Nina Anniston

Author
Nina Anniston

How To Pick Right Routine Shampoo and Conditioner? Let’s Find Out

  Hair
  Jul 11, 2024

When was the last time you changed your routine shampoo and conditioner? With the rising pollution and harmful chemical products in the market, you must be worried about what product to choose next or which haircare routine to swear by. 

Hair is an essential part of the body which is equally important to both men and women, and thereby products concerned for them are all spread in the market with various options. 

In the coming article, we will untangle the old traditional routine shampoo and conditioner patterns and deploy a correct schedule with solutions that may complement hair growth. First, let’s find out why one needs it and what if someone doesn’t use a routine shampoo and conditioner in their life?   

Why Does One Need Shampoo and Conditioner?

shampoo and conditioner routine

Running through a hectic and busy schedule, we all fall into the loop of chaotic life and yearn to balance them. Personal care is essential for living a peaceful life, and hence people love to involve themselves in self-care activities.

Hair plays an important part in building our personality. Weekly care with a wooden brush, oil massage, and hair care products do save us from a lot of fuss. First, let’s dig into the answer to “why does one need shampoo and conditioner?”

With days our hair and scalp accumulate dead skin cells, oil, products, sweat, and whatnot. The shampoo is a savior in the above-mentioned scenarios and is designed as a hair care product that blooms hair strands and scalp with the right nutrients. With the chemical-balanced shampoo, one can have the least hair issues. 

Conditioner is a savior product that provides nourishment after shampoo. It maintains the moisture level in the ends and middle of the hair strands and also enriches them with nutrients.

Did you Know? Do you know our scalp produces natural elements to enrich our roots with nutrients, collectively called sebum?

Now let’s discuss more about the essential nutrients and chemicals we should find in our shampoo.  

8 Essential Nutrients To Gauge While Choosing a Shampoo

As advertisements run the most marketing channels and captivate our minds majorly with false information, we rarely research the necessary chemical compounds( with composition level) in our hair care products. In short, we should have the right knowledge before choosing any hair-related product. 

Ideally, one should look for organic ingredients enriched shampoo containing natural oils, plant extracts, vitamins, keratin, and proteins.

Here is a list of chemicals one should always avoid in a shampoo brand for strengthening hair with suitable nutrients.

  • Benzalkonium Chloride and Benzethonium Chloride

    These chemicals should be particularly avoided for hair as they have a disturbing history connected with skin, eye, respiratory irritation, and allergies. The United States EPA (environmental protection agency) has placed Benzalkonium Chloride in a “slightly hazardous substance” category, and similarly, Benzethonium Chloride has severe repercussions on the skin, causing ocular irritation. 

  • Parabens

    Parabens are believed to bring longevity to hair products as they prevent the build-up of fungus, bacteria, and molds, but they are also known for creating some threats. Parabens are usually associated with tumors and are known to disrupt hormone function. They are said to cause severe hair fall, drying, scalp irritation, and fading of hair color; therefore, paraben-containing products should be eradicated from hair care routines. 

Note: Conditioners that contain parabens are the reason for itching, redness, and scaling in the scalp. 

  • Artificial Fragrances

    Synthetic colors and fragrances are the major reasons behind various hair damage, including hair loss and allergic reactions. Harsh artificial fragrance chemicals like sulfates and phthalates disrupt the natural oils capabilities of the hair and scalp.

  • Sulfates-Sodium Laurel, Sodium Laureth, and Ammonia Laureth

    Sulphates are present in the soaps for providing lather but are also known for causing redness to the scalp, brittle hair, and dry hair (majorly to people with sensitive skin). Currently, in the market, organic hair shampoo focuses on being sulfate free and is designed to provide an apt amount of lather without any disadvantages. 

  • Propylene Glycol

    Propylene Glycol is said to provide moisturization to the hair. Still, they do treat hair badly by turning them dry, irritating the scalp, and dismantling the natural tendency of natural hair oils.

  • Retinyl Palmitate

    Retinyl Palmitate is unsuitable for hair health as it raises hair damage issues like scaling, peeling, and irritation. It is said to affect the hair health of old aged people, and therefore people should avoid it.

