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When it comes to shampoo, there are so many options available!  Before you choose a shampoo, there are a few things to consider:

• Hair texture
• Hair type
• Lifestyle/Product usage

We will explore each of these considerations in a separate post and will begin with texture.

Hair texture - what exactly is it?

Today many use the word texture as a synonym for curls or waves.  I also embrace this terminology, but consider it to be the artistic interpretation of the term.  I'm immediately thinking of multi-dimensional works of art, varying colors and hues and patterns - texture.

Texture is (as I was taught) the circumference of the hair strand (or shaft).  This can be measured as fine, medium or coarse.  Texture can also be associated with race.

Identifying your texture

Diameter of the hair strand?  Do you really expect me to take a ruler to my hair?  Absolutely not!  Here is the key.  If you grab one hair, ask yourself this question:

Can I feel it in between my fingers?

Fine hair: No or barely.

Medium hair: Yes and it feels something like a piece of thread.

Coarse hair: Absolutely and it feels a bit wiry.

You may notice a difference between the hairs at the nape versus the crown and maybe even those at your temples.  Go with the majority as you begin to feel your hair.

Selecting a Shampoo

Texture is not the only determining factor in choosing the right shampoo.  Your hair can be fine, but be of a different type (curl pattern or condition).  We will go into detail about the hair types in a future post.  For now, let's focus on your texture.  When we are done with this series, you should be able to identify shampoos that will work for you.

Fine

Choose a shampoo that is gentle and has the ability to 'fatten' your strands.  Natural ingredients that may aid in fattening the hair shaft include proteins and castor oil.  Lightweight products are also beneficial for this hair texture as products that weigh down the hair give the illusion of even finer strands.  Your shampoo will generally be more clear in color due to the absence of heavy creams and butters, which may weigh down the hair.

Medium

It's all about maintaining what you have.  You don't have to be too picky.  Your next task will be to determine your hair type, which we will go into in the next post.

Coarse

Heavy (creamy/moisturizing/enriched) shampoos work well for you.

Next, we will go into detail about hair type which is a major contributing factor when selecting a shampoo.