Drug Store Shampoos

When it comes to shampoo, it seems like you have an endless choice. And it goes beyond merely cleansing your hair. Products that claim to add body and shine, repair split ends and prevent dandruff, compete for your drug store dollars but not all of them are good choices. Here then, is a guide to help you make sense of it all. Please note that this is merely a guide, a place to start on your quest for healthier hair. Ph levels are important. A professional product will say right on the bottle that it has a ph level of 4.5 to 5.5. This is important because, if a shampoo is too acidic or too alkaline, it is damaging to your hair. Some drug store shampoos will say that their product is Ph balanced but not give the actual ph level. That being said, products such as L'Oreal started out in hair salons and therefore have a lot of research to their credit.

Other drug store shampoos worth trying are Aussie Mega, Infusium 23, Jirmack and Vidal Sassoon. Drug store shampoo labels that don't list ingredients should be viewed with suspicion. Anything that says, 'builds body' or repairs split ends is not a good thing to use over long periods of time. These shampoos and conditioners use wax to smooth split ends, which over time, will lead to a build-up that will weigh down your hair. If you've ever gone to a hair salon for a color or a perm and the results weren't very good, build-up may have been the cause. Waxy build-up prevents hair color or perm solution from penetrating the hair shaft. There are shampoos that remove build-up but they shouldn't be used often because they are very stripping. Some shampoos touted as containing fruit or flower extracts may actually contain very few natural ingredients. Manufacturers often use perfume, which is alcohol based. This is generally listed on the label as "fragrance." Some also contain lemon juice or the more generic "citric acid," which can be artificially produced. Besides adding a pleasing scent and making your hair squeaky clean, when you use these shampoos a lot, the additives in them will fade your color and strip your hair of its natural moisture, making it very dry.

Most dandruff shampoos do not, in fact, get rid of dandruff; they merely mask the problem by sticking it to your scalp so it doesn't come off. This is especially bad for men with thinning hair. Your scalp needs to be able to breath, which it can't do if it's coated. Anything that really works will make your condition worse before it gets better and a professional dandruff shampoo will actually get rid of the problem, not just cover it up. Doctors have been prescribing tar-based shampoos from the drug store for years and while these shampoos do get rid of your dandruff, they are not very kind to your hair. Most hairdressers will recommend avoiding drug store dandruff shampoos altogether in favour of a professional product like Scalp Therapy by Soma. Besides dandruff, Scalp Therapy helps to relieve other skin conditions like dryness and psoriasis and it is also good for your hair. Many people think they have dandruff when, in fact, all they have is a dry scalp, which can be easily relieved with a good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. If you're not sure if you have dandruff or merely dry skin, check with your doctor or hairdresser. Many drug stores have been stocking salon products like Joico and Sebastian but before you shell out the big bucks, take a closer look. These shampoos may not contain the same ingredients as their salon counterparts.

Remember that professional products are only guaranteed if they are sold through a salon or beauty supply store and, although it's not as convenient as being able to pick up your favourite shampoo or conditioner at the local drug store, you may actually be paying less by buying them from your hair salon.