Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with shampoo

What shampoo should I use after a keratin hair treatment?

CrazyLemonade — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:51:15 -0800

I had one of those keratin/chocolate hair treatments done. What shampoo should I use now? I didn't want to buy the EXPENSIVE bottle of shampoo they wanted to sell me at the salon, but I also want to get one that will make the effects of the treatment last longer. I've read that I should look for shampoo without _____ (maybe sulfate??). To avoid the whole "pick up a bottle and read ingredients, put down, repeat", does anyone know of a brand of shampoo I can get, preferably at something like a Walmart or drugstore? (I'm in Mexico now but I'll be travelling to Houston in the next few days.)

Will my hair ever be the same?

a.steele — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:03:57 -0800

Please help me replace my favorite shampoo (Aveda's Sap Moss), which is now discontinued. Have you tried their replacement line (Dry Remedy)? Have you found something better? I have wavy/curly hair (type 2a or 2b according to this classification). The only way I can get my hair to do what I want is if it can be moisturized without being weighed down. What I loved so much about the Sap Moss shampoo is that I could use it frequently (every other day, and literally for years) and it never left any build-up or made my hair dull. It also left no need for conditioner, which I hate using. Every time I washed my hair, it felt strong and moisturized but not "coated" with anything, if that makes sense.

I'd love feedback from anyone who's used Aveda's new Dry Remedy shampoo (which is the line that replaced the Sap Moss stuff) to see if I would get similar results. I'm hesitant to try it because my hair really isn't that dry, it just likes a little moisture. I've tried the Be Curly line, but it only works well if you use the shampoo/conditioner combo. I do use the Be Curly cream for styling, fwiw.

Also, if you were an avid Sap Moss user (or even if you just have hair like mine) and have found something comparable, I'd love your feedback as well. Is there a similar shampoo out there? I'd love to find a "generic" one that smells and works the same way (Sap Moss had a distinct earthy smell that people either hated or loved), but I think that's probably a long shot.

Thanks for your help!

Shampoo Causing Acne

Anonymous — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:23:30 -0800

I think I self-diagnosed that my shampoo has been causing minor to moderate acne on my forehead and near my front hair line for sometime. Should I substantially reduce my shampoo usage (and not smell as nice), or are there more natural shampoos I should experiment with? I am a man with short hair. I am a late 20's man with usually 1" to 2" hair on my head, pretty thick hair overall.

This past spring, from reading several older (and insightful) responses on Ask MeFi, I became enlightened that perhaps shampoo wasn't totally necessary as a daily part of my routine, and started experimenting doing it less and less. At first, I started doing it every other day, and ultimately decreased to about twice a week for most of the time, in total for about six months.

Not only did I notice the intended improved results in hair styling (and more naturally feeling hair), but unexpectedly I noticed a substantial reduction if not almost elimination of what had been persistent minor (and at times moderate) acne on my forehead and front hairline.

A couple months ago, I started dating someone, and inadvertently started shampooing much more often to smell better. After a few weeks, I started breaking out again and this has sort of continued for 6 weeks. Obviously there are other variables at play here like the hormones of a relationship, modified diet and exercising more, but I have a gut feeling I am on to something with the shampoo.

The shampoo I have been using for years is Head & Shoulders 2 in 1 dandruff shampoo + conditioner, varying scents but usually Ocean Lift. In my teenage years, I had moderate dandruff, and so I have always just used dandruff shampoo even though I am not sure if it is still an issue for me (the shampoo has always been effective against dandruff).

So, questions are:

Should I go back to my twice a week shampooing schedule (or stop entirely)? Ladies, do men experience hair smell issues with this? Are there other effective non-shampoo methods of adding a scent to one's hair?

Is there another shampoo I should be trying that might be more natural? I wonder if my acne is more of a reaction to the over-production of my hair's oils from the constant shampoo stripping rather than it is a reaction to a particular chemical in the shampoo.

Should I be trying just shampoo, with no conditioner?

Also, for people who don't shampoo or shampoo infrequently, what is the rule with pool swimming--is that a situation that one would shampoo after no matter what to purge the chlorine?

Thick + Thick = Thin?

