Here’s How to Clarify Your Natural Hair the Right Way

Written by Vera Aduongo

Some terms in the natural hair space can be so sciencey. By that, I mean that they can seem like such complex ideas, so you go in expecting to get a headache. Luckily, that’s not the case with clarifying your natural hair. So today, I’m sharing my tips on how to clarify your hair the right way, answer some of the most common questions surrounding it, and tell you about the clarifying shampoo I think everyone should own.

Now, just so we’re on the same page, let’s start by explaining…

What a Clarifying Shampoo is:

Clarifying shampoos are shampoos that very thoroughly clean your hair and scalp. These shampoos can give you such an intense clean because they contain more potent cleansing agents than those found in moisturizing shampoos. Most clarifying shampoos will leave your hair feeling squeaky clean.

Happy Smiling Girl  with naturally curly hair

Can You Use Clarifying Shampoo on Natural Hair?

Interestingly, when you’re first going on your natural hair journey, you’re advised to avoid clarifying shampoos because of how dry they can leave your hair.

While I still stand by that advice, I now think that there are certain scenarios (more on that below) when it’s beneficial to use a clarifying shampoo. So I think you should keep one in your stash. With proper use, these can help you along your hair journey, not hurt it.

What’s The Difference Between Clarifying and Detoxifying Shampoos?

Clarifying shampoos tackle dirt, sweat, and product build-up. On the other hand, detoxifying shampoos eliminate toxic materials from your hair.

For example, when swimming, your hair is exposed to a toxin called chlorine, which is very drying for the hair. Using a detoxifying shampoo can help you get rid of that chlorine. Common detoxifying ingredients include apple cider vinegar and bentonite clay. So detoxifying shampoos are clarifying shampoos that give you a lil’ something extra.

And What are Chelating Shampoos?

Chelating shampoos, also known as hard water shampoos, are specially formulated to get rid of mineral buildup caused by hard water.

Hard water has a much higher mineral content than what you’d find in filtered water or water that is supplied by a city or town. These minerals form a coating on your hair, causing it to feel dry, limp, and ‘filmy’ when using regular shampoos. This coating can affect your hair’s ability to absorb moisture, leading to dryness, increased frizziness, and trouble getting hair products to work on your strands.

P.S: In case you’re wondering if you even have hard water, read this article (after you’re done with this one :))

a beautiful model with afro hair

When Should You Use Clarifying Shampoo on Your Natural Hair?

  1. If you use products that contain silicones/-cones or thick coating agents like petrolatum/petroleum jelly regularly.

In the natural hair community, silicones and petrolatum are considered the enemy! Now, I don’t think they’re that bad, but I do think it’s best to avoid them. Why, you may ask. Because these form a protective layer that’s a little too effective at keeping water from getting into your strands. The worst part is that these don’t wash off if you’re only using moisturizing shampoos, which might cause build-up. This build-up can have your strands feeling dry and breaking off.

  1. Your hair is chronically dry.

Sometimes, your hair can feel dry because of product build-up, even when you’re using natural butter like shea butter. Once they form a layer on your hair, it becomes hard for any water to get absorbed into your hair, leaving it feeling parched. So the first step to getting your hair back on track will be to strip all that product, which will allow your hair to pretty much ‘breathe’.

  1. Your hair products aren’t working anymore.

Have you noticed that one of your holy grail products just doesn’t work anymore? That might be a sign that you need to clarify your hair. When you have build-up on your hair, it interferes with how your products work.

Here’s How to Clarify Your Natural Hair Without Leaving Your Hair Stripped?

First, don’t use a clarifying shampoo unless you have to. Only pull out the big guns when you’re suspecting that you have build-up, and then you can use it ever so often to keep build-up at bay.

Ironically, use two shampoos. Follow up on your clarifying shampoo with your moisturizing shampoo. And no, don’t skip this and head straight for your conditioner. If you skip it, when you apply your conditioner and deep conditioner, your hair will still end up feeling dry. The theory on why this works is that using a moisturizing shampoo allows the pH of your hair to gradually be brought down to a level that will allow your hair to reap all the benefits of your conditioner or deep conditioner. It’s one of those “I’m not sure exactly how it works, but I’m sure it does work” types of things…

Remember to condition and deep condition your hair after you rinse out your moisturizing shampoo. Doing both will go a long way in ensuring that your hair feels great after.

Pro tip: If you notice that this still isn’t enough to restore moisture, then try a hot oil treatment right after your conditioner. Sit under a hooded dryer to amp up your results. Then continue with the rest of your routine as usual.

Lastly, don’t use these too often. Clarifying shampoos, though great, can cause more harm than good if used too often. Frequent use can leave the hair dry and the scalp flaky.

So, Here’s the Best Clarifying Shampoo for Natural Hair (IMO): Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo

This is an all-around fave for a couple of reasons. The ACV Blend Shampoo is a three-in-one: chelating, detoxifying, and clarifying shampoo. So, it’s a go if you have hard water or swim a whole lot. The ACV also works not just to detox but also to calm down an itchy or flaking scalp. It does a great job clarifying the hair, but it doesn’t leave your hair feeling stripped. Plus, girl, the price!? It’s too good. I suggest only pulling this gem out when you need a deep clean or to maintain a build-up-free mane once every month.

How ironic is it that I’m writing this when a lot of us will be spring cleaning? Maybe it’s a sign that you should think about doing a much-needed reboot for your strands.

Till next time,

XO

Happy African-American girl with clarified hair

Swimmers’ Shampoos: Benefits and Recommended Products

Keep Your Head Above Water: What does Chlorine Do to Your Hair? 

Swimming is fun and an excellent way to stay physically active and healthy. Unfortunately, regular exposure to chlorinated water isn’t good for your hair. Water in public swimming pools is treated with chlorine to kill bacteria and germs. However, despite its benefits, this harsh sanitizer can harm your hair. Use today’s article to try and overcome the “dry and cry” pool hair problems.

Here are the most common negative effects of pool chemicals on swimmers’ hair:

Gorgeous woman with dark hair in swimming pool
  1. Dull-looking hairChlorine in pool water depletes the hair’s natural oils, resulting in loss of hair shine. Chlorine can also damage the cuticle and cause them to crack. Damaged cuticles reflect light poorly, so your hair appears boring and lifeless. Finally, the chemical buildup on the surface can also cause your hair to become dull.
  2. Pool crunchy hair: Chlorine can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leaving it dry, rough, and porous. Your hair can turn into a straw-like mess that’s hard to comb. Chlorine can also dry out your scalp and cause the skin to itch.
  3. Discoloration: Chlorine in combination with sun exposure, tends to turn blonde hair brassy. The pool water can also leave a green tint on the swimmer’s hair. This green color comes from copper which has been oxidized by chlorine. These green stains are most visible on blonde hair.  Who wants hair with a mean green sheen, right?
  4. Unpleasant chlorine odor: After swimming in a public pool, your hair can smell like chlorine. The smell of chlorine may linger in your hair for a few days after spending time in a pool.
  5. Color fading: High concentration of chlorine can cause damage to the cuticle, allowing color pigments to escape. Chlorine also tends to break down color molecules. Unprotected swimmers’ hair will lose color vibrancy; thus, the color fades quicker than it normally would.
  6. Keratin damage: Chlorine weakens the internal bonds that hold the structure of your hair. This disrupts the integrity of the hair shaft and results in brittle hair and split ends. The damaged hair is susceptible to breakage and is impossible to grow long.

As a result, regular swimmers need special products to protect their hair from being wrecked by chlorine. One of the must-have products for swimmers is an after-swim shampoo. This type of hair shampoo is designed to rinse the chlorine residue from the hair after swimming sessions.

Related article

Gorgeous brunette near swimming pool

Walk on Water: Benefits of Using Swimmers’ Shampoos

Chlorine-removing shampoos contain chelating agents capable of eliminating chlorine, metals, and mineral deposits from the hair shaft. Here are some of the common benefits of using chlorine removal shampoos:

Purge to Surge: Removes chlorine buildup: The purpose of a swimming shampoo is to remove the chlorine and other nasty pool chemicals that sit on your hair and scalp after leaving the pool. It also helps to undo the damage caused by chlorine.

Hue Crew: Prevents hair from turning green: A post-swim shampoo removes the oxidized copper patina from the hair shaft and prevents a greenish hue that’s most obvious in bleached hair. 

Smell the Citrus Fruits: Washes away chlorine odor: A chlorine-removing shampoo eliminates the chlorine odor that can’t be neutralized with regular shampoos.  After-swim shampoos leave your hair smelling clean and refreshed.