  • DEA or Diethanolamine

    Mostly used to build foam, and bubbles, Diethanolamine also assures a shampoo’s pH level. This chemical is responsible for making the shampoo a lot creamier and thicker, but cannot be entrusted for use due to its carcinogenic (cancerous) potential if ever used in high doses.

  • Triethanolamine (TEA)

    Triethanolamine is toxic if it gets absorbed by the body cells, turning hair to wither from its natural tendency.

    It has the potential to trigger the key components of hair, like keratin, and irritates, and itching, which leads to brittle and dry hair. This detergent is specifically restricted in Europe because of its carcinogenic effects.

    The above-listed chemicals, from Parabens to TEA are believed to be harmful to the health of the hair, and therefore one should be stringent while choosing shampoo products containing these chemical elements.

How to Choose a Non-Toxic Conditioner

Conditioners are said to provide nutrients and moisturization to the hair, but one must map the chemicals present in them. 

Here is a list of chemicals one should gauge in the conditioners to avoid the connected harmful repercussions.

  • Methylisothizolinone

    Commonly present preservative that is believed to cause skin allergies, rashes, and various eye and dermal irritations. Methylisothiazolinone is regulated by the FDA as it is used in large amounts in various products and can cause hair loss.

  • Phthalates

    Do you know what makes the fragrances last longer in various products like conditioners? Its Phthalates. A chemical that is hidden behind the title of the fragrance, and is said to disturb the state of the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system.

  • Fragrances

    Fragrances are often placed through artificial sources. They can cause various allergies, and can adversely affect the scalp.  Fragrances are the undisclosed mixture of chemicals and  ingredients that causes major itching, and discomfort through  redness, and scaling.

  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine

    Some studies believe Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be an allergen. It is used in cosmetic products as an emulsifying agent and thickener. This chemical is toxic if it gets absorbed by the body  cells, and turns hair to wither from its natural tendency. It is  considered for creating critical consequences with time on the hair.

Right Order to Apply Conditioner and Shampoo

From the above information, we got the gist of which product to consider for our routine shampoo and conditioner. Now, let’s acknowledge the right order of applying them. Coming are some general and essential steps one should follow while applying their routine conditioner and shampoo.

  • Saturate your hair with warm water.
  • Take a small amount of shampoo and apply it to your scalp until the lather appears.
  • Massage your scalp in a circular motion from the tips of your finger smoothly for at least 2 minutes.
  • Work the shampoo through the entire length of your hair.
  • Now wash your hair with lukewarm water until all the shampoo is removed.
  • Now squirt a considerable amount of conditioner on your hands.
  •  Apply it on the length of your hair, except the scalp for one to two minutes.
  • Rinse your hair and cover them with a towel to absorb moisture.

The above-mentioned hair washing order essentially may not be fruitful for all hair types, and thus we have another method called “reverse shampooing”. We will be walking through all the essential details that are connected to it one by one.

Reverse Shampooing Alias Pre-Wash Conditioner Method

Do you know what’s the main difference between shampoo and conditioner? The conditioner doesn’t contain detergents and surfactants, as the shampoo. Usually, people go with the old process and begin with applying shampoo followed by a conditioner routine, but the other way i.e., conditioner before shampoo is possible too. Let’s find out how.

Reverse shampooing is simply applying conditioner before shampooing. It is recommended if your hair suffers from greasiness or feels weighed down or flat. You must try it once if your routine shampoo and conditioner process doesn’t stand up to your expectations.

For reverse shampooing, one should:

  • Apply conditioner to the hair and let it rest for some minutes.
  • Thereafter, spread the shampoo and massage until a lather appears.
  • At last, rinse out both applied products completely.

How Not to Wash Hair While Applying Shampoo & Conditioner

hair washing tips

It is better to be safe than sorry when the topic of concern is our hair. Here are some common mistakes we should avoid while applying our routine shampoo and conditioner to the hair.

Common Mistakes While Using a Shampoo

  • Rinsing hair with cold and hot water.
  • Applying uneven shampoo amounts.
  • Shampoo too often.
  • Rub your hair dry with a towel.
  • Switching the product too often.

