What do shampoo and conditioner do

While shampoo often comes before conditioner, it can depend on what type of hair you have. Shampoo is a cleansing agent that is used to wash away dirt and oil from the surface of hair fibers and the scalp. It contains various surfactants and detergents that allow you to remove oil, sweat, product buildup, and environmental pollutants from your hair. Conditioner is a moisturizing agent that is made up of natural oils, proteins, botanical extracts, etc. Even after you rinse the conditioner out, it leaves a thin film on your hair to protect it.

Generally, most people must apply shampoo to their hair every few days to every few weeks in order to keep it clean and orderly. This removes dirt and oils from the hair. However, it can also leave it rough and unmanageable. No one wants that! Reverse shampooing, also known as pre-wash conditioning, proposes that you apply conditioner before applying shampoo.

However, reverse shampooing can be incredibly beneficial to your hair. It can give your hair the hydration and nourishment it needs from the conditioner without making it heavy and lifeless. During the traditional shampooing versus reverse shampooing conversation, you may hear the term co-washing. This is another popular new trend. Co-washing is the act of washing your hair solely with conditioner. The goal of this routine is to cut down on the use of shampoo via a co-washing regime so that hair is able to maintain its natural moisture levels.

In the conversation about traditional shampooing, reverse shampooing, and co-washing, we must highlight the importance of using products as directed. Instead of repurposing your current products, seek out formulas that are intended for whatever type of washing is best for your hair traditional, reverse, co-washing, etc.

There are as many ways to care for hair as there are hair types! Think you've got a fresh perspective that will challenge our readers to engage and educate themselves on how to attain a healthier self, hair and skin included? We're always looking for authors who can deliver quality articles and blog posts. Thousands of men and women will read your work, and you will level up in the process. View Cart Checkout. Shampoo or Conditioner: Which Comes First?

By Taliah Waajid February 17, What is shampoo? What is conditioner? How to use shampoo and conditioner Generally, most people must apply shampoo to their hair every few days to every few weeks in order to keep it clean and orderly. They can be combined with ionic detergent as a secondary cleanser. Examples are: Polyoxyethylene fatty alcohols, polyoxyethylene sorbitol esters and alkanolamides.

Amphoteric detergents[ 13 , 16 , 17 ]. Having both positively and negatively charged polar group, they behave differently at lower pH as cationic detergent and at higher pH as anionic detergent. Subgroups include the betaines, sultaines, and imidazolinium derivatives. Examples are: Cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium lauraminopropionate. Natural detergents[ 11 , 13 , 18 ]. The fruit pulp of Sapindus, also known as soapberries or soapnuts contains saponins which are a natural surfactant and creates a lather which leaves the hair soft, shiny and manageable.

This was used for hair cleansing in India in ancient times. After the advent of synthetic detergents, use of natural detergents became a memory. Recently botanically based hair care products have made resurgence. Natural surfactants come from plants such as sarsaparilla, soapwort, soap bark, and ivy agave.

Although they have excellent lathering capabilities, cleansing of hair is poor and their addition is only for marketing purposes. Hair-conditioning ingredient functions to impart manageability, gloss, and antistatic properties to the hair. This may be included in the shampoo which then serves dual function of cleaning and conditioning.

These are useful for those wishing to shampoo daily and for dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair. Commonly used conditioning substances include hydrolyzed silk and animal protein, glycerin, dimethicone, simethicone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, propylene glycol, and stearal -konium chloride.

Protein-derived substances in conditioners can temporarily mend split ends, known as trichoptilosis. Protein attracted to the keratin holds the cortex fragments together until the next shampooing occurs.

They introduce gas bubbles into the water but have nothing to do with cleansing, a common myth among general population that a product which foams better cleans better. Inclusion of foam boosters like cocodiethanolamide as ingredients in shampoo helps to satisfy the customer psyche which equates good foaming with good cleansing though it does help spread the detergent over the hair and scalp.

This helps in the commercial success of a shampoo formulation. Sebum inhibits the bubble formulation; therefore, there is more foam during second shampooing. These are added to change the physical and optical properties of the shampoo. This improves the cosmetic acceptance. Many shampoos are pearlescent.

This effect is achieved by addition of tiny flakes of suitable materials, for example, glycol distearate. Thickeners like salt sodium chloride and PEG distearate are used to increase the product viscosity. Again these have no effect on hair cleansing. Sequestering agent like polyphosphates and ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid are used to chelate magnesium and calcium ions.