Silk Road: Restores softness and manageability: Good after-swim shampoo prevents hair and scalp dryness associated with chlorine. It softens dry brittle hair and makes your locks less tangled. This helps reduce breakage, allowing your hair to grow more quickly.

Color Strong: Protects the color: With regular use of anti-chlorine shampoos, you’ll notice that your hair color is less prone to fading and even lasts longer.

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

Beautiful brunette relaxing near swimming pool

Best Chlorine Removal Shampoos

1. TRISWIM Chlorine Removal Swimmers Shampoo

This post-swimming shampoo effectively removes chlorine from hair, skin, and swimsuits after your pool time. You can also use it after swimming in salt water and for removing hard water minerals from the hair. It works better as a preventive treatment and might not be highly effective in eliminating the green hue that has been sitting in the hair for a while.

The formula contains chamomile and watercress that help relieve dandruff and soothe dry and itchy scalps.

The shampoo has a clean citrus smell that is gender-neutral and helps to eliminate the lingering smell of pool chlorine. 

You need just a small amount to get rich leather. It will leave your hair feeling refreshed and soft, even when you are not using the matching conditioner.

You need just a small amount to get rich leather. It will leave your hair feeling refreshed and soft, even when you are not using the matching conditioner.

The downside is that the packaging may leak when you carry the product in your swim bag.

Girl with dark hair relaxing near swimming pool

2. Fairy Tales Sun & Swim Lifeguard Clarifying Shampoo

This is a great swim shampoo for kids, but it can be used by swimmers of all ages. It’s specifically designed to help bring your hair back to normal after swimming in the pool or ocean.

The formula uses gentle fruit extracts to remove salt and chlorine buildup. This shampoo doesn’t strip natural oils while removing the chlorine and it leaves your hair feeling clean and moisturized. Aloe and jojoba hydrate your hair and smooth the strands for easy detangling.

This shampoo is formulated without harsh chemicals, such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, and doesn’t contain gluten and nuts.

To get the green hue out, apply a generous amount of the shampoo, massage it throughout the hair, and leave it on for 3-5 minutes. With regular use, this shampoo keeps the green away. When coupled with Fairy Tales conditioner, it makes kids’ hair feel nourished and silky.

Gorgeous brunette in elegant bikini

3. Zealios Swim & Sport Shampoo Moisturizing Formula – Best Shampoo for Swimmers with Color-Treated Hair

This sulfate-free cleanser is ideal for swimmers who are looking for a chemical-free shampoo that will clean and protect their hair. Zealios Swim & Sport Shampoo is formulated to gently remove chlorine and prevent damage that could be caused by chlorine, sun, and salt. Its moisturizing formula rejuvenates dry, brittle hair and leaves your tresses feeling smooth. The light citrus scent helps minimize the lingering chlorine odor.

Zealios Swim & Sport Shampoo can prevent green color from appearing and it can also fix hair that is already green within a few washes.

This shampoo for swimmers is formulated with gentle natural ingredients such as aloe, jojoba oil, Vitamin B, and panthenol. It’s color-safe and suitable for daily use. This is the best choice if you’re in the pool several days a week.

Gorgeous brunette in white dress near swimming pool

4. Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three

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This cleansing shampoo is ideal for occasional clarifying. It contains powerful cleansing agents that can remove chlorine and a greenish tint in just one wash.

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three is also highly efficient in removing residue from hair products and hard water build-up, leaving the hair squeaky clean. It isn’t suitable for everyday use, as it’s a fairly strong clarifier and can strip your hair of natural oils. To prevent dryness, follow with a hydrating deep conditioner.

Final Suggestion

If your hair already has heavy chlorine build-up, use Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three to get rid of any build-up or take the green out. For daily maintenance during your swim season, use a milder after-swim shampoo such as Zealios Swim & Sport Shampoo.

smiling woman with dark hair in swimming pool

Ban the Bad Breakups: Best Anti-Breakage Shampoos

Are you ready to ban the bad breakups? This article won’t address romantic, work, family, or relationship problems, but it’ll target some quick fixes to prevent bad breakups from happening to your beloved mane. Check out our list of best anti-breakage shampoos to let your light and hair shine. Whether you’re into Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” or more of a classic Sedaka fan, we all can agree that “breaking up is hard to do!”

What Causes Your Hair to Break?

First, let’s chat about what causes your hair to break. Hair breakage is a very frustrating but common problem that many of us face. In sum, hair breakage is usually a symptom of damage and lack of moisture. The optimal moisture level allows your strands to swell and contract without snapping. Dry hair cannot be stretched out and breaks off easily. Don’t let your hair become a Gumby twin!

young brunette woman holding hairbrush with broken hair

From Fry to Fly: The most common causes of dry and brittle hair:

1. Lab Rat: Chemical processing: Have you been treating your hair like a mad scientist experiment? Bleaching, repeated coloring, perming, or chemical straightening can break chemical bonds that hold your hair together; in turn, all of this processing can fry your hair and leave weak points in it, making it prone to breakage. Chemical treatments can also loosen the cuticle, thus allowing moisture to evaporate easily. Let’s transform your hair today from “fry to fly!”

2. Hot to Trot: Exposure to high heat: The high heat from blow-dryers, straighteners, and curling irons temporarily break the bonds in your hair to change its shape. Too much heat without appropriate protection will strip moisture from your hair, making it fragile over time. While you want your hair to be “hot to trot” as far as sassy and luxurious, strive not to make it hot as in temperature!

3. Life Strife: Other causes that can make hair brittle include drying shampoos, rough towel drying, over-brushing, tight hairstyles, genetic predisposition, hard water, dry weather, UV exposure, and poor diet. Try to avoid these “life strife” triggers!

In most cases, it’s possible to restore hair strength by using appropriate hair care products. Carefully selected hair shampoo and conditioner can help to improve your hair’s elasticity and give you healthy, luscious locks.

lovely woman with hair washed with anti-breakage shampoo

Best Breakage Banners: Shampoo Brands Formulated to Stop Hair Breakage

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1. Bond Guy or Gal: Olaplex no 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Olaplex No.4 Shampoo is a part of the Olaplex hair care system that targets broken bonds due to exposure to chemicals and high heat. This nourishing and reparative shampoo relinks damaged bonds to strengthen hair that has been damaged by coloring, heat styling, and everyday stresses. Using this shampoo will also protect the hair from future damage. Grab some Hollywood glam and be “a Bond guy or gal!”

A Dab for Fab: Very concentrated formula: This Olaplex No.4 is thicker than normal shampoo and it lathers up well. It has a light scent of grapefruit. The bottle is small, but the product is super concentrated. In turn, you’ll need to use less of the product than you normally do.

Should you use Olaplex No.4 Shampoo?

YES: This shampoo is excellent for anyone with lightened or chemically treated hair. If you’ve been dying your hair for years, then you’re probably struggling with dry, damaged and overly porous hair that looks frizzy and would easily split. This shampoo will make your locks feel and look much better.

NO: If your hair isn’t processed, this shampoo might not be for you. Low porosity hair, especially fine and thinning hair can look flattened, heavy, and limp if regularly washed by Olaplex No.4. You can still gain some benefits such as more elastic, or less staticky hair if using the product once a week or biweekly; or if you rotate it with your regular shampoo.

Benefits:

  • Less breakage: If your hair has been seriously damaged from frequent coloring, then this product will relink broken bonds to strengthen the strands from within and save them from breaking. Using this shampoo will boost elasticity, reduce splitting, and help you grow your hair longer. It’s also a godsend product for maintaining blonde dyed hair. Be unbreakable; be bold!
  • Tress Tamer: Softer, more manageable hair: After shampooing with Olaplex No.4 (paired with No.5 conditioner), any coarse, unmanageable hair feels smooth and manageable, so it takes less time and effort to straighten it with a flat iron. This duo will leave thick coarse hair feeling silky soft, bouncy, and flowing. Does your hair need its own trainer or lamer? Well, let this perk tame your tresses!
  • Written in the Stars: Shinier, healthier-looking hair: This shampoo leaves dry, brittle hair looking much healthier and more resistant to humidity. It rejuvenates your ends, tames flyaway hair, and leaves your locks with a gorgeous shine. It’s like it’s written in the stars, right?
  • Stealth Elf: A little goes a long way: You only need to use a small pea-size amount to get a lot of foam and to cover all your hair. The formula is thick, so the bottle can last you for several months. What a “stealth elf” for your hair and wallet, too!
beauty portrait of brunette woman with wavy long hair

2. Glam on the Go: SexyHair Strong Strengthening Shampoo

This shampoo contains a blend of hydrolyzed vegetable proteins and amino acids that improves hair strength, adds a silky feel, and enhances color retention. It lathers quite well for a sulfate-free shampoo. It’s also mild and can be used as your daily shampoo. The yummy mango scent lingers in your hair. Grab some “glam on the go!”

