Wash your hair. It seems like a breeze. Nevertheless, it is important to take a number of things into account. For example, with the shampoo and conditioner you use, how you use these products and how often you apply them. In this article we tell you everything about how shampoo and conditioner work and explain why it is better to opt for products with natural ingredients and as few substances as possible that can damage your hair and scalp. At the end of the article you will find our advice containing a number of high-quality products.
How does shampoo work?
A shampoo is made to clean your hair and thereby remove dirt and natural hair grease - 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. Of course, there are therefore also various types of shampoos. We explain the five most important types of shampoos for you.
Shampoos for oily hair
- Do not use shampoos that are moisturizing, smoothing, or specially made for curly hair. These shampoos add too much moisture to an already oily scalp.
- Look for labels that mention volume boost or balancing. These shampoos are non-moisturizing and are better at removing excess oils that make the scalp greasy.
- A cleansing shampoo can be your best friend if you have an oily scalp, but be careful not to overuse it. It can dry out your scalp.
Shampoos for dry hair
- Avoid fortifying shampoos that add volume. These products can rid your scalp of moisture and with a dry scalp you want to prevent 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 because these harmful substances can dry out your hair and scalp.
Shampoos for normal hair
- Avoid fortifying shampoos that add volume. These products can rid your scalp of moisture and with a dry scalp you want to prevent 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 because these harmful substances can dry out your hair and scalp.
Shampoos for normal hair
With normal hair you can basically use any shampoo. For example, for normal hair, an “every day” shampoo will be ideal. It does not contain an excessive number of ingredients that should combat dry, thin, greasy or hair with dandruff.
Shampoos for thin hair
Look for a thickening shampoo. Active ingredients in a thickening shampoo put a thin film on your hair strands that will make your hair look fuller and healthier.
Shampoos for hair with dandruff
Provide a nourishing anti-dandruff shampoo. Such a shampoo removes excess oils, which helps to control the yeast levels on your scalp and helps to reduce/remove dandruff.
How does conditioner work?
While shampoo cleanses your hair and removes excess sebum and residual products, a conditioner injects your hair with a much-needed moisture boost and seals the hair cuticle, 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 or 2 times a week is sufficient, unless you notice that your hair needs more care.
Types of conditioner
There are different types of conditioners that are specially made for specific hair types. Below we have highlighted four of them for you.
Conditioner for oily hair
Is your hair greasy? Then you still need the right hydration after shampooing. For oily hair, use a conditioner that is lightweight and contains moisturizing ingredients to hydrate the hair without contributing to extra oiliness.
Conditioner for dry hair
Dry hair is brittle and prone to breakage and cracking. Dry hair can be genetically determined or caused by excessive use of (harmful) hair care products. Dry hair can therefore 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 once or twice a week 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 look even thinner. Do you have thin hair? Then choose a conditioner that contains aloe vera formula. This ensures that your hair is weightlessly hydrated, making thin hair look thicker.
How do you use shampoo and conditioner?
Important is; do not use too much of the product. This gives you a faster chance of accumulation in your hair, which can make your hair oily and irritate your scalp. In addition, it is important to take the time to properly massage the shampoo and conditioner through your hair. Then rinse it thoroughly and afterwards feel good whether nothing has been left behind.
How often should you wash your hair?
How often you should wash your hair depends on your hair type. For example, do you have dry hair? Then we recommend washing your hair a maximum of twice a week. Oily hair, on the other hand, can be washed daily. Isn't your hair dry or greasy? Then you are lucky and you can decide for yourself 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 naturally occurring oils, causing dryness and leaving chemical residue in your hair. These chemicals are also absorbed by your scalp and this is how they end up in your body. This is obviously not good for you. Some harmful ingredients to avoid:
- SLS/ALES - too harsh on scalp, can strip natural oils
- Sulfosuccinates - have a drying effect
- Sulfates - are excessively drying and irritating
- Silicones - cause product build-up 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
- Perfume - can provoke allergies and be irritating to 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, such as those from Hanz De Fuko or Doers of London , your hair may not feel clean for a while and may even become greasy after washing. This is because your scalp is producing too many oils and trying to regulate itself, your hair needs some time to get used to the natural shampoo and conditioner. After a while, these discomforts will disappear and you will get a healthier looking and feeling hair in return.
Shampoo & conditioner myths
Then, of course, there are the myths about shampoo and conditioner. Below we have mapped out 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 should always match
- 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
A bestseller for a reason! The Natural Shampoo from Hanz de Fuko, the most luxurious cleaning for your hair, made from pure plant extracts and more than 10 amino acids. For obtaining the healthiest head of hair with a natural shine. The formula of this shampoo is completely natural and consists of 16+ plant extracts and 10+ amino acids.
Patrick's SH1 Daily Thickening Shampoo
Do you want to make your hair look 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 swells the hair root, 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 on a natural basis, the formula includes 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.
Patrick's CD1 Stimulating & Thickening Conditioner
Thin hair? Patrick's CD1 Stimulating & Thickening Shampoo 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.