“Clarifying shampoos are really important for curly-haired clients, who use a lot of products to keep their curls under control.”
—Diane Stevens, Nioxin Top Artist

“A great clarifying shampoo should give your client’s hair that ‘squeaky clean’ feeling, but that shouldn’t come at the expense of the hair’s health.”
—Kevin Hughes, Moroccanoil, Artistic Director

MALIBU C
Un-Do-Goo Shampoo delivers a deep hair detox—drawing out resins, grease and grime—but also defends against dehydration with a super gentle formula.

TRUSS
Miracle Clarifying Shampoo refreshes the hair, removing unwanted residue. Nano Repair elements increase shine, bonding hair fibers from the inside, while a vegetable complex restores the scalp.

PAUL MITCHELL
Shampoo Two not only deeply cleans oily hair and scalps, but it also minimizes oil production, making hair less oily over time.

UNITE
Weekender Clarifying Shampoo is formulated with a refreshing blend of citrus and mandarin orange. The nonstripping, sulfate-free formulation recharges the hair after environmental stress and product use.

REDKEN
Clean Maniac Micellar Shampoo utilizes micellar technology to gently attract and remove excess sebum and product buildup. Tiny moieties encase oil and dirt particles into a micelle that’s rinsed off, leaving hair soft, fresh and clean.

NIOXIN
Clarifying Cleanser completely removes build-up caused by styling products and environmental factors. The formula quickly defuses mineral deposits from hard water and chlorine, but is gentle enough for daily use.

MOROCCANOIL
Clarifying Shampoo nourishes the hair with argan and avocado oils, while gently cleansing away impurities, restoring the hair’s healthy balance.

ALFAPARF MILANO
Lisse Design Keratin Therapy Deep Cleansing Shampoo cleanses thoroughly and helps open the cuticles, preparing the hair for a smoothing treatment. Bonus: added collagen and babassu oil leave the hair smooth and shiny.

​BIOLAGE
Clean Reset Normalizing Shampoo was inspired by the lemongrass plant, which always has a fresh scent and stays clean. This shampoo eliminates chlorine, buildup and impurities without removing healthy natural oils.

This article first appeared on American Salon

When it comes to using essential oils for hair, there are plenty of beneficial choices. Whether you are looking to thicken your hair, treat dandruff and dry scalp, give your hair strength and shine, or lighten your hair naturally, essential oils are much safer and just as effective as conventional hair care products.
​
They are also more cost effective — one bottle of your favorite essential oil can not only nourish your hair, but it can help to reduce stress, alleviate pain and fight skin infections as well. Plus, essential oils are all-natural, which means they are free of dangerous chemicals and better for the environment and your home, too.

1. Lavender
Studies have shown that lavender oil possesses hair growth-promoting effects. In a 2016 animal study, topical application of lavender oil proved to significantly increase the number of hair follicles in female mice. Lavender oil was also able to deepen the depth of hair follicles and thicken the thermal layer. (1)

Lavender oil has antimicrobial properties, and it can be used to combat bacterial and fungal disorders. Some other lavender oil benefits are its ability to soothe the scalp and heal dry skin and hair. Plus, because emotional stress is a factor that can contribute to thinning hair, lavender oil can be used to create a tranquil and stress-free environment.

2. Rosemary
Rosemary oil is one of the top essential oils for hair thickness and growth. It is used to increase cellular metabolism, which stimulates hair growth and promotes healing. Research even shows that rosemary oil appears to work as well as minoxidil, a conventional topical hair loss treatment. (2) When it comes to boosting your hair health, the benefits of rosemary oil also include preventing baldness, slowing the graying process and treating dandruff and dry scalp.
​
To use rosemary oil for your hair, take 3–5 drops and mix it with equal parts olive oil, and then massage the mixture into your scalp for about two minutes. Leave it in your hair for 3 to 4 hours, and then wash your hair as usual.

3. Chamomile
Chamomile oil is a great essential oil for hair because it adds shine and softness to your hair while soothing your scalp.

