Understanding The Ingredients Used in Hair Care Products

A basic hair care routine includes the usage of shampoo and conditioner. However, in recent years, this duo is paired with other products such as hair serum, scalp serum, curl redefining cream, hair mask, and more. But do you purchase those products only due to their fancy advertising or are you really conscious about the ingredients you put into your hair and scalp❓❓ Let’s learn about the ingredients in your hair care products and what they are used for.

Shampoo/champo

The term champo in Hindi means to knead or massage. It was eventually translated to English as shampoo, which further denoted a product for washing the hair and scalp. Shampoos come in liquid, gel, or cream form and are made with surface-active agents (surfactants) to produce wetting, emulsifying, and foaming. They are effective at cleaning the scalp and hair.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate

A surfactant used for foaming, but too dangerous in the long run. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate causes dryness in the hair and leads to split ends, frizziness, and tangled hair. Sulfates strip away the natural oils from hair and scalp. Instead of sulfate, use Sodium Lauryl Sarcosinate, which has a gentle foaming effect and protects your hair from dryness.

Paraben:

Used as preservatives to increase the shelf life of products. But, they penetrate deep into the body tissues and cause irritation and other scalp issues. Studies have shown that they affect the breast cells and cause breast cancer in women and reduce fertility in men. A few of the best alternatives are Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, and Benzyl Alcohol.

Conditioner:

A nourishing hair care product to make your hair frizz-free and manageable. Well, you can find the best hair conditioner from these four conditioner categories

Rinse-out Conditioner, Leave-in Conditioner, Co-wash Conditioner

Some famous ingredients in the conditioners:

Keratin: It locks-in the moisture in the locks and creates a protective barrier on the hair to protect them from environmental stressors.

Alcohol: Few people believe that it dries the scalp, but some fatty acid alcohols work like magic. They add shine to your locks and provide them nourishment. 

Collagen: Collagen helps improve your hair by providing amino acids and helping to fight damaged hair follicles. It also slows down thinning and prevents hair breakage.

Protein: Protein makes your hair hard(not so hard) so that your hair can be strengthened. They provide sturdiness to the hair.

Organic ingredients in the shampoos and conditioners to look for

• Yogurt: Generally known as Curd or Dahi. Yogurt in shampoo is a great ingredient for dandruff, an itchy scalp, and nourishing the brittle hair.
• Coconut oil: Known for its moisturizing properties, coconut oil helps to hydrate and nourish the hair, leaving it soft and shiny.
• Red Onion: Red onion is rich in sulfur, which is beneficial for hair health. It helps to improve blood circulation to the scalp, promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss.
• Rice Water: Rice water contains vitamins that strengthen the hair and promote growth. It also helps in repairing damaged hair and adding shine.
• Bhringraj: Bhringraj is renowned in Ayurveda for its hair care benefits. It nourishes the hair follicles, reduces hair fall, and stimulates hair growth.
• Amla: Also known as Indian gooseberry, amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which promote healthy hair growth, prevent premature greying, and strengthen the hair strands.
• Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal helps to remove impurities and excess oil from the scalp, providing a deep cleanse and detoxifying the hair and scalp.
• Plant Oils such as Argan Oil or Jojoba Oil: These oils are rich in nutrients and fatty acids that nourish the hair, moisturize the scalp, and add lustre to the hair strands.
• Olive: Olive oil helps to moisturize and strengthen the hair, making it more manageable and less prone to breakage.
• Green Tea: Green tea contains antioxidants that promote scalp health, reduce dandruff, and stimulate hair growth.
• Almond and Milk Protein: Almond and milk proteins help to strengthen and repair damaged hair, while also adding volume and shine.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar helps to balance the pH level of the scalp, remove product buildup, and enhance hair shine and manageability.
  
  

It is essential to make the right choice of ingredients and avoid the harmful chemicals that can damage your hair in the long run. Customize your haircare routine based on the needs of your hair and not on the trends or because your friend is using those products. And if you're looking for the best shampoo and conditioner, we've got your back. Otrix offers mild and effective shampoos and conditioners with limited artificial ingredients. Our technology is based on the concept of OrgiScience formula i.e., Organic ingredients that are backed by the power of scientific technology. Give your hair the care it deserves.

We hope this article is enlightening. 😊