Sulfate Free Shampoos for Oily Scalp and Hair

Proper care for oily scalp and hair starts with the right shampoo. If you have very oily hair, look for a shampoo that meets the following requirements:

Lasting Solution: The product you pick should offer a lasting solution, not just cover up the problem. Be sure to use a shampoo formulated especially for oily hair. Look for the terms “sebum control”, “oil control”, “for oily hair“, “clarifying”, or “volumizing”.

Stay away from shampoos that are advertised as moisturizing, conditioning, or smoothing. Your hair is already oily and doesn’t need additional moisture.

Don’t choose the cheapest shampoo you can find, but you don’t have to select the most expensive one either. There are plenty of quality products that are reasonably priced. To find a lower price go online and try to find money-saving offers and discounts.

a woman with oily hair reading a shampoo label

Sulfate-Free: Shampoo for greasy hair should be effective in balancing sebum levels without causing any harm to your scalp and hair. A mild, sulfate-free shampoo enriched with essential oils of tea tree, rosemary, lavender, peppermint, or lemongrass will help control sebum production and increase the time between hair washes.

Natural Ingredients: A quality shampoo for oily scalp and hair needs to be formulated with natural ingredients. Chemical-free hair shampoos are a better option for your hair and scalp and your overall health. Chemicals you should avoid include Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, formaldehyde, parabens, Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA), Propylene Glycol, and synthetic fragrances.

PH Balanced: Check if the label indicates that your shampoo is “pH balanced“, as an improperly balanced shampoo can strip away the natural oils from your scalp. This will force your scalp to produce even more oils. A pH-balanced shampoo respects the balance created by nature which makes it suitable for frequent use. The pH level of human hair is between 4.5 and 5.5.

Transparency: Opt for a clear or translucent shampoo and avoid creamy and rich shampoo formulas. Opaque shampoos contain conditioning ingredients and additives that can cause product build-up thus contributing to greasy-looking hair. Also make sure to select a silicone-free shampoo, because the silicone coating around the hair shaft can make hair look flat and heavy.

woman with oily hair posing

Natural Shampoos for Oily Hair

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1. Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo for Oily Hair uses natural ingredients to offer relief to oily/itchy scalp. The product comes in a handy bottle and has a clean, refreshing scent of rosemary. It creates a rich foam while causing a mild tingling sensation on your scalp. It usually takes about 10 days to fix the imbalance in sebum production that causes greasy hair.

The formula contains 100% botanical ingredients certified by QAI & the United States Department of Agriculture for Organics Processing. These botanical ingredients include rosemary, French cypress, lemon, basil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and botanical keratin.

Make sure to follow directions and let the shampoo sit on your scalp for a few minutes before rinsing to maximize the absorption of active ingredients. To gain the maximum effects, massage the shampoo into your scalp.

2. Natural Oily Hair Shampoo for Men and Women by Honeydew is a 100% natural shampoo formulated with a blend of essential oils to balance sebum production, so you can go longer between washes. Yarrow oil helps get rid of excess oil that clings to your hair, causing it to feel greasy.

The formula is free of harsh sulfate cleansers, parabens, and sodium chloride. It is safe to use on colored and keratin-treated hair.

3. Leonor Greyl Paris Bain TS Balancing Shampoo promises to purify and cleanse the oily scalp, providing immediate results. It is suitable for individuals with oily scalps and dry ends.

Lime Tree Oil and Sage Leaf Extract help get rid of excess sebum and other follicle-clogging impurities, while conditioning ingredients prevent stripping moisture from the hair and work to repair dry ends.

4. Desert Essence Organics Hair Care Shampoo for Oily Hair is a gentle, all-natural shampoo formulated with sustainable, organic ingredients that help get the oil out of your hair.

Organic oils and Lemon Peel Extract help to remove excess sebum and buildup without stripping the natural moisture. 100 % Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil is known for its antiseptic properties and the capability to control excessive sebum production.

Dry Shampoos for Oily Hair

a woman using dry shampoo to degrease her oily hair

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle for Oily Hair and Scalp is formulated to soak up excess sebum and refresh oily hair and scalp between washes. The extract from the Nettle is known for its ability to reduce excess oil and regulate sebum production over time. It also gives some extra volume to fine and thinning hair. This shampoo is great for mornings when you have no time to wash and blow dry your hair. 

Shampoo Bars for Oily Hair

Ethique Eco-Friendly Solid Shampoo Bar for Oily Hair uses Lime, Lemon, and Orange extracts and oils to balance natural sebum production and clean your hair. It also soothes an itchy scalp, leaving it nourished and flake-free.

This bar lathers well and leaves your hair feeling clean, soft, and weightless. If you are environmentally conscious, you’ll like this shampoo bar. It is natural, vegan, and helps reduce the use of plastic bottles.

a woman using a towel to dry the hair after washing

6 Ingredients in Hair Shampoos that Help Prevent Oily Hair

How Do We Get Greasy Hair?

Greasy hair looks unattractive and can be extremely difficult to style. The condition is hard to hide and could be frustrating for people who are affected. You may ask where that unwanted oil comes from.

Sebaceous glands, which are located surrounding the hair follicles, produce an oily, waxy substance called sebum. Sebum keeps your scalp properly moisturized and protects hair shafts from excessive dryness. If sebum production is poor, hair strands can become inelastic and prone to damage.

If sebaceous glands are overactive, they produce more sebum than is needed. When the warmth of the scalp melts sebum, the excess oil passes from the scalp onto the hair shaft, making the hair look dirty despite regular washing.

a beautiful sleeping woman with oily hair

Oily hair can become a persistent condition that is hard to get rid of. Sebum buildup can clog the follicles and cause more serious scalp conditions, including greasy dandruff, and excessive hair loss.

To get rid of oily hair, you need to de-grease your scalp, because an oily scalp inevitably leads to oily hair. However, it is important to properly reduce oil secretion without over-drying the scalp.

Importance of Choosing the Right Shampoo

Most ordinary shampoos use sulfate-based cleansing agents. Sulfates are inexpensive, yet powerful synthetic cleansers. They effectively remove oil and dirt from hair and create a rich lather. However, those grease-cutting detergents are quite harsh on the hair and scalp. Sulfate-based shampoos can strip the scalp of its necessary natural oils, making the problem even worse. When used frequently, harsh shampoos can actually encourage the oil glands to produce more sebum to compensate for the loss.

Oily hair requires frequent washing but must be gently treated. If you suffer from oily hair, make sure to choose a sulfate-free shampoo with mild, naturally derived cleansers. These shampoos will remove excess sebum and impurities without unwanted adverse effects.

Sulfate-free shampoos also help balance the pH level of your scalp and hair. A proper pH balance of the scalp is essential for managing oily hair. Synthetic cleansing agents used in commercial shampoos can disrupt the natural pH balance of the scalp and hair.

How to Wash Oily Hair?

If your hair is on the oily side, excessive shampooing may worsen rather than improve your condition. This happens because frequent washing encourages sebaceous glands to increase oil production to make up for the loss. To stay on the safe side, it’s advisable to wash your hair no more than three or four times a week.

Using the appropriate shampoo and applying it the right way can help maintain a healthy scalp and hair. Use a mild, natural shampoo that is designed specifically for oily hair. Select a shampoo that is translucent when held to the light and avoid creamy formulas.

Apply shampoo directly onto the scalp and leave it on for an extra minute or two before rinsing. Gently massage the scalp while shampooing. Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water to make sure there is no shampoo residue left behind. These residues tend to collect dirt and oil and add weight to your hair.

Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to give your hair a fresh start.

Ingredients that Help Control Sebum Production

Before buying shampoo for oily hair, you should read the ingredient list on the bottle carefully. There are several essential oils known for their effectiveness in controlling the glandular production of oil. These essential oils include tea tree, lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, peppermint, basil, and ylang-ylang.

1. Rosemary Oil is effective for cleansing excess oils from the scalp and hair and may also provide relief to people with dandruff and scalp itchiness.

2. Lavender Oil helps balance natural scalp oils.  Shampoo containing lavender oil helps your hair stay clean longer. Lavender oil also calms the scalp, supports hair growth, helps control dandruff, and keeps hair shiny.

3. Tea Tree Oil gently works to remove excess oil, balances sebum production, and helps reduce dandruff.

4. Peppermint Oil normalizes sebum production, balances pH levels, and stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which helps promote hair growth.

5. Lemongrass Oil supports the function of the sebaceous glands and helps soothe scalp inflammation.

6. Ylang Ylang Oil slows down sebum production, detoxifies the scalp, helps control dandruff, and promotes healthy hair growth.