As the hair fiber has a pH of 3. To address the treatment of the scalp; shampoos must not have a pH higher than 5. Preservatives resist germs and prevent decomposition of the shampoos. They also prevent various other health risks that accompany contamination by germs and bacteria. Recently, an attractive list of ingredients is being added to shampoos ranging from chemical sun screens to vitamins like panthenol, pro-vitamins, botanicals like tea tree oil and even beer.

The contact time of shampoos with scalp and hair is too brief to expect significant clinical benefits despite claims to the contrary. These additives serve mainly to allow the distinction of one shampoo from another in terms of marketing claims.

A common question of a dermatology patient especially if he or she comes with a hair problem is to ask the type of shampoo he or she should use for their type of hair. Dermatologists are expected to be familiar with the basic types of shampoos available in the market. These are listed in Figure 2 and have the following properties and uses:[ 13 ]. Normal hair shampoo is for people who have hair which are chemically untouched and scalp which produces moderate sebum.

Favorite with men. Normal hair shampoos use lauryl sulfate as the primary detergent providing good cleansing and minimal conditioning. Dry hair shampoo is for people who have undergone chemical treatment or harsh styling procedures. These shampoos provide mild cleansing and good conditioning. Oily hair shampoo is for people who produce abundant sebum. They contain lauryl sulfates or sulfosuccinates as detergents and no conditioners.

Everyday shampoo is for people who want to daily wash their hair along with bath lest they feel dirty. They generally contain mild detergents and typically do not incorporate the conditioners. But an instant stand-alone conditioner is recommended which can be applied immediately after shampooing in the shower and completely rinsed from the hair prior to drying. Deep cleaning shampoo is for people who frequently use styling products, such as hair spray, gel, and mousse.

These polymers build up on the hair shaft after continuous use and make the hair look rough, dull and feel harsh. To remove these polymers, a strong detergent like lauryl sulfates is used as their primary detergent. These shampoos are typically used once weekly.

Baby shampoo is for babies where mild detergent is used which is non-irritating to the eyes and achieves mild cleansing, as babies produce limited sebum. They contain the amphoteric group detergents, such as the betaines which actually numbs the eye tissues to prevent stinging and irritation.

Medicated shampoo is used for people with scalp problems like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, bacterial or fungal infections. In addition to regular cleansers they contain active agents such as Tar derivatives, corticosteroids, salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium sulfide, polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine complex, chlorinated phenols or zinc pyrithione. Professional shampoos are not for ordinary people but for use of professional hair stylist and cosmetologist.

They are either used before a cutting or styling procedure or before and after a chemical process like bleaching and dyeing or coloring process. Briefly these shampoos have ingredients in extremely concentrated forms or special anionic or cationic detergents that neutralize the harsh effects of chemicals on hair shaft or remove the residues of chemicals applied to achieve a particular hair style or color.

They are not to be used for day to day hair care. The frequency of hair washing is usually an individual preference and is influenced by length of hair, culture, sex, social pressures, and economics. Frequent and regular cleaning with a well-formulated shampoo will not damage the hair. So there is no upper limit of frequency provided regular conditioner is used.

Conditioning agents can be defined as additives which enhance feel, appearance, fullness, lubricity, reflectance, and general manageability of hair. Sebum being the ideal hair conditioner had to be replenished. Therefore, the need was felt for a synthetic sebum like substance or a conditioner which was able to minimize static electricity, increase hair shine, volume and improve hair manageability and also to maintain hair styling.

Conditioner molecules contain cationic surfactant which gives a positive electric charge to the conditioner. The negative charge of the hair is attracted to the positively charged conditioner molecules, which results in conditioner getting deposited on the hair, especially on areas where there is degree of weathering.

Thus, conditioners reduce the static electricity. They also flatten the cuticle scales over the hair shaft, reducing the friction between hair fibers, increasing the reflectance of light which improves shine and color. There are several different active agents that can be combined to achieve a hair conditioner designed for a given hair type. Conditioners are essentially cationic systems that, for best effect, are presented a dispersions rather than solution.

Cationic surfactants: Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, behentrimonium or propyltrimonium, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine. They are considered the backbone of a conditioner. Polymers: Mono and polypeptides like hydrolyzed proteins amino acids , polypeptides derived from collagen and polyvinylpyrrolidone PVP.

