By Jennifer N. Mancini

You walk out of the salon convinced that the $45 shampoo you just bought is magic in a bottle. At the same time, your neighbour walks out of the drug store convinced that her $10 shampoo smells amazing – and best of all, it’s cheap! So when buying salon shampoos versus drug store products, the question is: do you pay for what you get?

The answer: not necessarily. Of course, there are many additives in shampoos (mainly for marketing purposes), and most shampoo products will boast about their brand having the best ingredients. But then again, did you know that salon and drug store shampoos share more or less the same ingredients?

Confused yet? This is what it comes down to: your pH Balance. For all you science lovers, that stands for potential of hydrogen, which measures the acid or alkaline levels of a solution. Picture a scale ranging from 0 (Acid) to 14 (Alkaline) with 7 being neutral. The right shampoo should have a pH level ranging between 4.5 and 8.5. What I found interesting is that you can check the pH level of shampoo by using nitrazine paper test strips, which you can purchase from a chemist. So do your homework and check what type of shampoo you have been buying!

Shampoos are designed for a variety of hair types. In selecting the right shampoo, you must first analyze what state your hair/scalp is in. You wouldn’t buy an XL shirt if you’re a size S, right? The same thing goes for your hair. Here are some tips to help you find the right shampoo depending on your hair type:

Dry Hair - Dry hair needs higher nourishment available from an oil based product. My number #1 is salon based brand Moroccan Oil or Kerastase from L’Oreal Paris. Yes, these products are worth the mula!

Oily Hair – My favourite is Kerastase Specifique Bain Gommage Shampoo. Those with oily hair need clarifying shampoos that don’t add build-up so they will cleanse hair without stripping it. And that is the difference between cheap and quality, my friend. (But remember, I did say that some ‘not so popular’ brands out there can share the same ingredients as quality brands. Who needs a Ferrari when you have a decent Honda? They both drive.)

Flaky Hair / Dandruff – I can take a stand for Head & Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo on this one. It has a 1% main ingredient called Selenium Sulfide and it is pH balanced which makes it gentle enough to use every day. (Pure Selenium Sulfide Shampoo is available in the 2.25% prescription strength. You can ask your prescriber or health care professional about this option.)

Itchy Scalp – You can try applying pure olive oil to the scalp for 15 minutes and then rinsing. If not, I recommend Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo formulated with Australian tea tree oil, peppermint, lavender and chamomile. This shampoo will do a good job by cleansing your scalp and leaving it with a fresh tingly feeling (like when you just finished brushing your teeth) all while leaving your locks soft and manageable.

Sensitive Scalp - Some people are allergic to citric acids. Dove prides itself in being one of the safest products, proving to be mild and gentle for people with sensitive hair or skin. It has a pH standing between 6.5 and 7.5.

Overall, just remember that some shampoos are likely to damage your hair because  they are rough in detergents while some more expensive shampoos contain more refined ingredients, like soft cleaners that help your cuticle and hair. This means less lathering, but then again, we usually do 2 shampoos anyways.

So students, what did you learn in Shampoo 101 today? My best advice to you is getting to know your own hair! But remember shampoos are used for one thing: to clean the sebum of your scalp (get rid of surface oils), and then lather the shampoo down to your ends. So whether it be that shampoo at $45 or $10, just make sure it’s doing the right job for your sexy hair!

For the Love of your Hair,

Jennifer N. Mancini
Professional Hair Stylist, Montreal
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

- Peace, Love & Hair