Use Conditioners Properly

a young woman nourishing her oily hair

If your hair is very oily, you might not need a conditioner. If you do use a conditioner, keep it away from your roots, as it can weigh down your hair. Most conditioners contain oils and silicones that will weigh oily hair down and make it look flatter. A conditioner is meant to nourish your ends, which can still be dry and brittle. Make sure to rinse the product out of your hair thoroughly. Look for a lightweight, oil-free, and silicone-free conditioner, and make sure that you use it properly.

Avoid using too many styling products because most of those products tend to attract dirt and can make your hair look greasier.

Dry Shampoos for Oily Hair

a woman applying dry shampoo powder to the hair

Dry shampoos are very useful for concealing your greasy roots between hair washes. Those products contain a substance that soaks up oils from your scalp and hair, making your style look fresh. These products also add volume to flat hair and lift your strands away from the scalp. Dry shampoos are great time savers because they can make your hair look clean and bouncy without a full shower.

Dry shampoos come in aerosol formulas or the form of a powder. These products continue to grow in popularity since they are inexpensive and easy to use. Although being a great tool to keep hair clean between wet shampoos they are not meant to completely replace regular shampoos.

If you suffer from greasy hair and scalp, talk to your dermatologist. Your dermatologist can give you a proper diagnosis and discuss all the available treatment options.

a beautiful brunette with clean smooth hair

10 Common Ingredients in Hair Growth Shampoos

Hair Growth Cycle

People normally lose 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of the normal hair growth cycle. There are three phases of the hair growth cycle: the anagen or growth phase, which lasts from 4 to 6 years, the “regression” period (catagen phase), which lasts about three weeks, and the resting (telogen) phase, lasting for another three months. Approximately 85% of your hair is in the growing stage. The catagen phase is a transitional stage from growing to resting. In the telogen stage, the hair falls out, and new hair begins to grow from the same follicle, entering a new growth cycle.

hair loss scheme

What is Normal Hair Loss?

There are 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles on the scalp. Losing up to 100 hairs a day doesn’t cause a noticeable reduction in hair thickness. Unfortunately, many people suffer from excessive hair loss which can affect both men and women.

Experts recommend starting with a protective treatment in the early stages of hair loss, to give yourself the best chance to prevent the condition from progressing. The progression of hair loss can be stopped or at least slowed down if the condition has been treated early enough.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss can have many causes, but it is usually related to one or more of the following factors:

  1. Hereditary Hair Loss: The typical male pattern of baldness known as androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss that affects both men and women. This condition is caused by increased levels of an androgen hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The male hormone testosterone converts into DHT inside the hair follicle with the aid of the enzyme called 5-a reductase. The high presence of DHT in the scalp can shorten the hair growth cycle and cause the follicles to shrink, making it impossible for them to produce new hair.
  2. Scalp Problems: Scalp conditions and inflammatory disorders can contribute to hair loss. The inflammation makes hair follicles lose their ability to generate new hair. These conditions include folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal infections such as ringworm.
  3. Excess Sebum Production: The accumulation of sebum in the scalp pores may cause a high level of 5-alpha-reductase and clog hair follicles. Removing sebum buildup from the scalp is one of the important things you can do to reduce shedding.
  4. Poor Circulation in the Scalp: Diminished circulation in the scalp can deprive hair follicles of blood and nutrients and may, therefore contribute to their degeneration. By increasing circulation to your scalp, you can increase the supply of nutrients to the hair follicles which can benefit hair growth.
  5. Extreme Stress: Hair follicles are sensitive to sudden changes in the body or environment. Sometimes the signs of hair loss may take weeks or months after the episode of stress to become noticeable. The increase in shedding caused by stress is temporary and the hair will grow back.
  6. Nutritional Deficiencies: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a protein-rich diet is essential for healthy hair. Your hair needs proteins to grow properly. Iron deficiency can cause hair loss because there aren’t enough red blood cells needed to carry oxygen to the scalp. The deficiency of B vitamins, essential fatty acids, and zinc can also result in hair loss.
  7. Other Common Causes of Hair Loss: Other causes of hair loss and hair thinning include hormonal imbalance, medical conditions, certain medications, excessive styling, and frequent use of hair coloring chemicals.
a beautiful young woman with long healthy hair

What Are the Active Ingredients in a Hair Loss Shampoo?

1) Caffeine – Applied topically caffeine energizes the scalp and stimulates the hair follicles, causing new hair strands to grow more rapidly. A recent study revealed that the hair follicles retain caffeine traces for 24 hours after washing hair with a caffeine-containing shampoo. The study found that the caffeine treatments were able to slow the progression of hair loss when started early, but were not fully effective if a person had total baldness.

2) Ketoconazole is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal ingredient in hair shampoos that controls microflora of the scalp, nourishes hair follicles, and therefore provides a suitable environment for hair growth.

3) Saw palmetto is a fruit extract used in hair loss products to prevent the effects of dihydrotestosterone, which is responsible for both male and female-patterned alopecia. 

Suggested Brand: Laritelle Organic Unscented Hypoallergenic Shampoo is formulated with pure therapeutic grade certified organic hydrosols of Saw Palmetto, Rosemary, Horsetail, Nettle, Burdock, Basil, and Aloe Vera to help increase blood circulation, stimulate hair follicles, and enhance hair growth.

4) Biotin is a member of the B complex group of vitamins and is a common ingredient in hair loss shampoos and conditioners. Biotin strengthens the follicle and increases hair elasticity which helps hair to achieve maximum growth rate.

5) Red Clover is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can prevent scalp irritations and help prevent DHT build-up. It improves the hair’s strength, helps slow down hair loss, and adds volume and luster to hair.

6) Aloe Vera contains enzymes that open the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. It has anti-inflammatory properties and treats various scalp conditions. Its alkalizing qualities help optimize the pH level on the scalp. A normal hair pH level is important if you want to control hair loss.

7) Rosemary helps boost circulation to the scalp, treats dandruff, strengthens the roots of our hair, reverses hair loss, and accelerates hair growth.

8) Green tea extract prevents hair from falling and soothes scalp irritations through its stress-inhibitory and anti-inflammatory properties.

9) Tea tree oil has antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties and superior penetrating abilities. It controls sebum production and helps remove sebum build-up and other blockages in your scalp’s pores that can prevent hair from growing out.

10) Lemongrass oil can strengthen hair follicles and has soothing and anti-bacterial properties.

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A young beautiful woman with long hair wearing red dress

Shampoos that Stimulate Hair Growth

Hair-growing shampoo contains active ingredients that usually work in synergy to improve the scalp’s condition and to create a healthy environment for hair to grow. These are the ways how hair shampoos can improve the ability of your hair to grow:

1. DHT blockers: Hair shampoo that is intended to encourage hair growth is formulated with special ingredients that help remove DHT from the scalp and stimulate inactive hair follicles that are still alive to generate new hair. DHT Blockers can penetrate into the hair follicles during hair washing to stop DHT production and prevent DHT build-up in the follicle.

Suggested Brand: Sulfate-Free Anti Hair Loss Shampoo by Pure Body Naturals contains 14 DHT blockers and a number of natural ingredients that stimulate hair growth. These natural hair-thickening ingredients include Biotin, Argan Oil, B Vitamin Complex, Saw Palmetto, Nettles Extract, He Shou Wu, Niacin, and Black Seed Oil. This anti-hair loss formula nourishes hair from the follicle and provides essential nutrients needed to boost hair growth and improve thickness.

2. Energizing shampoos: Shampoos can stimulate the growth of hair by increasing blood flow to the surface of the scalp. A rich blood supply helps provide the hair follicles with oxygen and nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth. Invigorating hair shampoos are specially formulated with botanicals and essential oils, like peppermint oil and tea tree oil, to promote local blood circulation and help you keep the scalp and hair healthy. 

Suggested Brand: Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo For Men and Women by Honeydew is formulated with Rosemary Essential Oil, Green Tea, and Sandalwood to help improve scalp circulation and revitalize hair.

3. PH balancers: Hair shampoos can help you maintain the proper pH balance of the scalp and hair, which ensures healthy hair growth. A gentle, PH-balanced shampoo will keep your hair and scalp healthy, maintain optimal pH balance, and decrease hair shedding. Hair growth shampoos should be free of harsh chemicals that can irritate the scalp and upset your natural scalp pH balance.

4. Scalp cleansing shampoos: If you suffer from hair loss as a result of the over-production of sebum, there are hair shampoos based on tea tree oil formulated to regulate sebum production and remove follicle-clogging residues from the scalp, enabling hair strands to grow.
If you are losing hair because of a scalp condition that causes inflammation of the hair follicle, there are herbal ingredients in hair shampoos that can help rid the scalp of fungi and bacteria, and stimulate healthy hair growth.

