Have you had difficulty choosing the right shampoo or conditioner? Whenever you go into the drugstore or shopping center, there are literally hundreds of shampoos and conditioners on the market. Here are some important key points to remember before you make your purchase. Many people ask, is there really a difference between a $2-dollar bottle of shampoo and a $20 bottle from your salon?

Because of the wide variation available, you could say partly yes and partly no. Some cheaper shampoos contain foaming agents which can dry out your hair, but are actually good for oily or limp hair. If you've been on the beach for a while your hair can become sun-damaged, or chlorine damaged so you should definitely consider a more expensive shampoo. The only way to be sure if inexpensive shampoos or conditioners work for you is to try them. If they don't or your hair still appears limp or damaged, definitely consider purchasing a salon product.

When you look at all of the ingredients on bottles, it can be confusing. The old saying goes, You get what you pay for, and this applies when it comes to purchasing the right shampoo. Rather than paying attention to the names on the bottles, pay more attention to the ingredients. Ask yourself if the shampoo includes a mild cleanser like sodium laureth sulfate or an even stronger one like ammonium lauryl sulfate. Sometimes those cute bottles and pretty colors cover up an inferior product. Try and stay away from too much coloring or fragrance, as these ingredients are not cleansers. Remember to remain skeptical of product claims. Just because a product claims to be mild doesn't mean it is so.

If you have dandruff, one great remedy is as follows: rotate three over-the-counter dandruff shampoos, one to exfoliate, one to soothe, and the other to be used as an anti-inflammatory. This trio of treatments is important and most effective when mixed with your regular shampoo. If you decide to use only one of the three, your hair fungus could actually adapt to it and become immune to it.

In conclusion, if you have colored hair remember to purchase a shampoo specially designed for colored hair as these are made to be more gentle, and will contain ingredients to preserve your color.