Ingredients-shampoo and conditioner

[jessicalewis]

Hi all, i done a quick search but could't find what I was looking for.
When i was in college we were never really taught about ingredients in shampoo and conditioner much other than citrus for greasy etc. I am just wondering if anyone can help me, obviously I recommend pro brands, but I am wanting to give clients information on how to choose shampoos and conditioners theirselves as well as alot don't want to buy the professional brands so I don't want to recommend OTC products but inform them what they should be looking for and why. Since coming on this site I have learnt a few things about sulphates and silicones, and will be looking into these further, but was just wondering if anyone can name more ingredients that clients and myself should be looking out for?
Thanks

 

[Clareh]

It's a question of what the product is trying to achieve. Your indicator is usually within the first ingredients as these will be a higher ratio within the product.
Strengthening usually has protein in it- look for the words protein, keratin, hydrolysed (means smaller molecules so will penetrate the hair cortex)
Moisture usually indicates some kind of oil or botanical ingredient such as aloe, coconut, shea butter etc and will work on the surface.
Repair likely has a mixture of both protein and moisture.
Colour saving often doesn't use harsh sulfates to cleanse and often has protein and moisture in their conditioners. If you use a sulfate free shampoo you must not use heavy silicones or waxes as they will not be removed fully without a harsher shampoo.
Deep conditioners are often heavy and try to penetrate the cortex.

Your stretch test will tell you what you need to know regarding what the hair needs (protein or moisture) and I think it's a good way of educating your clients to diagnose their own hair needs at home. A client with a very limited budget can treat their hair at home with olive oil, glycerin sachets and even something like mayo! It seems counter intuitive to recommend home treatments but someone who can't afford to buy your products will still make colouring etc easier for you if they look after their hair and will trust you if you recommend carefully selected at home products.
Naturallycurly.com is a fabulous resource for ingredients and haircare as it translates well to all hair types xx

 

[jessicalewis]

Thats great thankyou, sorry havent been on here for so long xx

 

[Experienced stylist]

Avoid **dimethicone** in shampoo and conditioner also in hair serum and many frizz treatments it is silicone I advice all my clients to avoid this ingredient

 

[jamiereid92]

Most products will have their "star ingredient" written on it somewhere and what it is good for, you can just expand on that.

It's not just the ingredients of a product but the ratio aswell. The ratio of essential oils and ingredients, to bulk building ingredients. Lots of people think you can only get shine from silicone, but they are just to lazy to give a do a strong blow dry!