10 AMAZING NATURAL HAIR RULES YOU SHOULD FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS
Natural hair is fundamentally a lifestyle choice. Achieving your hair goals requires dedicated effort and a keen understanding of your unique hair type, porosity, density, and width. Think of your hair like a plant: the more you nourish it with quality products, hydrate it, and shield it from harsh conditions, the more it will thrive, grow, and transform. Here are the top 10 essential rules for maintaining healthy, vibrant natural hair!
SOLIDIFY YOUR WASH DAY ROUTINE
Your wash day is essential for maintaining healthy natural hair, as it all begins with proper moisture. Clarifying your hair is a crucial step in your wash day routine. If your hair is dirty, it won’t be able to absorb moisture effectively due to product buildup.
When it comes to shampoos, there are two key types every natural should have: moisturizing shampoos and clarifying shampoos.
Moisturizing shampoos feature gentle yet effective surfactants that cleanse the scalp by removing dirt and product buildup. These are perfect for regular use.
Clarifying shampoos, however, contain stronger cleansing agents designed to deeply cleanse your hair and eliminate hard-to-reach dirt, including mineral buildup. Shampoos with chelating ingredients are especially beneficial for low porosity hair, which often experiences quicker product accumulation.
Weekly deep conditioning is an essential rule in caring for natural hair. Its primary purpose is to condition, strengthen, and soften your hair, setting the stage for your leave-in products.
Always prioritize deep conditioning after shampooing to counteract any stripping effects from the shampoo. Opt for deep conditioners that feature emollients, fatty alcohols, and are packed with nourishing plant extracts.
USE MOISTURIZING LEAVE-IN STYLERS
Leave-in conditioners are crucial for all natural hair types, regardless of curl pattern, porosity, density, or width. These products not only offer moisture until your next wash day but also condition the hair and minimize friction.
Curly and coily hair often experiences curl interlocking, where curls and coils tangle together. This can lead to severe knots and tangles, resulting in increased breakage and shedding if not addressed.
Leave-in conditioners contain friction-reducing agents that help keep your curls manageable. They are definitely a staple in any natural hair routine. When paired with a plant-based botanical gel, your coils will stay tangle-free and frizz-free for days!
KNOW YOUR POROSITY
What’s the point of using all those expensive products if you don’t understand your hair’s absorption potential? Porosity is the most crucial rule to know about your hair. It determines how well your hair absorbs water and products, guiding you on what to use and how to apply it effectively.
Natural hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb moisture and products. Low porosity hair has a low absorption rate because its cuticles are tightly closed, making it challenging for moisture to penetrate. High porosity hair, on the other hand, has open cuticles, leading to a high absorption rate but difficulty in retaining moisture.
If you have low porosity hair, focus on enhancing moisture absorption. Because the cuticles are tight, products often sit on the surface. Choose lightweight formulas that promote absorption and include delivery agents to help penetrate the cuticle, especially for leave-in conditioners and styling products.
For high porosity hair, which has raised cuticles, moisture retention is key. Use products with ingredients that form moisture barriers and fill cuticle gaps to prevent moisture loss throughout the week.
BALANCE PROTEIN
Protein treatments are vital for addressing protein loss caused by mechanical damage (like detangling) and chemical damage (from heat tools, dyes, and relaxers), and they should be part of every natural hair routine.
However, excessive protein treatments can lead to dry, brittle hair—exactly what we want to avoid! It’s crucial to tailor your protein treatments according to your hair’s porosity and width to prevent overuse.
Smaller proteins, such as amino acids and peptides, can penetrate the hair cortex to strengthen it, making them suitable for all porosities and hair widths.
Conversely, larger proteins like hydrolyzed wheat and collagen function similarly to film-forming humectants, creating a protective barrier around the hair. These treatments are ideal for high porosity or fine to medium strands but can increase dryness in low porosity and coarse hair.
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SCALP
Scalp health is essential for a successful hair journey, regardless of hair type. Just as we care for our hair ends, we must prioritize our scalp.
Think of your scalp as the foundation of your hair; it deserves just as much attention. If our hair ends are like the wise elders, our scalp is the precious baby!
Here are some best practices for maintaining scalp health:
Moisturize: Use skin-friendly products to keep your scalp hydrated. Remember, the scalp is skin too, so avoid harsh ingredients.
Scalp Massages: Every few days, massage your scalp with nourishing oils like olive, castor, or avocado oil. Adding rosemary oil can enhance blood circulation and keep the scalp well-lubricated.
