Shampoo is actually one of the most damaging things you can use on your hair. The more it suds, the worse it is. Most shampoos contain ingredients that can strip your hair of its natural moisture which makes it more susceptible to damage. There are very few shampoos that will not dry out your hair a bit. So, what is the solution?
One option is to co-wash. Co-washing is washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner is by far the best product to do this with. It is a conditioner that lifts dirt and surface buildup completely eliminating the need for shampoo on a regular basis. Your hair is left feeling soft, frizz free, and manageable. It is free of harsh sulfates, parabens, and detergents. Your hair's natural color and oils will be locked in. It can be used on ALL hair types. A bit of splurge at $36, but worth every penny. You will not find another product as good as this in your local drugstore. Trust me, I have searched.
I have added Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner to my blow out regimen and could not be happier. Even though my hair is relaxed, it tends to get more and more oily as the days go on. So, I was bit hesitant to skip shampooing. As it turns out, my hair feels just as clean as it does after a shampoo, but ten times softer. The best part is that it cuts my shower time in half!
Another option is dry shampoo. This is for when you have build up, but do not have the time to wash or co-wash your hair. Spray a generous amount of UMBERTO Beverly Hills Dry Clean Dry Shampoo and brush it through your hair. It will remove the build up and residue without the need for water. It also adds some volume and texture. This is a great way to avoid putting unnecessary heat on your hair.
If you wear clip-in extensions like me you will also be a fan of UMBERTO Beverly Hills Dry Clean Dry Shampoo. Washing clip-ins is the absolute most annoying process. I have it down to science after almost two years of wearing them, but the level of dread has not decreased. With Umberto Dry Shampoo I am able to put off the wash, but still have bouncy and beautiful extensions.
Shampoo is not the devil. I recommend alternating co-washes with a sulfate-free shampoo. Tough build up (especially in warmer months) is inevitable. For the health of your hair though, you have to cut back on shampooing. In the end, it will do more harm than good.
*All products used for this post are courtesy of Umberto Beverly Hills and Unwash