You run your fingers through your natural hair, and it is easy, soft and hydrated. Yeah, that feeling! We know it. This doesn't come easy, especially if you live in areas where the sun and heat are intense or the air is dry. That's why you need a moisturising shampoo for natural hair, for all-day hydration and shine.
Why Do Shampoos Contain Harsh Ingredients?
You are probably wondering why harsh ingredients are in shampoo bottles in the first place, since they get approved before making their way to shelves. One, each of these ingredients has its own function. Some are to act as cleansing agents; some have neutral effects but can constitute a nuisance when they build up. Some are outrightly bad and renowned for drying out the scalp of moisture.
When this occurs, your hair is exposed to all sorts, ranging from irritation to inflammation to dandruff and flaking. Some of the ingredients in the shampoos offer quick fixes but leave bad effects in the long term.
What Is Natural Hair and Why Does It Require Moisture?
Natural hair is simply hair that has not been altered in any form. No chemicals such as colour, relaxers or straighteners. Natural hair is insanely beautiful when well taken care of, but only a few people get a good hang of its care. They probably battle poor hydration, or it is weak and brittle, or at the verge of breaking two by two. This is because most natural hair has high porosity, and the ones with low porosity come with their own set of challenges.
To keep your natural hair happy, moisture must come in sufficient amounts through shampoo, conditioner, sprays and creams. This is why the ingredients in your moisturising shampoo for natural hair really matter.
Common Ingredients to Avoid That Dry Out Hair
Sadly, the ingredients that dry out hair are in nearly every shampoo. One great way of staying clear of such ingredients is to avoid adding over-the-counter products to your collection. Ensure your hair care products are carefully sourced. Don't be fooled by fancy packaging designs. Also, that they are expensive doesn't necessarily mean they are of good quality.
A good moisturising shampoo for natural hair should be free of these ingredients:
Sodium Laureth Sulphate or Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
They are often written as SLS or just sulphates. First, let's get this straight: the main work of sulphates is to act as detergents—create the foam, lather and bubble that makes you think you're washing right. This sud that is created doesn't go down the drain alone. It takes along natural oils from your scalp. This leaves your hair vulnerable to drying and irritation.
In fact, the effect is even more severe on sensitive scalp and hair, where symptoms like hair loss dominate. Your hair can still wash clean without sulphates. A good scalp care moisturising shampoo for natural hair should not contain sulphates, not even in the smallest amount, to cleanse your hair.
Parabens
For many years, parabens sat comfortably in products, with sulphates being the focus. Many manufacturers use parabens to extend the shelf life of their products. They act as preservatives, but recently, they were found to also dry and cause irritation. Even worse, parabens can get absorbed into the body, accumulate and cause potential skin problems like cancer, reproductive issues, etc.
Do check the ingredient list and choose shampoos that state that they are “paraben-free.” This is just one surefire way of staying safe.
Silicones
Silicone is another of those “feel-good” ingredients. They coat your strands, give it that silky texture you get after you just washed, and then you love your hair again. But here's something to keep in mind: silicone acts like a plastic wrap around your hair. They block moisture and nutrients ffrom getting in and over time, your hair becomes dry, dull, and more prone to breakage.
Artificial Fragrances
Ah, that heavenly scent! We all love a shampoo that smells good, right? Here's the caveat: those strong, sweet scents are from chemicals that can irritate your scalp and trigger allergies. What to do? Avoid artificial or heavy fragrances—they really do not mean well.
Alcohol
This is the ingredient that we tell you to never accommodate. If you ever washed your hair and woke up with your hair feeling like straw, then alcohol is to blame. They dry your hair quickly, leaving it rough and fragile. Ensure to check ingredient lists for alcohol and avoid them completely.
Formaldehydes
Think of formaldehyde as a potential carcinogenic ingredient, because it is, and stay away from shampoos that contain them. They act as preservatives and also as straighteners, but they can cause serious skin problems. A rather safe way is to stay clear of these ingredients.
Nevertheless, some moisturising shampoo for natural hair, like GK Hair's Moisturising Shampoo, don't contain any of the above-mentioned harsh ingredients, and your hair stays healthy and clean with every wash.
Shampoo Ingredients to Look Out for: Safer Alternatives
We've made a long list of what to avoid, but don't let that scare you. There's still quite a few moisturising shampoos for natural hair out there that are safe for use. Even if you decide to colour your hair, a colour-treated moisturising shampoo for natural hair can help preserve the life of your colour for a long time.
Plant-based ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, and argan oil, offer a wide range of benefits without leaving your hair confused. You should go for a shampoo that do not only promise but those that combine these ingredients together to cleanse and nourish your hair.
GK Hair's Moisturising Shampoo for natural hair contains nourishing ingredients that cater to your hair needs while washing off dirt, grime and oil. Ingredients to watch out for are:
Gentle Surfactants
Instead of sulphates, you should find gentle surfactants as an alternative. This is spot-on as a good scalp care moisturising shampoo for natural hair ingredients. Less lather, more cleansing. If you need one that clarifies thoroughly, then a clarifying shampoo like GK Hair's pH+ Shampoo is just perfect.
Humectants
Natural hair likes moisture. Humectants like aloe vera and glycerin in your shampoos are great for locking in moisture.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of those go-to natural ingredient your scalp will thank you for. It calms irritation, eases itching or burning sensations. It is also packed with vitamins and antioxidants that supports a healthier scalp.
Choosing a Moisturising Shampoo for Natural Hair
As you scan through labels on shampoo bottles, keep in mind that, beyond watching out for harsh ingredients, you should choose the one that favours your hair. For example, those with oily scalps should select an oily hair moisturising shampoo for natural hair to balance oil production.
Selecting Based on Hair Type and Condition
When it comes to choosing a moisturising shampoo for natural hair, your choice can really shape how healthy your hair looks and feels. Beyond getting your scalp clean, you need a shampoo that matches your specific hair needs. Do you have hair that is fine, thick and coarse, wavy, curly, dry or oily? Once you figure that out, it becomes much easier to narrow down.
Fine or Thin Hair: Choose shampoos that contain volumising and nourishing ingredients, as they would serve you better.
Oily Hair: You need an oily hair moisturising shampoo for natural hair that clarifies and balances oil production. GK Hair's Balancing Shampoo is formulated to regulate the scalp’s natural oil production and promote scalp health.
If your scalp itches, it's likely dandruff and an Anti Dandruff Shampoo is your fix. Read: Best Antidandruff Shampoo for Sensitive Scalps - UK Reviews
Dry Hair: Remember that a healthy scalp is the foundation for good hydration. You need a scalp care moisturising shampoo for natural hair to gently cleanse your hair without leaving heavy residue that blocks moisture ways.
Colour-treated Hair: Imagine getting your colour done, and after a few days, it looks like it has been for months. That's why a choice for the best colour treated moisturising shampoo for natural hair is key. With GK Hair's Silver Bombshell Shampoo, you won't have to struggle balancing moisture and maintaining colour.
Moisturising Shampoo Meets Clean Beauty
Hair that is beautiful doesn't have to cost your wallet, your time or the environment. If you support clean and sustainable beauty like we do, then our organic moisturising shampoo for natural hair will be your new favourite.