Mistakes to Avoid While Using a Hair Conditioner

  • Don’t apply conditioner on the scalp.
  • Avoid applying conditioner unevenly.
  • Rinse the conditioner properly.
  • Do not rinse too early.
  • Never skip the conditioner.
  • Don’t use a huge amount.
  • Go for deep conditioning.
  • Try switching to a different conditioner.

Myths Around Using A Conditioner & Shampoo

Myths always surround us, and we fall prey to them. For healthy hair growth, we all go through grooming hair sessions, and we all follow some schedule. Let’s find out if our built hair schedule has some myth intact or not.

  • Conditioner can be avoided, as it is not very important for hair.
  • Natural, smooth and silky hair doesn’t need conditioning.
  • Conditioners are usually made up of harsh chemicals.
  • You should not change shampoo with seasons.
  • Rinsing hair with cold water turns them shinier.
  • One should stay affixed with a shampoo brand 

Traditional Ingredients to Enrich Hairs Without Conditioner

Traditional ingredients for hair

You must have scrolled a lot of blogs, posts, videos, and content significantly to find the hair-enriching traditional ingredients. If your curiosity is asking to gather more information, read further.

  • Rice water: Rice water has taken up the trends as it can be prepared easily by draining rice in water or by boiling the rice until it dissolves completely. Its history dates back to 794CE in the country of Japan. Today, Yao people (village) in the country China follow a rice water routine and are considered to have floor lengthened hair.
  • Clarified Butter: To keep the hair alive, the right nutrient diet, scalp care, and grooming are required. Ghee can be used on food, skin, and hair, and it never fails to disappoint us, instead nourishes,  hydrates, and remove dryness due to the presence of fatty acid and antioxidants.
  • Fuller’s Earth: Fuller’s Earth alias Multani Mitti has cleansing benefits for both skin and hair. It is a trusted hair mask to clean and condition. It benefits greatly to people with dry hair or scalp.
  • Aloe Vera: Another important agent for nourishing hair with apt hydration and smoothness. Aloe Vera is enriched with vitamins A, C, and E, which promotes healthy growth and shiny hair.
  • Black and Green Tea: Essential source of natural hair-boosting content which has multiple benefits. You can entrust black and green tea for hair growth, prevent shedding, and outgrow shiny Hair.

Essential Hair Washing & Combing Tips

Self-care is a blessing if one does it the right way. Hair brings a glistening aura to our personality and with the right care and treatment tends to build a confident persona too. We have discussed a great part of the story revolving around “routine shampoo and conditioner”, read more if you are curious to unveil the essential hair-washing tips.

  • If you have an oily scalp, you can consider washing your hair more frequently.
  • With chemically treated dry hair, rinse them once or twice a week.
  • Try to wash your hair majorly at the scalp region. If you are paying more attention to the length while applying the shampoo, it will leave you disappointed with dull and coarse hair.
  • Extreme hot and cold water is not suitable for the proper growth of hair. Consider warm water as your hair companion for rinsing.
  • Comb your hair before going for washing them and try to avoid doing it after washing the hair.

After visiting the hair washing tips, let’s learn a few tips to comb the hair.

  • Don’t compromise with the comb material. It is highly preferred to use a wooden comb as they do not cause any friction throughout the hair lengths and are super gentle too.
  • Never force the comb through your hair as you may lose a large bulk of hair. Use small brush strokes instead.
  • Always start combing from the bottom to remove knots easily.
  • Do not just brush your hair, but bring it to the scalp too for healthy blood circulation and thus promote hair growth.
  • One can apply the serum before combing to avoid loss of any amount of hair.
  • The combing brush should be washed once in two weeks.
  • Hot oil treatment before brushing the hair is a beneficial treatment that does the best protection and nourishment for dry, brittle, cold-treated, prone to split ends and frizzy hairs.

11 Organic Shampoo for Better Hair Grooming

Organic shampoo ensures hair growth and security at the same time. Our hair requires security from unwanted pollution, dryness, and accumulated oil products. Plant extracts, essential oils, and other natural ingredients stay gentle on the hair and thereby promote safer and more efficient growth.