Rafaelloello — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:30:30 -0800

What happened to my Shampoo? I mixed two different Shampoo brands about 70/30 and liked the resultant mixture. The next time I mixed them 50/50 and overnight the mixture lost all it's "thickness" (viscosity, I guess) and still works fine, but is as thin as milk if not thinner. The two brands are Pert Plus and Avalon Organic Botanicals "Nourishing Shampoo" (bought at Trader Joe's). I *believe*, but am not totally sure, that the Pert Plus was the 70 per cent one when it worked fine the first time.

Natural Dry Scalp 'killer' shampoo.

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:41:56 -0800

I'm currently suffering from a moderate bout of dry scalp (not dandruff). Could someone recommend a natural shampoo, free of SLS's, etc, that will combat dry scalp?

Anyone know the scents used to create the Kiehls "Ultimate Man" Body Scrub Soap?

Mesach — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:20:12 -0800

Calling all sniffers, Does anyone know the different smells that go into getting Kiehls wonderful scent for their "Ultimate Man" Body Scrub Soap? I know that I can definitely detect Grapefruit, and some mint, but I know its more complex that.

I am making up some of my own shampoo for my girlfriend and she loves the scent, and I would like to approximate it as much as possible, so has anyone else also pondered this, or came across it somewhere?

Philosophy's 3-in-1's as shampoo

BostonTerrier — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:30:17 -0800

Philosophy's 3-in-1's as shampoo: what are your experiences? I've recently discovered the 3-in-1 products by Philosophy (the shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath product.)

I very much like the idea of portmanteau products (one thing that can do multiple things) and I'd like to ditch using a separate shampoo.
Before I do, however, I must ask the HiveMind: has anyone used 3-in-1's exclusively for shampoo? Or even mainly as a shampoo? How did it work out for you?
My hair is between chin and shoulder-length, and needs washing every other day, if that makes a difference.
I look forward to reading your experiences with Philosophy.

What's the deal with my hair?

orrnyereg — Wed, 06 May 2009 08:08:10 -0800

How often should I wash my hair? I have learned, from various reputable sources (like this one), that it's not a good idea to shampoo your hair every day. So, about a year ago, I started washing my hair every other day.

It looks great the days that I wash it. The days that I don't, however, it manages to be limp/greasy in some places and frizzy in others, overall looking like 5 miles of bad road.

Isn't your hair supposed to adjust to less-frequent washings? Should I go back to daily shampooing?

Possibly relevant details: my hair is quite short, less than 5 inches at the longest part. It's also fine, occasionally colored, and naturally wavy. Also, I wash my hair at night.

Thanks for your help!

Help me avoid smelling like a hacky sack all-star.

Roman Graves — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:58:29 -0800

I'd like to start using more natural bath and body products, but I don't want to smell like flowers or hippies. I currently use Old Spice products for all my shower and deodorant needs, and love the way they smell, but want something more organic. Are there natural products out there with a more masculine smell than lilac and more pleasant than patchouli? I browsed the Lush site, and there seemed to be some possibilities there, but first hand opinions are appreciated. Deodorants are the main issue.

Help me keep my curls clean!

rglass — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:54:25 -0800

What shampoo works for you? To women, who have fairly dry, wavy/curly hair--what shampoo do you use? I only wash my hair about once a week (and really end up scrubbing the scalp with shampoo more than washing the hair). What are your favorites and why? I live in a cold climate in the winter and humid climate in the summer so take that into consideration (ie flat hair in winter, big hair in the summer)!

Nursing Home/ Hair Care Filter: How can I wash her hair without actually washing it?

lrkuperman — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:42:03 -0800

Nursing Home/ Hair Care Filter: How can I wash her hair without actually washing it? Is it possible to help my bedridden mother keep her hair clean without washing it? Long story short, my mom who is mobility impaired fell down about a month ago; she broke her leg and badly bruised her tail bone in the process. The break was bad enough to require surgery and now she is bedridden for the next 2 months. Until 2 weeks ago she was in the hospital which fortunately had a on site salon which provided in room/ in bed services such as shampoo and style for a nominal fee. For the time being she is in a nursing home, recovering from her surgery and waiting for her leg to heal. So until she can bear weight on that leg and begin rehabilitation they (the nursing home staff) are giving her bed baths but they do not do anything about her hair.

