Reading Labels
Hey my beauties! I often have conversations with my cuties in the salon about knowing what shampoo and conditioner is best for their hair. I’ve noticed a running theme of clients being drawn to the name on the bottle but not knowing what’s actually IN the bottle. For example, clients will see “Shea Moisture” or “Moroccanoil”on the bottle and think its a catch all for their hair care needs. BUT that same brand creates different formulations for different hair care needs, they create formulations for protein, moisture, volume, smoothing, curl, color treated hair and more. So how do you know which one is best when you’re not a professional?
I’m quite the hair nerd so I go deep with ingredients to see what’s best for my clients…that’s NOT what I’m expecting from you all. However, I can give you all a few key words so you know if your picking up the best products no matter the brand, let’s start with moisture. Moisture is meant to enhance hair’s elasticity (ability for hair strand to stretch and bounce back without snapping) in most cases it’s meant for dry to severely dry hair. Key labeling words can show up as: hydration, moisture, humidity/humectant, quench and nutritive. You’ll find these key words in the middle or bottom of the bottle label but always below the company’s name.
Next we have protein, Protein is meant to rebuild damaged/snapping hair. It’s most commonly needed as a result of chemical and/or mechanical over processing. Key labeling words: reparative, protein, fortifying, reconstructive, strengthening and anti-snap. Most protein products should only be used a maximum 3 months, check with your beauty professional for more detailed guidance.
Last but certainly not least, we have curly hair. Curly hair can be naturally or chemically (think curly perms) maintained with the correct products. These products are designed to nourish naturally or chemically curly hair by way of maintaining cuticle health. Key labeling words: Curly, wavy, kinky, natural, co-wash, and smoothing.
As always make sure you consult with a beauty professional to ensure exactly what you need and preferred brands they’d recommend. Sound off in the comments if this was helpful and make sure you share it with anyone that needs assistance with sorting through the product noise. Until next time…SMOOCHES!!!