Should you use this shampoo? This shampoo is for you if your hair is color/chemically treated and suffers from split ends, damage, and breakage.

Benefits: SexyHair Strong Strengthening Shampoo leaves hair stronger, softer, and healthier. It minimizes breaking and splitting, so you can grow hair longer. Channel your inner Rapunzel perhaps? It adds body to fine hair, tames frizz, and adds silkiness and shine.

3. Cure and More: amika The Kure Repair Shampoo

This keratin-rich shampoo is formulated to repair and revitalize dry, damaged hair while cleansing it. Hydrolyzed keratin and hydrolyzed wheat protein restore moisture and boost elasticity and luster. This shampoo is free of harsh sulfates and keratin-stripping salt, so it’s safe for color-treated and keratin-treated hair. It has a pleasant scent and cute packaging.

Should you use it? This shampoo can be a great choice if you regularly color your hair or you like to experiment with colors. It helps to preserve the integrity of hair that’s over-stressed by frequent chemical services.

Benefits: amika The Kure Repair Shampoo restores moisture, revitalizes dry and damaged strands, boosts elasticity, and reduces splitting and breakage. It leaves overly dry color-treated hair feeling soft, shiny, and less prone to frizz and static. Talk about a possible “cure and more?”

amika The Kure Bond Repair Shampoo for Damaged Hair is formulated with bond-restoring ingredients to repair damaged strands and reduce breakage.

happy cute woman portrait outdoor

4. Casablanca Chic: Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo

This reparative moisturizing shampoo is infused with moisturizing oils, keratin, and amino acids to help restore moisture, elasticity, and shine in damaged hair. The formula is concentrated, so you only need a teeny tiny amount to get a good lather and effective cleansing. It has a clean and fresh scent that can be strong for some people. It’s sulfate- and salt-free and is safe for keratin-straightened hair. Are you ready to be “Casablanca chic this week?”

Benefits: Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo repairs damaged and weakened hair to recover its natural strength and elasticity. It helps maintain healthy moisture levels to tame frizz and leave hair feeling silky, manageable, and glossy.

Budget Boosters: Budget-Friendly Brands

These shampoos are meant to combat hair breakage and are all free of sulfates and other drying chemicals. The list of more affordable brands includes Mango Anti-Breakage Shampoo by Okay, Strength & Anti-Breakage + Agave Nectar Shampoo by Maui Moisture, Strengthening Grow Long Super-Fast Strength Shampoo by Marc Anthony, and Anti-Breakage + Keratin Oil Shampoo by OGX.

Beautiful girl with healthy blonde hair

The Importance of Using pH-Balanced Hair Shampoos

What Is the Meaning of pH?

pH is an acronym that means the Power of Hydrogen. It is a parameter that describes the concentration of hydrogen ions in water-based solutions. The numbers on the pH scale indicate the level of acidity or alkalinity. The PH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Acidic solutions fall in the range between 0 and 6.9, while alkaline solutions measure above 7. A pH value of 7 is considered neutral.

What is the pH of the Scalp and Hair?

The pH of the scalp is about 5.5 just like other parts of your skin, while the pH of the hair falls into the range of 4.5 to 5.0. The slightly acidic nature of sebum helps to keep the cuticle sealed and healthy while fighting bacteria and fungi.

ph scale

The Effects of Acidic and Alkaline Products on the Hair

The hair care products you use tend to affect the pH level of your scalp and hair. To keep your tresses healthy and beautiful, it is important to use hair products that have the same or similar pH levels as your scalp and hair.

Some hair products can disrupt the natural pH balance of your hair. Products that are too alkaline will raise the hair cuticle, causing the hair to become dry and brittle.

More acidic hair products will cause the cuticle to contract, making the hair look smoother and shinier. However, too acidic hair products can make hair resistant to hair treatments.

The rule is that your hair care products should have a pH level close to human hair.

How to Check the pH of Hair Care Products?

Manufacturers often fail to state the pH level of their hair products on the label. However, you can determine the pH level of your hair care product with pH-level test strips. You can purchase them in most beauty supply stores. To measure the pH level, pour the product into a glass and dip the test strip into the liquid. Allow it to stay for the recommended time, then remove it and compare the result with the chart that was provided with the test kit.

a beautiful young woman washing her hair with ph balanced shampoo

The pH Value of Hair Shampoos

It is important to note that the pH value of a hair shampoo can have positive or negative effects on the health and appearance of your hair. The rule of thumb is to use shampoos that have a pH level close to your hair.

When you use a sulfate-based shampoo, chances are that the natural pH levels of the hair would be disrupted. On the contrary, your hair and scalp will benefit from using sulfate-free and pH-balanced shampoo.

The best pH level for hair shampoo is between 5 and 7. Anything above tends to disturb the cuticles and can cause irritation to the scalp. Roughed cuticles increase friction between the fibers, making hair prone to tangling and breakage.

If your hair is dry and frizzy, you may want to use slightly acidic hair shampoo. This ensures that hair cuticles will remain closed, preventing moisture loss from your hair. Shampoos with lower pH also help tame frizz and reduce static on the surface of the hair.

If your hair is color-treated, keep in mind that shampoos with a pH value above 5.5 may open the hair cuticle, resulting in color fading. PH-balanced, or slightly acidic shampoos (lower than 5.5) help to seal the cuticle, keeping the color vibrant for longer.

If you have curly hair, it could be beneficial to use a shampoo that has a slightly acidic pH value. Using acidic shampoos helps smooth the cuticles to lock in moisture and reduce frizz.

Beautiful young woman wiping hair after washing it with ph-balanced shampoo

It is advisable to use pH-balanced hair shampoos on straight hair. It is easier to restore and maintain an ideal pH balance for straight hair than for other types of hair texture.

Clarifying and Chelating Shampoos have a higher pH level (around 8) than ordinary hair shampoos. A high pH level is needed to lift the cuticles and remove buildup and mineral deposits from the hair. Make sure to follow with a good conditioner. The lower pH value of the hair conditioner helps flatten the cuticle, reducing frizz and making combing easier.

The pH of Children’s Shampoos is between 6.0 and 7.0, which is within the physiological pH range. The no-tear concept requires this higher pH range. However, if you have curly, frizzy, or colored hair you might want to stay away from children’s shampoos.

Alkaline shampoos (pH above 7) should be avoided because they tend to strip your hair of naturally acidic sebum, which can fight bacteria. Using a balanced pH shampoo helps eliminate problems with fungi and bacteria and improves the overall condition of your scalp and hair. 

PH Balancing Conditioners have a pH level within the range of 3.9 – 4.6. Such a slightly acidic nature of the hair conditioner helps to close the cuticles, leaving the hair smooth and shiny.

Beautiful woman brushing her healthy hair in morning

Aloe Vera Shampoo Benefits and Product Suggestions

Aloe vera is a succulent plant native to tropical areas of the world. People have been using it for health and beauty purposes for more than 1000 years. Aloe vera contains 75 nourishing compounds, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, enzymes, sugars, and plant steroids. The high content of beneficial nutrients makes Aloe one of the most versatile medical plants on the planet.

While fresh Aloe vera juice can be applied directly to the skin, Aloe vera can also benefit your skin and hair as an ingredient in cosmetic products.

In addition to other benefits, this awesome plant is proven to promote a healthy scalp and make your hair look flawless.

Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair

smilling woman with beautiful hair and aloe leaf

Natural moisturizer: If your scalp and hair need moisture, Aloe vera could be a miracle worker. It can attract moisture and increase the water content in the skin. A study has shown that cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract can almost instantly reduce excessive skin dryness. Regular application of Aloe-rich products can keep your scalp moist and make dry hair noticeably shinier, healthier, and easier to manage.

Calms itchy scalps: Aloe vera extract is used to improve scalp hydration and relieve symptoms of various scalp conditions. The Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic properties of Aloe help to soothe sensitive scalps prone to irritation. Hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe can be beneficial for the treatment of psoriasis.

Anti-dandruff properties: The antiseptic agents found in Aloe help prevent the growth of scalp fungus that can cause dandruff. Additionally, the saponins in this plant are capable of cleansing the scalp and fighting bacteria, viruses, and fungi, alleviating the symptoms of dandruff. Finally, the enzymes found in the plant help eliminate accumulated dead skin cells, minimizing the appearance of white, flaky scales associated with dandruff.

