Why You Should Rotate Shampoo Brands 7 Natural Hair Treatments for Dry
You may be familiar with the old wives' tale that suggests periodically rotating shampoo brands because hair supposedly gets "used to" one brand, rendering it ineffective. Though it is well known that hair is not alive and cannot remember the last shampoo used, there is a valid reason for rotating brands.
Using the same shampoo repeatedly can lead to a buildup of residue, which may weigh down the hair, making it dull and unmanageable. Rotating shampoo brands is one solution to avoid this residue buildup.
TIP: When choosing an alternate shampoo, opt for one that is suitable for your hair type and free from added parabens, SLSs, or phthalates.
Another method to prevent residue buildup is to use a clarifying shampoo once a week. (A good rule of thumb: clarifying shampoos tend to be clear, and if they are cloudy, they are more emollient.) I have two favorites that I currently rotate, which are on the clearer side of the spectrum:
Giovanni Root 66 Max Volume Shampoo: Featuring Eco Chic Technology, Root 66 Max Volume Shampoo from Giovanni includes horsetail extract and silica for added volume and strength. It is cruelty-free and free from sodium lauryl sulfate and phthalates.
Do you rotate your shampoo? Tell us about your hair care routine in the comments section below.
Store-Bought Shampoo Tip: Check the Labels
Your scalp, part of your body's dermal system, can be as sensitive as your face. Spending a few minutes to read the label on your shampoo bottle is advisable.
- Avoid chemicals like sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, cocamide DEA, ammonium xylene sulfonate, and parabens. These ingredients, known for their protein denaturing properties, may cause skin irritation and are linked to other significant health concerns.
- Opt for natural and recognizable ingredients, such as olive oil, coconut oil, and menthol.
- Some manufacturers list ingredients using Latin or chemical names, so be prepared to research to understand what these names represent.
Natural Shampoo Tip: Don’t Expect Loads of Lather
Switching to all-natural shampoos from commercial brands may be disappointing due to less lather. It might seem necessary to use more product to achieve the desired amount of suds. However, don’t be dismayed by your new shampoo.
Here’s the deal: Shampoos formulated with natural oils generally produce less foam, yet they still effectively cleanse the scalp and hair. Many commercial shampoos use harsh chemicals to create artificial lather, which might do more harm than good. Embrace the low-suds shampoo!
7 Natural Hair Treatments for Dry & Damaged Hair:
- Dull Hair: Massage some sour cream or plain yogurt into damp hair, let it sit for about 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and shampoo as usual. These dairy products can help to reverse damage caused by products and pollution.
- Itchy, Flaky Scalp: Mix equal parts lemon juice, organic olive oil, and water, then massage the mixture into your slightly damp scalp. Leave it on for 20 minutes, rinse out, and shampoo. The lemon juice helps eliminate flakes, while the oil moisturizes the skin beneath.
- Limp or Fine Hair: For added body, use beer and its generous supply of yeast. Mix together half a cup of flat beer, one teaspoon of canola oil, and a raw egg, apply to damp hair, and let sit for about 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
- Dry, Sun-Damaged Hair: Sun exposure can significantly affect your hair's health and vitality. Warm organic honey massaged into clean, damp hair can help; let it sit for about 20 minutes. Adding a drop of organic olive oil, avocado, or egg yolk to the honey can enhance its benefits for extremely damaged hair.
- Oily, Greasy Hair: Use an empty salt shaker filled with one to two tablespoons of cornmeal or cornstarch. Apply it to dry hair, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then brush it out completely with a paddle hairbrush.
- Frizzy Hair: Mash up half an avocado and massage it into clean, damp hair. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing clean—ideal for smoothing out frizzy hair.
- Product Buildup: Combat product buildup by creating a thick paste with one to two tablespoons of baking soda and a little water. Massage it into damp hair, let it work for about 15 minutes, then rinse clean and shampoo immediately afterward.
DIY BONUS: Make Your Own Homemade Shampoo
Maintain the natural oils in your hair by using this homemade shampoo recipe for normal to dry hair. For oily hair, simply omit the vegetable oil:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup mild liquid soap (such as Castile soap)
- 1/2 tsp light oil (vegetable or sunflower oil)
Gently stir the ingredients together. Avoid beating the mixture to prevent foaming. Pour the shampoo into a clean plastic or glass container. Use it to shampoo your hair as usual and rinse with cool water. This recipe makes 8 oz.
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