Gentle Hairstyles: Avoid tight hairstyles to reduce the risk of follicle damage.
Stay Clean: Regularly cleanse your scalp to remove oil, dirt, bacteria, and product buildup.
PROTECT YOUR HAIR
Protective styling is crucial for maintaining a healthy natural hair routine. If you’re aiming for hair growth, protective styles help retain length while locking in moisture, supporting your growth goals. To avoid any drawbacks of protective styling, follow these best practices: ensure your style isn’t too tight to prevent follicle tension, and regularly take it down for clarifying and re-moisturizing.
LISTEN TO YOUR HAIR
Mastering the art of listening to your hair can be challenging, but it’s essential for your hair journey. For instance, some people with natural hair can go a week without moisturizing, while others may need to re-moisturize every two days. Both are perfectly normal!
Remember, everyone’s hair is unique. If your hair feels dry, clear away buildup and follow up with a deep conditioner and leave-in. Pay attention to what your hair is telling you—it will show its appreciation!
UP YOUR DIET AND EXERCISE ROUTINE AS NEEDED
This year, let’s acknowledge the important connection between diet, exercise, and beauty. The saying “you are what you eat” holds true for natural hair. Staying hydrated is essential for hair growth, but making key dietary changes—like eating a balanced diet and taking necessary supplements—is equally important. Regular exercise also plays a vital role.
To boost your hair growth, focus on incorporating plenty of leafy greens and fruits into your meals. Empower yourself by understanding your body—are you missing any essential nutrients? Nutrients like iron are crucial for the hair cycle, and deficiencies can show up in your hair.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the impact of exercise. Many people with natural hair report that moderate weekly workouts help enhance their hair growth cycle.
STOP COMPARING
They say comparison is the enemy of creativity, and I couldn’t agree more. Remember, pursuing any goal is a marathon, not a sprint. Despite what some natural hair influencers may claim, hair doesn’t grow overnight—anyone who says otherwise isn’t being truthful.
Avoid comparing your hair journey to others; you are unique, and there’s no need to emulate someone else. Instead, focus on the health of your hair. Healthy hair grows! By keeping it moisturized, protected, and happy, you’ll set yourself up for success on your hair growth journey.
ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
We can be our own harshest critics, but your hair is beautiful just as it is right now. It’s important to take a moment to recognize your achievements, growth, and progress. Remember, your hair is always growing, and it deserves your gratitude!
CONCLUSION
These commandments are a foundational guide for healthy natural hair. While individual hair needs vary, following these science-based tips and adapting them to your specific hair type will help you achieve optimal results
21 BEST HAIR LOSS SHAMPOOS TO PROMOTE GROWTH, TRIED AND TESTED
Hair loss is a common issue that can affect people of all ages. For many, it can be a source of stress and self-consciousness. If you are experiencing hair loss, there are things you can do to help slow it down or prevent it, including using hair loss prevention shampoos.. Read on as we share with you the 20 best shampoos for preventing hair loss and promoting growth.
WHAT CAUSES FEMALE HAIR LOSS?
Losing hair is a natural process, and typically, it’s nothing to be overly concerned about, an average person can lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day. For women, excessive hair loss may result from hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause, aging, nutritional deficiencies from a poor diet, stress, iron deficiency, or as a side effect of an illness or treatment. Excessive use of heating tools and years of bleaching can also contribute to hair loss, particularly around the hairline. Both factors contribute to breakage by causing hair to become dry and brittle, eventually leading to hair fallout.
CAN SHAMPOOS REALLY REGROW HAIR?
While shampoos technically can’t regrow missing patches of hair, they can create an optimal environment to promote healthy natural hair growth. Maintaining a clean and healthy scalp is crucial for achieving a fuller head of hair. Look for ingredients like caffeine and peppermint oil to enhance circulation, while proteins and keratin strengthen and add resilience to the hair. Hair loss shampoos and conditioners target common causes of hair loss, with categories such as:
Anti-breakage: Reinforces hair strands to prevent breakages and splitting.
Hair-thickening: Creates the appearance of thicker hair by adding body and lift.
Root- or scalp-stimulating: Clears away build-up and stimulates hair follicles for healthy growth.
