The most important factor in hair hygiene is the cleanliness of the hair and scalp. When hair starts to get dirty, it should be washed and cleaned. Polluted air and dust, wearing hats in winter, mental stress, lack of sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, drugs, and even smoking can cause your hair to become unhealthy. Naturally, the scalp and hair are kept soft by sebum secreted from the sebaceous glands. This oily secretion protects the hair and skin from water loss and gives it a shiny appearance. Dust, soot, keratin particles (dandruff), and other pollutants stick to this oily layer, causing contamination of the scalp and hair. Shampoos are one type of cleanser used to remove these impurities from the scalp and hair. Using inappropriate shampoos and not employing the correct method of shampooing can cause dullness and damage to the hair. If you find the right shampoo for your hair and learn the correct method of shampooing and drying your hair, you can safely wash your hair every day or several times a day.
There is a significant difference between various shampoos in terms of the quality of the raw materials used, the formulation applied, adherence to hygiene principles in the production line, the type of manufacturing and packaging equipment, and the manufacturer’s diligence in quality control of the final product. Additionally, the storage conditions of the product until it reaches the consumer are important factors affecting the final quality of the shampoo. Since hair types and shampoos vary, the best way is to try different shampoos and ultimately choose the most suitable one. The label on shampoos introduces the ingredients contained in them. What is important is that if your hair is damaged by various substances such as bleach or perm or for any other reason, it is better to pay attention to the acidity of the shampoo. The acidity of shampoos ranges from moderately alkaline to mildly acidic. If your hair is damaged, neutral shampoos or shampoos with mild acidity, which cause less swelling and disruption of the outer cuticle layer of the hair, are more suitable.
When people change their shampoo, they usually pay excessive attention to the condition of their hair and scalp. If there is an improvement in the condition of their hair, they attribute it to the new product, and conversely, if the condition of their hair worsens, they blame the new product. For example, they may attribute their natural hair loss to the new shampoo. Research has shown that few people are aware of the role of factors such as combing, brushing, the harmful effects of chemicals, or even medications, diet, illness, or hereditary characteristics in hair loss. The truth is that shampoos do not cause hair loss.
All those who use vitamin or strengthening shampoos welcome the presence of panthenol (B5) in the shampoo. This vitamin is widely used as a conditioner and softener in shampoos, hair sprays, and hair conditioners. In products designed for hair care, panthenol increases the water content of the hair shaft and consequently its elasticity. Panthenol can penetrate the hair shaft from areas lacking cuticle and increase the manageability, shine, and softness of the hair while reducing its static electricity. Despite all these positive properties, panthenol does not permanently increase hair thickness. In fact, due to the water absorption by this vitamin, the hair appears slightly thicker, which, of course, disappears after a while.
Do not underestimate the presence of herbal extracts in shampoos. Many plants have been used for the treatment, strengthening, and repair of hair from ancient times to the present day. Among these plants with high therapeutic value are ginseng, garlic, mint, pepper, and others.