A girl holding her long hair

What Is The Best Leave-in Conditioner for Your Hair Type?

Leave-in conditioners come in a wide variety of formulas to meet different individual needs. The right leave-in conditioner can make combing and styling hair easier, calm down frizz, and add luster to your locks. When purchasing a leave-in conditioner, look for a product formulated with natural ingredients and one that will suit your hair type.

Look for Key Ingredients!

When you’re picking a leave-in conditioner for your hair, take a look at the ingredient list on the product label. You may need to do a little research to be able to recognize ingredients that are unsafe and ensure that the product you have chosen is good for your hair and overall health.

Opt for a leave-in product that is made of natural and organic ingredients because the product will stay in your hair for a while. Your leave-in conditioner should be formulated without sulfates, parabens, or silicones. Parabens can cause allergic reactions while sulfates can cause skin irritation and strip away the color from your hair.

Be careful with products that have the term “fragrance” in the ingredient list, as it may hide highly toxic ingredients like dimethyl phthalate, which is often added to fragrances. Opt for a product that states “phthalate-free” on the label. Also, stay away from products that contain mineral oil, propylene glycol, and drying alcohols.

a young woman using a leave-in conditioner

Determine Your Hair Type!

Before purchasing a leave-in conditioner, it can be of great help if you know your particular hair type. Choose a product that is compatible with your hair type and is designed to combat the problems associated with your hair.

If your hair is more on the oily side, consider a lightweight leave-in treatment that can make styling easier without leaving your hair looking greasy. Using a rinse-out conditioner after every shampooing can make your strands appear even greasier. If you have a greasy scalp, but dry hair at the ends, focus on the parts of your hair that need conditioning.

Leave-in Conditioner for Fine Hair

If you have fine or thin hair, avoid creamy leave-in conditioners as they can add weight to fine hair. Consider a lightweight leave-in spray that provides the right amount of moisture without making fine hair look lifeless and flat. Opt for a lightweight conditioning spray that gives your hair more body and adds glossy shine. Make sure that you use an appropriate amount of the product, as using too much can weigh your hair down.

This post contains links to Amazon. The publisher may get paid if You purchase something through the links without additional costs to You.

Evolvh SmartVolume Leave-In Conditioner is a lightweight, water-based hair spray that helps strengthen fine hair strands and acts as a detangler and volumizer for fine hair. It reduces frizz and flyaways and gives the appearance of thick, fuller hair without adding weight. The formula is 100% vegan and is not tested on animals.

Leave-in Conditioner for Dry Hair

A leave-in conditioner is a miracle product for someone with dry and frizzy hair as it can replenish dry hair with moisture and provides all-day nourishment and hydration. Dry hair responds well to creamy leave-in conditioners, that could be too heavy for other hair types. Moisturizing leave-in treatments with natural oils and emollients add luster and shine to dry hair and provide relief for dry scalps.

AG Hair Fast Food Leave-On Conditioner is a lightweight leave-in product formulated for frizzy, thick, or coarse hair. The product also gives body and volume to thin fine hair. Despite having a thick, creamy consistency, it doesn’t leave hair greasy or oily looking.

AG Moisture leave-in conditioner contains humectants and ultra-light Abyssinian oil that work to moisturize dry, lifeless hair. Silk amino acids and hydrolyzed keratin add strength and elasticity while cetrimonium chloride helps neutralize static. The product prevents knotting, mends split ends and tames frizz during humid summer days. It helps reduce breakage, giving your hair a chance to grow longer. This leave-in product works best when you apply it to damp hair. It is formulated without parabens, salt, PABA, DEA, and gluten. The entire AG product line is cruelty-free.

Leave-in Treatment for Over-Processed Hair

If your hair is severely damaged by excessive use of heat styling tools and chemical treatments, a leave-in treatment with argan oil, Shea butter, or coconut extract will nourish hair and help repair damaged strands. Some keratin-infused leave-in treatments are formulated to restore keratin proteins and rebuild the strength and elasticity of damaged hair.

Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray is formulated to add gloss and life to damaged, dry, breaking, or lifeless hair. This formula is made up of 95% naturally-derived ingredients. The spray is enriched with a unique complex of argan, coconut, and rosehip oils and offers protection and nourishment without weighing hair down. It protects the hair against free radicals and sun damage and acts as a barrier against heat. This ultra-lightweight leave-in spray doesn’t contain parabens, silicone, phthalates, gluten, synthetic fragrances, and dyes. It is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.

Leave-in Conditioner for Curly Hair

a dark-skinned girl with leave-in conditioner in her hair

Leave-in hair conditioners can work miracles for curly hair because, by nature, this type of hair requires a lot more moisture than straight hair. Curly hair is extra sensitive to damaging influences, so it needs constant hydration and requires specific care to stay healthy. Leave-in treatments for curly hair work to soften unruly hair, remove tangles, and provide optimal curl hydration.

If you have curly hair, go for a thicker, creamier leave-in product that will soften and smooth hair strands. A leave-in treatment for curly hair contains moisturizing and lubricating ingredients as well as sealants to lock moisture and reduce friction. Apply your leave-in product after regular hair washing and conditioning and enjoy long-lasting, soft, and perfectly defined curls.

Wet N Wavy Tangle Free Leave-in Conditioner can be used as a detangler for synthetic and human hair weaves or a daily leave-in conditioner and curl-definer. This lightweight formula provides good slip, making combing a breeze.

This product is formulated with a special blend of conditioning agents and emollients to lock in moisture, add softness, and revive dry and lifeless curls. It tames dry ends and makes hair shinier and more manageable.

Leave-In Treatment for Color-Treated Hair

A woman with conditioned color-treated hair


To keep your color-treated hair looking shiny and vibrant, use a leave-in conditioner designed specifically for color-treated hair. Look for products advertised as “color safe”, “color extending”, or “sulfate-free”. These products contain SPF as well as other color-protecting ingredients capable of preserving the integrity and brightness of your color for a longer period of time.

Pureology Colour Fanatic Hair Treatment Spray with 21 Benefits is a lightweight, UV-protecting leave-in hair spray formulated with plant extract and enriched with powerful antioxidants and anti-fading agents. It eliminates tangles, protects hair from environmental damage, and helps slow color fading.

Leave in Conditioners for Men

One of the features that make the main difference between the woman’s and man’s leave-in conditioner is the scent. Leave-in conditioners for men either have a masculine scent or have no scent at all.  A scented leave-in conditioner usually has notes of pine, sandalwood, cedarwood citrus, and vanilla.

Some of these leave-in products contain hair growth ingredients to help with hair thinning. Many leave-in conditioners can also be used on beard hair.

a man with healthy hair nourished with leave-in conditioner

What is Leave-In Conditioner and What It Can Do for Your Hair?

A leave-in conditioner is a hair care product that is supposed to be applied to freshly washed hair before styling. Unlike a regular conditioner, a leave-in conditioner stays on your hair until the next wash.

A leave-in conditioner conditions every strand of your hair to restore moisture and softness and prepare your locks for styling. People with all types of hair can benefit from using leave-in conditioning treatments but the best candidates are those with dry, frizzy, and over-processed hair.

This product comes in different forms, such as liquids, creams, or sprays. Some lightweight formulas can also be used on dry hair between washes to restore lost moisture and increase hair manageability.

Brunette hair nourished with a leave-in conditioner

Benefits of Using a Leave-In Conditioner

1. Moisturizes Dry Hair
The main purpose of leave-in conditioners is to provide intense moisture and hydration to your hair. These products are great for kinkier hair types, that need more moisture than a regular conditioner can provide. Leave-in conditioners typically contain humectants that help hydrate and soften dry strands and make them more elastic and stronger. Water-based leave-in conditioners penetrate the hair strand easier than oil-based products and leave hair feeling hydrated and nourished for longer.

2. Detangles Knotted Hair
A good leave-in conditioner contains ingredients that add slip and softness to unruly hair and makes detangling time shorter. If your hair tangles and knots easily, this product helps to release knots and makes hair brushable and easy to style. This helps reduce breakage and retain hair length.

woman styling long hair with hair dryer round brush

3. Makes Hair More Responsive to Styling
A leave-in conditioner can improve the manageability of your hair, making it easier to style with a blow dryer or a flat iron. It contains ingredients that add texture to the hair and enhance the styling results. This product provides a flexible hold to curly hair and adds that beautiful bounce to your curls. You can reapply it throughout the day to re-moisturize your curls and refresh your style.

4. Protects Hair from Environmental Damage
Too much sun exposure and frequent swimming in chlorinated pools can dehydrate hair, causing color fading, brittleness, and split ends. A generous application of a leave-in conditioner before swimming will keep the chlorine and salt from damaging your hair.