Did you know that chamomile essential oil can be used to lighten your hair naturally? Combine 5 drops of chamomile essential oil with a tablespoon of sea salt and one-third cup of baking soda. Use warm water to create a paste and apply the mixture to your hair. Massage it into your scalp and at the base of your hair, then allow it to sit for about half an hour before rinsing it out. If you want a bolder affect, keep the paste on as you sit in the sun.

Research suggests that 50 percent of women dye their hair regularly and feel more attractive right after having their hair dyed, but conventional hair products that are used to lighten hair contain dangerous chemicals that can cause numerous health risks. Choosing a natural alternative will ensure that you aren’t being exposed to unhealthy hair dyeing products like formaldehyde and bleach (hydroxide peroxide). (3)

4. Cedarwood
Cedarwood is used to help stimulate the hair follicles by increasing circulation to the scalp. It can promote hair growth and slow hair loss; it can also treat thinning hair and various types of alopecia.

A study conducted in Scotland involved 86 patients who were randomized into two groups — one group massaged a combination of cedarwood, thyme, rosemary and lavender oils in a mixture of jojoba and grapeseed carrier oils into their scalps daily. The control group used only carrier oils daily. After 7 months, 44 percent of patients in the essential oil group showed improvement of alopecia symptoms, while only 15 percent of the control group showed improvements. (4)

Cedarwood essential oil can also help to reduce skin irritations and repel bugs, which can be beneficial on summer nights when you’re spending time outdoors.

Cedarwood can be applied topically to the scalp and hair. It mixes well with gentle oils like lavender and carrier oils like coconut oil. You can also add 2–3 drops of cedarwood oil to your homemade conditioner.

5. Clary Sage
An important ester in clary sage oil called linalyl acetate reduces skin inflammation and regulates the production of oil on the skin. Clary sage also works as a natural remedy for rashes, and it works as an antibacterial agent. But maybe most importantly, clary sage can be used to help you relieve stress and balance hormones. Three types of hair loss can be associated with high stress levels: telogen effluvium, trichotillomania (hair pulling) and alopecia areata. Because clary sage can be used to help relieve stress and reduce cortisol levels in the body, it works as a natural remedy for stress-induced hair loss. (5)

Clary sage works well with jojoba oil; the two can help to regulate oil production on the skin, helping you to avoid scaly or flaky patches that lead to dandruff. To ease stress, which is associated with hair loss, you can diffuse clary sage oil at home or apply a few drops to your wrists, temples and bottoms of your feet.

6. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass essential oil has healing properties, and it works as an effective cleanser and deodorizer. It can strengthen your hair follicles and soothe an itchy and irritated scalp. In fact, a 2015 study found that the application of lemongrass oil reduced dandruff significantly after seven days and increased the effect even more after 14 days of topical application. (6)

Some bonus benefits of lemongrass oil include its ability to work as a natural bug repellant, relieve stress (which is associated with hair loss) and treat headaches.

You can add 10 drops of lemongrass oil to your bottle of shampoo or conditioner, or you can massage 2–3 drops into your scalp along with your conditioner daily. Lemongrass oil can also be diffused at home to reduce stress and detoxify the space.

7. Peppermint
Peppermint oil helps to stimulate the scalp, and it can treat dandruff and even lice due to its powerful antiseptic properties. Research shows that peppermint oil promotes hair growth, too. In a 2014 animal study, topical application of peppermint oil for four weeks showed prominent hair growth effects, increasing dermal thickness, follicle number and follicle depth. (7)

Peppermint has a pleasant cooling sensation when applied topically, and it helps calming effects help to reduce skin inflammation. In addition to these peppermint oil uses, it also works to energize your mind, boost your mood and relieve tension or headaches.
​
Add 2–3 drops of peppermint to your shampoo or conditioner for a quick wake-me-up during your morning shower.

