Shampoo mistake to avoid as it could leave hair looking ‘dry and lacklustre’ warn experts

Drying hair with towel
Clarifying shampoos remove a build-up of silicone on the scalp
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Solen Le Net

By Solen Le Net


Published: 30/09/2024

- 15:09

Choosing the right shampoo formulation for your hair type is the key to shinier hair

The beauty world's obsession with glass hair spans many centuries, and now there is a repertoire of techniques to achieve the look.

The first - and arguably most important - step in getting ultra-soft hair starts with choosing the right shampoo, according to experts.


Moe Harb, resident hair expert at Beauty Club London, told GB News that shampoo is crucial for healthy and vibrant hair.

Some of the agents commonly used in the products can significantly compromise the natural moisture balance of hair, the expert warned.

WOMAN HAVING HAIR WASHED

Choose the right shampoo for your hair type to boost shine

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He said: “Certain ingredients in shampoos can strip the hair of its natural oils, making it look dull and lifeless.

“To maintain shiny hair, avoid [...] sulphates - these are harsh detergents that can strip your hair’s natural oils, making it look dry and lacklustre.

“[Avoid] Silicones. While silicones give the illusion of smoothness, they can build on the hair over time, preventing moisture from penetrating and weighing down the hair.

“Alcohols (like Isopropyl Alcohol) are drying and can cause the hair to become brittle and dull."

Finally, avoid parabens. According to Moe: “[These] parabens are preservatives that can disrupt your scalp's natural balance and affect hair health.”

For optimal hair health and shine, choose the right shampoo formulation for your hair type.

Individuals with oily hair benefit most from clarifying shampoos, as these formulations effectively remove excess oil, leaving the hair clean and refreshed.

Those with dry or damaged hair should opt for moisturising shampoos to replenish and nourish hair strands.

The expert noted: “Washing your hair too frequently can strip the hair of its natural oils while washing your hair too little can cause a build-up of oils and dullness as a result.

“The sweet spot for most people aiming for shiny, glass-like hair is washing your hair two to three times a week, depending on hair type and lifestyle.

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Woman washing hair After shampooing your hair, rinse and repeat

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“Use a gentle sulphate-free shampoo to maintain the shine and balance the scalp’s oils.”

Rinsing out shampoo with cold water can also help achieve a sleek appearance free from frizz and flyaways.

Jonathan Andrew, Fudge Professional global ambassador, previously told GB News: “When rinsing your hair do so with cool water as this will close the cuticle and leave your hair with a fabulous glass finish!”

Water around 38°C, which is slightly warmer than the average body temperature, should be hot enough to remove filth while protecting the hair’s internal protein structure.

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