Extreme winter cold outside, followed by dry heat indoors can raise the cuticle and leave hair rough and dry. Leave-in conditioner coats every strand to protect your hair from cold and dry air.

5. Acts as a Barrier Against Heat
Before blow-drying or using hot irons, you need to use a heat protectant to protect your tresses from the damaging effects of heat. Many leave-in conditioners act as heat protectants, providing an extra layer of protection against heat damage. Apply a leave-in conditioner before styling to keep the moisture in your hair and prevent split ends caused by styling.

a woman flat ironing her hair after applying a leave-in conditioner

6. Adds Luster to Color-Treated Hair
A leave-in conditioning treatment revitalizes and smoothes damaged color-treated hair and protects it from harmful sun rays and other environmental factors that can lead to dullness and discoloration. It increases the vibrancy of hair color and leaves your locks with a gorgeous shine. There are special leave-in conditioners formulated for colored hair, that help to seal the color in and make it last longer.

7. Combats Frizz
If you’re dealing with dry and frizzy hair, there is a good chance that you will benefit from adding a leave-in conditioner to your hair care regimen. A good leave-in conditioning treatment provides lasting frizz control by locking moisture in the hair shaft. This product also helps tame flyaway hair caused by static electricity during dry winters.

To keep frizz under control, use a rinse-out conditioner with humectants and apply a leave-in conditioner either to damp or dry hair according to the directions on the bottle.

Differences between Leave-In and Rinse-Out Hair Conditioners

Both types of conditioners help retain hair moisture and soften hair texture for easier combing and styling. Although both products serve the same basic purpose, a leave-in conditioner is not the same as a rinse-out conditioner. It is formulated differently and should be used differently. Here are the primary differences between these two types of conditioners:

Application

Rinse-out hair conditioner is used in the shower just after you rinse out your shampoo and it is supposed to be left in your hair for a couple of minutes. After that time, the product should be rinsed out thoroughly. Otherwise, it can weigh hair down and cause product build-up in your hair.

A leave-in hair conditioner is supposed to stay in the hair for a significant time without rinsing. It is usually applied to towel-dried hair, but there are also lightweight leave-in spray conditioners that you can spray onto dry hair between shampooings. A leave-in conditioner is generally used in smaller amounts than a regular conditioner.

Benefits

Rinse-out conditioners coat the hair’s outer layer, add softness, and help repair damage done by harsh shampoos. They provide moisture by replacing the vital oils in your hair that are lost during the shampooing process. These products also make detangling easier and help tame frizz.
Leave-in conditioners moisturize dry hair and make it softer, smoother, and shinier. They serve as detanglers, styling products, and heat protectants. A leave-in conditioner is one of the most widely used hair products to protect curly hair from dryness.

Consistency

Regular conditioners are thicker and heavier than leave-in treatments. They coat the hair strand with a thick layer that sticks to your tresses after rinsing it out.
Leave-in hair treatments are designed to be more watery and lighter compared to rinse-out conditioners.

Ingredients

Typical ingredients in rinse-out conditioners include fatty acids, surfactants, fatty alcohols, proteins, silicone, plant oils, and high molecular weight silicones.
Leave-in conditioners contain a high level of humectants that attract moisture into the hair. They often contain glycerin, which keeps hair hydrated and lubricated, and volatile silicones, which give your hair shine and smoothness.

How to Use a Leave-in Hair Conditioner?

A leave-in treatment is commonly applied after hair washing. This product works best on damp hair, providing your strands with all the benefits it can offer. You only need to apply a small amount focusing on the ends and other dry areas. A leave-in conditioner also can be sprayed onto toweled dry hair and then combed through the ends. If you have very fine hair, apply a nickel-sized amount on the ends only. After applying the leave-in conditioner, you can style your hair as usual.

Lightweight leave-in sprays are suitable for applying to dry hair between washes to restore moisture and revive the hairstyle.

If you use leave-in hair treatments with silicones, use a good clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove any unwanted residue left behind.

Blonde woman with long curly hair

Hair Straightening Shampoos: Benefits and Limitations

There are several methods to straighten your hair and obtain a sleek look and easy-to-style locks. Heat-based styling tools temporarily break down hydrogen bonds in the hair to make your lock look shiny and elegant. Flat ironing and blow-drying with a round brush are the most common ways to get smooth and lustrous hair without the use of chemicals. Heat-styling tools only temporarily change hair texture, and you need to style your hair after each shampooing.

Hair relaxing treatment and Japanese Hair Straightening are chemical straightening techniques that permanently break the bonds in the hair, leaving your locks looking straight and sleek until your hair grows out. Brazilian keratin treatment is a semi-permanent hair straightening treatment that gradually fades over time, lasting approximately about three months.

But what about hair straightening shampoos? Can shampoos straighten hair?

a beautiful young woman straightening her hair after using a straightening shampoo

Can Shampoo Make Your Hair Straight?

There are many shampoos on the market that are claimed to have a straightening effect on the hair. Such claims may encourage unreal expectations about what the product can provide. This post is written to explain what hair-straightening shampoos can do for your hair and what makes them different from ordinary shampoos. With this information, you can decide easily if you want to include them in your hair care regimen or not.

Do Straightening Shampoos Straighten Hair?

No, they don’t!

There are some limitations to what rinse-out products such as hair shampoos can do for your hair:

  1. A straightening shampoo or conditioner can’t straighten hair. To transform your curls into straight hair, you’ll still need to use a flat iron.
  2. Straightening shampoos cannot replace flat iron, hot brush, or other heat straighteners.
  3. Straightening shampoos are not nearly as effective as chemical straighteners.
Joyful european woman laughing

Is there a Straightening Shampoo that Makes Hair Straighter?

Yes. But this is an exception.

The First Straightening Shampoo by Sweet Hair is a hair straightening product that has the term “straightening shampoo” in its name.

This professional beauty product is created and patented by “Sweet Hair Professional”. The company took 2 and a half years to develop the technology.

The First is actually a naturally based semi-permanent, amino acid smoothing treatment that is meant to be applied by a hair professional. The stylist applies the product to towel-dried hair and then massages the hair to create rich foam. The product is supposed to sit in the hair for about 20 minutes. The hair is then divided into thin sections and flat ironed. The temperature should be set between 375ºF and 450ºF. A heat-activated blend of organic acids in the shampoo creates chemical bonds in the hair, generating hair straightening. The result is frizz-free, smooth, and manageable hair with reduced volume. Straightened hair can be washed, colored, lightened, or toned on the same day.

Now that we understand what The First Straightening Shampoo by Sweet Hair is we will continue our story about so-called “straightening shampoos” with this exception in mind. Our further information doesn’t apply to The First Straightening Shampoo by Sweet Hair.

Does Hair-Straightening Shampoo Work?

Yes, it works for what it is formulated for. But this is not to make your hair straight. Hair straightening shampoos can assist in preparing your hair for straight hairstyles. So, your hair can be more manageable, less coarse, and easier to straighten by using traditional hair straightening tools. Let’s go deeper into what hair-straightening shampoos can do for you.

What Are Potential Benefits of Using Hair Straightening Shampoos

Here’s what you can expect from using a hair straightening shampoo:

  • Your hair will be shinier and less prone to frizz.
  • Your curls or waves will be more defined, softer, and shinier.
  • Your hair will be easier to comb and less prone to tangles.
  • It will take less time to style your hair by using heat-based tools.
  • Less heat will be required to get the desired straight look.
  • Your straight hairstyle may last longer.

Basically, hair straightening shampoos are supposed to support the heat styling process and make it easier for you to maintain your hairstyle. They can also be used to wash chemically straightened hair as long as they don’t have harsh sulfates and sodium chloride in their formulas.

What Are the Differences Between Straightening Shampoos and Regular Shampoos?

Straightening shampoos contain higher levels of conditioning agents like silicones and polymers that can stick to your hair. These ingredients stay in the hair, reduce porosity, and work against the hair’s natural tendency to get poofy and frizzy.

Straightening shampoos should be used similarly to your regular shampoo. To get maximum results, distribute the product evenly throughout your hair with a wide-tooth comb. Leave it to sit in the hair for a few minutes. A straightening shampoo works best when paired with a hair straightening conditioner and followed up with a leave-in conditioner or a smoothing serum.

a woman in a robe blow drying her hair

Silicones in Hair Straightening Shampoos

Silicones are very effective smoothing ingredients that make hair sleek, more manageable, and frizz-free. Many hair-smoothing shampoos contain silicones in their formula.

