Hair types and shampoos

This article was originally published in February 2014

Find shampoos for your hair type in the chart below. And read the accompanying article Shampoo choices and learn about the high standards from Natural Products Association (NPA) that PCC has adopted.

Hair type Description of products useful for hair type Suggested products
Curly

Oils produced in the scalp don’t travel as easily along the hair shaft as with straight hair. Don’t wash every day. To soften hair and minimize frizz, choose a creamy, moisturizing shampoo with nut oils or shea butter. Most in need of conditioner. Everyday Coconut Super Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

Mineral Fusion Curl Care Shampoo and Conditioner (with argan and flax oils)

Hugo Naturals Smoothing & Defining Shampoo, Coconut

Fine or
limp hair

Most susceptible to looking oily. A clear, not creamy, shampoo is best. Use conditioner lightly from mid-shaft, not on scalp. Avalon Organics Rosemary Volumizing Shampoo

Botanique Volumizing Shampoo

Acure Lemongrass + Argan Stem Cell Shampoo and Conditioner

Chemically
treated or
colored hair

Look for protein-based shampoos that are gentle to preserve color. Acure Pure Mint + Echinacea Stem Cell Shampoo Volumizing

Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner

The Seaweed Bath Co. Wildly Natural Seaweed Argan Shampoos and Conditioners

Dandruff

Dandruff is often a reaction to harsh or synthetic hair products. If due to a fungus, look for antimicrobial botanicals such as tea tree and neem. If from dry or flaky scalp, moisturize. Desert Essence Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner

Alaffia Neem & Shea Scalp Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner

Hugo Naturals Balancing Shampoo, Tea Tree and Lavender

Dry or
damaged hair

Use creamy shampoos to add moisture. Don’t wash every day. Aubrey Organics Blue Camomile Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

Andalou Naturals Moisture Rich Shampoo and Conditioner, Argan & Sweet Orange

Burt’s Bees More Moisture Baobab Shampoo and Conditioner

Also in this issue

Rice of all colors

From pilaf and paella to risotto and sushi, rice is the foundation for many delicious cuisines.

Companies drop "natural" label

A growing number of food companies are removing the "natural" claim from packages. The reason? Mounting lawsuits for false advertising. Read more in the cover article of the Sound Consumer next month.

Shampoo choices

Even the most dedicated food purist may ignore what is in shampoo if it makes hair look fabulous and smell like the commercials advertise. But you don't have to choose between bouncy curls and harmful ingredients.