 1. Stimulate Hair Growth
It’s common for hair loss sufferers to turn to hair replacement surgery and topical hair loss products in hopes of regaining their full heads of hair, but your first line of defense when combatting hair loss should be to address the root cause, whether that’s by boosting circulation, fighting inflammation or adding moisture.

The amazing thing about essential oils is that a few drops can do all of these things for you. You don’t have to use products containing chemicals to stimulate hair growth, essentials oils such as rosemary and cedarwood can be used topically to help you prevent and reverse hair loss.

2. Get Rid of Dandruff
Another common concern is how to get rid of dandruff, a skin disorder that affects 50 percent of the world population. Dandruff is caused by the build-up of dead skin and in more severe cases, a yeast-like organism aggravates it. (8) It can also be caused by hair care products that contain chemical ingredients that leave your scalp red, itchy and scaly.

The gentle, healing and moisturizing properties of essential oils like lavender and lemongrass will help you to combat dandruff naturally — relieving common hair care issues like flaky and itchy scalp.

3. Nourish Your Hair
People tend to spend a lot of money of hair care products that are used to leave your hair looking shinier, smoother and straighter. Unfortunately, many of these products are doing more harm than good. Keratin treatment, for instance, contains toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, which is known to be a human carcinogen. (9)

Instead of turning to these conventional methods, using essential oils for hair will make your locks stronger and healthier, without the potential side effects. The hydrating, soothing and anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of essential oils work to nourish your hair naturally.

4. Prevent Oily Hair
Your sebaceous glands, or oil glands, are responsible for maintaining proper hydration levels through the sebum or the oil that they produce. This is what gives your hair a healthy shine, but when your glands produce too much oil, it can make your hair look greasy, even when you just washed it that morning. Some essential oils, like peppermint, can help you to control sebum production, leaving your hair oil-free and shiny.
​
5. Reduce Stress and Balance Hormones
Research shows that stress is associated with hair loss and so is a hormone imbalance. Stress triggers inflammation and prematurely induces hair follicle regression, leading to hair loss. (10) It may seem too easy, but simply diffusing calming and stress-relieving essential oils like lavender and clary sage at home can help to reverse hair loss naturally.

All of these essential oils for hair are easy to find online or at your local health food store. It is very important that you only purchase essential oils that are 100 percent pure grade, especially when you are ingesting the oil or applying it topically. It’s also a good idea to do a patch test with any essential oil that you’re using for the first time.

Because essential oils are so potent, they should be diluted with a carrier oil before topical application. Some beneficial carrier oils for hair include:

Coconut Oil — Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids, including lauric acid and capric acid, that have strong antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. These properties help to thoroughly clean your hair and scalp, thereby helping to prevent and treat issues like dandruff.

Jojoba Oil — Jojoba oil encourages hair growth and moisturizes the scalp. It works as an emollient, soothing the skin and unclogging hair follicles.

Olive Oil — Olive oil is a source of vitamin E and other antioxidants. Some olive oil benefits include its ability to hydrate and soothe the skin, working to get rid of dry scalp and dandruff.
​
You can simply combine your essential oils for hair and a carrier oil of your choice and massage the mixture into your scalp. You can also add essential oils to your everyday shampoo or conditioner. If you are looking to address a more specific issue, here are some DIY recipes that will also help to boost the health of your hair:

Summer is here. As the days become longer it’s time for lazy after work drinks, trips to the beach, and generally being out and about. And we all want to look good for it. But summer takes its toll on our locks, causing hair damage that can have long lasting impacts.
​
So while you get yourself prepped for the fine weather make sure you know where the hot spots will be when it comes to your hair. Try and minimise exposure to these summer hair killers and you’ll avoid that ‘Tom Hanks in Cast Away’ look.

SUN DAMAGED HAIR
​Everybody loves a bit of sun, and a tan looks great. But we also know that too much sun exposure isn’t good for your skin. It’s the same for your hair. Some of us catch the sun and it gives our hair a natural highlight, but letting your hair bake in the sun is bad news.