Silicones in hair products form a thin, waterproof coating around the hair shaft. This microfilm around hair helps reduce porosity and prevents hair from absorbing moisture from the air, making your locks more resistant to humidity. Silicones smooth the hair’s cuticle, which adds some extra shine and luster to your hair. They also reduce surface friction, making combing and detangling hair easier.

Silicone ingredients in hair products can be identified by the suffix -cone, -conol, or -xane at the end of the chemical name on the ingredient panel.

Unwanted Effects of Silicones in Hair Shampoos

  1. Silicone coats the hair shaft creating smooth and shiny hair. But this protective coating prevents moisture and nutrients from penetrating the hair shaft.
  2. This fine silicone coating on the hair prevents other hair treatments from working and also prevents hair dye from entering the hair shaft.
  3. Products containing silicone can leave a residue that builds up in the hair, making it look dull, lifeless, and greasy over time.
  4. Some silicone deposits are difficult to wash out from the hair. To get rid of them you have to use a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos commonly contain sulfates and can be harsh on your hair if your hair is on the dry side.
happy young woman with long straight hair

Olaplex No.3 Benefits for Hair and How to Use Olaplex No.0 and No.3

What is Olaplex no 3

Olaplex Hair Perfector is a part of the Olaplex Professional System designed for home use. This at-home product reconnects the disulfide bonds within your hair that have been broken from chemical services, heat styling, and mechanical abuse. Olaplex strengthens the hair on the molecular level, making your strands stronger and healthier.

After having the Olaplex stand-alone treatment in a salon, you can continue to rebuild broken chemical bonds and maintain the strength of your hair by using Olaplex No. 3 at home.

Olaplex No. 3 contains the same molecule (Bis-AminoPropyl Diglycol Dimaleate) that can be found in Olaplex No. 1 and No. 2 but in different concentration levels.

Olaplex Hair Perfector can be used either as a part of the Olaplex Professional System or can be bought separately and used occasionally to optimize the condition of your hair, regardless of whether or not steps 1 and 2 have been performed.

Olaplex No 3 is free of silicones, parabens, aldehydes, oils, and gluten. It is not tested on animals. The product is very simple to use.

A happy blonde woman after using an at-home bond-building product

Potential Benefits of Olaplex No 3 to Your Hair

  1. Reconnects broken bonds and repairs the damage to hair that has been compromised by chemical processing, heat styling, and mechanical abuse
  2. Improves and maintains hair strength and integrity
  3. Helps repair damage from frequent coloring and bleaching
  4. Reduces breakage and helps the hair grow longer
  5. Reduces the appearance of split ends

Tames frizz and makes hair shinier, smoother, and more manageable

How to Use Olaplex Hair Perfector?

Wet your hair and apply a generous amount of the product to unwashed, damp hair. Applying to damp hair makes spreading easier, so you need less product. Focus on the areas where you have the most damage and then comb through for more even distribution. Alternatively, you can cover your hair with a plastic cap and leave the product on for 30 minutes. For better results, left in the hair for extended periods.

If your hair has a heavy buildup from hair products, you can shampoo it before applying Olaplex hair perfector. But make sure to rinse the product from your hair and then shampoo and condition the hair.

For severely damaged hair, repeat the application step without rinsing the product after the first application. When the processing time is over, rinse the hair, then shampoo and condition it as usual.

If you are going to leave the product on the hair overnight, make sure to wash it with shampoo in the morning.

Keep in mind that you need to use a conditioner after shampooing because Olaplex hair perfector is not formulated to add moisture to hair and it can’t replace your conditioner.

One bottle (3.3 Oz) should give approximately six applications for fine, shoulder-length hair or 2 applications for long hair of medium thickness and density.

How Often Should You Use Olaplex No 3?  

The product is supposed to be used once a week before shampooing. Olaplex no 3 can be used 2-3 times a week if your hair is extremely damaged.

How to Use Olaplex No 0 and No 3 Together

Olaplex 0 is formulated to be used with No.3 1-3 times a week for very damaged hair. It works as a primer to intensify the results you would get with Olaplex hair perfector.

You need to apply Olaplex No 0 to clean dry hair and leave it for at least 10 min. Part your hair in sections and squeeze the bottle to saturate your hair with the product. For easier application, order this product packed in a spray bottle from Olaplex or purchase a spray bottle separately, so you can quickly apply it to your hair and minimize waste. After 10 minutes apply Olaplex No 3 over Olaplex 0. Comb the hair to spread the product evenly and leave it on for 20 minutes or longer. Rinse the treatment from the hair and shampoo and condition it as normal.

Olaplex No. 0 + Olaplex No. 3 Review by Abbey Yung

Olaplex No 3 vs Deep Conditioning Treatment

Olaplex changes the internal hair structure and helps increase hair strength and elasticity. The strengthening and protecting effects are permanent. Conditioning treatments just coat the hair shaft providing only temporary results.

Olaplex also differs from protein treatments that can easily be overused. Unlike protein hair treatments, the more you use Olaplex, the more benefits you’re going to get from it.

Blonde woman with hair nourished with bond multiplier

Does Your Hair Need Olaplex Hair Perfector?

Olaplex Take Home Treatment works well on all hair types from virgin to over-processed and severely damaged hair. This product works best on color-treated hair that has been damaged by repeated coloring and bleaching processes. If you like to experiment with your hair color, you can push your hair limits without fear of breakage.

Olaplex also helps to undo hair damage caused by the overuse of hot tools, as well as damage caused by excessive mechanical manipulations such as wet combing and aggressive brushing. 

If your hair is healthy and untreated, you may not see a big difference after using Olaplex Hair Perfector, but it will not harm your hair in any way.

Cute blonde woman wearing loose sweater

Five Uses of Olaplex Treatment

What Is the Olaplex Treatment?

Olaplex is a reconstructive hair treatment developed by scientists for repairing damaged hair and preventing future damage. Olaplex active ingredient – Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate works on a molecular level to repair and restore disulfide bonds in the hair, giving strength and elasticity to hair fibers. When hairstylists add Olaplex to hair color, bleach, or neutralizer, this component shields against the damaging effects of chemicals and helps to improve hair quality. This makes it possible to perform chemical services with minimal damage to the hair.

The Olaplex system consists of three essential components:

  1. No.1 Bond Multiplier (highly concentrated)
  2. No.2 Bond Perfector
  3. No.3 Hair Perfector
hairdresser performing salon hair repair treatment

Different Uses of Olaplex

There are several ways to use Olaplex to improve the health of your hair:

  1. As a standalone hair-repairing treatment
  2. Bleach services, highlights, balayage, color
  3. Permanent waving
  4. Keratin treatments
  5. Hair relaxing and thermal reconditioning treatments

1. Olaplex as Stand-Alone Repairing Treatment

The ‘Stand-alone Olaplex Bond Reparation Treatment can be done whether you have had a chemical service or not. Heat styling and tension from combing and brushing can also weaken hair’s protein bonds and cause damage inside the hair shaft. Olaplex Bond Repair Treatment is a proven way to rebuild the strength of heat-damaged and mechanically abused hair.

If your hair has build-up from hair products and minerals, you need to clarify it with a chelating shampoo prior to the treatment.

Olaplex Bond Reparation Treatment steps:

  1. Fill a non-spraying applicator bottle with 3oz (90ml) of lukewarm water.
  2. Add 1/2oz (15ml) Olaplex No.1 into the application bottle and mix them together.
  3. Wet the hair thoroughly (if there wasn’t a need to wash it) and towel dry.
  4. Fully saturate the hair with the solution. You may comb through to endure that every strand is coated with the solution.
  5. Leave it on for 5-7 minutes.
  6. Don’t rinse.
  7. Apply a generous amount of Olaplex No. 2 Bond Perfector to your hair and comb through it to distribute it evenly.
  8. Leave it on for 10 – 20 minutes or more.
  9. Rinse.
  10. Shampoo and condition as usual.
blonde woman after getting Olaplex repair treatment.jpg

2. Using Olaplex to Go Lighter

Hair damage has been a major problem since the invention of hair dye. To lighten hair a colorist needs to “break the bonds” in your hair. The lighter you go – the more bonds are broken! A drastic color change can sometimes cause serious hair damage including breakage and dryness.

Olaplex has the ability to reconnect broken disulfide bonds in the hair shaft and minimize the chances of breakage. The product increases hair elasticity and enables hair to withstand more dramatic color changes with less or no damage. Olaplex makes your hair stronger and healthier, and your color will last longer.

Hair can be colored or lightened to any level with minimal damage to the strands. Dark hair can go blonde faster and blondes can have their hair even blonder without being fried. Olaplex literally goes into hair and reverses damage from previous exploits and also prevents damage to your hair that would be caused by chemicals during color service.

