It's tempting to believe that the latest shampoo, endorsed by models with gorgeous hair, will transform your own tresses. Yet, disappointment often follows when that new, promising bottle doesn't deliver.

The common mistake? Overlooking the ingredient list. Shampoos packed with strong surfactants can leave hair frizzy, dry, and prone to breakage.

An epidemiological study in the International Journal of Trichology suggests that using a mild shampoo is key to preventing hair damage and maintaining a healthy scalp.

This blog is your complete guide to spotting harsh shampoo ingredients and discovering the top 4 mild ingredients to look for.

What is a mild shampoo?

Mild shampoo refers to a shampoo that does not contain harsh ingredients which are liable for causing scalp irritation and damaged hair. 

These shampoos help to clear the dirt and impurities from your hair and scalp without stripping away natural oils and moisture.

Additionally, the mild shampoo also contains the conditioning agents that are usually absent in your regular shampoos.

4 mild ingredients you should look for in a shampoo

1. Biotin

Biotin or B7 is an essential vitamin that has many impressive benefits to your hair. A 2017 research study has claimed the benefits of biotin in improving hair and nail growth. 

If you are experiencing hair loss or hair thinning, biotin enriched shampoo can help to prevent hair loss and thicken your hair roots.

2. Nasturtium officinale Extract

It is commonly called Watercress. This natural ingredient is a great source of antioxidants that help to repair weak, brittle, and rough hair. 

In addition, it helps to promote hair growth and strengthens hair roots.

3. Hydrolyzed Wheat Proteins

Hydrolyzed wheat proteins act as a deep conditioning agent for your hair. It helps to hydrate and nourish your strands from within. 

Using hair shampoos that contain hydrolyzed wheat protein helps to control frizziness and adds a natural shine to your hair.

4. Tropaeolum majus

Commonly called Indian cress, this ingredient possesses incredible potential to improve the overall appearance of your hair. 

Owing to antioxidants and rejuvenating properties, it helps to improve tensile strength of hair while maintaining smooth texture and natural shine.

Topical use of Niacinamide is considered quite beneficial in improving the overall appearance of your hair. 

It helps to improve the circulation of blood and nutrients in the scalp area, which ultimately makes your hair shiny and healthy. 

In addition, few research studies have demonstrated the efficacy of niacinamide in treating pattern hair loss.

How can mild shampoo benefit your hair health?

Prevents frizzy and dry hair

Hair tends to look lacklustre, dull and brittle when they don’t have enough hair oil and moisture. If you are dealing with frizzy and dry hair, using a mild shampoo can be a huge help. 

Gentle shampoos do not disturb natural scalp and hair oils during the cleansing process.

Also, conditioning agents present in shampoo help to retain the necessary moisture in your hair.

Keeps your scalp healthy

Scalp irritations and allergies are the common side effects of harsh ingredients present in your shampoo. 

A research study mentioned in the International Journal of Trichology has demonstrated that the inflammatory conditions of the scalp increase the risk of premature hair loss and poor hair growth.

Therefore, a mild shampoo without sulphates and parabens is a healthy choice to keep hair and scalp healthy.

Improves the natural shine of hair

Added benefit is mild shampoo helps to clear the scalp build-up along with cleansing the impurities. When your scalp is free of build-up, the flow of nutrients and oxygen improve to hair follicles, which subsequently leads to shiny and nourished hair. 

In addition, shampoos that come with the goodness of B family vitamins like Vitamins B3 (Niacin), Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), and B7 (Biotin) help to add natural shine and anti-aging effects to your hair.

Reduces the hair loss

Previous researches have revealed that the topical of strong chemical agents can put you at a greater risk ofhair thinning and pattern baldness.

On the contrary, being extremely gentle for your hair and scalp, mild shampoo does not impose serious harm on hair structure. 

Mild shampoos enriched with Indian Cress and WaterCress extracts are considered an effective way to strengthen hair roots and prevent hair fall.

Balances your hair’s pH levels

Maintaining the pH of your hair and scalp is very crucial when you strive for healthy-looking hair.

Alkaline pH exacerbates friction between the fibre thereby causing cuticle damage and fibre breakage. 

Mild shampoos with natural ingredients are known to maintain pH balance, ultimately leaving your hair soft, tangle-free, and healthy.

Avoid shampoos with these 3 harsh ingredients 

1. Sodium lauryl sulphate 

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is widely used in the formulation of hair shampoos due to its strong cleansing and leather forming properties. 

This anionic surfactant snatches away natural oil from scalp and hair while removing dirt and impurities, ultimately leaving hair dehydrated, rough, and dull.

This is the reason dermatologists strongly opine to use sulphate free shampoo when you have rough and weak hair.

2. Silicone

Silicones are synthetic polymers that are composed of silicon, oxygen atoms and other elements. 

They are used in hair care products especially hair conditioners and shampoos to provide shine and slip to hair. 

However, silicones have superficial effects on hair and imparts temporary shine and lustre by forming a waterproof coating around hair. 

Over time, excess use of silicone-based hair cosmetics have a chance to causesilicone build-up on the scalp, which ultimately leads to dry, brittle, and frizzy hair.

3. Parabens

In clinical research studies,paraben is another ingredient, which has been identified as harmful for skin and hair. 

The major drawback of parabens is they easily pass through the skin to cause scalp irritations and make hair rough, dry, rough, and dehydrated. 

Parabens are one of the common preservatives used in hair shampoos, creams, lotions, conditioners, and various other cosmetics as well. 

Luckily, by choosing mild shampoos you can easily avoid parabens in your shampoos and other skin care products.

Let’s wrap up

Your hair needs daily care and nourishment.

Committing to the right hair care routine and eating a healthy diet are key to keeping it lustrous, healthy, and strong. The first step is switching to a mild shampoo that gently cares for your tresses.

No matter your hair type, experts stress the importance of using a conditioner. Conditioning after shampooing is crucial for achieving shiny, healthy hair. Conditioners replenish moisture and hydration lost during washing.

Choose a conditioner that suits your hair type. For example, murumuru butter-based conditioners help define curls and reduce frizz, while Babassu oil is an excellent conditioning agent for all hair types.