Shampoo Ingredients To Use and Avoid for Healthy Hair

We all want healthy hair. Beautiful locks that are swishable, flappable, and unbelievably glossy is a huge confidence booster. You may be avoiding heat styling, getting regular cuts, and taking hair-boosting supplements, but healthy hair may still out of your reach if you neglect important shampoo ingredients.

It doesn’t mean you need to be studying the list of ingredients on the back of your shampoo bottles. All you need to do is take note of certain shampoo ingredients.

Shampoo ingredients you need for healthy hair

In general, these common ingredients in hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks are proven to be good for most hair types.

• Glycol Stearate – A fatty acid found in both plants and animals which will increase hair thickness.
• Methylchloroisothiazolinone– A preservative which has incredible antibacterial and antifungal properties, cleansing the scalp and unblocking pores leading to hair growth.
• Sodium Chloride – Helps absorb excess oil, unclog follicles, and reduce inflammation of the scalp which can lead to dandruff and psoriasis.
• Polyquaternium 7 – An anti-static agent and film former which reduces frizz and conditions the hair for easier combing and provides high shine.
• Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride – Targets damaged and brittle hair to reduce breakage and hair loss.

On the other hand, there are shampoo ingredients which are best to avoid, as these may further damage your hair and speed up hair thinning. A small percentage of these ingredients will not harm your hair, but an accumulation of these may cause substantial damage in the long run.

Shampoo ingredients to avoid

• Silicones – The promise? Smooth, salon-glossy hair 24/7. The result? A build-up of silicones leaving hair looking greasy and lank.
• Diethanolamine (DEA) & triethanolamine (TEA) – These ethanolamines destroy keratin, a key component of healthy hair, leading to dry, brittle hair and hair loss.
• Parabens – They may help your shampoo last longer, but they are said to lead to a hormonal imbalance which is a gateway to dry and thinning hair.
• Petrolatum – This mineral oil blocks the pores on the scalp impeding hair growth and causing dandruff.
• Chemical Fragrance – Another shampoo ingredient that is linked to hormone imbalances. Opt for fragrance-free shampoos or ones with a natural scent derived from essential oils such as mint or lavender.

How do I look out for shampoo ingredients for healthy hair?

Pharmacy stores and hypermarkets are abundant with all types of shampoos and hair care products – even for fussy individuals. Aside from cleanliness, take note of what your scalp and hair need and what it can do without.

• Understand what your hair needs

For example, shampoos containing sodium chloride can be beneficial for oily scalps as it helps to absorb excessive oil in the scalp. On the other hand, if you struggle with dry scalp and constant dandruff, ingredients like Polyquaternium 7 can help to minimize the drying effects of some shampoos.

Chemically damaged or treated hair may require more targeted ingredients that are aimed to provide the nourishment your hair needs without adding on to the damage. Sulfate-, paraben-, and silicone-free shampoos should be on your list if you have coloured hair. Hair and scalp care salons in Singapore carry the best shampoos that fall under this category.

• Browse the ingredient labels

Ensure you are looking out for certain ingredients when browsing the shampoo aisle or online. It is good to note that most brands will put their ingredients list on their website so you can spot the ones to choose or avoid from the comfort of your home. Products like the MoistureLock Series by Ossome Hair are great examples of proper hair care products that care for both the tresses and scalp – and these are scientifically-backed formulas.

• Check out product reviews

Product reviews are also a great way to make the all-important shampoo choice. See what your favourite magazines rank as the best shampoos for your hair type and read reviews on the product pages of your favourite online retailers.

Takeaway

It takes some research to find which one works best for your hair. At the end of the day, you are “feeding” your hair just like you feed your body, so getting the right shampoo ingredients is crucial to luscious locks and keeping hair loss at bay.