The best shampoos and conditioners for every hair goal

What is the best shampoo for dry hair?

There isn't one single "best" shampoo for dry hair, but there are ingredients and features to look for in a shampoo that will help hydrate dry hair.

• Moisturizing agents: Ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil help to hydrate dry hair.
• Hydrating formulas: Shampoos labeled as moisturizing, hydrating, or for dry/damaged hair typically contain ingredients that replenish moisture and restore balance to dry hair.
• Sulfate-free: Sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), can strip the hair of its natural oils, making dryness worse. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos, which are gentler on the hair and scalp.
• Protein: Ingredients like keratin or silk protein can help strengthen and repair dry, damaged hair.

What is the difference between moisturizing and hydrating shampoo?

Both moisturizing and hydrating shampoos aim to address dryness, but they target different aspects of hair health:

• Moisturizing shampoo: Moisturizing shampoos contain ingredients like oils and butters that work to replenish the natural oils that may have been stripped away due to harsh weather, heat styling, or chemical treatments. Moisturizing shampoos are ideal for dry, coarse, or brittle hair that lacks moisture and elasticity.
• Hydrating shampoo: Hydrating shampoos are designed to increase the water content of the hair and scalp. Hydrating shampoos are beneficial for all hair types, including dry, normal, and oily, as they help maintain optimal moisture levels without weighing the hair down.

Depending on what your hair needs, you may choose one shampoo type over the other. You can also pick a shampoo that does both to give your hair a dose of hydration and moisture.

What ingredients make hair thinning shampoos effective?

• Biotin: Strengthens hair and promotes growth.
• Saw Palmetto: Believed to block DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss.
• Caffeine: Stimulates hair follicles, potentially reducing hair loss.
• Niacin (Vitamin B3): Improves blood circulation to the scalp, promoting hair growth.

How do I choose a shampoo for curly hair?

Choosing the right shampoo for curly hair requires understanding your hair's specific needs and what ingredients will benefit it the most. Here's a breakdown to help you:

• Moisture: Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair due to its structure. Look for shampoos packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil.
• Sulfate-Free: Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip away natural oils, leaving curls dry and frizzy. Look for sulfate-free shampoo formulas that cleanse without being overly stripping.
• Consider Your Curl Pattern and Hair Thickness: For tighter coils or thicker hair, a richer, more moisturizing shampoo might be ideal, while finer curls do better with a lighter formula that won't weigh them down.
• Look for "Curly Hair Friendly" Labels: Many brands offer shampoos specifically formulated for curly hair that cater to its’ unique needs.
• Cowashing: For some curl types, a "cowash" (conditioning wash) can be a gentle alternative to shampoo.

What does a bond builder shampoo do for hair?

A bond builder shampoo repairs and strengthens hair by rebuilding broken bonds within the hair shaft. Broken bonds occur due to heat styling,

chemical treatments (like coloring or perming), or environmental damage. They work by:

• Rebuilding bonds: Bond builder shampoos contain ingredients that rebuild the disulfide bonds within the hair structure to maintain the hair's strength.
• Restoring strength: By repairing these broken bonds, bond builder shampoos help to strengthen the hair from within resulting in more resilient hair that is less prone to split ends and breakage.
• Improving elasticity: Bond builder shampoos can improve the hair's elasticity by making it more flexible and less prone to damage.
• Enhancing hair condition: Bond builder shampoos often contain conditioning agents that help to moisturize and nourish the hair.

What ingredients make a shampoo volumizing?

Volumizing shampoos add body and lift to your hair to make it appear fuller. Here are some key ingredients to look for in a volumizing shampoo:

Proteins:

• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Strengthens hair and adds volume.
• Keratin: Strengthens and thickens hair strands.

Polymers:

• Polyquaternium: Adds volume and body by forming a thin film on the hair to make it feel thicker.
• VP/VA Copolymer: Provides lift and hold to create and maintain volume.

Botanical Extracts:

• Aloe Vera: Provides moisture and adds volume by reducing breakage

Humectants:

• Glycerin: Attracts moisture to the hair to add volume

How often should I use bond building shampoo?

The frequency of using a bond building shampoo can depend on various factors but here are some general guidelines:

• Severely damaged hair: 2-3 times a week
• Moderately damaged hair: 1-2 times a week
• Healthy hair: Once a week or less