Olaplex Colour Change – Dull Brunette to Power Blonde by Tom Smith

Bond Multiplier

Bond Multiplier can be mixed directly into your color/bleach to protect your hair before any damage.  It works with any type of color including permanent, semi, or demi hair color, glosses, toners, and high lift. Olaplex step 1 reconnects hair bonds broken during exposure to chemical services, heat styling, and mechanical abuse.

Bond Perfector

This is the second step of the Olaplex system and is applied after the color processing has been completed and the hair has been rinsed and towel dried. In this step, your hair is saturated with the Olaplex Bond Perfector to ensure that all the newly formed bonds in your hair stay intact. The product is left on the hair for a minimum of 10 to 20 minutes. After rinsing out the product the hair will be shampooed and conditioned.

a beautiful blonde woman with long curly hairstyle

Why is Olaplex Important for Blondes?

If you start with dark hair color, you will need to use bleach to pull the pigment out of your hair and get your hair as light as possible. Lightening, if you don’t do it properly, can seriously compromise your hair’s structure. Repeated bleaching in a short period of time can leave hair weak and inevitably lead to breakage.

Platinum blonde which has become the hottest hair trend requires serious bleaching. Many women can’t achieve their dream hair color because bleaching would be too harsh on their previously highlighted, porous, bleached-out, and already compromised hair.

Olaplex is especially essential for anyone who wants to go more than three shades lighter to reach their desired hair color. The product allows for more frequent hair coloring and makes it possible to lighten your hair to new levels with minimal damage. Re-bleaching previously bleached hair is now easily achievable and you might be able to go platinum without ruining the integrity of your hair. Brunettes can now go platinum blonde in one day without frying their hair.

3. Using Olaplex Before Keratin Treatment

a woman with keratin-treated hair and Olaplex pre-treatment

Olaplex works very well as a strengthening pre-treatment for Brazilian Blowout or keratin treatment. Olaplex Stand Alone Treatment should be performed prior to keratin service. Olaplex will penetrate the hair shaft to strengthen hair internally before the hair shafts are coated with the keratin treatment. The result is stronger and more flexible hair that is resistant to breakage. Olaplex also enhances hair softness and shine and maximizes the benefits of keratin treatment and Brazilian Blowout.

Olaplex can also repair hair damaged by a keratin treatment but make sure to wait at least three weeks after keratin service before using Olaplex.

4. Olaplex Before and After Perm

cheerful woman with permed hair nourished ba Olaplex

A perm is a procedure that breaks numerous bonds in the hair. If the integrity of your hair has already been compromised an Olaplex treatment is recommended to prepare the hair for perm service. Take equal amounts of Olaplex No. 2 and a protein conditioner and mix them in a bowl. Apply to towel-dried hair concentrating on the most damaged areas of the hair. Use a hot dryer heat to dry the mixture in the hair completely. Then, mist the hair with water and proceed with the perming process.

As a restorative post-treatment, diluted Olaplex No. 1 should be applied over neutralizer over each rod to repair the damage caused by the perm. Leave Olaplex No.1 Bond Multiplier in the hair for about 5 minutes. For very damaged hair rinse and towel blot rods and then re-apply Olaplex for another 5 minutes.

You don’t have to wait 48 hours to shampoo your hair after doing neutralization with a neutralizer enriched with Olaplex.

5. Olaplex for Relaxed Hair

The best way to protect the hair from the chemicals in relaxers is to perform a treatment with Olaplex before and after your relaxer process. Olaplex may be added to your sodium hydroxide relaxers as well as to your neutralizing shampoo.

How to incorporate Olaplex into your relaxing procedure depends on the desired level of straightness.

Can Olaplex No. 3 Save Your Relaxed Hair? by Style Domination

Related Article

What is No. 3 Hair Perfector?

The tiny bonds within our hair are constantly being compromised due to thermal, mechanical, and chemical processes. No. 3 Hair Perfector is a take-home product that helps to maintain the health of the hair between salon visits.
The No. 3 Hair Perfector contains the same active ingredient as both the No.1 and No. 2. It will continue to link bonds within the hair, making hair stronger, softer, and shinier. The product is designed to use once a week before shampooing your hair. It should be applied to damp hair and left on for a minimum of 10 minutes. Afterward, your hair should be shampooed and conditioned.

A gorgeous blonde woman with nourished curly hair

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Keratin Shampoos: Ingredients, Benefits, and Tips for Buying

Keratin is a fibrous structural protein naturally found in our hair, skin, and nails. Human hair consists of keratin (up to 95%) and small amounts of lipids, water, and pigments. The middle layer of hair- the cortex– is made of keratin proteins that keep hair strong end elastic. Keratin protein in the outer layer protects the cortex from damage that may be caused by thermal styling, chemical processing, and prolonged sun exposure.

When the keratin in the cuticle layer is depleted, the cuticle is unable to provide protection to the inner layer of the hair. Plus, damaged cuticles increase friction between hair strands, causing additional damage during washing, brushing, and styling.  Damaged hair loses its strength and elasticity and becomes weak, brittle, and prone to frizz.

One of the simplest ways to make up for lost keratin is to use keratin-enriched hair care products. Switching to a keratin shampoo and conditioner is a good way to start as you don’t have to add any extra steps to your hair care routine.

a satisfied woman with healthy hair washed with a keratin shampoo

Benefits of Keratin-Infused Hair Shampoos

Replace missing keratin: Keratin-enriched shampoos are formulated to infuse keratin proteins into hair cuticles during the shampooing process. Keratin in hair shampoos binds to the strands and fills the gaps in the hair shaft to temporarily improve hair structure.

Make hair less prone to frizz: The keratin-infused shampoos help strengthen and align the cuticle, improving hair’s resistance to humidity. Keratin shampoos create a smooth finish on chemically treated hair and add natural shine. They leave chemically processed hair looking healthier and less prone to frizz.

Shield the hair from future damage: Keratin in hair products helps restore both the inner and outer layers of the hair. This way it protects the strands from further chemical and environmental damage.

Enhance the results of keratin treatments: If you have received a keratin smoothing treatment, a keratin shampoo can extend the results of your keratin treatment service. Keratin in your shampoo and conditioner helps to replace some of the keratin that has been washed away with each shampooing.

Does Keratin Shampoo Straighten Hair?

Keratin-replenishing shampoos are made for all hair types, but they are especially beneficial for chemically processed and damaged hair.

Keratin in hair shampoos will not change the texture of your hair. However, it has the capability to fill in the cracks and polish the cuticle layer, making the strands look, fuller, smoother, and shinier. It doesn’t straighten curly hair but it will soften your coarse and frizzy locks.

a beautiful brunette with shiny healthy hair

What Ingredients to Look for?

When buying a keratin-containing shampoo, check the label to ensure that the ingredient list includes at least one of the following terms:

Hydrolyzed keratin consists of smaller fragments of keratin that are able to rebuild disrupted bonds, repair the cuticle, and strengthen weakened strands.

Amino acids have a small molecular weight and can easily penetrate the hair shaft. They will work to repair damaged strands and create protection against further structural damage.

What Ingredients to Avoid?

Make sure to avoid sulfates and salt that can wash out keratin from your hair. Some brands of keratin shampoos may even contain formaldehyde. You should only consider products offered by reputable companies, that are committed to selling safe personal care products.

Select a keratin shampoo formulated with natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin and hair. Many drugstore keratin shampoos contain harsh sulfates. There are also several “low-sulfate” formulas on the market. If you haven’t received keratin treatment and looking for an inexpensive keratin shampoo, you may find that some of these low-sulfate formulas work for you. Just be aware that harsh sulfates and salt may diminish the desired effects obtained by keratin in your shampoo.

Quality Matters

Low-quality keratin shampoos contain larger molecules of keratin that can’t adhere to the hair for long enough to survive the rinsing step. So, go for a reputable brand if you want to see any benefits.    

Are Keratin Shampoos Good for Keratin Treated Hair?

If you’ve had a keratin treatment, it is not necessary to use keratin-containing shampoo for your post-treatment care. However, you can benefit from using keratin shampoo as long as the product is free of sulfates and sodium chloride.

To maintain the results of your keratin treatment, you can use shampoo and conditioner from the same line or any other brand of sulfate and salt-free shampoo. However, when the results of your treatment start to fade, it is advisable to incorporate keratin-containing shampoo into your hair care regimen. This will keep your hair smoother and more resistant to humidity. 

This post contains links to Amazon. The publisher may get paid if You purchase something through the links without additional costs to You.