May support healthy hair growth: By keeping the scalp healthy, Aloe vera can prevent and minimize temporary forms of hair loss caused by problematic scalp conditions. The proteolytic enzymes found in Aloe remove dead skin cells from the scalp, break down sebum buildup, and rejuvenate the hair follicles, allowing hair to grow. In addition, Aloe vera can stimulate blood supply to the hair follicles, which helps strengthen hair roots.

Conditioning properties: When included in hair product formulas aloe vera works as a great conditioning agent. It helps lock in moisture, tames frizzy hair, and restores softness and shine. Aloe vera gel can replace the traditional conditioner in your hair care routine. The nourishing power of Aloe revitalizes hair from within, giving it a silky feel and glossy shine.

Helps balance the pH levels: Because it has a pH level similar to the natural pH level of your hair, Aloe vera can help restore the pH balance of your hair. Hair products formulated with Aloe moisturize the scalp, bringing the pH value of your scalp to a healthy level.

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Beautiful young woman washing hair with aloe vera shampoo

Aloe Vera Shampoo Brands 

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

Chemically-based shampoos can be more damaging than helpful to your hair. Aloe vera shampoo can be an ideal choice for people who suffer from dry hair and scalp problems.

Your shampoo should be free of harsh cleansers, like sodium laureth sulfate, to be able to gently cleanse your scalp and hair without stripping natural oils.

Below is a list of mild shampoos formulated with naturally derived cleansers and Aloe vera leaf juice:

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1. Jason Aloe Vera Shampoo

The formula uses natural Aloe vera, Spirulina Maxima, and Vitamin E to gently cleanse your hair and replenish moisture to dry and brittle strands. Improved moisture balance helps to eliminate static, boost elasticity, and reduce breakage. It also makes your hair softer and easier to detangle.

This shampoo is composed of 84% certified-organic ingredients and formulated without harsh sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. It is gentle on sensitive scalps and safe for color-treated hair. However, this shampoo is not safe for keratin-treated hair because it is not salt-free.

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2. Mill Creek Botanicals Aloe Vera Shampoo

Containing pure extract from the Aloe vera leaf, this shampoo is known for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. It moisturizes your hair and keeps scalps nourished and healthy.

A blend of plant keratin, Vitamin E, Panthenol, and argan oil helps to restore natural moisture, soften your locks, and enhance hair’s natural shine.

This mild formula is pH balanced and can be used daily without drying out the hair. It is safe for color-treated hair.

The possible downside is that like most moisturizing shampoos it can weigh down fine hair.

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3. Intensive Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner by Hair Dance

Enriched with Aloe juice and green tea, this shampoo gently cleanses, moisturizes, and nourishes your scalp and hair. Natural ingredients keep hair hydrated without weighing it down. Avocado and argan oils protect hair from damage and add shine and softness. It also helps reduce frizz and makes split ends less noticeable.

This duo is free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances, and other harmful ingredients. The pleasant citrus scent comes from grapefruit essential oil.

The combination of this hydrating shampoo and conditioner is especially suitable for dry, curly, wavy, and frizzy hair. This duo is safe for color-treated hair.

Beautiful young woman combing her hair

Get Shiny Hair by Using the Right Shampoo

What Makes Hair Shiny?

The external layer of your hair, known as the cuticle, helps retain moisture inside the hair and protects the inner hair structure. A properly sealed cuticle layer reflects light well, giving your hair a smooth and shiny appearance. A glossy shine is the most visible sign of clean and healthy hair.

When the cuticle layer doesn’t lie flat, your hair absorbs the light rather than reflecting it. Such hair appears dull and lifeless, even when it’s freshly washed and clean.

A loss of hair luster can be caused by excessive brushing, heat-styling, chemical treatments, and prolonged sun exposure. Other factors that influence hair shine include ethnicity, hair color, aging, and the shape of your strands. By understanding why your hair might lack shine, you can more easily find a way to restore its luster and vitality.

A model with glossy hair

Shampoos for Shiny Hair

The right shampoo is a key factor in making your hair appear shiny. Hair shampoos are not able to change the shape of your hair or your hair color, but using the right shampoo can efficiently eliminate many causes of hair dullness.

No shine-boosting shampoo restores lost shine for all hair types. Your stylist should analyze your hair condition to determine the root cause of your hair dullness and then suggest the right products to target your specific issues.

1. Remove the Dulling Buildup by Using a Clarifying Shampoo

Dry shampoos, mousses, gels, hairsprays, serums, and other chemical-laden hair products can leave residue in your hair that accumulates over time. Even your regular shampoo and conditioner can leave residue behind, especially if they contain silicones. This overload of products can weigh your hair down, taking the shine and bounce away from your locks.

Ordinary shampoos work to remove dirt and excess oil, yet most standard shampoos are not able to completely remove stubborn build-up from your hair.

If your hair is dull and unmanageable due to product buildup, you need to use a deep cleansing shampoo to get rid of unwanted product residue and restore shine and vitality to your limp hair.

A clarifying shampoo is specially formulated to deeply cleanse the hair and scalp and remove old shampoos, conditioners, and daily styling products.

Chose a sulfate-free formula and use it every two weeks or once a week, depending on how many hair products you use.

Related products (all sulfate-free): Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo, Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two, Malibu C Un-Do-Goo > pH 9 Shampoo, and Solutions by Great Clips Clarifying Shampoo.

hair washed with clarifying shampoo

2. Chelating Shampoos Remove Mineral Deposits from Hair

If you live in a hard-water area, your hair probably loses its shine due to the high mineral content in your water. The accumulation of calcium, magnesium, and iron creates deposits on the surface of your strands, causing the hair to look flat, dull, and frizzy.

Chlorine in swimming pools can also have a damaging effect on your hair, leaving it rough, brittle, and discolored.

To remove the mineral deposits and chlorine that take the luster out of your hair, you need a chelating shampoo.

Chelating shampoos are formulated to remove hard water deposits and pool chemicals from your hair. This type of hair shampoo refreshes your hair, living it clean, shiny, and bouncy. Use a chelating shampoo about once a month and always follow up with a good conditioner.

Related products: Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three, Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo, and Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo.

attractive blonde woman with shiny hair

3. Keratin Shampoos Bring Shine Back to Your Locks

Frequent coloring, heat styling, backcombing, and chemical straightening can damage your hair, leaving it dry and overly porous. Dullness is an obvious sign of hair damage. Damaged hair cuticles can’t reflect light.

If you suffer from hair damage, you need a repair shampoo designed to strengthen and restore damaged strands and make your hair more manageable and glossier.

Repairing shampoo enriched with hydrolyzed keratin fills the gaps in the hair shaft and temporarily repairs and strengthens damaged hair. Keratin shampoos also seal the cuticle, keeping your hair smooth, frizz-free, and shiny.

Related products: Keratin Enriched Shampoo by BELLISSO, Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner Set by O’GREEN SKIN CARE, and Keratin Protein Smoothing Shampoo by HASK.

4. PH Balanced Shampoos Keep Cuticles Sealed

pH-balanced shampoos have a pH range of 5.5 and 6.5. A shampoo with a higher pH level can cause a pH imbalance and open the cuticle. Such shampoo often contains harsh detergents that can “rough up” the cuticle layer, leading to dry, lifeless, and frizzy hair.

Check the pH level of your shampoo and select one with the correct pH balance. A pH-balanced shampoo keeps the cuticles smooth, giving your hair a shiny and healthy appearance.

Related products: Giovanni 50:50 pH Balanced Hydrating & Clarifying Lightweight Shampoo and BIOLAGE Colorlast Shampoo.

5. Moisturizing Shampoos Make Hair Elastic and Shiny

Washing your hair too frequently, especially if you use harsh shampoos, may damage the protective oily barrier around hair strands, leading to dry and brittle hair. Dehydrated hair tends to appear dull due to the porous surface of the hair shaft.

If you are dealing with dry hair, you can benefit from a moisturizing shampoo. This type of hair shampoo gently cleanses and deeply hydrates dry hair, leaving it stronger, smoother, and shinier.

Related products: R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo, SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut Shampoo for Curly Hair, and Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Sulfate-Free Shampoo.

brunette with elegant up-do hairstyle

6 Tips for Glossy Hair

  1. Wash your hair regularly. Clean hair reflects a greater amount of light than unwashed hair.
  2. After shampooing, give your hair a final rinse with cool water. The cold water helps to seal the cuticle, leaving your hair looking smoother and shinier.
  3. Use a deep conditioner once a week. This is especially important if your hair is very dry or suffers from chemical damage.
  4. Consider purchasing an ionic blow-dryer, which is known to reduce drying time, tame static, and increase hair shine.
  5. Ask your stylist for hair glossing treatment. This treatment will make your hair super lustrous. Many hair glossing products can be easily applied at home.
a girl with glossy hair and casual outfit

What Is the Best Shampoo to Make Your Hair Soft and Silky?

