Heat, friction, and harsh chemical treatments can all cause hair damage. Hair damage includes more than just split ends. Your hair strands are made up of a cuticle layer; and if this cuticle layer breaks, you may be more prone to frizzy, dull, or dry hair. While you may know that certain activities, like too much flat ironing, can break your hair cuticles, did you know that your shampoo could cause problems too? Take look at which shampoo ingredients you should avoid and which ingredients can help damaged hair.
Which Ingredients Should You Avoid?
When looking for shampoo products, be sure to avoid sulfates, para-phenylenediamine (PPD), synthetic fragrances, and silicones.
Sulfates
Sulfates are a very popular ingredient for shampoos since they lather up well and leave your scalp squeaky clean. However, the problem with sulfates is that they strip away your scalp's natural oils. When too much oil is stripped away, your scalp may produce too much oil, which leaves your hair feeling even more greasy. To compensate, some people may use too much shampoo and inevitably dry out their hair's cuticles.
Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
PPD can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays can damage your hair cuticles, so if you are using PPD, then your hair may already be extra sensitive to sun damage.
Synthetic Fragrances
Besides having dry or damaged hair, do you suffer from dandruff? Synthetic fragrances are known for causing dandruff and other skin reactions, such as itching or redness. Like sulfates, synthetic fragrances can strip away your scalp's natural oils, so you could end up with overly dry hair.
Silicones
This ingredient can be deceiving since silicones are known to act as a protective coating to hair strands. The problem is that silicones can weigh your hair down and place strain on your hair follicles. Furthermore, silicones protect hair shafts almost too well — they prevent moisture from penetrating the cuticle, which can end up drying your hair out over time.
Which Ingredients are Good for Damaged Hair?
If you are trying to protect and repair damaged hair, look for shampoos with plant-derived oils and aloe vera.
Plant-Derived Oils
Ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil do a great job of keeping your hair strands hydrated. If you like to color your hair or use heat-styling products, these oils can provide a layer of protection and prevent hair breakage. For example, avocado oil can repair hair cuticles because it contains essential fatty acids, which are the building blocks to healthy cells.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is great for people with hair damage that's caused by a dry scalp and/or dandruff since it has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Aloe contains collagen, which can repair damaged hair. Collagen is a protein and an important component of healthy hair follicles. Lastly, not only is aloe good for a dry scalp, it's good for people with greasy scalps since it reduces excess oil without over-drying your skin.
Reach out to hair and skincare professional in your area to learn more about shampoo ingredients that can improve and prevent hair damage.
For more information, contact a company like Hair Hits Hair Care.