How to Choose the Best Shampoo and Conditioner Duo

Many shampoos contain sulfates, parabens and phthalates which can strip your hair of natural oils and lead to long-term damage. Choose a gentle and natural shampoo that is free from these chemicals.

This hydrating shampoo is super-mild and helps hydrate fine and thin hair in a weightless way with macadamia nut oil. It is also dermatologist-approved and contains the same dandruff fighting ingredient found in many prescription dandruff shampoos.

Cleansing

Shampoos are hair care products that cleanse environmental dirt and product build-up from the scalp and the hair shaft. They usually come in liquid form and are applied to wet hair and then thoroughly rinsed out. Shampoos contain synthetic detergents called surfactants, which create lather and clean the hair. The primary function of the surfactants is to remove sebum and other dirt from the scalp and hair, however they also have some conditioning properties.

Modern shampoos typically contain a mix of different detergents for different cleaning levels according to the specific hair type. For example, oily hair shampoos use detergents with strong sebum removal qualities, while shampoos for permanently waved or dyed hair use milder detergents to reduce the amount of sebum removed.

Aside from the main cleansing agents, many shampoos contain other ingredients such as perfumes and coloring agents to give them a desirable aroma and appearance. In addition, some contain preservatives that resist germs and prevent decomposition of the shampoo, while others have thickeners like salt (sodium chloride) and glycol distearate to make them more viscous.

Some shampoos are formulated for special purposes such as deep cleaning shampoos that help remove polymers from hair styling products that build up on the hair and scalp over time. These are based on primary surfactants such as lauryl sulfates and are typically used at least once per week. Other shampoos are aimed at helping to manage seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, which are characterized by excess oil production on the scalp and the formation of itchy shampoo and conditioner flaking on the hair shaft. These shampoos are based on a mix of primary and secondary surfactants that can include ingredients like methylisothiazolinone, iodine and quaternium-15.

Hydration

If your hair is brittle, dull and prone to frizz, it may be a sign of low hydration. You can help your strands retain moisture with a shampoo and conditioner duo that promotes healthy, hydrated locks.

To ensure that you’re not stripping your strands of their natural oils, consider opting for a hydrating shampoo or a shampoo with low sulfates like sodium laureth sulfate. These ingredients produce a satisfying lather, but also remove dirt and oil from the scalp and hair strands effectively.

A good hydrating shampoo will also include humectants that attract and keep water in your strands so they can stay moisturized, soft and supple from the inside out. Glycerin, honey, shea butter and panthenol are some popular humectants found in hydrating shampoos.

Alternatively, you can try dry shampoo to refresh your strands without removing any natural oils from the hair or scalp. Just make sure that you shake the canister really well before you apply it to your roots and then gently massage it into your scalp and strands for a minute or two before rinsing it out. You can use dry shampoo on a daily basis, but don’t overuse it as you want your natural oils to build up on the scalp and hair so they provide protection against damage. If you’re a frequent dry shampoo user, you can help your strands stay hydrated by using a hydrating hair conditioner on the ends of your hair after each wash.

Shine

Using shampoo and conditioner is an essential part of your hair care routine, as they both help to provide your hair with a healthy glow. When paired together, these products are the key to unlocking silky, smooth locks that feel like they’ve been straight from the salon.

Hair shampoo contains synthetic detergents that are designed to cleanse your hair, removing oil and product build-up from your scalp as well as dust and dirt. Then, conditioner replenishes the moisture that was stripped by the shampoo argan oil by sealing your hair cuticles and nourishing your locks. This helps your hair to retain its colour and shine, while also preventing frizz.

When you use a shampoo and conditioner that are formulated to work for your specific hair type, you’ll notice the difference. In fact, our Vitamin C Jelly Shampoo was proven to be 38% more effective at removing product build-up than a standard shampoo and 31% more effective at removing minerals from hard water than a standard conditioner.

The best shampoos and conditioners should be free of sulfates, parabens, DMDM hydantoin, gluten (if you have allergies), dyes, and other chemicals that can irritate the skin on your scalp or damage your hair’s natural health. Look for ingredients that are safe and sustainably sourced, such as natural plant-based extracts that will nourish your hair and leave it looking vibrant!

Frizz Control

If your hair is prone to frizz, using the right shampoo and conditioner can help you tame it. Typically, the best shampoo for frizzy hair contains ingredients that smooth the hair cuticle and help tame unruly strands. It can also contain hydrating ingredients that add moisture to your strands so they stay soft, healthy and frizz-free. A good conditioner for frizzy hair typically has nourishing ingredients like shea butter, argan oil and coconut oil to help add more moisture to your strands so they remain healthy and strong.

Aside from your shampoo and conditioner, you should also use a heat protectant when you style your hair to help reduce damage that can lead to frizz. Also, it’s important to shampoo and condition your hair at the right frequency for your hair type and texture. For example, dry hair should be shampooed two to three times a week, while thick and curly hair can be washed more often.

A leave-in conditioner can be applied after your shower to provide additional frizz control and hydration throughout the day. Typically, these products are in the form of a cream or spray that you apply to your hair while it’s still damp. They typically provide more intense hydration than rinse-out products and may have other ingredients that help prevent frizz like glycerin, shea butter, argan oil or jojoba oil.