Life is busy, stressful, and (particularly right now) pretty expensive too. You may be looking for ways to save time doing mundane, but necessary tasks and also save some money too. Buying a store-brand laundry detergent with fabric softener, for example, avoids the need to buy dryer sheets. Purchasing a tinted lip balm means your lips will have a pop of color and stay hydrated without the need for lipstick.
However, not all multipurpose products are beneficial, and some may end up costing you more money and time in the long run. Take 3-in-1 shampoo, for instance, a triple-purpose product meant to clean your body and your hair. And yet, using this product daily can create more brittle hair, eventually leading to more breakage. For someone experiencing hair loss, this product could actually be doing more damage than it’s worth. Here’s how to know when your 3-in-1 shampoo just isn’t cutting it.
1. You’re Dealing With Hair Growth Issues
If you’re seeing your barber less and less, it may be a sign that your hair isn’t growing as quickly as normal. Hair growth issues could be a sign that your hair needs a bit more nourishment than you’re getting from your 3-in-1 shampoo. These types of shampoos typically have a lot of added fragrance, which are known as hormone disruptors.
Hair growth relies on a healthy balance of androgen hormones, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Too much DHT, for instance, can shrink hair follicles. This can lead to more breakage, meaning you’ll see more strands accumulating in your shower drain. Switching to a more natural shampoo and conditioner system could aid in hair growth. However, you may also want to consider a hair loss treatment.
Minoxidil is a topical treatment that works by slowing hair loss while also stimulating growth. It’s a vasodilator, meaning it works by opening or dilating blood vessels. When the topical is applied to your scalp, it dilates the blood vessels, which stimulates more blood flow to the hair follicles. More blood flow simply means more nutrients and oxygen are being directed to the follicles, both of which can promote hair growth.
2. You’re Experiencing Scalp Issues
There’s a reason why shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are sold separately. First of all, the primary ingredients used to cleanse your hair are different from those used to clean your body. Your scalp is very sensitive, so using a harsher ingredient that works well on your skin will inevitably irritate your head.
Speaking of ingredients, many 3-in-1 shampoos include sulfates. There is some controversy over sulfates as many body products are used to include these ingredients. Sulfates are what make products foam and lather. These textural experiences are what many individuals think of as really cleansing the hair and body. However, this foamy lather can be quite damaging as sulfates can irritate the scalp, causing itching and redness.
If you’ve started using a 3-in-1 shampoo and notice a difference in your scalp, stop using it. Besides itchiness and irritation, you may also see a buildup of product and/or dandruff. Others may start to feel like their hair is more oily than before. These are all signs that your hair would benefit from using a separate shampoo and conditioner. Yes, it takes up more room in your shower, but your hair will surely thank you!
3. Your Hair Type and Needs Are Unique
Your hair type and goals are unique and different from everyone else’s. Although you may have a similar hair type to your family members, that doesn’t mean you can all use the same products. Multipurpose products like 3-in-1 shampoo aren’t customized, meaning they won’t enhance your unique hairdo. The main goal of using them is cleanliness, which as mentioned can strip your hair of its natural oils.
Buying products based on your hair type will prove to have the best results. If you have curly or kinky hair, for instance, your coils are more prone to dryness. A hydrating shampoo that contains moisture-rich ingredients will clean your hair without taking away any hydration.
If you have straight hair, choose a shampoo and conditioner that boosts volume. Look for products containing specific ingredients tailored to enhance the volume and thickness of your hair. This might include hydrolyzed proteins like wheat or silk, and vitamin B5, also known as panthenol or biotin. Be on the lookout for labels indicating “volumizing,” “thickening,” or “plumping” too. These terms suggest that the shampoo is formulated specifically to add volume.
Wavy hair is somewhere in the middle between curly and straight. Keeping your natural waves can be a constant battle as your hair is more prone to frizziness. Select products that contain anti-frizz ingredients such as argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter.
Takeaways
By now, you should be ready to toss your 3-in-1 shampoo. You deserve to find products that will go above and beyond the bare minimum. Remember, finding a shampoo and conditioner system may take some time. You may not see the results you want after first use. Do a bit of research before you add anything to your cart. Also, ask your barber if they have any recommendations. With time, you’ll recover from any 3-in-1 damage and have better-looking locks.
