The selection of hair shampoos seems so complex. Why are their clear, green, blue, cheap, expensive, thick, thin, fragrant and unscented varieties of shampoo? Why can’t the whole cleansing process be simplified by using the same bar of soap on our hair that we use on our body? Does the shampoo selection really make a difference?
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A shampoo is technically designed to clean the scalp of sebum and prevent the development of dermatitis. Shampoos are intended to rid the hair of sebum, sweat components, styling products, and environmental dirt. The idea of beautifying hair is really a secondary concern that is primarily addressed by a conditioner.

Beautifying the hair is really quite a complex task. Bar soap was used to clean hair until the mid-1930s when liquid coconut oils became available, which allowed the formulation of liquid soap that lathered and rinsed better than bar soap. At present, bar soaps are not recommended for hair cleansing because they leave behind a soap scum when mixed with hard water that is difficult to rinse from the hair and scalp. There really is a need for well-formulated shampoos that both clean and beautify the hair.

Shampoos are basically liquid cleansers based on synthetic detergents blended to achieve the desired amount of cleansing given the condition of the hair. Some ingredients are added for actual hair and scalp cleansing, while others are added to impart desirable aesthetic characteristics to the shampoo.

All shampoo formulations contain the same basic ingredients. The variety of shampoos in the marketplace might be rather confusing, but the ingredient categories are standard to a large extent. The categories of shampoo ingredients are foaming agents, thickeners, sequestering agents, PH adjusters, conditioners and specialty additives. How these categories are added to shampoos are what makes each brand different.

Shampoos are a complex formulation of ingredients selected to clean the scalp, as well as beautify the hair. This is a complex task leading to a wide variety of shampoos currently in the market. Selecting the proper shampoo for you means understanding the various ingredient functions and the unique attributes of each shampoo type. It helps to talk to your hair stylist about the type of hair you have if you don’t already know, and what would work best for your hair type in order to achieve the best look for your hair, not to mention, keeping it healthy.

If you aren’t sure what shampoo is best for your hair (and there are so many on the market so confusion is nothing new), experimentation is important but also asking what brands your hair salon uses as well. You leave the salon with beautiful, happy hair, you might as well shampoo with the same thing!

For the best in hair care, contact the experts at Legends Salon of Hillsborough and come see why we are an award-winning salon. We offer the best in hair care products as well as having the most experienced hair stylists around.

If you are like me with very, very curly hair, you understand some frustrations we have to endure. I have a mountainous tumble of ringlets. It is a lot of work. It’s very high maintenance. They are impossible to detangle, I have to spritz them with a moisturizing reviving spray every morning, and they get crushed and matted after a full night’s sleep. Suffice it to say, I LOVE getting blowouts here and there. Wearing it straight is just so much easier. I can get it straightened on a Saturday and then don’t touch it again for up to a week!

Of course, blowouts can start to crumble, your roots get oily and your second or third-day hair can start to pick up certain environmental scents and can start to look dull. Luckily we have hacks for each of these issues. Check out these three ideas to help keep your blowout for as long as possible.

Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo is a lifesaver, not only because it controls oil and buildup between shampoos, but also it gives hair body at the root (simply apply, flip hair over, and massage into your scalp). Ask your hair stylist for some tips on finding the best dry shampoo for your hair. (I don’t recommend using dry shampoo when you are in curly mode with your hair because it can dry your hair out. Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair.)

Hair fragrance
It’s a sad fact that hair can carry the scent of whatever it is exposed to. Going for Mexican and having fajitas? Better do that on the day before your next blowout. Nothing freshens an aging blowout like a lightweight hair scent. There are mists out there that are lightweight and faintly-scented. They also manage to fight frizz and strand static. Again, check with your hair stylist to see what they recommend. Most are good, however, and it is just a matter of finding a scent you like.

Satin pillowcase
After the second day, your blowout can look a bit shine-free. When hairs rub up against the rough cotton fibers in your pillowcase, it can result in an ever duller-looking finish. Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. The shiny surface helps hair retain its natural oils and looks glossier than ever.

Follow these three simple ideas and your blowout will last you a while. When you are fighting the curly hair battle every day, sometimes it’s nice to go straight and not have to focus so much on your hair. Don’t get me wrong, I love the curls and I think they define who I am, but sometimes I just need a break!

For amazing blowouts, head to Legends Salon of Hillsborough and have one of our experts give your hair the royal, blowout treatment! You will not be disappointed.