Related products: Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturizing Lather Shampoo, Keratin Rebuild Protein Structure, Smoothing Shampoo, by EMOLENT, It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Shampoo Plus Keratin, Sulfate-Free, Keratin-Infused SHAMPOO by ORGANICOLAB, Keratin Healing Oil Lustrous Shampoo by Lanza, and Keratin Enriched Shampoo by BELLISSO.

a girl with long hair washed with a keratin shampoo

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Is Co-Washing Good for Your Hair?

What is Co-Washing?

Co-washing is short for conditioner-only washing and basically means washing your hair using conditioner instead of shampoo.

Too frequent shampooing can seriously dry out the scalp and hair. Dry hair is prone to frizz and breakage, especially if it is texturized or color-treated.

Co-washing helps to improve the natural moisture balance of dry, frizzy, and chemically treated hair. Conditioner washing makes thick, and coarse hair softer and easier to style.

Co-washing can be done in addition to your current hair shampooing routine, or it can be used in place of shampooing with the occasional use of a clarifying shampoo.

What are the Benefits of Co-Washing?

a beautiful African girl with co-washed hair

Here are a few of the benefits that will go with co-washing:

  1. Conditioner washing is much gentler on the hair than shampooing and can be performed more frequently.
  2. Prevents the depletion of your hair’s natural oils, keeping hair soft, more manageable, and less frizzy
  3. Allows for better hydration of your hair and scalp, so your hair stays moisturized and nourished
  4. Makes hair softer and easier to detangle, which means there are less tension and breakage during the combing
  5. Helps create beautifully defined curls and waves
  6. Co-washing is gentle on color-treated hair and keeps hair color looking fresh and vibrant between coloring services.

Precautions

Even though co-washing can be really beneficial, it’s not advisable to only co-wash for extended periods of time. You need to use an actual shampoo (sulfate-free or not) to cleanse your scalp and strands every so often. Try to use shampoo after every 2 co-wash wash days. If you don’t use any shampoo, you’ll likely experience product buildup, which will make your hair feel dry and keep it from being able to absorb products properly, making your products ineffective.

How to Co-Wash Your Hair?

Before you start with your co-washing routine, clarify your hair and scalp by using a sulfate-free shampoo to remove dirt, excess oil, and product buildup.

Completely soak your hair with water before applying conditioner, because wet hair better releases debris and other impurities. Apply a generous amount of a moisturizing conditioner in the same way you would apply your shampoo. Use your fingers to massage the conditioner into your scalp, and then scrub your strands working evenly through your hair in a downward motion. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the conditioner from roots to ends.

Apply more product on the ends, which tend to be the driest part of your hair that needs additional moisture. Let the conditioner sit on your hair for three to five minutes before rinsing (five to 10 minutes for extra curly and frizzy hair). It is important to thoroughly rinse your hair to remove the co-washing product because the conditioner residue can leave your hair looking dull and lifeless. Use warm water to rinse. Hot water can be damaging to hair.

Adding co-washing into your hair care routine once a week will be just enough to reduce the drying effects of over-washing. Be sure to clarify every few weeks to remove product build-up, mineral deposits, debris, dirt, and other impurities.

a dark-skinned girl with co-washed hair sitting in a park

Hair Types that May Benefit from Co-Washing

1. Dry and Brittle Hair

If your hair and scalp are on the drier side, co-washing will soften your hair and keep your scalp moisturized. If your hair is very dry, you can use a cleansing conditioner in place of regular shampoo, every time you wash your hair. Be sure to use sulfate-free clarifying shampoo once a week to remove any buildup that can accumulate on your hair and scalp.

If you have moderately dry hair, alternate between co-washing and shampooing.

2. Curly Hair

Conditioner washing is a great solution for textured hair, as too-frequent shampooing can strip curly hair of much-needed natural oils.
Washing with conditioner helps refresh your curls without stripping hair of its precious natural moisture. In addition to infusing curly hair with moisture, co-washing helps with detangling and combing. It makes curly hair more manageable and helps create beautifully nourished waves and curls.

3. Colored Hair

Conditioner washing keeps the colored hair from over-drying and slows down the fading process. Using conditioner for washing instead of shampoo prevents stripping away pigments and leaves your hair shiny and healthy-looking.

A beautiful African girl with colored hair

4. Relaxed Hair

Co-washing is an excellent way to restore the moisture in your hair and scalp after chemical treatments like relaxers. Co-washing keeps relaxed hair from drying and falling off.

Not Suitable for Everyone’s Hair

The following are some hair types and conditions when co-washing is not the best choice:

1. Fine and Straight Hair

If your hair is thin and fine, co-washing will make it appear flat and oily. If your hair is fine and dense you can try alternating first. Apply conditioner to the mid-shaft and the ends. When applied close to the scalp, the conditioner can weigh your hair down.

2. Oily Hair

You may not see the full benefits of co-washing if you have oily hair. Oily hair needs shampoo to remove excess oil, and co-washing won’t do it.

3. Product Build-Up

If you regularly use styling products with silicone, mineral oil, and petroleum, occasional shampooing is essential to thoroughly cleanse your hair and prevent product buildup.

4. Scalp Problems

If you are experiencing scalp issues, co-washing may worsen existing problems. If you’re prescribed a shampoo that is designed for severe scalp conditions, stick to your regular shampooing routine and consult your doctor before you start experimenting.

blonde woman playing with her fine co-washed hair

How to Care for Your Relaxed Hair

The hair relaxing process involves the use of strong chemicals designed to break down the protein bonds in the hair. To do the job, the chemical straightener needs to remove the invisible hair’s protective layer. This can leave hair dry, porous, and prone to breakage. To ensure that your relaxed hair stays bouncy, smooth, and frizz-free, proper care is essential.

Black hair requires very gentle handling because relaxing makes this type of hair very fragile and prone to damage from heat and chemicals. Hair that has already undergone some type of chemical processing can be seriously damaged by chemical relaxers.

How to Nourish Relaxed Hair

Beautiful African-American girl with relaxed hair

The relaxer is a rather strong chemical that, if left too long on the skin or scalp, will cause severe chemical burns. It is important to thoroughly rinse hair with water to get the chemicals out of your hair. Any trace of a relaxer that is left on your hair will continue to process and may cause your strands to break.

After rinsing out the relaxer proceed with the neutralizing shampoo to eliminate traces of relaxer that may remain in your hair. Active ingredients in the neutralizer will penetrate the hair shaft and stop the relaxer from working. Leaving the neutralizing shampoo in the hair for a few minutes helps restore chemically-treated hair to the natural pH balance.

Relaxers leave your hair very, very vulnerable. After rinsing out the neutralizing shampoo, apply a protein conditioning treatment to fill in the cracks in the hair shaft. The relaxing process leaves the cuticle lifted, so your hair will be ready to absorb and replenish the lost protein.

Some stylists prefer doing the protein treatment immediately after rinsing out the relaxer and before the neutralizing shampoo.

Some hair professionals suggest doing Olaplex Stand-Alone Treatment instead of a protein treatment, to reconnect broken bonds in your hair and prevent shedding.

How to Wash Relaxed Hair

Shampoo your hair twice a week and use conditioner after each shampoo. Use a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo and moisturizing conditioner formulated for chemically treated hair.

After applying shampoo, gently massage the scalp with your fingertips. Make sure not to use your nails. Using your nails can create tangles and cause breakage.

Apply conditioner and let it work for five to ten minutes. Untangle the hair using a wide-toothed comb. Work from the ends to the roots, with the conditioner still in your hair.

When you have finished combing rinse your hair with lukewarm water. Use cool water for mid-lengths and the ends of your hair to seal the cuticles and prevent frizz.

Wrap a soft towel around your head to remove water from the hair. Don’t squeeze or wring out your hair, just let the towel gently soak up the excess water. Follow with a cotton shirt and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.

Always use a leave-in conditioner after washing and conditioning relaxed hair. Make sure to detangle your hair thoroughly at this stage.

Take a small amount of coconut oil between your fingers and coat the ends of your hair. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft to help retain moisture inside the hair.

African-American girl with chemically straightened hair listening to music

Co-Washing Relaxed Hair

Shampooing too often can dry out chemically treated hair due to harsh detergents in traditional shampoo formulas. If you want to wash your relaxed hair more often than twice a week, “co-washing“, or “conditioner-only washing” is a gentler alternative to shampooing. This no-shampoo method can be done with a lightweight moisturizing conditioner, that cleanses and refreshes your hair without stripping the scalp of its natural oils. Washing with a cleansing conditioner adds moisture to your hair instead of taking it away, and can even be done daily.

Air Drying

Air drying is the healthiest option to dry your relaxed hair. To help your hair stay straight, wrap it into a cross wrap and tie it with a satin or silk hair scarf. Another way to get straight hair without heat is to smooth all the hair back into a loose bun.

