Washing your hair. It seems like a simple task. Yet, it is important to consider a few things. For example, the shampoo and conditioner you use, how you apply these products, and how often you use them. In this article, we tell you everything about the functioning of shampoo and conditioner and explain why it is better to choose products with natural ingredients and as few substances as possible that can harm your hair and scalp. At the end of the article, you will find our advice with a number of high-quality products.
How does shampoo work?
A shampoo is designed to clean your hair and remove dirt and natural hair oil - also known as sebum - from your hair. After using the right shampoo, your hair will feel clean and less greasy again.
Types of shampoo
There are different hair types and hair conditions. Naturally, there are also various types of shampoos. We highlight the five most important types of shampoos for you.
Shampoos for oily hair
- Do not use shampoos that are hydrating, smoothing, or specially made for curly hair. These shampoos add too much moisture to an already oily scalp.
- Look for labels that mention volume-boosting or balancing. These shampoos are non-hydrating and are better at removing excess oil that makes the scalp oily.
- A cleansing shampoo can be your best friend if you have an oily scalp, but be careful not to use it too much. It can dry out your scalp.
Shampoos for dry hair
- Avoid strengthening shampoos that add volume. These products can strip your scalp of moisture, and with a dry scalp, you want to avoid that.
- If your scalp is only slightly dry with little to no itching or flaking, look for shampoos that promote hydration.
- Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates as these harmful substances can dry out your hair and scalp significantly.
Shampoos for normal hair
With normal hair, you can basically use any shampoo. For normal hair, an “everyday” shampoo would be ideal, as it does not contain an excessive amount of ingredients that need to combat dryness, thinness, oiliness, or hair with dandruff.
Shampoos for thin hair
Look for a thickening shampoo. Active ingredients in a thickening shampoo form a thin film on your hair strands, making your hair appear fuller and healthier.
Shampoos for hair with dandruff
Opt for a nourishing anti-dandruff shampoo. Such a shampoo removes excess oils, which helps to keep the yeast levels on your scalp under control and helps to reduce/remove dandruff.
How does conditioner work?
While shampoo cleans your hair and removes excess sebum and residual products, a conditioner injects your hair with a much-needed moisture boost and seals the hair cuticles, which then has a protective effect. Shampoo and conditioner complement each other very well. Conditioner relaxes the hair fiber and softens your hair so that it will look and feel better.
It is not necessary to use a conditioner daily, about 1 to 2 times a week is sufficient, unless you notice that your hair needs more grooming.
Types of conditioner
There are different types of conditioners specially made for specific hair types. Below we have highlighted four for you.
Conditioner for oily hair
Is your hair oily? Then you still need the right hydration after washing with shampoo. Use a conditioner for oily hair that is lightweight and contains hydrating ingredients to hydrate the hair without adding extra oiliness.
Conditioner for dry hair
Dry hair is brittle and prone to breakage and splits. Dry hair can be genetically determined or caused by excessive use of (harmful) hair care products. Dry hair can benefit from frequent deep conditioning treatments with a nourishing conditioner.
Conditioner for normal hair
Do you have normal hair? Then you can basically use any conditioner. For normal hair, using a conditioner weekly or bi-weekly will be sufficient.
Conditioner for thin hair
Thin hair needs a conditioner that does not weigh down the hair. This ensures that your hair will not look even thinner. Do you have thin hair? Choose a conditioner with a formula containing aloe vera. This ensures that your hair is weightlessly hydrated, making thin hair look thicker.
How to use shampoo and conditioner?
Important is; do not use too much of the product. This increases the chance of buildup in your hair, which can make your hair oily and irritate your scalp. Additionally, it is important to take the time to massage the shampoo and conditioner well through your hair. Then rinse it thoroughly and make sure nothing is left behind.
How often should you wash your hair?
How often you should wash your hair depends on your hair type. For example, if you have dry hair, we recommend washing your hair a maximum of twice a week. Oily hair, on the other hand, can be washed daily. If your hair is neither dry nor oily, you are lucky and can decide when and how often you want to wash your hair.
Why are natural shampoos and conditioners better?
Shampoos and conditioners that are rich in chemicals strip your hair and scalp of the naturally present oils, cause dryness, and leave chemical residues in your hair. These chemicals are also absorbed by your scalp and in this way enter your body. This is obviously not good for you. Some harmful ingredients you should avoid:
- SLS / ALES - too aggressive for the scalp, can remove natural oils
- Sulfosuccinates - have a drying effect
- Sulfates - work excessively drying and irritating
- Silicones - cause product buildup in your hair
- Mineral oils - can make your hair heavy and dull due to buildup
- Preservatives - such as methylisothiazolinone and quaternium 15
- Formaldehyde - can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and asthma
- Fragrance - can trigger allergies and irritate the scalp
- Alcohol - dries out and can make your hair frizzy
- Parabens - such as propylparaben, benzylparaben, and methylparabens
If you switch to a natural shampoo and/or conditioner, like those from Hanz de Fuko or Doers of London, it may be that your hair doesn't feel clean for a while and even becomes greasy after washing. This is because your scalp produces too much oil and tries to regulate itself, your hair needs to get used to the natural shampoo and conditioner. After a while, these discomforts will disappear, and you will have a healthier-looking and feeling head of hair in return.
Shampoo & conditioner myths
Then there are, of course, the myths about shampoo and conditioner. Below we have outlined some of these myths for you, so quickly forget them!
- Your hair gets used to using a shampoo and/or conditioner
- Your hair will fall out if you use shampoo or conditioner too often
- Shampoo and conditioner must always match each other
- An ingredient that is good for your skin is also good for your hair
- Daily washing with shampoo and/or conditioner damages your hair
Product advice from The Alpha Men
Hanz de Fuko Natural Shampoo
No wonder it's a bestseller! The Natural Shampoo from Hanz de Fuko, the most luxurious cleansing for your hair, made from pure plant extracts and more than 10 amino acids. For achieving the healthiest head of hair with a natural shine. The formula of this shampoo is entirely natural and consists of 16+ plant extracts and 10+ amino acids.
Patricks SH1 Daily Thickening Shampoo
Do you want to make your hair appear thicker? The SH1 Thickening Shampoo from Patricks strengthens the hair from the first wash and makes the hair thicker and fuller. Ideal for thin to normal hair. The Shampoo causes the hair root to swell, making your hair look fuller without weighing down the hair.
Hanz de Fuko Natural Conditioner
100% natural! The Natural Conditioner from Hanz de Fuko is entirely natural, the formula contains, among other things, 16+ plant extracts and 10+ amino acids. The ingredients in this conditioner stimulate the microcirculation of the scalp, strengthen the hair root, and thicken the hair shaft.
Patricks CD1 Stimulating Thickening Conditioner
Thin hair? The CD1 Stimulating & Thickening Shampoo from Patrick's stimulates the hair and scalp and makes the hair thicker and fuller. Proteins in this conditioner strengthen the hair and scalp. The conditioner is suitable for daily use and ensures thicker hair and a fuller head of hair.