Mirroring our current lifestyles, our hair needs are ever-changing. “Year two of pandemic conditions means navigating more of the unexpected—more worry about getting sick, more concern about job loss and just more stress in general—none of which are conducive for our health and well-being, and especially not our hair and scalp health,” says Connecticut-based hair restoration expert Dr. Rae Lynne Kinler. She notes that over 30 million women in the US suffer from genetic or female-pattern hair loss. The once-unfairly-taboo topic is now driving up demand for growth-stimulating actives (like TikTok’s infamous rice water promises) and supplements like Nutrafol. Dr. Kinler suggests that as an initial step, “start a routine that includes a healthy hair diet, supplements, and topicals as well as nourishing, hydrating, keratin-boosting and pH-balancing products.” According to Naeemah LaFond, Amika’s global artistic director, ingredients have become an even larger focus in the past year as well. “Reading labels and looking for shampoos with not only healing and reparative claims but also the powerful ingredients to back those claims, is how we should always shop for our hair care,” she says.“Look for particular ingredients in products based on your hair concern.”
Dr. Sturm Balancing Shampoo
“The scalp environment can become too acidic due to the environment, specifically our shower water as well as product chemical interactions,” says Dr. Kinley. “Restoring balance is a good way to help scalp health and support better, stronger healthier hair growth,” she says, adding that Dr. Sturm’s new Balancing Shampoo is “chock-full of” pH-balancing and hydrating potential.
Jupiter Balancing Shampoo
“The key to having healthy hair strands is nourishing the scalp,” Thomas says, recommending balancing shampoos for clients with reactive, sensitive scalps. “This is also infused with zinc, which helps keep the oil glands around the hair follicles functioning properly.”
“This shampoo is my go-to for a standard wash,” says Thomas of this industry-favorite that he carries in his kit. “It works for all hair types, and ingredients like Avocado and grapeseed oil will leave the hair soft and shiny.”
Oribe Cleansing Cream for Moisture & Control
“Oribe’s Cleansing Cream for Moisture and Control Shampoo is by far my favorite,” says Thomas of the foam-free wash. “It smells luxurious and is great for all hair types, but the curly community will really appreciate this one because it caters to a full head of hair by boosting manageability and protection from natural elements.”
Melanin Haircare African Black Soap Reviving Shampoo
“Usually, my clients with thick, wavy, curly, and coily hair will require a wash with a shampoo as good as this one,” says Thomas. “It combats split ends while leaving the scalp noticeably clarified—so not only will the scalp look better, not it will feel better because key ingredients like tea tree, peppermint, and Black cumin seed are all anti-inflammatory.” Expect a tingling sensation.
“I love Better Not Younger Silver Lining shampoo,” says Thomas. Rather than cutting brassiness with recipes for bleach blondes, “now we have a shampoo that caters just to silver and white hair tones without turning them lavender,” he says of the bamboo-infused formula, which “promotes moisture retention while helping to strengthen the hair.”
Kevin Murphy Young Again Wash
“This shampoo is perfect for dry hair,” says Rosales of Kevin Murphy’s Young Again Wash that’s “full of antioxidants” and designed to “make your hair feel hydrated and soft. Free of sulfates and parabens, Rosales shares that it “also smells amazing.”
Monday Moisture Shampoo
“In the fall and winter, hair seems to feel drier, therefore it’s a really good time for a moisturizing shampoo,” says Perry. Monday’s hydration-gripping recipe (thanks to hydrolyzed rice protein and coconut oil) works for frizzy and fragile types as well as curls up to category 4. “Plus, it has the most gorgeous scent,” she says of its soft gardenia notes.
Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo Refill
“I figured I’d put it to the test,” says Thomas of OUAI’s Fine Hair shampoo, which now comes in a refill package that works just as well as a standalone vessel. “This shampoo is formulated to instantly increase volume at the roots, which gives you that lift after a great blow dry,” he says. “If you’re struggling with flat hair, this isn’t a permanent solution, but it’ll give your hair a fuller appearance for at least three days.”
Rice water is experiencing a revival in the hair industry. “Shea Moisture’s Purple Rice Water Strength + Color care shampoo is one of my new favorites,” says Thomas, who recommends it for anyone experiencing brittleness. “Hair can become brittle for a number of reasons such as color treating, and or heat damage,” he explains. “This hydrates and restores shine while removing residue and after every wash, leaving the hair feeling brand new.”
JVN Undamage Strengthening Shampoo
“Another shampoo that’s great for thin hair is the Virtue Flourish Shampoo,” says Thomas. “This alpha keratin-infused formula binds instantly to damaged strands to repair them, leaving the hair thicker and more luscious—it also stimulates growth.” Dr. Kinley confirms that a protein-rich shampoo like this can “help fortify and bond to our hair strands and bind to damage so we see less breakage, better growth, and all-around vibrancy.”
Matrix Dark Envy
For those test-driving the “expensive brunette” look, green shampoos can neutralize brassiness and red tones for brown hair. “This is a favorite of mine for brunettes,” says Perry of Matrix Dark Enve Color-Depositing Shampoo. “It’s kind of like bringing your colorist into the shower with you.”
“Using Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Repair Shampoo feels like the ultimate hair hack when you learn that you can literally hold off a bit longer before you head to the salon for a color refresh,” says LaFond. “It feels like having a custom toning formula right there in your shower.”
.jpg)
0 Comments