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LET 2025 BE THE YEAR THAT YOU STOP USING SUPERMARKET SHAMPOOS AND BE MORE INFORMED WHEN CHOOSING YOUR HAIR CARE ROUTINE
BY LOUISE FUDGE
As a hairdresser with over 20 years of experience , I ’ ve seen the difference that informed decisions can make when it comes to your hair care routine . I started my adult life as a client , just like many of you , standing in the shampoo aisle , overwhelmed by the sheer variety of bottles and claims . Now , I ’ m here to help you navigate that same confusing space with a greater understanding of what your hair and , more importantly , your scalp truly need .
When it comes to hair care , most of us don ’ t have the luxury of a hair scientist in the family to break down what ’ s best for our hair type and scalp health . This is where I come in — to help cut through the marketing jargon and give you the tools to make better decisions .
One of the biggest misconceptions in the shampoo world lies in the focus on hair alone , rather than on the scalp . Many products lure you in with the promise of shiny , luscious locks thanks to ingredients like argan oil , or whatever the buzz word is at that moment but they don ’ t address what your scalp actually requires . The scalp is the foundation of healthy hair , and neglecting it can lead to a host of issues , from dryness and flakiness to oil overproduction . If your scalp is not properly cared for , no amount of expensive shampoo will give you the results you ’ re hoping for .
Supermarket shampoos , often more affordable and accessible , can sometimes do an ok job — if you know what to look for . Ultimately their price point reflects they ’ re lack of key ingredients and use fillers to bulk out the product . . The key is understanding your hair type and scalp needs rather than simply trusting marketing claims that promise salon-quality results at such a low price point .
In the following sections , I ’ ll guide you through what to look for in both supermarket and high-end shampoos , explain the ingredients that really matter , and help you make more educated decisions about your daily hair rituals . Washing your hair isn ’ t just about getting it clean — it ’ s about maintaining scalp health , nourishing the hair from root to tip , and using products that fit your individual needs .
• Harsh Chemicals : Supermarket shampoos and conditioners often contain harsh chemicals such as sulfates , parabens , and synthetic fragrances , which can strip the hair of its natural oils , leading to dryness and scalp irritation .
• Sulfate Damage : Sulfates create that foamy lather but are too aggressive , stripping away not only dirt but essential moisture and natural oils that protect your scalp and hair , but also strip the colour out of sometimes expensive couture looks , causing breakage , and leading to scalp issues like dryness or oil overproduction . This is why Colour Specialists really don ’ t like Low value shampoo .
• Parabens Risk : Parabens , used as preservatives , have been linked to potential hormone disruption , and long-term exposure can harm your overall health . Clean shampoos avoid these to keep you safer .
• Scalp Health : Chemical-laden products irritate the scalp and clog hair follicles , leading to poor scalp health . By using clean , sulfate-free , parabenfree products , you detoxify and cleanse the scalp , allowing for better hair growth . Typically a shampoo company can give you the problem with one shampoo then try to fix it with another shampoo cornering every market !
• More Frequent Washing : Supermarket shampoos can make your hair greasy faster due to over-stripping , leading to more frequent washing . Clean , natural shampoos help your scalp rebalance , so you need fewer washes , saving time and reducing wear on your hair and protecting your colour !!
• Disrupting Natural Balance : Many conventional shampoos disrupt the pH balance of your scalp , making it more vulnerable to issues like dandruff , oiliness , and hair thinning . Clean products are pH-balanced , maintaining a healthy scalp environment .
• Build-Up of Residue : Cheap supermarket conditioners often leave behind residue , coating your hair in synthetic silicones that weigh it down and make it look dull over time . Natural conditioners are lightweight , nourishing your hair without build-up . When we colour it can sometimes just sit on the surface of the follicle and not nestle into the cortex causing the colour to fade extremely fast !
• Detoxifying First : Using a detox shampoo helps to remove all the accumulated chemicals , silicones , and residues from previous products or build up of grease . Detoxifying your scalp is the first step toward healthier hair and follicle function .
• More Water , Less Product : Clean shampoos are highly concentrated , meaning you need just a small amount . Instead of adding more product , adding water helps spread it evenly and activate the cleansing process , ensuring less waste and better results .
• Healthier Follicles : By removing harsh chemicals and using gentle , natural products , your hair follicles are healthier and more capable of producing strong , vibrant hair . Healthy follicles are key to promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss .
• Better Long-Term Hair Growth : By detoxifying your scalp and using clean , chemical-free shampoos , you ’ re creating an environment for long-term hair health . This approach supports stronger roots , less hair shedding , and overall better hair growth over time .
These points highlight the importance of switching to clean , natural hair care products for healthier hair , scalp , and well-being in the long run .
We recommend O & M shampoo and conditioner
Starting with a detox shampoo to remove buildup is a great way to ensure the hair and scalp are refreshed and ready for further treatments , especially when dealing with residue from other products like serums or shampoos .
I love that the products are versatile and suitable for all hair types , especially being colour safe .. The natural ingredients and absence of perfumes seem perfect for clients who are looking for a more gentle , yet effective , hair care solution . The fact that the shampoo gives a good lather without sulfates is impressive , as many sulfate-free products don ’ t offer that same experience .
Finishing with either a treatment or a small amount of conditioner keeping the product away from the scalp . The formulas are so concentrated , it really emphasises quality over quantity , and prepares the hair for drying by sealing the cuticle , which is crucial for maintaining shine and smoothness .
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