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How Do I Choose the Best Thickening Shampoo?

T. Carrier
T. Carrier

Shampoo is a substance typically used to cleanse hair, but many types of shampoo also claim certain other beneficial applications. Thickening shampoos are marketed as products that bolster the appearance of thin hair by giving it more volume, shine, and thicker strands. Certain included ingredients will raise the likelihood of the thickening shampoo accomplishing its desired effect, such as proteins like keratin and collagen. A thickening shampoo should also be cleansing and have a compatible conditioning product. For information on specific brands and types of shampoo, such as volumizing or thickening shampoo for curly hair, you should consult online reviews.

Most individuals who can benefit from a thickening shampoo have fine hair. This means that the individual’s average strand of hair is skinnier and has less surface area than an average strand. If an individual simply has less hair on his or her head than the average, then a thickening shampoo may not be the best solution.

Plastic bottles of shampoo.
Plastic bottles of shampoo.

Protein is one of the most essential compounds for an individual’s health. This substance can impact hair health specifically if its supply is depleted. Protein deficiency is in fact one of the top reasons for dry and weak hair. As such, shampoos billed as protein builders may be an important first line of defense for individuals desiring thicker hair.

Most strengthening shampoos contain keratin.
Most strengthening shampoos contain keratin.

Three specific types of protein are particularly important in hair care. Keratin protects hair shafts by creating a covering that keeps in moisture and nutrients. Collagen also has many benefits, including preserving hair color and combating dandruff. For the purposes of hair thickening, the protein’s main contribution lies in its ability to keep hair elastic, less breakable, and stronger. Further, wheat proteins provide the aforementioned benefits plus add even more positive effects by releasing amino acids that are absorbed into the hair.

Another substance, the vitamin panthenol, can address volume and luster issues as well. Panthenol seeps through hair roots and hair shafts, where it leaves a film that makes the hair more moist, more elastic, and shinier. Some research indicates that this one substance can increase hair thickness by an impressive 10 percent. Better yet, this expansion is caused by natural moisture buildup. In addition, panthenol can help repair hair damage caused by harsh chemical hair treatments.

Of course, the main aim of a shampoo is cleaning the hair. As such, any shampoo product should thoroughly remove any substances like dirt and bad oils. An effective shampoo should leave the hair soft and somewhat shiny after the hair has dried.

You might also consider shampoos that include conditioners or that are packaged with a thickening conditioner. Conditioning the hair is important because it adds important nutrients like vitamins and oils. The best companies should offer both shampoos and compatible conditioning products.

In some cases, you may have other needs for your shampoo. If dandruff control is an issue, for example, you should evaluate some of the more medical-based shampoos that also boast volumizing properties on the package. Other shampoo types may be designed specifically for individuals with certain hair types like curly hair. As with any product, perusing some online reviews and customer recommendations can be a particularly helpful step. Price considerations can also be evaluated in this manner.

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    • Plastic bottles of shampoo.
      By: Dessie
      Plastic bottles of shampoo.
    • Most strengthening shampoos contain keratin.
      By: esp2k
      Most strengthening shampoos contain keratin.