How do you choose the best shampoo for your hair type? It is not an easy question, given the huge range of shampoos in supermarkets and specialist shops. Many people choose shampoos on the advice of hairdressers or stylists, but few know much about the differences between them.
So Eubos decided to introduce the three most popular types of shampoo, their features and differences. We hope this article will help you choose the best shampoo in the future!
Anti-dandruff shampoos
Dandruff spoils the mood of many people, especially those with dark hair. It is caused by scalp irritation, itching or rashes. This is a common skin reaction to various irritants, usually related to food, medicines, stress, skin conditions or chemicals in hair products (for example, hair dyes). Flaking can also be the result of skin infections, bacteria or fungi.
However, dermatologists name an oily or dry scalp as the most common causes of dandruff. Anti-dandruff shampoos are therefore usually designed to reduce both oiliness and dryness at the same time, keeping the scalp in optimal condition and reducing flaking.
How to fight dandruff?
Dandruff can be tackled in various ways – by avoiding sweet or spicy food or trying to reduce stress. Also check whether your scalp is flaking because of certain hair dyes. Most often, however, people fight dandruff with shampoos specially designed for this purpose.
The most useful shampoo ingredients
Anti-dandruff shampoos are usually enriched with specific ingredients. For example, certain active substances (such as ketoconazole) fight skin infections, bacteria and fungi. Anti-dandruff shampoos also often contain glycerin, which intensively moisturises the skin. They also contain various sulfates that effectively wash oil and dandruff out of the hair and reduce dandruff in the future.
Dry shampoo
Dry shampoos are a fairly new product in the beauty world. They are a great way to reduce greasy-looking hair and take less time than washing with liquid shampoo. The alcohol and starch in dry shampoo absorb oil from the hair, and fragrances leave a pleasant freshly-washed scent.
Our scalp is constantly covered with a natural layer of sebum that protects it from external factors. Everyone produces a different amount, so how often to wash your hair is a very individual choice. For those with very oily hair, however, dry shampoo is a really good option that saves a lot of time.
Does dry shampoo harm the hair?
Dermatologists generally view good-quality dry shampoo positively. However, both hair specialists and dermatologists stress that using dry shampoo too often can be harmful – it should not completely replace liquid shampoo. This is because dry shampoos do not keep the scalp in optimal, healthy condition the way liquid shampoos do. Using dry shampoo too often dries out and irritates the scalp and can even lead to flaking.
Sulfate-free shampoo
The belief that sulfates, often found in shampoos, are bad for health has become popular recently. However, dermatologists do not fully agree with this view.
Most shampoos contain sulfates for specific reasons. First, sulfates help shampoo mix with water in the shower, making it easier to use. Sulfates also help shampoo lather, which makes washing more effective. Thanks to these properties, you need less shampoo than you would without sulfates (which ultimately saves money too).
So sulfates help shampoo lather, make it easier to remove dirt and oil from the hair and reduce the amount of shampoo needed. That is why people who suffer from dandruff or very oily hair notice the positive effect of sulfates when washing their hair.
So why do some people choose sulfate-free shampoos?
Although sulfates improve how shampoos work, too much of them can be harmful. Dermatologists note that high levels of sulfates can irritate the eyes or scalp. Sulfates can also slightly dry out the skin and hair. Most people who use shampoos with sulfates do not notice these side effects (or offset them with conditioners). However, some groups of people may be more sensitive to sulfates.
Dermatologists recommend sulfate-free shampoos for people with dry or easily irritated skin and those with skin allergies to sulfates in various products (including washing-up liquids and hand soaps). Sulfates can also have a negative effect on dry hair (naturally curly hair is usually drier than straight hair) and on people who often use hair dyes that dry out the scalp and hair.
So when choosing a shampoo in future, think about which type suits your hair best. We suggest not blindly following hair care trends such as sulfate-free shampoos. Instead, consider the condition of your hair and scalp, any skin allergies and the other hair care products you use, and choose a shampoo to suit your individual needs.
Our recommendation. For a flaky scalp, choose Eubos Anti-Dandruff Care Shampoo with panthenol and avocado oil.