For a nice, wavy look, the roller set is the best way to keep hair smooth without using too much heat. You can also put your hair in a braid and leave it that way until it is dry.

If you do blow-dry, let your hair air-dry partially before using the hairdryer. Put your blow-dryer on the lowest heat setting and hold it at least ten inches away from your hair. Also, make sure to constantly keep the device in motion.

Deep Conditioning

happy dark-skinned woman with nourished relaxed hair

Deep condition your relaxed hair at least every fortnight. Relaxers strip the hair of its natural oils. Deep conditioning helps rehydrate chemically treated hair and makes it strong enough to withstand styling. Coat your hair in the conditioner, starting from the ends. For best results, use a plastic cap and go under a hooded dryer. Let the conditioner sit for up to 30-45 minutes using a low heat setting. You can also put on a plastic cap and leave the treatment overnight.

Apply a protein-based deep conditioner once a month to strengthen your hair and replenish the lost protein. Make sure not to do protein treatments frequently, as too much protein can cause your hair to become weak and brittle.

Hydrolyzed Proteins

Adding hydrolyzed proteins to your shampoo or conditioner can be very beneficial for relaxed hair. Chemical relaxers can leave hair extremely dry, brittle, and prone to tangling and breakage. Hydrolyzed proteins added to your hair care products can fill in damaged areas in the cuticle layer. This strengthens your hair from within and reduces the risk of breakage.

Hot-Oil Treatment

Do a hot-oil treatment every week to add extra moisture and give body to your hair. Gently warm olive, coconut, or jojoba oil, and massage it into your freshly washed hair. Wrap your head in a plastic shower cap and leave the oil on for half an hour before rinsing.

Night Time Care 

Relaxed hair requires special care for bedtime. Conventional cotton pillowcases tend to rob the hair of moisture, and can cause friction and tangles. Sleeping on a satin pillow keeps your hair from getting tangled and prevents dryness. If you don’t have a silk or a satin pillowcase, tie your hair in a bun or wrap it in a silk cap. Apply a leave-in serum to the ends to keep them moisturized while sleeping.

MY RELAXED HAIR NIGHT-TIME ROUTINE by Healthy Hair Junkie

Heat Styling

Avoid using heat when styling your hair, as the high heat can cause relaxed hair to become very dry and prone to breakage. You can style your hair occasionally, using a high-quality, ceramic flat iron with adjustable heat controls. Be careful, because repeated usage of flat iron can burn relaxed hair.

When you are using a curling iron, hold the barrel cover slightly open – so the hair simply passes over the barrel without being tagged or pulled by pressure from the barrel cover.

Brushing

Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair. Never use a brush while your hair is still wet because brushing vet hair can cause breakage. Gently brush with a boar bristle brush and avoid pulling and tugging on your hair. Overbrushing relaxed hair can cause split ends and hair breakage.

Protective Styles

Wearing relaxed hair down daily is not advisable. Protective styling is one of the best ways to minimize hair breakage. Wearing the hair in a protective style helps hide the ends from harsh elements and from rubbing on your shoulders and clothes. Popular protective styles include buns, chignons, braids, twists, and weaves. Create protective styles that will last at least for a few days with minimal touch-ups and give your hair a rest from styling.

protective hairstyle for relaxed hair

Dying Relaxed Hair

You should wait at least two weeks after a relaxer service before applying permanent hair color. If the hair is brittle and prone to breakage, permanent hair color is not recommended.

Because chemical relaxers are so harsh on hair, consider picking a dye that doesn’t require bleach or ammonia. Restore color vibrancy and shine with a tinted conditioner, or use temporary and semi-permanent colors as well as ammonia-free hair colors. These colors can be used immediately following a chemical relaxer. Apply hair gloss or hair glaze to revive color and add glossy shine.

To cover gray hair, use demi-permanent hair color. To hide your gray roots between color services use temporary root touch-up products – like root touch-up sprays, color wands, and color touch-up powders.

Trimming

Keep your hair trimmed to remove dry split ends and uneven growth. Regular trims will prevent further damage to your hair. Get a trim every 2-3 months.

Healthy Diet

To increase your hair’s protein content, eat healthy meals, and incorporate a lot of protein-rich food into your diet. Drink plenty of water to keep your hair hydrated from the inside. Your hair will be healthier and resistant to breakage.

How to Avoid Over-Processing

Before the next relaxer service, make sure it’s been at least 10 weeks since your last touch-up. Applying relaxing treatments more frequently could lead to breakage and thinning. When retouching, only relax your new growth. Don’t use strong formulas every time you get your hair relaxed.

Beautiful black woman with long relaxed hair

Hair Botox vs Brazilian Keratin Treatment: Which One is for You?

What Makes Hair Botox Different from Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

While both treatments will give you similar results, Hair Botox and keratin treatment are actually quite distinct from one another.

Things that hair Botox and keratin treatments have in common: They both create a smoothing effect, eliminate frizz, add shine, and help significantly reduce styling time.

Differences: The biggest difference between these treatments is that Hair Botox products don’t contain formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals that you can find in traditional keratin treatment products.

Other differences include that Hair Botox is a rejuvenating hair treatment, which works to restore the natural beauty of damaged hair, while keratin treatment is intended primarily as a hair straightening method that is not suitable for extremely damaged hair.

Your stylist will suggest treatment that is best suited to your needs. The proper choice of treatment depends on the condition of your hair, and the results you want to achieve.

Cute confident brunette with Botox treated hair

The Best Candidates for both Treatments

Keratin treatment is a great option for women with thick curly and unruly hair. This straightening treatment delivers perfect results on frizzy hair that is exposed to humid weather. On virgin hair, the effects won’t last as long as on porous and chemically treated hair. Keratin treatment is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women and children under the age of twelve. The treatment is also not intended for super fine, straight, or thin hair.

Hair Botox can be performed on all types of hair. This treatment is geared toward you if you have fine, dry, colored, bleached, overprocessed, dull, or lifeless hair. The treatment is considered safe to receive during pregnancy.

gorgeous young brunette with keratin treated hair

Health and Environmental Concerns

Traditional keratin products contain a chemical called formaldehyde that can be released during the flat ironing stage. Exposure to formaldehyde fumes can have harmful consequences for the client, stylist, and people around them.

On the other hand, hair Botox uses safe and environmentally friendly products. No toxic vapors are coming from the product and no gas mask is required when working with it.

gorgeous brunette after Hair Botox treatment

The Differences in the Procedure

Brazilian keratin treatment spreads the active keratin molecules on top of the hair, not inside the cuticle. Keratin molecules are too large to penetrate the hair strands.

Unlike keratin treatments, Hair Botox is a blend of essential nutrients like vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants. This mixture penetrates the cuticle to restore hair from the inside out. The treatment helps keep hair smooth, healthy, and strong.

gorgeous brunette with keratin treated hair

Can You Apply The Treatments at Home?

Keratin treatment should be done in a salon by a hair professional, following all the safety precautions. If you can’t afford it to be done professionally you need the proper tools and an experienced friend to help you with the application process.

Hair Botox treatment is safe to do at home, but an experienced hairstylist will ensure better results.

Cute brunette with Botox treated hair

Which Treatment Is Less Damaging to Hair?

Keratin products can sometimes cause hair to become dry and annoyingly brittle. If you have weak hair, flat ironing can cause damage to the cuticle resulting in hair breakage. Some people may experience increased hair shedding immediately after the treatment.

After receiving hair Botox treatment, you won’t experience negative side effects, such as dryness, breakage, and hair fall. If you want to keep your hair and scalp healthy in the long run, hair Botox may be a better option for you.

Which Treatment would Be More Suitable for You?

gorgeous young brunette with keratin straightened hair

A keratin treatment will make your hair appear naturally straight, smooth, and much more manageable. Keratin-treated hair will not become frizzy even when exposed to humid weather. Styling time will be dramatically decreased.

Hair Botox revitalizes damaged hair, repairs split ends, eliminates frizz, and adds magnificent shine to your hair. The treatment also nourishes your scalp and helps fight dandruff and hair loss.

Keratin straightening treatment is a better option if you want straight and manageable hair since the keratin treatments make hair straighter than hair Botox treatments.

If you want to bring your hair back to life and diminish the frizz but still keep your waves intact, then hair Botox is what you need.

Hair Botox smooths the curls and makes them much more manageable, but this treatment won’t completely straighten the hair.

Also, hair Botox would be a treatment of choice if you prefer not to use harsh chemicals.

If you have fine hair, keratin treatment will weigh your hair down, causing it to look flattened and without volume. Hair Botox is more suitable for fine hair, as it doesn’t reduce the volume or weigh your hair down to the same degree as a keratin treatment does.

Cute smiling brunette with Botox-treated hair

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