Have you ever tried custom shampoo and conditioner? If you have, chances are you didn’t see a significant difference using it. That’s not to say it doesn’t work at all, but the “custom” claim might be more exaggerated than you expect. Let’s talk about made-for-you shampoo and conditioner and if it’s worth the hype.
Most of the time, the “custom” aspect of individual shampoo formulation is just a story. Yes, the formula will be based on whatever information you give the company, but the differences between formulas aren’t major. Why? According to cosmetic chemists, there are really only four types of shampoo in the market:
These are your clarifying, thickening, volumizing, and oil-controlling shampoos. Their primary purpose is to (you guessed it!) clean your scalp and hair, so they typically contain stronger detergents.
These are more moisturizing formulas for smoothing, anti-frizz, strengthening, and hydrating. While still cleansing, their purpose is to leave a moisturizing agent like silicones to smooth the hair.
Anti-dandruff shampoos are considered over-the-counter drugs in the US due to their medical properties. They contain a drug that helps with itching and flaking from dry scalp and/or dandruff.
This final category is for gentle formulas created for kids. They are generally milder to prevent any irritation. These formulas are typically not as effective overall but work well enough for children and their delicate hair.
So, what might be unique in your formula? If you’re looking for added shine, your bottle might include apple cider vinegar. For hydration, they might include aloe vera juice or a different plant extract. They can throw in a variety of scents based on your preferences or even use flashy ingredients like kombucha to make the product stand out. Essentially, they are working with a set of base formulas catered to varying levels of cleansing that are then “customized” with a few fun ingredients.
Remember: the purpose of shampoo and conditioner is to cleanse dirt and grime, moisturize, and protect your hair. Anything claiming more than that may be too good to be true. If you color your hair multiple times per year and don’t do anything to care for it other than washing and conditioning your hair, no “repairing” conditioner will be able to repair that damage. Shampoo and conditioner gets rinsed out of your hair and may not actually have the time it takes to have deep, long-lasting impacts.
For real haircare, you need to figure out what works best for your hair type. If you have curly hair, you likely need a gentle shampoo with a nice deep conditioner every once in a while to ensure your hair is hydrated. If your hair is oily, you likely need a good cleanser and maybe some dry shampoo.
Only you can decide what works best for your hair. It’s worth sticking to your products for at least a few months at a time to see their long-term impact and benefits.
We designed our shampoo and conditioner bars to be balanced, so they’re suitable for all hair types and are good for everyday use. They’re made with a gentle, non-stripping sulfate-free surfactant and nourishing, plant-based butters and oils – all of which are preferable for the vast majority of hair types.
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