How to choose the right hair care products?

There are plenty of hair care products available in the market now and choosing the right products for your hair among those is a challenge. Most of the products contain chemicals that can harm your hair. So how do you choose the right product that suits your hair? 


The first thing to understand before you purchase any hair care products is the type of your hair. By knowing the type of your hair, you can easily find what your hair needs. Hair type can be defined by the texture of your hair, porosity level of your hair and scalp type. 

How to determine the texture of your hair?

Take a strand of hair and place it between your thumb and index finger. If you cannot feel the strand, you have fine hair, which is more susceptible to damage and greasiness. You have a medium/normal texture if you can feel the hair. You have coarse hair texture if each strand can be felt and is noticeably thick. Coarse hair is more prone to frizz and is more likely to be unmanageable.

What is hair porosity and how to determine your hair porosity?

The porosity level measures the ability of your hair to consume and maintain moisture content. The porosity level is categorized according to low, normal and high levels. 
  • A low porosity level indicates the closely packed cuticle, so it will be difficult to consume and absorb moisture content. If you apply a product to your hair, it will settle on your hair and take time to wash it off. While choosing hair products for low porosity hair, it will be good to select products with less oil or moisture content. 
  • If the hair cuticle is open and rough, that means the hair porosity is high. Due to the open and rough characteristics, hair loses its moisture content very easily. High porosity hair is more tend to dryness and breakage. 
  • The products comprising oils and butter will be beneficial for high porosity hair. Products containing protein is great for high porosity hair as it helps to temporarily fill the gap in the cuticles and strengthen the hair. 
  • Normal porosity level is the most ideal level. It means that the cuticles are neither too closely packed nor too open. So, the hair cuticles can consume and absorb moisture content easily. Moisturizing as well as strengthening hair products are suitable for normal porosity hair. 

How to determine your scalp type?

The scalp type can be categorized as dry, oily and normal. 

  • If your scalp is dry and frizzy most of the time, then your scalp type is dry. A dry scalp may experience itching and flaking. Using products with high moisture content can reverse the dryness and retain moisture content in the scalp. 
  • If your scalp is always oily and greasy, then you have got an oily scalp. Using products with less moisture content and deep cleaning properties are good for oily scalp. 
  • A normal scalp appears to be neither too oily nor dry. So, usage of products with moisture content and hydration will be beneficial. Products with inscriptions such as volumizing and strengthening are products that contain non-moisturizing properties so they will be effective in removing excess oil in the scalp and hair cuticles. 
  • Choosing shampoo is always uncertain for many of us. Always remember that shampoo is meant to clean your scalp and hair follicles than any other part of the hair. 
  • Choosing shampoo according to your scalp type and hair porosity level is very important.  Look for the moisture content, hydrating properties and smoothing properties before buying the shampoo. 
  • Select shampoos that do not contain sulphate, parabens, harsh chemicals and scents. 
  • Research your product description before buying it. Make sure that the product is suitable for your hair type. 

  Chemicals to be avoided in the hair products

  • Paraben 
  • Silicon
  • Diethanolamine 
  • Mineral oils
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Benzene
  • Phthalates
  • Formaldehyde
  • Sodium hydroxide
  • Alcohol
  • Triclosan
  • Dimethicone
  • Synthetic colors and dyes 

 

 

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