Frequent chemical treatments and the use of chemical-based hair care products can disrupt the natural pH of the hair, causing your strands to feel rough, brittle, and overly porous. Moisture-deprived hair is prone to tangling, frizz, and breakage. To keep your hair feeling soft, you must avoid chemical-laden hair care products and instead choose those that help your hair retain moisture.

Using the right shampoo is crucial for enhancing the softness of your hair.

Hair shampoos that use harsh sulfate ingredients can strip your hair of its natural oils. Sulfate-based, commercial shampoos can also damage the outer layer of hair, leaving your hair dry, frizzy, and tangled.

Black, curly, or coarse hair is especially susceptible to dryness, as oils don’t travel as easily down the curly hair shaft. So, people with curly, coarse hair have an even better reason to stay away from sulfate-containing shampoos.

Brunette woman happy with hair softening shampoo

What Types of Shampoos Make Your Hair Softer?

Shampoos without sulfates: Sulfate-free shampoos offer gentle cleansing, protect your hair from overdrying, and provide better color protection

Alcohol-free shampoos: To protect hair from losing its natural oils, you should avoid shampoos with drying alcohols such as Isopropyl alcohol.

Moisturizing shampoos: Hair softening shampoos prevent hair from drying out by infusing your strands with moisture. In addition to moisturizers, those shampoos also contain natural oils to help seal water inside your hair to keep hair hydrated for a longer period.

PH-balanced formulas: Moisturizing shampoos with low pH levels help smooth the cuticle and maintain the softness of your hair. Select a shampoo with a pH of 4.5 – 5.5. that will maintain the natural pH in your hair, keep the cuticle sealed, and maintain your hair’s natural luster.

Silk protein-enriched shampoos: Hair shampoos that contain hydrolyzed silk in their formulas can add a silky feel to your hair. You can also purchase hydrolyzed silk protein in a beauty store and add it to your regular shampoo at a concentration level between 0,5 and 5%.

Top 4 Hair Softening Shampoos

1. Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo

Although this shampoo has sulfates in its formula, babassu and coconut-derived ingredients are also included to provide gentle cleansing and protect natural lipids and oils.

This Aveda shampoo is formulated to hydrate your hair and leave it feeling touchably soft and tangle-free. It can be used on any type of hair but it will be especially beneficial if you have curly and frizzy hair that feels dry and rough.

Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo doesn’t contain silicones, which helps give your hair a lift and weightless bounce instead of weighing it down as most moisturizing shampoos would do.

Naturally-derived cherry blossom extract and sweet almond oil restore softness, making your hair look healthier and easy to style. When used with Cherry Almond Softening Conditioner, it leaves your hair very moisturized and soft.

The Cherry Almond shampoo has a naturally derived sweet floral scent which lingers in your hair.

2. R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo

TELEVISION Perfect Hair Shampoo promises to give your hair strength, softness, and shine. It leaves thick, dry, and curly hair feeling beautiful, silky soft, and manageable.

Television Perfect Hair Shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients that keep the scalp and hair nourished and moisturized.

Juniper Berry Extract adds weightless moisture to the hair and balances natural scalp oils. Its antiseptic and healing properties help to unclog and nourish hair follicles while absorbing impurities from the scalp and hair.

Babassu Seed Oil has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that keep the scalp dandruff-free. This lightweight oil increases hair elasticity to reduce breakage and adds glossy shine.

Glycerin and Panthenol are humectants that prevent hair from getting dehydrated.  

The formula is free of sulfates, parabens, and gluten. The product is not tested on animals. It is safe for color-treated hair.

Attractive African-American girl with healthy curly hair

3. Texture My Way Hydrate Intensive Moisture Softening Shampoo

This shampoo uses mild cleansing agents to remove impurities from your hair and leave it silky and soft.

The ingredient list includes Shea butter, olive oil, and coconut oil.

Shea butter has detangling and moisture-sealing properties. It tames frizzy hair, leaving it silky and manageable.

Olive oil helps keep moisture inside the hair and prevents dryness. This oil helps to soften the rough texture and reduces frizz, making your hair smooth and pliable.

Coconut oil helps reduce frizz and tame flyaways.

This shampoo is especially beneficial to natural hair. It can make transitioning from relaxed to natural hair much easier.

4. Design Essentials Natural Super Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate-Free Shampoo

This shampoo is designed to strengthen weak, curly hair and add touchable softness to your curls. It is also suitable for relaxed or colored hair, as well as hair extensions.

This Design Essentials shampoo gently removes impurities and excess sebum, leaving your strands soft, well-moisturized, and free of tangles.

Almond and avocado oils from this shampoo help seal moisture while protecting your hair from environmental factors. These oils also clean clogged and blocked hair follicles and help promote hair growth.

Nourishing botanicals hydrate and soften hair, creating enough slip to make detangling effortless.

Wheat proteins repair damaged hair and boost strength, elasticity, and shine.

beautiful woman with silky luxurious hair

Shampoo Ingredients that Improve Hair Softness

To get soft and beautiful hair you need to read the shampoo label and look for ingredients that your hair needs:

Humectants such as Aloe Vera, Panthenol, glycerol, sorbitol, hyaluronic acid, and fatty alcohols act as moisturizing agents, providing your dry strands with water.

Emollients such as grapeseed, almond, jojoba, argan, avocado, and apricot kernel oils seal the moisture into the hair and help your hair to retain moisture for longer. Shea and mango butter also increase water retention, leaving your locks hydrated, smooth, and shiny.

Silk proteins have moisture-binding and conditioning properties and provide your hair with exceptional silkiness and shine.

Amino acids help lock in moisture and prevent frizzy hair.

Sodium citrate (or citric acid) helps adjust the acidity of hair shampoos to flatten the cuticle layer and maintain a smooth and shiny surface of the hair.

Tips for Getting Softer Hair

  1. Don’t shampoo your hair daily. Shampooing too frequently can remove the protective coating of natural oils and cause your hair to become dry and brittle.
  2. Don’t use hot water for washing your hair. Use lukewarm or cool water when rinsing your hair after using shampoo or conditioner. Cool water seals the cuticle which makes your hair look smooth and shiny.
  3. Use a regular conditioner that ensures easy detangling while keeping your locks moisturized and silky smooth.
  4. Regularly apply a deep conditioner that is made to fortify dry and frizzy hair and make it soft and manageable.
  5. Purchase a silk pillowcase to cut down on friction and prevent your pillow from stripping moisture from your skin and hair.
beautiful woman with long soft hair

What Clarifying Shampoos Are Safe for Color-Treated Hair?

Typical shampoos, conditioners, dry shampoos, and other styling products can create buildup on your hair over time. Additionally, hard water minerals and chemicals found in swimming pools also tend to build up. This gunk from styling products, minerals, and environmental pollutants causes hair to appear dull, greasy, and lifeless. When your hair gets like this, it is hard to comb and style. If you relate to this feeling, it means that your hair needs a fresh start.

Why you may Need a Clarifying Shampoo?

The most effective way to get rid of buildup from styling products is to use a clarifying shampoo.

If you have hard water in your house, you need a chelating shampoo that, in addition to washing away styling product buildup, can also eliminate unwanted mineral deposits that cause “well-water orange” hair.

If your hair is exposed to chemicals in swimming pools, you also need a chelating shampoo that will eliminate “swimmer’s green” and stop the chlorine from fading your color.

Beautiful woman with blond curly hair in elegant clothes

Shampoos that are advertised as clarifying may also include chelating ingredients, so you need to read the description to find out which types of build-up your clarifying shampoo is supposed to remove. Both deep cleansing shampoo types – clarifying and chelating – are meant to be used periodically, depending on the amount and the type of hair products you use and the type of water your hair is exposed to.

Regular, sulfate-containing clarifying shampoos are effective at deep cleansing and will leave your hair feeling squeaky clean. Unfortunately, sulfate-based clarifying shampoos suck the moisture out of your hair and scalp and can fade your color.

Clarifying Shampoos for Colored Hair

Color-safe clarifying shampoos are developed to gently wash away hair-dulling buildup while retaining the vibrancy of your color. Those shampoos use mild cleansers that can provide deep cleansing without fading your color. Color-safe clarifying shampoos leave your hair clean and soft, giving it a beautiful natural shine.

Following is a list of several color-safe clarifying shampoos formulated to remove all color-dulling residue, including buildup caused by styling products, hard water minerals, and chemicals in swimming pools.

