there. Which means that, no matter how many vitamins and miracle products your shampoo is packed with, the odds are high that these ingredients are being rinsed out by the detergent ingredients much faster than they can penetrate your hair.
Ingredient Concentration Your shampoo may be loaded with vitamins and proteins, but this is meaningless if they’re in the wrong proportions. Most vitamin shampoos don’t contain a high enough concentration of nourishing ingredients for the ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft even if the shampoo’s detergent wasn’t rinsing them out. In short, you’re paying for a lot of vitamins and minerals that are being rinsed down your drain.
The Way Hair Damage Really Works A Consumer Reports study has shown that the most damaging element hair is exposed to is ultraviolet light from the sun. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, the UV shield included in shampoos does not exist in a high enough concentration to do any good.
Further, split ends can’t be repaired once they’re there. They need to be prevented, and shampoo can’t do this. Instead, spend your money on a high quality conditioner and a UV shield not in your shampoo. And cut down on the dyeing and blowdrying.
Hair Products That Work Conditioner restores the moisture to your hair that shampoo removes, so you’re better of spending your money on conditioner and researching what conditioner ingredients might work best for you.
It’s important to note that, even though shampoos are rarely able to improve the health of your hair, it’s important to check for allergens in shampoos and avoid shampoos that may leave a residue on your hair!