21 BEST SHAMPOO HAIR LOSS
VANICREAM ZINC PYRITHIONE SHAMPOO
Zinc pyrithione in shampoo form emerges as a powerful ally in maintaining a clean and healthy scalp while effectively reducing dandruff and preventing hair loss. Renowned for its low likelihood of causing irritation, this shampoo plays a crucial role in promoting optimal scalp health. By harnessing its antifungal and antibacterial properties, zinc pyrithione actively combats dandruff, ensuring a flake-free and refreshed scalp. Importantly, its preventive measures extend to hair loss, making it a valuable component in your hair care routine. Kérastase Densifique Femme, Thickening & Volumising Shampoo, For Fine Hair, With Hyaluronic Acid, Intra-Cylane and Stemoxydinethe key ingredient in this hair care solution, operates as a potent stem cell activator. It creates a stimulating environment that awakens dormant hair follicles, encouraging them to regenerate and produce new hair. More than just preventing hair loss, Stemoxydine proactively promotes additional hair growth, providing you with a thicker and denser mane right from the roots. Its innovative action goes beyond mere protection, actively contributing to a fuller head of hair..”
PLANTUR 39 PHYTO-CAFFEINE SHAMPOO
Experience the transformative effects of the Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo , a dynamic duo specifically crafted for combating hair thinning associated with menopause. The Phyto-Caffeine Complex, a unique blend of caffeine, niacin, and zinc, deeply cleanses the scalp, promoting natural hair growth. Enriched with white tea extract and wheat protein, this bundle nourishes thinning hair, providing strength and fullness for a noticeably thicker-looking mane with daily use. Tailored for hair over 40, which may have become weakened from the effects of menopause, including fine and brittle strands, the formula addresses the unique needs of this stage.
ALICE ENGLAND LENGTHEN & STRENGTHEN SHAMPOO
Choosing your hair care routine with Avalon Organics Natural Volumizing Rosemary Shampoo, a beacon of organic excellence in hair care. This 11 oz bottle offers a gentle yet effective solution for cleansing and volumizing thin, fine hair. Crafted with a certified organic formula, the shampoo boasts plant-based botanicals and essential oils, ensuring a nourishing experience free from GMOs, parabens, harsh preservatives, synthetic colors or fragrances, and phthalates. Recognized by the Leaping Bunny Program, Avalon Organics remains committed to cruelty-free practices. The shampoo’s star ingredients, including rosemary essential oil, quinoa protein, calendula, aloe, and vitamin E, collaborate to condition and seal the hair cuticle, resulting in thick, full-bodied hair with a healthy shine. This EWG VERIFIED product is also vegan and not tested on animals.
VATIKA BLACK SEED OIL SHAMPOO
Experience the revitalizing effects of our formula as it infuses your hair with shine, bounce, and overall health. The key ingredient, black seed, often referred to as the ‘Seed of Blessing,’ is a rich source of amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals that fortify hair strands, leaving them stronger and more radiant. Regular use of this oil promotes healthier and more manageable hair, making it an essential component in your hair care arsenal. Indulge in the moisturizing benefits of this refreshing oil, which works wonders in transforming dry and damaged strands into beautiful, healthy locks. The powerful blend revitalizes the scalp, strengthens each hair follicle, and imparts silky softness to your hair.
TEA TREE OIL SPECIAL SHAMPOO
With a rich history spanning millennia, aloe vera stands as a timeless ingredient revered for its soothing properties, particularly in the realm of cosmetic products. When harnessed in the form of a shampoo and applied to the scalp, aloe vera proves to be a multifaceted solution for a range of hair concerns. Renowned for its ability to calm itchiness and irritation, this natural wonder not only addresses discomfort but also tackles greasiness, leaving the scalp feeling refreshed. Beyond its immediate soothing effects, aloe vera shampoo contributes to the overall health of your hair. It is known to strengthen and repair hair strands, imparting resilience and vitality to each follicle. Additionally, the application of aloe vera to the scalp has been associated with promoting hair growth, making it a valuable ally in the prevention of hair loss.
HONEYDEW ALOE VERA SHAMPOO
As a key ingredient in shampoos, aloe vera proves to be a versatile solution for addressing various hair concerns. When applied to the scalp, it becomes a soothing elixir, effectively calming itchiness and irritation, creating a refreshing sensation. The benefits of aloe vera extend beyond immediate relief. Acting as a natural cleanser, it efficiently removes greasiness, providing a clean and revitalized scalp. Moreover, aloe vera is a powerhouse for hair health. It works to strengthen and repair hair strands, promoting resilience and vitality from root to tip. As a bonus, its nourishing properties contribute to enhanced hair growth, making it a valuable component in the prevention of hair loss.