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

1. Lanza Healing Colorcare Clarifying Shampoo icon

This clarifying shampoo is designed to deeply cleanse your hair without stripping color. It helps remove product buildup, hard water deposits, and “swimmer’s green” when normal shampoos don’t do the job. It leaves your hair feeling clean, soft, and luminous.

The formula is free of harsh sulfates, parabens, gluten, and sodium chloride and is gentle enough to be used daily.

This chelating shampoo is infused with Flower Shield Complex to protect your hair color from dulling.

2. Pureology Purify Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair

(Available at Walmart)

This color-preserving clarifying shampoo is formulated to remove buildup from styling products, hard water, and chlorine while protecting hair color and vibrancy. 

This shampoo is 100% vegan and is free of sulfates, parabens, animal products, and animal cruelty. 

The formula uses gentle cleansing agents derived from corn, sugar, and coconut oil which are gentle enough for washing color-treated hair. Baking soda, tea tree oil, and witch hazel help remove buildup and detoxify hair. Botanical extracts and hair oils invigorate and nourish your scalp.  Natural conditioning ingredients prevent color oxidation and leave your hair feeling clean, soft, and healthy.

To eliminate extreme build-up or “swimmers’ green,” you need to shampoo twice and apply heat for about 20 minutes. 

Beautiful young girl with blond curly hair in cozy clothes

3. Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampooir?t=softerhair 20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0089NVH5W

This deep-cleansing formula is designed to remove everyday buildup from hair products, hard water minerals, chlorine, and environmental pollutants that can cause dull and limp hair.

Argan and avocado oils and natural plant extracts nourish your hair and help restore moisture balance.

Hydrolyzed keratin and keratin amino acids repair and strengthen damaged strands. 

The formula is free of sulfates and parabens and is safe for use on colored hair.

4. Activated Charcoal Shampooir?t=softerhair 20&l=am2&o=1&a=B078HCCMDP

(If unavailable, so you check this one at Walmart: Hask Charcoal With Citrus Oil Purifying Shampoo).

This chelating shampoo uses activated charcoal to thoroughly cleanse and detoxify your scalp and hair. Charcoal has been used for centuries for cleansing the scalp and hair.

Charcoal can attract impurities from the hair, leaving your hair clean, soft, and shiny. Activated charcoal pulls out excess oils, dirt, product buildup, minerals, chlorine, toxins, and environmental pollution. It also helps fight free radicals and repairs damaged hair.

Charcoal removes dead skin cells from the scalp, soothes dandruff and itchy scalp, and helps balance sebum production.

This natural shampoo contains a blend of herbal oils, including Argan, Jojoba, Coconut, Avocado, and Almond oils. The Bamboo extract has powerful anti-frizz properties and adds volume to fine hair.

Botanical keratin strengthens and repairs chemically damaged hair.

Despite being black, this shampoo won’t stain or mess with your hair color. It is free of sulfates and salt-free and is safe for use on colored and keratin-treated hair.

5. Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo

This clarifying shampoo is made to dissolve excess product buildup, pool chlorine, and medication buildup from the hair. It helps remove sebum from clogged hair follicles and can be used before deep conditioning to make the treatment more effective. Being free of harsh sulfate cleansers, it is safe to use on color-treated hair.   

hair washed with a color-safe clarifying shampoo

Five Sulfate-Free Shampoos for Colored Hair

Everybody wants to keep their luscious hair color for as long as possible while saving money on frequent salon visits. Unfortunately, all artificial hair colors are prone to fading over time.

The main factors that cause color fading include hair washing, exposure to sunlight, heat, and both salt and chlorine water.

Red hair color fades faster than most other colors. Red pigments have a smaller molecular weight and easily leak out of the hair shaft with shampooing.

young ginger woman in a french beret looking back

Damaged and over-processed hair loses more pigments during washing than healthy hair. Repeated coloring and bleaching leave cuticles damaged and inflexible. The shampooing process easily lifts such damaged damaged cuticles, causing the color molecules to wash out.

Most drugstore shampoos contain sulfate-based cleansers such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). They have exceptional foaming and cleansing capabilities. Yet, they also speed up the color-fading process.

There is no such product on the market that can provide permanent protection for dyed hair. However, many hair care products are advertised to have the ability to extend the life of hair color, including color-safe shampoos and conditioners.

smiling women with ginger colored hair and red lips

Color Safe Shampoos that May Be Worth Your Buying

Studies have shown that using sulfate-free shampoos can slow down the color-fading process. Hair shampoos formulated without sulfates don’t disturb the cuticles at the same rate as ordinary shampoos.

Most sulfate-free shampoos have a poor foaming capacity compared to sulfate-based formulas. But they have less tendency to strip the color from your hair.

Shampoos without sulfates help balance the natural protective oils that are important for a healthy scalp and hair. Also, these gentle shampoos keep the cuticle sealed to ensure that color pigments stay locked inside the hair shaft.

If you check the ingredients listed on the bottle, you may notice that some „color-safe shampoos“ are laden with chemicals. That is not the case with the products listed below. Here is a selection of mild yet effective shampoos that will keep your hair clean and hydrated while protecting your color from premature fading.

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

1. L’ANZA Healing Colorcare Color-Preserving Shampoo is advertised to provide up to 107% longer-lasting hair color.

Flower Shield Complex contains strong anti-fade ingredients that are naturally found in flowers. These plant-delivered sunscreens protect hair from sunlight damage and help reduce color fading.

Keratin Healing System, plus UVA/UVB/UVC Protectors help you to enjoy a radiant hair color for longer.

The low pH (5.5) keeps the cuticle closed to lock color molecules inside the hair and extend the life of your color.

L’ANZA Colorcare Shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens, and sodium chloride and can be safely used to wash colored and keratin-treated hair.

2. Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color is an ultra-gentle shampoo formulated without parabens, sulfates, sodium chloride, and gluten. It helps to restore moisture balance to dry hair, tired of frequent lightening/coloring, leaving it soft to the touch and manageable.

The lack of harsh sulfate cleansers and Multi-Layered UV Protection System help to preserve the color vibrancy and slow down the color fading process. Oribe Signature Complex and hydrolyzed vegetable proteins strengthen the hair, restore elasticity, and prevent breakage.

It creates rich leather and has a beautiful scent.

Magnificent girl with colored hair spending time outdoor

3. B3 Brazilian Bondbuilder Color Care Shampoo gently removes excess oil and impurities without washing out color pigments. It is formulated to repair and strengthen hair by similarly reinforcing the bonds as Olaplex bond maintenance home products do. This product is a lifesaver for hair that has undergone multiple chemical treatments and can be dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.

B3 shampoo ensures longer-lasting color vibrancy and stretches the time between color appointments. It does not contain sodium chloride, so it doesn’t dry colored hair and can be also used on keratin-treated locks.

girl with  ginger colored hair in beret looking over shoulder

4. Framesi Color Lover Moisture Rich Shampoo is especially suitable for curly, color-treated hair. It claims to preserve color vibrancy for up to 95% longer.

The formula uses Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein and Keratin Amino Acids to repair damaged hair and deliver moisture and shine.

The antioxidative properties of vitamins C and E prevent free radical damage and protect hair color.

Aloe Vera Leaf Juice offers scalp-soothing properties and gives softness and shine to chemically treated hair.

5. Keracolor Clenditioner Hair Cleanser is a non-lather conditioning cleanser designed to be used on colored hair and to replace hair shampoo. It gently removes away dirt and pollutants and neutralizes chlorine and trace minerals, while protecting hair color and natural oils from stripping.

This conditioning cleanser enhances the color vibrancy and leaves hair softer, smoother, and shinier. You can use it daily without any drying effect. The product is free of sulfates, parabens, and gluten. It is also vegan and free of cruelty.

smiling girl with colored hair making selfie while drinking tea in autumn

The Best Shampoo for Fine Color Treated Hair

Hair Thickening Shampoo for Women by Get Back Gorgeous offers gentle cleansing and makes your locks instantly appear fuller while preserving hair color from fading.

Apple, lemon, and horsetail plant extracts reduce hair loss, increase elasticity, and help to control sebum production for longer-lasting volume.

White tea antioxidants help reduce color fading and protect your color against environmental damage.

The formula is 100% Vegan and free of sulfates, parabens, and harsh chemicals. The product is not tested on animals.

Gorgeous with colored wavy hair chilling in autumn day

Shampoo Ingredients that Help Retain Hair Color

The right combination of surfactants in a shampoo formula can minimize color fading due to washing and lead to improved color retention.

Polymers and silicones provide a protective coating on the hair shaft to prevent the dye from dissolving in water.

Antioxidants protect cuticle lipids from oxidation, keeping the cuticles healthy for better color retention. These also protect the hair from environmental factors that cause fading.