How can I keep her hair clean for 2 months without actually being able to wash it? I've heard of dry shampoos but I am under the impression that it is not a long term solution. Am I wrong in this assumption? Also if dry shampoo is the answer to this conundrum, where would I find it and which brand should I get?

Can I have dreads if I need a specific shampoo to keep my scalp under control?

baphomet — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:01:24 -0800

Question about dreading my hair if I (think I might) suffer from seborrhoeic dermatitis (sort of like dandruff). First, why I think I have this condition:
1) About a year and a half ago I started getting wicked dandruff.
2) Tried Head & Shoulders and it did literally nothing.
3) Tried other methods recommended on AskMe, also did nothing.
4) Read up on dandruff on Wikipedia and it was suggested that trying shampoos containing selenium sulfide (as opposed to zinc pyrithione, which is the active ingredient in most dandruff shampoos like H&S), which is usually used to treat this form of dermatitis, might be useful.
5) Bought some Head & Shoulders Intensive Care (containing selenium sulfide) and it worked like a charm- as long as I wash my hair 2-3 times a week with it I have no problems whatsoever and my hair feels and looks great, but if I go longer than a week my scalp freaks out.

From what I've read, if I do have this condition my case is very mild, but I'd like to keep it under control. I haven't seen a doctor about it due to lack of insurance and the fact that the selenium sulfide shampoo works just fine.

I've been thinking about putting my hair in dreadlocks for a while now, it's long enough and I think I'm ready to do it. I'd use the backcombing/wax method. Most sites I've read up on suggest that you should wash your dreads once a week for the first two weeks and 2-3 times a week after that, but that you should use a residue-free shampoo-- is there a good residue-free shampoo that contains selenium sulfide, or if not is there a good way to follow up washing with my SS shampoo to cleanse my future dreads of potential residue? Or is this just not going to work out in any way, regardless of what products I use?

Recommend hypoallergenic shampoos and conditioners

Anonymous — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:20:09 -0800

Please recommend hypoallergenic and non-irritating shampoos and conditioners. I am having some dermatitis on my eyelids and eye area. I moved to the U.S., and a couple of weeks later I started experiencing the symptoms, so there are a number of changes in my life that might have caused it. I had new shampoo, conditioner, facial cleanser, laundry detergent, changes in diet, and obviously changes in residence.

I switched to Cetaphil and began applying hydrocortisone, which only addressed the symptoms during use. This isn't great since it's not something you want to use on sensitive skin long-term. I saw a dermatologist who prescribed topical tacrolimus to address the symptoms. I have another appointment in a month. I don't know what is causing the dermatitis, but I am running out of conditioner so I might as well try something new.

I am currently under the care of a dermatologist and will ask her at our next appointment whether we can figure out the cause more systematically, or if she has specific recommendations for products. Until then I wanted to see if there were recommendations from MeFites. It would be best if these recommendations were backed by evidence-based medicine, but anecdotes will work too.

I have access to a university medical library so if you have suggestions of stuff to read, I will look it up.

Anonymous because I don't want everyone to know about my medical issues. If you have other thoughts you can contact me at cleverpseudonym106k@gmail.com.

How can I make shampoo out of soap bars?

uauage — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:34:11 -0800

There's this soap that I really like and leaves my hair glowing and feeling very clean. I would like to "melt" the soaps into a bottle so I can use it as proper shampoo, especially when I go to the gym. Does anyone know how this can be done?

And I don't even like tea tree oil. It smells like health food stores

Anonymous — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:59:19 -0800

What is the most "stripping", powerfully cleansing shampoo out there? Prell isn't enough. I need something that can remove a tablespoon of oil from a head of medium-length hair. My scalp flakes constantly in the climate that I have moved to. I know it has to be the dry climate, because when I visit my humid hometown, the flaking and itching stops.* The only really effective treatment I have found is to soak my scalp in Hollywood Beauty blended tea tree oil overnight while I sleep. (I wish I could afford to use a purer blend in the quantities I need it!)

The problem with this is that I have light, fine hair to my shoulders. I can wash my hair three times over in the morning with Prell -- which is like the Lava soap of shampoos -- and I still look like like I overslept and forgot to wash my hair at all, because it's so greasy and lanky from the oil. I need to look professional in the mornings, and I'm embarrassed when I look unwashed. (This is also why I can't try the earthy-crunchy suggestion of not washing your hair at all.) I stopped the oil treatment and switched to other tea tree-derived things, but they just don't cut it.

