A Guide to Shampoo

It's most definitely a minefield out there when it comes to hair care, there are so many different products available and so many women all with individual hair types. When you come to think of it how many of us are certain on the correct method of washing our hair or what products we should use?

We all know there is nothing better than the feeling you have straight after you have had your hair washed cut and blow dried at a professional salon, wouldn't it not be great to be able to emulate this feeling at home. Carrying on from research that has been carried out I have happened upon a list of fail safe tips to follow when washing and styling your hair. For starters it is imperative to select the correct shampoo and conditioner for your hair type:

Curly/Wavy - curly hair is generally the driest of hair types, this is owing to the fact that it is increasingly difficult for the natural conditioning oils of the hair to travel down the hair shaft. Curly hair will benefit most from a creamy intensive shampoo and conditioner, look out for ingredients such as olive oil or coco butter.

Processed Hair - professionals suggest that it is best to cleanse processed hair with a normal shampoo and to follow this with an intensive conditioner on the mid to tip lengths of the hair. This is so as to not laden down the roots of your hair and make it appear greasy but to keep the ends of processed hair moisturized.

Dry/Damaged Hair - If you have dry or damaged hair it is recommended that you stay away from those shampoos which are clear in appearance they will be too harsh for your hair and strip it of essential moisturizing oils. Again, you should stick to creamy moisturizing products. If your hair is really dry and damaged what about a homemade intensive moisturizing treatment. In these times of economic hardship it is sensible to make your own hair products at home.

For an Orange and Banana Hair Mask
1/ Beat together two eggs, two ounces of orange juice and half a banana.
2/ Apply from root to tip.
3/ Cover hair in cling film or a shower cap and leave for thirty minutes.
4/ Rinse with cool water and shampoo with your normal products.

It is suggested by the professionals that you do not need to wash your hair every day. As aforementioned it strips your hair of the essential oils it needs to remain healthy and strong. When washing your hair only use a small amount of shampoo, roughly the size of a ten pence piece, if you have a lot of lather on your hair that is an indication that you have used too much product. Gently massage your scalp and hair using the soft pads of your fingers and work from back to front. When you feel you have done that for long enough you can begin to rinse, this is the stage where you are actually cleansing your hair so it is important to do this properly. You do not have to rinse your hair until it is 'squeaky' clean but until all the product is removed. Then you can apply your conditioner to the mid lengths of your hair. You can also give your hair a blast of cool water to finish to smooth the cuticle and enhance shine.