ANTI-AGING SHAMPOO
This specialized shampoo is formulated with a unique blend of protective substances designed to nurture and fortify your hair. Enriched with antioxidants, UV absorbers, conditioning agents, and essential amino acids, it offers a comprehensive defense against the daily wear and tear your hair experiences. Amino acids, in particular, are strategically included to replenish those depleted through daily activities, ensuring optimal health for your scalp and hair. While some formulations may fall short in delivering a significant and lasting impact due to low concentrations of these protective elements, quality products stand out by effectively maintaining the overall health of your scalp and hair.
L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL SERIE EXPERT PRO LONGER SHAMPOO
Voted as the best for its luxurious lather and texture, this shampoo delivers a refreshing, squeaky clean feeling to your scalp.The advanced formula of this shampoo goes beyond the surface, with the majority of our panel noticing a reduction in hair loss by the end of the trial. Users reported that their hair felt stronger, indicating a potential solution for those seeking to prevent hair loss. With its refreshing and volumizing properties, L’Oreal Professionnel Pro Longer Thickening Shampoo offers a comprehensive approach to hair care, leaving your scalp revitalized and your hair stronger.
PANTENE PRO-V MIRACLES GROW STRONG SHAMPOO
The resilience of your hair with our hardworking formula, enriched with a potent blend of Pro-V nutrients and antioxidants. This powerful combination not only strengthens your hair but also ensures it is free of impurities, promoting overall hair health. Our long-lasting formula gently cleanses and conditions with a vitamin-rich blend, providing 2x more nutrients than standard formulas. The results are impressive, lasting for 72+ hours, giving you continuous nourishment and protection. Nourish your strands with every wash, creating a shield against breakage and supporting healthy growth. Our root-to-tip nourishment is designed to fortify your hair, preventing breakage and fostering strength over time.
NANOGEN THICKENING LUXE SHAMPOO
Nanogen’s 7-IN-1 Shampoo boasts a powerful hydrating formula that offers a multitude of benefits, ensuring your hair and scalp remain in optimal condition for the pursuit of thick, healthy hair. This innovative shampoo takes a multitargeted approach to hair thickening for women, simplifying the process into one comprehensive step. The benefits of this remarkable formula include cleansing, thickening, moisturizing, strengthening, protecting from pollution, balancing your scalp, and optimizing for fibers.
The transformation of your hair with this remarkable shampoo designed for colored hair, hair loss and specifically targeting thin or fine strands. With a generous quantity of 250 ml, this shampoo promises beautiful hair that appears thicker and denser, providing a fuller and voluminous feel. Not only does it enhance the aesthetic of your hair, but it also offers a healthy appearance, hydrating your colored locks. The treatment option is tailored for thin hair types, aiming to encourage volume and clarify the scalp. While the promises may sound too good to be true, the lab results speak for themselves, showcasing impressive improvements in hair density and thickness, leaving our panel’s hair visibly fuller.
VIRTUE FLOURISH SHAMPOO
While not the most budget-friendly option (leave that to Pantene), Virtue Flourish Shampoo offers a luxurious dose of keratin proteins to breathe life into tired strands. The abundance of keratin works to revitalize the hair, providing nearly all testers with a noticeable reduction in breakages, resulting in hair that looks and feels thicker and fuller. Beyond addressing breakages, this shampoo delivers a trifecta of benefits by boosting shine, taming frizz, and enhancing overall smoothness. Virtue Flourish Shampoo goes beyond the basic cleansing routine, offering a premium solution to combat hair loss and promote voluminous, resilient strands. While it may not be the most economical choice, the infusion of keratin proteins makes it a standout option for those seeking to prevent hair loss and achieve thicker, fuller, and more radiant hair.
HEAD & SHOULDERS SUPREME STRENGTH SHAMPOO
The revitalizing effects of our Hair and Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner enriched with the nourishing properties of argan and avocado oil. Specifically designed for scalp use, this dynamic duo is also an anti-dandruff solution, ensuring a comprehensive approach to hair and scalp care. The pH-balanced formula, infused with antioxidants, guarantees a nurturing and moisturizing experience for your hair from roots to tips. This powerful combination not only addresses flaking problems but also works to strengthen fragile strands. The argan oil-rich blend facilitates easier detangling of knots, leaving your hair softer to the touch. Our panel of testers enjoyed the fresh and clean feel provided by this duo, with many reporting some regrowth during the trial period.
UMBERTO GIANNINI GROW LONG ROOT STIMULATING SHAMPOO
The rejuvenating benefits of Root Stimulating Shampoo, where a healthy scalp is the foundation for robust and hard-working roots. Our anti-pollution formula not only cleanses but removes build-up, optimizing your hair’s absorption of growth-promoting active ingredients. Powered by the Caffeine-Gro Complex, an exclusive blend by Umberto Giannini, this unique proprietary formula contains Caffeine and Black Coffee Seed Extract to stimulate circulation, Organic Pea Sprout Extract for accelerated hair growth and prolonged hair lifecycle, and Seaweed and Marine Nutrients to support overall hair health.
