FAQ: DO I HAVE TO USE PROFESSIONAL BRANDS OF SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER? 

Of course not. However, professional brands often are higher in quality, meaning less is used for the same or better results. Using less results in buying less often. Hair history is a factor, too. Coloring, perming, highlighting, relaxing or frequently heat styling may require a higher caliber of product to keep it in good shape. If the hair feels dry, is flyaway, prone to static, or unmanageable while using a certain brand or type, it may be time to evaluate whether that particular product being used is a factor.

We don't judge drugstore varieties here, though. A statement I often make is "If it works, it's a good product"!

​FAQ: DO I HAVE TO USE CONDITIONER AT ALL?

Again, no. Many clients with fine or thin hair skip the conditioner because they feel it weighs their hair down. Conditioner was designed to replenish the moisture that shampoo has the tendency to strip out along with dirt, sweat, oil and styling products. By following the washing Pro Tip above and keeping it off the scalp, there's really no reason to skip it, though. If the hair is showing signs of dryness, such as frizz, flyaways, brittleness, or static, it helps to add some moisture. Again, conditioner should only be applied to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, to avoid weighing it down at the roots or causing buildup at the scalp.

FAQ: HOW DO I KNOW WHICH BRAND TO USE?

Following recommendations from a professional who already knows your hair is usually the safest bet, but it's impossible for anyone to nail it 100% of the time. So, before making any purchase, it doesn't hurt to do a little extra research- read ratings and reviews to see if others mention they have a similar hair type and that it works for them. A high-star rating with a high count is great, a "best seller" status is good but not guaranteed, and a viral trend is a gamble. Another statement I make all the time is "You have to try it to see if it works for you", and it's the truth. There are so many little nuances that make it difficult to generalize, and what makes something "good" is so very subjective. Just like you, I have a graveyard in the back of my cabinet where unfinished products are laid to rest (why can't I throw them out? Oh, right- because then I get sweaty and have to wash my hair again...).

I once read an article where the iconic Dita Von Teese was asked about her beauty regimen. Her response was unlike most others, as she stated that the exact products she used was irrelevant because her skin was not the same as someone else's. She said that seeing a dermatologist was better than buying a bunch of products and hoping for a miracle. It stuck with me (at the time I thought it was really sassy), and when I gained a little experience as a cosmetologist, I fully realized it to be true.

At the end of the day, the brand is less important than finding a product type that works for the needs of the hair- unless certain factors like vegan, eco-friendly or sulfate-free are a deciding factor. I personally am a sucker for the products that smell good, but if that product is not making my hair feel or look good, I'll switch to a product I know will fix my issues, regardless of fragrance- but I'm always on the lookout for a product that offers the best of both worlds!

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FAQ: I NEED TO USE SULFATE-FREE PRODUCTS BECAUSE THEY'RE BETTER, RIGHT?"

Not necessarily. There is a lot of conflicting information and a few myths regarding sulfate-free products and products with sulfates (SLS and SLES). What is true: Unless you are allergic to sulfates, they are not harmful, there is no scientific evidence that sulfates cause cancer, sulfate-free products are not necessarily superior, and either kind won't work for everyone, just like Dita sassily said.

When all is said and done, it's absolutely OK to use shampoos that contain sulfates, it's absolutely OK to use shampoos that are sulfate-free, and it's absolutely OK to switch between both! Again, the only way to know if a product will work for you is to try it. It would be worth trying a shampoo with sulfates if you have oily scalp, use a lot of products, are physically active and/or sweat a lot, or you only wash 1-2 times per week. Going sulfate-free would be worth trying if you have dry, flaky scalp, dry ends, wash frequently, or have a sensitivity to sulfates. Alternating between both kinds is a good idea if one or the other works for a while, then doesn't, and switching altogether would be advised if one or the other is causing adverse effects.

Here's a great article about sulfate-free shampoo, written by a chemistry PhD who is also a cosmetic chemist.

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Who would have thought that something as simple as washing hair could be so complicated??

It's really not- just look for the category that best represents your hair. If there are combinations, such as curly + dandruff, or color-treated + thin/fine, just choose the main concern that should be addressed. Most professional brands are already color safe and moisturizing. Plus, shampoos made for blonde/gray, dandruff or clarifying should only be used occasionally, so you can alternate with products that will address the other concern(s).

If choosing a product on your own still seems too overwhelming, don't hesitate to get in touch with me and I'll be happy to help!