Bodying agents and thickeners: Fatty alcohols e. Natural oils used in conditioners are, for example, jojoba oil, olive oil, or grape seed oil. The most frequently used synthetic oils are silicone e.

Auxiliary emulsifiers: Ethoxylated fatty alcohols e. Hair conditioners are used in several ways depending upon their need. They are summarized below:[ 44 , 48 , 50 ]. Instant conditioners are the most common. They are applied immediately after shampooing and are left for a short period of time around 5 min before rinsing. They are ideal for daily use with minimally damaged hair. They are the most popular type of conditioner for both salon and home use. Deep conditioners, also known as intensive hair conditioners, are similar to instant conditioners, except they are more concentrated and are left on the hair for 20 to 30 minutes.

They are usually used for extremely dry hair and also before chemical treatment such as coloring and waving. Blow drying lotions are similar to instant conditioners, but they do not contain oil and therefore can be left on the hair and are useful for people with fine hair and excessive scalp sebum.

They coat hair shaft, increasing their diameter minutely and giving the illusion of thick hair. They usually contain proteins as conditioners.

Adverse reactions to shampoos and conditioners are rare. It is known that a pH higher than 5. Reports of allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, accidental contact with the mucous membranes of nose and eye, delayed wound healing, buildup of detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate in heart, liver, lungs, brain and the rare possibility of carcinogenicity are reasons for being cautious when a person complains of skin eruptions around application sites and a feeling of unease with these hair care products.

Shampoo and conditioners are hair care products which have become a part of day to day grooming of individuals and queries related to them are frequently put up to a dermatologist by patients with or without hair pathologies.

This article attempts to put basic and practical aspects in the grasp of the reader so that the next patient can be offered reasonable advice regarding their specific problems and apprehensions regarding use of these products.

This would also help in obtaining better compliance of these patients while treating their core dermatological disorders. Hair shampoos also have secondary functions of ameliorating scalp irritation due to various causes of scalp dermatoses and aiding to leave the hair soft, shiny and manageable. Depending upon need, various type of shampoos dry hair, oily hair, normal hair, and baby shampoo, etc. Protein-rich conditioners are known to seal temporarily split ends and give illusion of thick hairs.

Source of support: Nil. Conflict of Interest: Nil. National Center for Biotechnology Information , U. Journal List Indian J Dermatol v. Indian J Dermatol. Author information Article notes Copyright and License information Disclaimer. Address for correspondence: Dr. Everyday shampoos are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to wash their hair each day to keep the hair looking shiny and healthy.

However, an excellent alternative to the usual shampoos is baby shampoos, that are designed to be gentle. You can recommend oily hair shampoos for your clients who need to remove excess sebum from their hair and scalp. Two-in-one shampoos are the ideal option for anyone who wants to gently wash and condition their hair. Finally, volumizing shampoos are perfect for anyone who has fine, limp hair and wants to add volume and body. There are many benefits of using shampoo. You can help your client choose the best shampoo for their hair type, leaving it beautiful and shiny.

Normally hair needs to be washed with products that help the PH balance. Hair that is naturally oily requires deep cleaning, while dry hair needs more conditioning to keep it soft.

The hair may be washed twice to remove oil and dirt particles. Benefit 2: Shampoos that contain the proper vitamins, oils, minerals, and botanical extracts can stimulate the hair follicles and scalp.

These shampoos also have natural fragrances. Benefit 3: It is important to recommend the right shampoo for your clients that have had their hair professionally colored. During the process of coloring hair, the follicles in the hair are raised so the molecules of color can be deposited.

Hair conditioners are products designed to manage hair easily, improving the appearance and feel of the hair. The primary purpose of conditioners is to reduce the amount of friction caused to strands of hair during brushing or combing. When the proper conditioners are used for specific hair types, they can reduce the number of split ends and strengthen the hair follicles to prevent damage.

However, some people have the misconception that washing their hair is enough to keep it clean and looking beautiful. While washing the hair removes a lot of contaminants, without using a conditioning product after washing, hair can become dry and stripped of the natural oils it needs to stay healthy. Excessive amounts of water will dilute conditioners and prevent it from soaking into the hair follicles. Firstly, the different types of conditioners include masks, deep conditioners, leave-in conditioners, and rinse-out conditioners.

A hair mask is designed to penetrate deeply into the follicles of the hair to provide protein and moisture. It also makes the hair shiny and beautiful.