SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER: WASH DAY MUST-HAVES

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By Deborah Ojo

For healthy hair, two major products are needed: shampoo and conditioner. These are not to be added to the daily routine but they are well needed as preventive and protective measures on wash-days.

First, shampoo. The main mission of shampoo is to wash away build-up and dirt in the hair by targeting the scalp. A major ingredient in shampoos is the surfactant which is responsible for foaming. Like chemistry, one end sticks to the oil and dirt from the scalp while the other end sticks to the water causing the grime to leave the hair. It is advised to thoroughly soak the hair with water before applying shampoo. It should be added to the scalp only as the foam will naturally clean the length of the hair while rinsing. Popular ones are moisturising shampoos, dandruff-treating shampoos, and clarifying shampoos. Usage depends on hair type or problems at the time.

A conditioner is recommended after shampooing because the surfactant could strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture. This means the hair becomes extremely dry and weak.

The main function of a conditioner is adding moisture to the hair through the emollients and humectants. Humectants draw moisture from the air into the hair, while emollients seal that moisture.

After the work of the shampoo is done, the conditioner adds a covering to the hair that traps in moisture and oil leaving it shiny and smooth. This reduces frizziness and breakage, improves elasticity, and makes the hair appear denser.

The three most popular varieties are rinse-out conditioners, leave-in conditioners, and deep conditioners.

They are available for different purposes and are advised to be used on hair-wash days or by the requirements of leave-in. Application includes the lengths only while strictly avoiding the scalp.

The duo of shampoo and conditioner is irreplaceable as one cleanses and the other protects.