So what is the fiercest thing I can wash my hair with, without giving myself a rash or other unwanted side effects? Dr. Bronner's? Bar soap?

----
* I don't think there's a water issue here.

Help my poor cholrine-damaged hair!

loudguitars — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:39:52 -0800

Is there any shampoo + conditioner product that will help my hair not be so crappy after swimming? I've been swimming a mile 3-4 days a week, and while I love what it does for my fitness and weight loss, I hate what it does to my hair. I also despise wearing a swimming cap, so I'm looking for some product advice. I've got medium length hair that varies between chin and shoulder length that was doing just fine with regular Pert Plus before I started swimming.

I've been toying around with various hair care products, and I'm wondering if there's any shampoo + conditioner combo that's strong enough to get everything at once (Pert Plus for dry and damaged hair definitely does not cut the mustard).

Alternatively, is there any specific kind of shampoo then conditioner pair that my fellow swimmers can recommend?

Help me find a shampoo that doesn't mess up my scalp

disaster77 — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:17:50 -0800

My scalp seems to react badly to most shampoos. I've only been able to use one brand (Pantene) for a while now. Help me figure out why/what to do? My sister mentioned something about having a sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate allergy, so I thought maybe that was my issue too. I checked 3 bottles of shampoo I had around, two different Pantene bottles and Bedhead one I had. First Pantene didn't have it and the Bedhead did. I thought great, I solved it! But then the 2nd bottle of Pantene had SLS in it. So I'm wondering what other ingredient(s) might cause issues? I've tried so many different brands of shampoo, from $2/bottle to $25-30/bottle and all have the same issue, though the cheaper ones seem to make it happen more quickly. I use Neutrogena T-gel when my scalp gets bad, but man, I hate smelling like it afterwards.

What happens to my scalp is it gets super itchy and sometimes I get little sores. If I keep up with the Pantene that doesn't happen, but I have another issue. If I use the same shampoo bottle after bottle, it's starts to make my hair not nice (I think it's buildup, my hair feels like it doesn't get clean clean). So if I alternate between shampoos I'm okay, but I can't find another brand to alternate with.

So, to boil this down, do you know of other ingredient(s) in shampoos that are known to cause issues? Have you had similar issues? Is this something I should ask my hair stylist about (I'm getting a haircut today), or should I see a dermatologist about this?

So many shampoos, so much confusion

stedman15 — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:40:07 -0800

I need to know the truth: How often should I be using shampoo and conditioner, and what sorts of shampoo and conditioner? Over the past few years, my hair has started thinning. I'm not bald, but I no longer the possess the luxuriant mane I had in college.

I get my hair cut at a hairstyling academy, and have been asking the stylists how I should shampoo. Their advice is making my head spin. Some told me to use organic shampoo, others told me to use shampoo without sulfates. Some told me I need to condition my hair often, others have said once a week is enough. I've been told to use volumizing conditioner by some to make my hair fuller, others say it doesn't matter.

So I ask MeFi: How should I be washing my hair, with what, and how often? If you can also let me know specific brands to use, it would be much appreciated.

I saw this earlier thread, but it doesn't seem to answer my questions.

Can I really wash my hair less?

sian — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:34:21 -0800

Can I really wash my hair less? I'm a woman with long hair. It's fine (but there's a lot of it), it's stick straight, it's staticky and if I go a day without washing it, my scalp immediately gets unbearably itchy and flaky. Wash it in the morning, and my hair is a grease trap by the end of the day.

I read here and there that if you stop washing your hair daily, it gets back its natural oils and for straight hair, might even get some natural wave, which is why I'm interested in this idea.

How long can I expect the greasy, flaky, itchy, staticky mess to resolve if I stop shampooing? How often should I do it? What products (cheaper the better, please) would best help? Also, is this even a feasible idea for someone with dandruff?

Dirt Floor

chuckdarwin — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:16:27 -0800

I need a carpet cleaner that won't break the bank. What current model do you recommend? (UK models/links only, please) Are there features that are essential? (ex: Do I need one that uses hot water?)

