Each individual has unique needs and preferences when it comes to their hair care. These needs are not exactly as unique as a person's fingerprint, though, so I have come up with a series of questions that can help point you in the right direction when it comes to choosing your solid shampoo and conditioner.
Of course, there are more factors that can contribute to your choice, but this will help gauge a starting point
Is your hair and/or scalp generally dry?
If your hair is constantly wanting moisture and you tend to dry out with more traditional, harsh shampoos, then one of the shampoos with more emollients and conditioners are going to be the best options.
Smith Rock Solid Shampoo: This shampoo has the creamiest lather because it has the highest percentage of emollients and conditioners blended with the mild, coconut and oat derived cleansers. This is the best option of your hair is typically dry and your scalp is either dry or relatively happy with no recurring issues.
Is your hair more on the normal to dry range? or Does your scalp have chronic issues like excessive oil production or the symptoms of other scalp issues like flakes, bumps or is itchy?
Lava Butte Solid Shampoo: This shampoo is a great option for a wide variety of hair and scalp needs. It can be used for both dry or oily scalps. It is made with mild, coconut derived cleansers but packs an extra cleansing punch with the activated charcoal. It works well for hair that is on the more normal to dryer side; even though it is extra cleansing with less conditioning action than the Smith Rock, it is still mild enough to not overly cleanse dry hair. The activated charcoal, along with kaolin clay, jojoba oil, and eucalyptus oil work to correct scalp issues.
Is your hair fine, weighed down easily, or is your scalp on the more oily side?
Multnomah Falls Solid Shampoo: This shampoo is best for those whose hair isn't needing extra moisture. Maybe your hair is less dense and tends to get weighed down with too much moisture or gets oily at the scalp and needs to be washed more regularly. The coconut derived cleansers in this shampoo are mild, but with even less conditioning agents than the other two shampoos, it helps cleanse anything on the hair that tends to build up and weigh it down. Tea tree, peppermint and green clay also help balance the oil production on the scalp.
Usually, individuals prefer to use the same conditioner as shampoo, but it is not required. And sometimes, a mix of them could be beneficial for your specific needs!
The biggest difference between these conditioners is the level of moisture and hydration and the proteins and their functions.
Is your hair typically dry and soaks up all the moisture it can get?
Smith Rock Solid Conditioner: This conditioner produces the heaviest, thickest conditioner. It is great for hair that is dry, damaged and has a tendency to frizz. Did you know frizz is when your hair is searching the atmosphere for water? The Smith Rock gives you tons of hydration that penetrates into the core of the hair shaft. It contains emollients like shea butter and almond oil to nourish, broccoli seed oil to smooth the hair shaft and oat protein to create a hydrating barrier around the strands.
Does your hair like moisture, but not too much?
Lava Butte Solid Conditioner: This conditioner is a fantastic in-between. It produces a thick cream, but feels more like a medium weight conditioner because it has great wash-out. This means that more of the ingredients emulsify and wash off than the Smith Rock, which leaves more to soak into coarser hair. If your hair likes extra moisture but the strands are fine and can get weighed down, then this conditioner is for you. For those who struggle with oily scalp and roots but dryer ends, this one is for you. Keratin protein is included to help strengthen the hair shaft and revitalizes the natural structure of your hair.
Is your hair finer and gets weighed down easily?
Multnomah Falls Solid Conditioner: This conditioner produces a light cream. It provides moisture, slip and protection for finer strands without weighing it down. We use lightweight emollients along with lightweight conditioners to provide all the protection of our other conditioners without the heaviness. Rice protein is included to strengthen the hair shaft and give volume at the roots.
Example of mixing and matching:
My hair tends toward the dryer side and doesn't get weighed down *too* easily, however my scalp is oily and I get buildup because we have pretty mineral rich well water. For my unique situation, I have a rotation. Typically, I use the Smith Rock Shampoo, and rotate in the Lava Butte every 4-5 washes to break through that mineral buildup. I use the Smith Rock Condtioner, but every once in a while, I'll sneak in the Multnomah Falls for a lightweight, volumized effect.
I hope this guide gives you clarity on which solid shampoo and conditioner is for you! If you have questions or would like assitance on picking a combination that fits your unique needs, reach out to me!
Email me at discover@wildfororegon.com
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