Some people change shampoos at the drop of a hat. They want to try every new scent, formula, or product. Others are reluctant to change at all. They may give in to pressure from their stylist to purchase the brand the salon sells. Or maybe they’ve stuck with one brand so long they can’t imagine changing. And it doesn’t help that there’s tons of conflicting advice out there.
So how do you know when you actually need to switch your shampoo? Your hair will tell you. Here are four signs you should change shampoos.
Your Hair Lacks Moisture
A lack of moisture causes tons of hair woes, ranging from frizz to breakage. So if you realize that your hair is especially dry, frizzy, or prone to tangling and breaking, you may need to change shampoos.
Many shampoos strip the natural oils from your hair as part of the cleaning process, leaving your hair dry. So if your mane is feeling parched, try a moisturizing shampoo like Terrace Garden. It’s perfect for cleaning your hair without stripping your strands. Plus, it has tons of moisturizing ingredients, like Longsheng rice water, cocoa butter, and rice bran oil, to give your hair the hydration it needs.
You Have Dandruff
Dandruff can be caused by many things, but one of them is your shampoo. It could be excessively drying, or you could be reacting to one of the ingredients. Additionally, if your shampoo isn’t effectively cleaning your hair, dirt, debris, and hair products could linger after you wash, contributing to dandruff. And the same is true if your shampoo doesn’t rinse out as it should.
If you suspect you may be sensitive to your shampoo, look for one that contains different ingredients. It may take some trial and error to find and eliminate the offending component. Alternatively, try switching to a gentle shampoo like Hidden Waterfall. It’s loaded with soothing ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and bamboo.
Your Hair Is Dull
Dull hair is a sign that your current shampoo may be leaving buildup behind. Or it can be a signal that your hair isn’t getting what it needs to be healthy. For example, color-treated hair is already vulnerable, so if you dye your hair, you need a shampoo that’s easy on your tresses and helps preserve your color.
If your strands are looking dull, go for a shampoo that includes nourishing ingredients. And pay attention to whether it rinses thoroughly out of your hair or leaves buildup behind. If you notice lingering residue, it’s time to change shampoos.
You Have Greasy Hair
Greasy hair can be a sign that your shampoo isn’t working. If your shampoo doesn’t clean well enough, it may leave excess oil behind or not fully wash out product buildup, which can then make your hair look greasy. Or it may strip your hair, which triggers more oil production to replace what was lost. Either way, you need new shampoo.
If you struggle with greasy hair, we recommend trying Citrus Yao. The citrus oil it contains works wonders to remove excess oil without stripping your hair. Remember to space out your wash days and give your hair time to adjust after changing shampoos. In the meantime, adding a little dry shampoo between washes will keep your tresses looking fresh.
Contrary to a popular hair myth, it’s not necessary to change shampoos all the time. But if you notice these signs, a new shampoo could be just the change you need.