My tresses cause me stresses!

odi.et.amo — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:11:03 -0800

How can I determine which hair product ingredients I am sensitive/allergic to? I am "allergic" to a LOT of hair care products. It manifests in the form of a very strong itch, most on the sides of my head above my ears, or on the back of my head.

There appears to be no rhyme or reason to the list of products that are "safe" or "unsafe" for me to use. Can you help me, HiveMind?

Unsafe (includes shampoo and conditioner combos):
Most Redken products - I used their shampoo for about 10 years and when I finally realized in high school that the shampoo may have been causing the itch, it was like getting a new scalp.
Tresseme
*Aveda Shampure
*Body Shop Honey moisturizing
*Burt's Bees Raspberry and Brazil Nut
Trader Joe's Refresh(?) (in the purple bottles)
Neutrogena Clarifying (in the past, this has not bothered, but I used it this morning and am a slightly itchy already)
*Kenra Color Care
Paul Mitchell baby shampoo/The Conditioner
Infusium Moisturologie

(almost definitely) Safe:
*Trader Joe's Nourish (white bottles)
Dove (dry/damaged and slightly dry versions)
..... Short list! I'd love to have a few more go-to products, but I don't know where to begin.

Other information: I shampoo/condition every day, don't color my hair, or use very many styling products. The styling products that I can use (again, mostly allergic) are Dove products and Aveda products, specifically Hang Straight, Smoothing fluid, and Defining Whip.

* = sulfate free

Who will refill my cosmetics bottles?

penguin pie — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 03:09:49 -0800

Is there anywhere in the UK that will refill empty cosmetics bottles? You used to be able to take empty bottles back to The Body Shop to be refilled from jumbo tubs behind the counter, but since they stopped I've never found anywhere else that does it. I know you can get plastic bottles recycled, but the recycling process itself uses up energy, and it just seems so stupid to stick a perfectly good empty bottle that I've only had for a couple of weeks in the recycling bin then go buy another identical one full of product. I'm particularly looking for shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, but also interested in anything else.

I want to wear black shirts again.

Elmo Oxygen — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:51:34 -0800

Looking for an all-natural, hair-friendly, anti-dandruff shampoo. For the longest time, I used Herbal Essences, and everything was alright with the world. I'd have to wash my hair more often in the summer then the winter, but it was no big deal. (think twice a week during the winter, every other day during the summer)

However, about 6 months ago, they changed their formula and threw my world into chaos! Since then, I've tried a few different brands (including the new Herbal Essences formula) and none have worked for me. Most disturbingly, I've developed dandruff! Yuck!

So, bottom line, I need a new shampoo. I've tried the standard anti-dandruff shampoos before (think Head and Shoulders) but they all scared me - they burned my face, had a real mediciney smell, and made my hair look awful. Worst of all, they used things like 'coal tar.' Yuck!

I'm looking for all-natural shampoos and conditioners that will keep the dandruff at bay and will also make my hair look great. My hair is naturally very thick and wavy and bouncy. I don't know if this matters or not.

Also, bonus question - the dandruff has mostly appeared in the last few months. It isn't super super bad, but it's at the point where it even appears a few hours after I've washed my hair. I'm pretty sure that it's never been this bad before. Can one 'develop' dandruff? Could it be seasonal? Or is it due to using the wrong haircare products?

Conditioning Shampoo

simplesharps — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 16:53:16 -0800

Why doesn't conditioner lather like shampoo? I love shampoo that gives a thick lather with minimal effort and always get disappointed when I can't achieve the same result with a conditioner. Am I missing something fundamental about it's properties that applies to all of these types of products i.e. moisturisers?

Are there any hair conditioners avaliable in Australia that foam like a shampoo but leave your hair feeling soft?

...lather burns my eyes; this liquid soap surprise!

gursky — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:09:41 -0800

Can you recommend a shampoo that will make my scalp tingle? I have tried (and loved!) Herbal Essences "Degunkify!" shampoo. It's slightly minty, and makes my head tingle. The tingling sensation is awesome, and it fools me into believing the shampoo gets my scalp even cleaner.

Any other types of shampoo I can try that might have the same result? I don't want it to burn, though. Anything too strong will make me tear up.

Bonus points for:
- shampoos that work well on long, wavy, frizzy, thick hair
- shampoos that smell nice
- shampoos that cost less than $15/bottle

Many thanks!