What To Look For
Shopping for hair care products can be emotionally charged. Hair is a symbol of beauty deeply tied to one's mood and self esteem. According to USA Today, 44 percent of women surveyed said their mood was affected by a bad hair day. Much of hair's appearance stems from a good washing with a high-quality shampoo and an occasional rinse with a balanced conditioner.
Common Pitfalls
Price does not guarantee shampoo quality or efficacy, a common misconception. According to Newsweek magazine, all shampoos are cleansers and the first five or six ingredients affect the formula's effectiveness. At 80 percent, water is the primary shampoo ingredient. Surfactant or cleanser which isolates and washes away dirts and oils, is the second most abundant ingredient. Most shampoo manufacturers use ammonium lauryl sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate, which tend to be less irritating to skin than sodium lauryl sulfate. Foaming agents like cocomide increase the creamy, foaming action of the surfactant. Acidifying agents like citric acid are added to close the hair follicle and cuticle so each hair has a smooth feel. Silicones like dimethicone and polyquaternium coat individual hairs and impart a thick yet soft feel.
A second mistake consumers make is when they assume that one product works well for all hair types. Oily scalps require a clarifying shampoo more than coarse, dry hair. Thin, fine hair needs a detangler more than a daily conditioning treatment. Know your hair type, read reviews and then try a shampoo to see how it reacts with your hair.
A final error is when consumers assume the products are solely at fault. How you use the products is sometimes as important as what products you choose.
Where To Buy
Many highly rated shampoos can be purchased in supermarkets and pharmacies. Garnier Fructis Fortifying Daily Care, Johnson's Baby Shampoo, Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo and Nizoral, all rated highly, are available in most retail establishments. In the conditioner category, Garnier Fructis Fortifying Cream Conditioner for Colored-Treated Hair, Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner, Herbal Essence Color Me Happy Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair and Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Conditioner were highly rated.
Cost
The shampoo and conditioner top-rated by website Consumer Search, Garnier Fructis rivals more expensive brands. At $4 per 13-ounce bottle, it's cheap and ideal as a cleansing agent for normal to dry and color-treated hair. Suave products are even cheaper at just $2 per bottle. Many retail stores list the suggested retail price with the unit cost. The unit cost estimates cost per portion if you were to use the suggested portion. Many manufacturers recommend a dollop of shampoo the size of quarter. A conditioner portion should be the size of a dime. You can also extend the life of your products by brushing your hair before showering, rinsing it well with warm water and then adding shampoo. Though products frequently suggest a second wash, unless you work near a deep-fat fryer, one washing should be sufficient.
Accessories
Not all conditioners are meant for daily use. If your hair is prone to knots, use an acidifying conditioner, which will detangle your hair without leaving a greasy feel. Shampooing with water water opens the hair cuticle; using a detangler/conditioner with citric acid helps to close the hair cuticle and leaves each hair strand smoother.
Tea Tree Oil, an extract of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia, is effective in soothing skin irritations and fungal infections and has antibacterial properties. In shampoos and conditioners, it's effective against the itch and flaking associated with dandruff and psoriasis. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special products are designed for those with scalp flaking and irritations.
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