Simple and Effective Tips to unlock the secrets for every-day gorgeous healthy hair.
Choosing the right shampoo is the first step towards achieving gorgeous healthy hair. Whether you're after volume, hydration, protection or strength, there are so many different types of shampoo available. Dedicate time and attention to read carefully the ingredients of shampoos. Many popular shampoos use ingredients like SLS or SLES; these can dry hair, leading to breakage and can cause an itchy scalp. Also, Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a very popular cleansing ingredient in shampoos, conditioners and soaps; yet, it can be irritating and can cause allergic reactions to scalp and skin. Another surfactant used in mainstream shampoo and conditioner products is TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate. This ingredient can strip colour from natural and coloured hair and can be very drying. Harmful chemicals that can irritate scalps are limonene, linalool, disodium EDTA, PEGs, parfum. The important is to avoid harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive scalps and damage hair. For example, the Citric acid is used in the ingredients to regulate the pH levels. This makes sure the shampoo is not too harsh for the hair and skin. Also, Decyl and Lauryl glucoside (extracted from sugar beets) are mild and skin-friendly surfactants, needed to attract impurities and remove them; substances that cleanse sensitive skin without any toxic reaction. Finally, Potassium Sorbate is a necessary ingredient to make sure bacteria don’t grow in your shampoo, but is food grade and gentle and doesn't cause dry or damaged hair. In our opinion, there is no 100% natural shampoo, but our organic shampoos respect your hair and are the best alternative.
For gorgeous healthy hair, wash your hair when needed, not earlier. Usually, washing your hair twice a week is the best option. No professional hairdresser will recommend that you wash your hair every day, as it is simply NOT necessary! You may even cause your hair to suffer unwanted damage and irritation. The reason is that shampoos, hair care and styling products when used daily tend to damage the natural structure and balance of the hair. The scalp “perceives” the need for natural oils more strongly, so it secretes them more strongly to restore balance to the skin. The result? Hair looks greasy sooner, maybe even the next day and you feel like you need to wash it again!
Do not use the shampoo straight out of the bottle. Always mix the shampoo with water in a bottle and shake well. In that way you activate the shampoo in the bottle and not on your head. Then massage it onto your scalp and hair with gentle movements for a couple of minutes, using your finger not your nails, to form a lather. Then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Do not leave any trace of shampoo on your hair. Never use hot water because it dehydrates the hair and makes it more vulnerable. Copy the secret of the experts: rinse your hair with lukewarm water and finally run it through with as cold water as you can stand. In that way the hair scales will close, the moisture will stay inside and you will have protected its strength with one more move. When you can, dry your hair naturally.
Limit the use of styling tools. The high heat they need to give the result you are looking for, damages the hair – that's a given. If you can't avoid them, you can lower the temperature when styling while you should definitely shield them with a heat protectant that acts as a protective shield for the hair.
For gorgeous healthy hair, brush your hair carefully and not aggressively, using a soft brush, as hair are damaged when brushing aggressively.
Update your diet. Support your new shampoo routine with a diet rich in vitamins and minerals beneficial to hair, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamins D and E, iron and zinc. Supplementing a natural diet with Organic Herbal Tea Blends is best. Alternatively, you can add a multivitamin to your daily routine, after consulting your doctor first (don't forget that no matter how valuable vitamins are for the body, their overdose has the opposite effects).
Antique Apothecary agree with all the above and apply to its Natural Organic Shampoos that respect your hair. Formulated harnessing the healing power of natural herbal extracts, Antique Apothecary Natural Organic Hair Care aim at addressing specific hair and scalp problems the most natural way.