Shampoo Selection

As a salon professional, retail sales not only help your client maintain the look you created, but they are one of the easiest ways to increase your tickets and grow your profitability. But, with the abundance of shampoo variations available for retail, it can be challenging to recommend the proper shampoo to clients. If you’re familiar with the different types of shampoo, it can be easier to ensure which will bring the best results to your individual clients. Familiarize yourself with the chart below, courtesy of Pivot Point International, to understand the differences.

All-purpose shampoos are designed to cleanse the hair without correcting any special condition. They don’t strip color and are very mild. Some even include anti-fungal and anti-dandruff agents.

Acid-balanced (non-stripping) shampoos are formulated to have the same pH as hair and skin and can be used on almost all hair types. They are made especially to cleanse chemically treated hair without removing permanent hair coloring or toners.

“Plain” shampoos are usually strong and contain a high alkaline or soap base. They can be used on virgin hair in good condition, but are not recommended for chemically treated or damaged hair.

Soapless shampoos are able to lather without harsh alkaline ingredients and are effective in both soft and hard water and rinse out easily.

Medicated shampoos may be available from your local beauty supply house, but often can be obtained only by prescription from a doctor. They contain ingredients designed to treat scalp/hair problems or disorders.

Clarifying shampoos often have a higher alkalinity in order to be able to remove residue, such as product build-up.

Liquid-dry shampoos are used to cleanse the scalp and hair when the client is unable to use a normal shampoo. Especially effective when cleaning wigs and hairpieces.

Powder-dry shampoos are formulated for clients who are bedridden and cannot wet their hair. They contain oris root powder that absorbs oil as the product is brushed through the hair.

Conditioning shampoos contain small amounts of additives that penetrate the cortex or coat the cuticle layer of the hair. Can improve the tensile strength and porosity of hair and will usually be removed by the next shampoo.

Color shampoos contain temporary color molecules that adhere to the outer cuticle of the hair and deposit color. They last only one shampoo.

Thinning-hair shampoos are formulated as gentle shampoos, with a lighter molecular weight that does not cause damage or weigh hair down. May also provide ingredients to provide a healthy environment for the maximum amount of hair growth.