UV inhibitors in hair shampoos reduce the harmful effects of UV rays that cause color fading.

pH level adjusters keep the cuticle layer sealed to hold pigments inside the hair shaft.

Hydrolyzed proteins and amino acids help repair damaged hair and decrease high porosity, resulting in better color retention.

sensual woman with hair washed by color-safe shampoo

Five Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoos that Will Keep your Blonde Bright

Today’s post will cultivate some perky, purple praise, not in the form of old-school Prince songs like “Purple Rain,” but five wondrous ways to keep your blonde bombshell hair happy and bright. As beautiful as they are, the reality is that light hair colors can quickly lose their luster.

Blonde-colored and highlighted hair may turn yellow/brassy surprisingly quickly after having it dyed. Gray hair, too, tends to lose its brightness and shine as you age, becoming prone to exhibiting those unattractive yellow tones. Platinum blonde hair looks gorgeous, but it requires a lot of care to keep it bright. Don’t worry because this posting has you covered!

In sum, light-colored hair is likely to suffer discoloration when exposed to the sun, hard water, and other types of environmental pollution. Frequent dyeing also results in porous hair that’s prone to discoloration.

Fortunately, highly efficient and affordable products have been developed to control discoloration and remove unwanted brassy and yellow tones from blonde and gray hair.

hairdresser washing hair with purple shampoo in the salon

Purge Brass with Purple Sass: How to Remove Brassy Tones from Hair

The simplest way to prevent discoloration and neutralize undesirable yellow and brassy tones in blonde hair is to use a purple shampoo. Remember, purge brass with purple sass-lol! Why purple? Well, purple shampoos contain violet pigments that counteract brassiness in natural or enhanced blonde, white, and gray hair.

Unfortunately, many purple shampoos can dry out the hair, especially when used regularly. Considering that your bleached hair is already dry and porous—that isn’t a great combination.

To avoid dryness, you can alternate a violet shampoo with your regular shampoo, but this won’t make much difference if your regular shampoo contains harsh sulfate cleansers. Using sulfate-free purple shampoos is a better, easier, and more natural way to prevent your hair from drying out. These shampoos are gentle on your hair and many can be used regularly.

Below is a list of sulfate-free purple shampoos that use natural ingredients to combat brassy and yellow tones and to keep your hair hydrated, soft, and manageable. Let’s hear it for the Purple Praise: Five Sulfate-Free Purple Shampoos To Keep Your Blonde Bright

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

1. Be Your Best Self: B-Uniq Purple Shampoo

This highly pigmented purple shampoo counteracts brassiness and neutralizes yellow tones in blonde hair. It is suitable for bleached, highlighted, grey, and naturally blonde hair. If you have highlights, it’ll merely impact the blonde strands in your hair. It also adds a silver tone to lighter blonde shades and revitalizes the ashy blonde color.

Depending on how long you leave it on, you can achieve the desired blonde shade. Are you ready to be your best self with B-Uniq?

Benefits

  • Eliminates yellow or warm tones, regardless if your hair is blonde, grey, or silver.
  • Banishes brassiness and makes blonde-colored hair appear brighter.
  • Combats discoloration and dullness in naturally blonde hair, keeping it fresh looking, and vibrant.
  • Transforms your grey hair into a bright and shiny silver shade.
  • If left for longer, it adds a beautiful lilac hue. The violet hint is easy to wash out in case you don’t like it.
  • Offers pro-Vitamin B5 and other conditioning agents in the formula to combat dryness and leave your hair looking shiny.
  • Contains UV filters that prevent color fading by sunlight

Suggested Use

Wash the hair with your regular shampoo to remove any build-up and make depositing purple pigments easier. Wear gloves (included in the packaging) and apply the product to clean wet hair. During your first use, leave it on for up to 3 minutes.

The results will vary, depending on how long you leave it to sit in your hair. 1-5 minutes will be enough to remove brassy/yellow tones. To achieve silver or ash-grey tones, let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes. If left for too long, it’ll turn your hair purple or grayish. Use a clarifying shampoo to wash out any purple tinge from the hair.

Use the product several times a week, along with your regular shampoo and conditioner. The frequency of use depends on the level of discoloration and the results you’re seeking.

Make sure to follow with a good moisturizing conditioner to reduce the drying effect.

2. Pravana Power: PRAVANA THE PERFECT BLONDE Purple Toning Sulfate-Free Shampoo

When you’re ready to Power Up your hair color, consider Pravana. Pravana’s The Perfect Blonde Shampoo uses an exclusive dual ultra-violet dye system and optical brighteners to neutralize brassiness and brighten blonde, silver, or highlighted hair. This deep, dark purple shampoo also contains hydrolyzed keratin, wheat, and silk amino acids to boost strength, shine, and elasticity. The formula is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, salt, and gluten. It’s also cruelty-free and 100% vegan.

This shampoo doesn’t lather as much as ordinary shampoos do; and, consequently, it doesn’t disperse well through your hair. You’d need to add more of the product to completely saturate your hair, especially if your hair is oily. Mixing this purple shampoo with your regular shampoo helps to create a foamy lather and makes the shampoo mixture more spreadable.

Blonde girl hair after washing the hair with violet shampoo

3. Live It Up With L’ANZA: L’ANZA Healing Colorcare Silver Brightening Shampoo

When you want your color to live it up a bit, consider L’ANZA Healing Colorcare Silver Brightening Shampoo. It’s formulated with natural toning agents derived from viola and lavender flowers. These flower extracts help brighten silver, platinum, and highlighted hair and prevent the appearance of brassiness. This shampoo also keeps gray hair from turning yellow and adds softness and shine.

In addition to enhancing blonde and gray hair, it further helps red hair to stay vibrant and adds shine to darker shades.

The formula includes UV protectors to prevent your color from fading and to extend the time between salon visits. Keratin amino acids work by reducing breakage to make your hair feel healthier.

To prevent dryness and tangling, use a good moisturizing conditioner.

hairdresser uses purple shampoo to wash client's hair

4. Care with Moisture: Loma Hair Care Violet Shampoo

This sulfate-free and Sodium chloride-free shampoo not only takes out the brassy and yellow color but also keeps your hair moisturized and healthy. Quinoa Protein and amino acids do that moisture-delivering task and repair the cuticle layer making hair smooth and shiny.

Another special feature of this toning shampoo is that its formula contains both blue and violet pigments making it capable of counteracting both orange and yellow tones in your hair. It greatly enhances the brightness and beauty of blonde and gray hair.

5. The French Connection: L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo

Are you in desperate need of a trip but can’t leave your apartment, dorm, condo, or house? You’re your hair “The French Connection” since L’Oréal Paris Ever Pure Blonde sulfate-free shampoo promises visible results in just one use. It’s designed to stop the yellowing and enhance the brightness and shine of your light-colored hair.

Unlike sulfate-based purple shampoos, which can leave your hair dry and prone to tangling, this brass-fighting shampoo hydrates over-processed hair, thus leaving it soft, tangle-free, and easy to manage. Oui to that!

If you want to stick to your regular shampoo, while enjoying the benefits of purple toning pigments, you can control the appearance of brassiness by adding a few drops of Mixed Feelings Leave-In Blonde Drops to your regular shampoo or conditioner.

Happy woman with bright blonde hair toned with purple shampoo

Should You Be Using Shampoo Without Sodium-Chloride

In addition to cleansing agents, hair shampoos contain conditioning and nourishing ingredients for hair and scalp. Hair shampoo may contain additives to make the product more appealing, as well as preservatives to increase product shelf life.

Thickeners are additives used to increase viscosity, which makes the shampoo easier to spread across the hair. Sodium chloride or table salt is the most widely used thickener in hair shampoos. It helps enhance viscosity and gives the shampoo a creamy texture.

Manufacturers use sodium chloride for thickening purposes because it’s cheap yet effective.

a woman holding a bottle of salt-free shampoo in supermarket

Is Sodium Chloride Safe?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rated sodium chloride as a low hazard. The safety data sheet shows that sodium chloride may slightly irritate the skin and eyes. That means that sodium chloride is a relatively safe ingredient in hair products.

Being organic, sodium chloride can often be found in many organic shampoos.

Is Salt Bad for Your Hair?

Sodium chloride is highly hygroscopic, meaning it tends to attract water from its surroundings. Consequently, salt can absorb moisture from your hair, leading to dryness. Just as consuming foods high in sodium chloride increases thirst, salt can leave your hair feeling dry.

This drying effect is a reason why people with dry and naturally curly hair should use salt-free hair products, especially these products that are meant to stay in the hair for a long time. Since curly hair is prone to damage due to dryness, curly-haired people should use a salt-free shampoo.