Product NameRatingsMaterial TypeProduct Detail
Organic Harvest4.0 / 5Sulphate FreeParaben FreeOrganic Harvest
Forest Essentials4.3 / 5Chemical FreeForest Essentials
Hair Nourishing Pro-V Keratin Shampoo4.9 / 5Freshly extracted medicinal herbsKeratin Shampoo
Organic Hair Cleanser4.8 / 5No chemicalsOrganic hair cleanser
Aoum Hibiscus & Fenugreek shampoo4.1 / 5Paraben and Sulphate freeAoum Hibiscus & Fenugreek 
Khadi Natural4.1 / 5Sodium Laureth Sulfate Free and Paraben FreeKhadi Natural
St. Botanica Moroccan Argan Hair4.0 / 5No Sulphate and ParabenSt. Botanica
Indulekha Bringha 4.2 / 59 essential nutrients, paraben-free, perfume-free, synthetic dyes-freeIndulekha Bringha
Just Herbs4.2 / 5Black onion seed sulfate freeJust Herbs
Mamaearth onion hair fall3.9 / 5Onion oil and plant keratinMamaearth
Herbal Essences4.2 / 5Herbal essences, cruelty-free brandHerbal Essences

Best 15 Conditioners Separately for Dry, Oily, Curly Hairs 

We have a plethora of options to choose from various competing conditioners in the market. It is essential to pick a conditioner that complements our hair type (Dry, oily, curly hair). Conditioners are the trusted talisman to bring the correct shine and nurturing strength to our hair lengths.

Here is a table of the 15 best conditioners that are entrusted to bring the best hair nourishment to our hair.

Product NameAmazon’s RatingHair TypeLink
Rahua Voluminous Conditioner4.2 / 5OilyConditioner Detail
Just Nutritive 3.6 / 5OilyConditioner Detail
ECO Beyond4.1 / 5OilyConditioner Detail
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing4.3 / 5OilyConditioner Detail
GK Hair Global Keratin4.7 / 5OilyConditioner Detail
Olaplex4.7 / 5DryConditioner Detail
Virtue Recovery Conditioner4.5 / 5DryConditioner Detail
Matrix Sleek Conditioner4.6 / 5DryConditioner detail
Paul Mitchell Conditioner4.6 / 5All hair typesConditioner Detail
Aussie miracle moisturizer4.6 / 5DryConditioner Detail
Fix My Curls Conditioner4 / 5CurlyConditioner Detail
Anveya Curls Anti Moisturization3.1 / 5CurlyConditioner Detail 
Spantra 4.5 / 5All Hair TypesConditioner Detail
Arata Advanced4 / 5CurlyConditioner Detail

Wrap Up

One shouldn’t fall easily into the advertisement trap. Currently, Tresemme, a popular hair shampoo brand, has gone under a lawsuit for selling harmful products to its audience. We must look for an honest hair product brand and comply with effective routines and habits for those to work effectively. 

FAQs

Ans: Skipping routine shampoo and conditioner may cause an accumulation of oils, which may further bring smell from the scalp and hair strands. Hair care products in addition to removing oils also add strength to the weakening hair.

Ans: Conditioners must be applied in the middle and end of hair strands once you have drained all your shampoo with warm water. It is mostly advised to apply conditioners frequently with no time gap.

Ans: Having a small amount of sunlight after washing the hairs is not dangerous until harmful exposure for many hours.

Ans: Rice water does the work of a conditioner and therefore has got popular among the masses. After shampooing, it is advised to dampen hair with rice water and leave it for at least one hour. Further, wash the hairs with Lukewarm water; essentially done to remove the bad odor.

Ans: Hair pH is mildly acidic from 4.5 to 5.5. Shampoos are 3.67pH which reduces electrostatic force in the hair fibers and reduces frizz.

Ans: Washing hairs downwards has multiple advantages, and better blood circulation is one of them. Washing on the upside leads to product accumulation and may further lead to an itchy scalp.

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