Sun damaged hair has a dry and dull look. That’s because the intense UV light begins to break down the proteins in the hair that give it sheen and strength. The extra heat also plays havoc with your hair.

So over the summer months, if you’re out and about a lot, your hair can become weak and brittle. Bad news for anybody but if you have thinning hair this can lead to increased breakage and shedding of hair, which isn’t what you want.

You’re more at risk of getting sun-damaged hair if you have lighter locks or fine hair.

CHLORINE DAMAGED HAIR
Summer time means holidays in the sun, which means plenty of diving into the pool to cool off, which also means your hair gets a pretty regular soaking in chlorine.

Chlorine is great for killing bugs and bacteria, but it’s a nightmare for hair health as anybody who swims regularly can tell you. Firstly, chlorine acts much like a bleach and reacts with the pigmentation in your hair, gradually altering its colour.

Of more concern to anybody with thinning hair is the fact that chlorine strips your hair of its natural oils and damages hair proteins, which in turn weakens your hair.

Chlorine damaged hair will be dull and dry looking and begin to feel very coarse. Failing to condition your hair and take care when brushing or combing can result in it breaking easily. And when you think that soaking in the pool is probably sandwiched between long sessions of lounging in the sun, it’s double trouble for your hair.

SALT WATER HAIR
There’s no doubt that hair can look great when you come striding fresh out of the ocean, especially if you have a little length in your style. That’s why salt sprays are so popular. But there’s a big difference between a spritz of salt spray and drenching your hair in the ocean day in and day out. Frequently soaking your hair in the salt water for extended periods of time can weaken it and result in breakage.

Salt water hair is that rough and ratty look and you get it because the salinity of the sea sucks all the moisture out of your hair. As the hair loses its natural oils and water content it dries, begins to split and if you have longer hair it can tangle up.

So while a quick splash in the sea is fine don’t stay in too long.

This article appeared on MR

The term ‘pH level’ is thrown around a lot in today’s society. We hear about the pH levels of household cleaners, the pH level of a fish tank, the pH level of baking soda…. But what about your hair? Did you know that your hair has a natural pH level, as well? Did you also know that this pH level is affected by the hair care products you use everyday? I sure didn’t!

The Importance of the pH Level
As many people will know, the pH level tells you how acidic or basic something is. For example, battery acid has a pH level of 1 and is VERY acidic. Bleach, on the other hand, has a pH level of 13 and is VERY Basic. A pH level of 7 is Neutral and includes things like blood and water. Your hair and skin are covered with a very thin fluid mixture of oil, salt and water called the mantle, which is naturally slightly acidic. The typical pH balance of hair is around 4.5-5.0.

So, what does this mean in regards to hair care products? The closer the pH level of your shampoo/conditioner/styling product is to the natural pH level of your hair, the more healthy and beneficial it is to your hair. Using a product that causes the pH level of your hair to drop can make it very basic can cause your hair to look dry, frizzy and become very brittle and easy to break. This is why using cleansers, such as baking soda (pH of 9) or even just water alone (pH of 7), can be very damaging to your hair with repeated washes.

What is the solution?
A common solution for balancing out the pH of baking soda is coupling it with apple cider vinegar, a natural base. However, often times these ingredients don’t perfectly balance each other or are unevenly mixed, resulting in some hair being treated with overly basic materials, while other hair being treated with acidic materials. You can read more about our verdict on the ‘No Poo’ method in this recent article.

Instead, we recommend choosing hair care products that match the natural pH level of your hair.  Balanced shampoos also protect your hair’s natural oils, known as sebum, rather than stripping it away, as is often the case with synthetic products.

Choosing the right hair care products that match your hair’s natural pH ensures the continued health of your hair’s mantle and gives your strands a healthy environment to grow healthy, strong and beautiful!
 
This article first appeared on Morrocco Method
 
Click here to learn more on How to Balance pH in Hair Naturally

And if you really want to get scientific click here for a very informative article:
The Shampoo pH can Affect the Hair: Myth or Reality?