What To Look For
The first thing to do when looking for the right shampoo and conditioner is to determine your hair type and concerns. For example, if your hair type is fine, choose a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to inject body and life into hair and remove oil from the scalp. If your hair is dry or damaged, a moisturizing formula with ingredients like shea butter and glycerin are best to hydrate dry hair and scalp. Color-treated hair requires gentle shampoos and conditioners that are free of sulfates, which can fade color faster.
Common Pitfalls
We often have more than one hair concern and it can be challenging to find a shampoo and conditioner to address every need. For example hair can be fine, damaged and color-treated, Using a volumizing shampoo, which often contains lots of cleansing agents, may fade color faster and not adequately protect damaged areas. A moisturizing formula, which will address the damage, can weigh down fine hair and make it limp and lifeless, while causing the scalp to become oily.
Where To Buy
Shampoos and conditioners are available at a wide variety of retail outlets depending upon the brand. Drugstore shampoos include brands like Pantene Pro-V, L'Oreal and Dove. Professional salon brands, which include Pureology, Redken and Nioxin, are available at select authorized salon locations. Natural and organic specialty brands such as Nature's Gate and Avalon Organics are available at specialty health stores like Whole Foods.
Cost
The cost of shampoos and conditioners varies depending on the specific brand. An appropriate range for mass market hair care available at drug and grocery stores is $3 to $10. A typical range for professional salon hair care is $12 to $30 and up and a range for natural and organic products is $8 to $15.
Comparison Shopping
There are certain shampoo and conditioner brands that were developed specifically for certain hair types and hair concerns. Pureology, for example, is a vegan hair care line that is free of sulfates and helps keep color-treated hair looking vibrant. Nioxin is a professional hair care brand developed specifically for fine or thinning hair and includes ingredients to promote body and thickness. Drugstore brand Pantene Pro-V offers a wide variety of custom solutions to moisturize dry, damaged hair, smooth frizz, keep color intact and volumize.
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