When it comes to hair care, shampooing is a fundamental part of the routine. However, if you’re not careful about the type of shampoo you use, it can potentially cause more harm than good. One of the main culprits that leads to this damage are the surfactants used in various shampoos. Understanding the nature of surfactants and choosing the right shampoo for your hair type is essential to maintaining healthy, stronger looking hair.

What is a surfactant?

Surfactants help lower the tension between two substances. In shampoos, surfactants are responsible for helping to remove dirt, oil and impurities from the scalp and hair. They surround the particles and allow them to suspend and  get rinsed away. 

There are three types of surfactants to keep a generalization of each category; gentle, medium and strong. Ranging between each of these are many variables to be considered in how concentrated they are to the form they are in that collectively make a difference in the final formulation you choose today.

How do I know what shampoo to use?

Choosing the right shampoo involves understanding your hair type, scalp conditions and the needs of the hair. Most shampoos available today guide by listing an indicator on the front of the bottle or describe the performance which may include options for: Dry hair, oily, normal, color-treated, volume, sensitive skin/ scalps etc. 

These shampoos are formulated to deliver an experience that aligns with a general hair type with moderate surfactants that typically maintain balance and cleanliness. Each shampoo characteristic can vary depending on the foundation of the shampoo formulation, the supporting ingredients as well as the strength and form of the surfactants.

How is Goldie Locks® formulated differently?

At Goldie Locks®, we take a thoughtful approach to formulating our shampoos. Our top-shelf ingredients are carefully selected to understand and meet the needs of the user, whether that is you or your client. We recognize that different hair types and conditions require different levels of cleansing hair while maintaining the integrity of every strand.

What if we use too strong of surfactants?

Using a shampoo with strong surfactants can have several negative effects on your hair including stripping away the good, natural oils. Our cuticle and outer layer of the hair have a natural barrier of lipids that play a crucial role in keeping hair hydrophobic, its preferred state of existence. When these oils are stripped away, they do not naturally reproduce and it leaves your hair vulnerable to damage including, dry, brittle, and breakage. 

When your cuticle becomes damaged it leads to cracks, which can split and make the hair feel rough and dull. Not only does the appearance of the hair suffer but the characteristics like increased frizz appear as well. 

Final Thoughts

Understanding the important role of surfactants in shampoo and choosing the right product for your hair type is crucial to maintaining healthy, vibrant hair. We prioritize the use of thoughtful formulations, effective ingredients that provide the best end results while providing daily protection and prevention of damage. 

Remember, your hair’s strength is determined before it even grows out. Supporting it from the inside out, maintaining scalp health and using the right products are key to preventing damage and ensuring hair remains healthy and resilient.