People with oily and normal hair can be more comfortable with salt-containing hair shampoos. The amount of salt in shampoo is relatively small and doesn’t have a significant drying effect on normal hair.

Cute Asian girl towel drying the hair

Does Salt in Shampoo Have any Benefits for Hair and Scalp?

1. Salt in Shampoo for Oily Hair

People with oily scalps and hair can benefit from using a sea salt scrub mask. Sea salt is better than plain salt for scalp nourishing purposes. Sea salt contains naturally-occurring minerals, while table salt has been chemically treated to remove trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, bromine, zinc, and sulfur.

2. Salt in Shampoo for Hair Growth

Table salt contains a small amount of added iodine, known for its ability to increase follicle strength and stimulate hair growth when applied topically.

3. Remedy for Dandruff

Salt helps in absorbing the excess oil and moisture from the scalp. Too much oil on your scalp can exacerbate dandruff. Excess moisture may lead to fungal growth, resulting in dandruff. By absorbing the excess moisture, salt prevents fungal growth. Absorbing excess oil salt helps clean your scalp and remove the dandruff flakes.

If you have oily hair and dandruff, try to wash your hair with a mixture of salt and shampoo. Keep the ratio of one-part salt to two parts shampoo. Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage gently with your fingertips. Wash your hair with lukewarm water.

4. Textured, Fuller-Looking Hair

Salt lifts the cuticles, causing hair fibbers to expand and look thicker. This can be beneficial for people with fine and straight hair that needs more volume and texture.

When Do You Really Need to Use Salt-Free Shampoo?

If you have received a keratin treatment, you probably already know that using harsh shampoos and inappropriate hair products can strip the treatment of your hair. Salt is one of the ingredients you should avoid in hair products.

Therefore, to make sure that your shampoo will not undo the results of your keratin treatment, you should only use gentle and salt-free hair shampoos.

Shampoos without salt have become a trend because of the increased popularity of keratin straightening and smoothing treatments, so you can easily find one online and at local beauty stores.

Charming young woman with straight long hair

So, Should You Switch to Salt-Free Shampoos?

If your hair is prone to dryness and frizz, choose shampoos without sodium chloride. Retaining moisture inside your hair is essential for keeping your hair in good condition.

If your hair is keratin straightened, you should avoid hair shampoos that have sodium chloride listed on the label.

Unless you have dry hair or have received a keratin treatment, you should be comfortable with using shampoos that contain salt as a thickening agent. There are many more harmful ingredients in an ordinary shampoo you should avoid, including fragrances, parabens, SLS/SLES, DMDM hydantoin, and Methylisothiazolinone. 

Cute smiling girl with long healthy hair

6 Color-Safe Dandruff Shampoos

If you’re plagued by an itchy, flaky scalp, you have surely wondered how to treat it without damaging everything else you’ve worked so hard to achieve with your hair. You’re not alone in dealing with this problem; dandruff affects almost half of the world’s population. 

The most common causes of dandruff include fungal infections, overactive oil glands, excessively dry skin, and other skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis.

To determine the cause of your scalp issues, it is best to consult a specialist who will help you manage the condition.

Anti-dandruff shampoos are the most commonly used product for managing dandruff. Special medicated anti-dandruff shampoos are available with a prescription, while over-the-counter dandruff shampoos can be purchased freely in pharmacies and drugstores.

Woman washing her colored hair with dandruff shampoo

Medicated Dandruff Shampoos

The active anti-dandruff ingredients found in medicated dandruff shampoos are synthetic anti-microbial agents: selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, sulfur, zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine, and ketoconazole.

Although effective for dandruff, medicated shampoos can be harsh on colored hair. Selenium sulfide, coal tar, sulfur, and piroctone olamine may stain light hair or cause discoloration of hair dyes. They also don’t smell great.

Most over-the-counter dandruff shampoos are also packed with harsh cleansing agents and other chemical ingredients that can leave your hair dry and may cause your color to fade faster.

If you want to keep your color vibrant and shiny, you must avoid chemical-based antidandruff shampoos.

Your goal is to effectively treat your dandruff while maintaining the luster of your color, which can be quite tricky. Pay attention to the ingredients on the product label to ensure that the shampoo is formulated to improve your condition without stripping the color.

Beautiful young woman washing her colored hair

Color-Safe Dandruff Shampoo Brands

Plant-based dandruff shampoos are a safe alternative to the various synthetic additives currently used in prescription shampoos and over-the-counter dandruff shampoos. They can help to control dandruff without unwanted effects.

Color-Safe dandruff shampoos contain naturally-delivered antifungal agents and scalp-soothing ingredients such as plant extracts and essential oils. Herbal ingredients in hair shampoos that have anti-dandruff properties are henna, neem extract, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, licorice, sage extract, eucalyptus, jojoba oil, basil extract, witch hazel, soap nuts, sandalwood, and Aloe Vera.

Here are some natural anti-dandruff shampoos that are color-friendly and won’t leave your hair overly dry.

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1. Maple Holistics Sage Shampoo (also available at Walmart) is filled with essential oils that can help naturally manage dandruff. This sulfate-free shampoo contains a blend of essential oils and is gentle on color-treated hair.

Active anti-dandruff ingredients:

  • Salvia officinalis: Sage oil has amazing anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to combat dermatitis, a common cause of dandruff.
  • Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosemary essential oil has potent anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a perfect remedy for controlling dermatitis, dandruff, and eczema.
  • Melaleuca Alternifolia: Tea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial, antiseptic, and skin healing properties that help eliminate yeast infections and soothe a dry, itchy scalp.
  • Simmondsia Chinensis: Jojoba oil balances your natural oil production and helps dissolve accumulated dead skin cells.

2. Scalp Rescue Shampoo by Max Green Alchemy is formulated to support scalp health and make your hair stronger and more manageable.

Botanical extracts such as licorice root, burdock root, tea tree, calendula, rosemary, geranium, lavender, and aloe vera help soothe the itchy, flaky and irritable scalp and relieve dandruff.

This pH-balanced shampoo is gentle and safe for color-treated hair.

3. Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo contains a potent blend of dandruff-fighting ingredients including Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint oil, Eucalyptus oil, Rosemary Extract, Sage Extract, Grapefruit Seed Extract, and Aloe Vera Leaf Juice.

It is designed to deeply cleanse hair and scalp, alleviate dry scalp flaking, and boost blood circulation to the scalp.

It leaves your scalp clean and invigorated. The minty smell doesn’t linger in your hair.

4. 100% Pure Burdock and Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo is developed to cleanse the scalp and hair, boost circulation, and help control dryness, itching, and flaking.

Active herbal ingredients that help maintain a healthy scalp include neem extract, aloe leaf juice, burdock root, rosemary leaf, peppermint leaf extract, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil.

This shampoo is gentle on your hair and scalp and suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair.

Check for availability in DermStore.

Young woman holding shampoo in supermarket

5. The Wonder Seed Hemp Shampoo is made to help manage a dry scalp, provide dandruff control, and relieve an itchy scalp.

Ingredients with antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties include Aloe Vera, Camphor Essential Oil, Borage Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Echinacea Extract, Licorice Root Extract, and Ivy Extract.

This hemp oil shampoo also contains a blend of botanical ingredients to prevent hair loss and encourage hair growth.

This organic formula is safe for color-treated hair.

 6. T’zikal Deep Hydrating, All-Natural, Organic Shampoo is formulated with 30 natural, plant-based ingredients that possess reparative and protective properties. It is pH-balanced, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and safe for colored hair.

The formula uses Sodium Coco-Sulfate– a gentle coconut oil-delivered surfactant that is a safe alternative to harsh sulfates and is also biodegradable. This cleansing agent can create a rich foam, while gently cleansing your hair and scalp without stripping natural oils.

Lavender extract has antiseptic properties that help keep the scalp soothed and refreshed with a refreshing aroma.

Botanical extracts and powerful essential oils moisturize the scalp and hair and keep the cuticle healthy and subtle. This helps keep the color inside the hair shaft and improves softness and shine.

How to Properly Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Make sure to read the directions before using your shampoo, but here are some general guidelines on how to get the most out of your anti-dandruff shampoo treatment while preserving the luster of your color:

  1. Apply the recommended amount of the shampoo to wet hair and massage gently into your scalp using circular motions for about two minutes.
  2. Use a shampoo massage brush to help distribute the treatment evenly. The scalp massage loosens the dead skin cells, lessening the number of white flakes in your hair.
  3. Keep the shampoo in your hair for a few minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly.
  4. Rinse your hair with warm or cool water to keep your color vibrant for longer.
woman with long colored hair in white dress 1