So in my time since returning natural, it’s been seven years in June, I’ve used different types of moisturizing shampoos for my natural hair. Most products I’ve either received in a monthly subscription box or in a swag bag from one of the many events I would attend in New York. For those of you not familiar with knowing which shampoo to purchase for your hair, you must first define what you want the shampoo to do.
There are different types of shampoos:
Clarifying shampoos – this shampoo allows your stylist or yourself to remove the product buildup that accumulates on your hair and scalp. Most shampoos will clean your hair but, clarifying shampoos will allow you to “deep clean” the hair shaft and will most likely leave it very dry and must be followed up with a moisturizing shampoo. Keep in mind that in a clarifying shampoo you may find ingredients that mention sulfates. You will need sulfates to properly clean your hair. You have to be careful how often you use clarifying shampoos as it can strip your hair and scalp of too much of your natural oils that maintain moisture.
Moisturizing shampoos – this shampoo will also clean your hair and scalp but will not strip the hair and scalp of oils. Moisturizing shampoos, will often have ingredients that contribute to retaining moisture in your hair and will have no sulfates mentioned in their labeling. Be very mindful of the list of ingredients in your beauty products. If you are not aware of what the scientific name is for, google search and review the long term that may just mean coconut oil.
Here are a few moisturizing shampoos that I continue to use to cleanse my naturally textured hair. Each of the shampoos offer about the same results for my hair, ability to cleanse in two passes of shampoo, rinse and repeat. Following up with a conditioner, my short hair does not require as much time and effort as it once did when it was about shoulder length.
Cantu Moisturizing Cream Shampoo – “gently cleanses and moisturizes helping to reduce breakage during shampooing.” https://www.cantubeauty.com/products/
Creme of Nature Moisture & Shine Shampoo – “hydrates hair and adds Exotic Shine™, while gently cleansing without harsh moisture stripping agents.“ https://cremeofnature.com/products/argan/hair-care/sulfate-free-moisture-shine-shampoo/
Pantene Moisture Boost Shampoo – “a rich, creamy lather that hydrates rough cuticles and softens hair, while gently cleansing. Paraben-free and infused with argan oil, it removes product build-up and impurities for true hair health, priming and moisturizing hair for styling.” https://pantene.com/en-us/product/moisture-boost-shampoo
Do you use any of these moisturizing shampoos for your hair? If not, which one do you use?