BUMBLE AND BUMBLE FULL POTENTIAL SHAMPOO
Introducing Bumble and Bumble Full Potential Shampoo, a salon favorite that goes beyond mere cleansing to deliver fuller and stronger hair with reduced breakage. With an item display weight of 8.5 ounces and a volume of 250.0 milliliters, this shampoo is a compact yet powerful solution for your hair care needs. Apart from its other benefits, a good shampoo must effectively lift built-up dirt and grime to leave your hair feeling clean, and this product excels at just that. Our testers were pleased with its fresh scent and admired how thoroughly it cleansed their scalps. While only a few noticed new hair growth, the majority experienced fewer strands in their hairbrush, and breakages were noticeably reduced.
REDKEN EXTREME SHAMPOO
Introducing our Hair Strengthening Shampoo , a powerful combination designed to cleanse, strengthen, and fortify weakened areas of your hair. Shampoo repair damaged hair while preserving its natural shine. The hair strengthening conditioner provides an extra layer of protection, ensuring your hair not only regains its shine but also becomes supple and shiny. Even the most stressed and damaged hair will be transformed into soft, smooth strands that are more manageable, making combing through even the toughest tangles a breeze.
AVEDA BOTANICAL REPAIR STRENGTHENING SHAMPOO
Discover the excellence of Aveda, a certified vegan offering that emerged as a top performer in our lab tests. Notably, it excelled in detangling knots and proved effective in limiting hair breakages and fallout. Testers reported added strength and enhanced health to their strands, with some noticing a significant difference after just a single wash. Beyond its detangling prowess, this product leaves hair more hydrated, providing a nourishing boost that contributes to overall hair health. Additionally, irritated scalps found comfort and relief, making it a soothing solution for all.
Experience the innovation of the UK’s first-ever collagen complex formula shampoo – Absolute Collagen Complex Shampoo. Developed in collaboration with leading UK hair experts and scientists, this groundbreaking shampoo is designed to tackle fine, thin hair right from the root! Powered by groundbreaking collagen technology, the Absolute Collagen thickening shampoo features a unique collagen complex formula. Soluble collagen wraps the hair cuticle in a protective layer, deeply cleansing and providing shine and gloss. Collagen amino acids penetrate the cortex of the hair, adding volume and thickness from within.
L’OREAL ELVIVE FULL RESIST FRAGILE HAIR SHAMPOO
Introducing the powerful solution for stronger, resilient hair – L’Oréal Paris Elsève Full Resist Shampoo. Enriched with a formula that includes essential hair supplements such as biotin, vitamin B5, and arginine, this shampoo nourishes the scalp and strengthens the lengths of your hair. The non-recognizable tinted gel boasts a liquid and transparent texture, instantly providing a natural, flawless look that lasts all day.
DR. BARBARA STURM ANTI HAIR-FALL SHAMPOO
Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti Hair-Fall Shampoo -a premium product while bearing a high-end price tag, has proven its excellence in our lab tests. Notably, it excels in improving thickness and density, delivering visible results that set it apart. Testers were captivated by its luxurious gel-like texture, creamy lather, and delightful scent, elevating their shower routine to a pampering session. This premium shampoo is not just a lavish treat; it actively contributes to preventing hair loss. The impressive results in enhancing thickness and density make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a top-tier solution for their hair care needs.
THE HAIR BOSS BY LISA SHEPHERD OVERWORKED SHAMPOO
Pamper your dry and damaged hair with The Overworked Hair Shampoo by Lisa Shepherd, a nourishing hair product designed to hydrate, prevent breakage, and restore softness. Crafted with salon-quality standards, this shampoo is tailored specifically for coarse, bleached, colored, and heat-damaged hair types. The delicate cream formula gently removes dirt and build-up from the hair, providing a thorough cleanse. Vegan and cruelty-free, The Overworked Shampoo aligns with ethical standards in hair care.
CONCLUSION
Caring for your hair and choosing the right shampoo can play a crucial role in preventing hair loss. For those facing hair loss issues, consider the best shampoos for hair loss mentioned in the article. Each product serves not only to prevent hair loss but also to stimulate hair growth. Hopefully, you will find a product that suits your scalp and is within your budget for effective use.
