Herbal shampoo vs regular shampoo: which is better for your hair?
How herbal shampoo differs from regular shampoo, who should switch, how often to wash, and how to wash out hair oil without drying your hair.
By the Saba Naturals team. Updated . 5 min read.
If your hair feels squeaky, rough or tangly straight after washing, your shampoo may be doing too much. A lot of people in Pakistan switch to herbal shampoo for exactly that reason. Here's what's different, and how to choose.
What a shampoo needs to do
A shampoo has one main job: clean the scalp and hair by lifting away sweat, dust, oil and product. The question is how strongly it does that. Too weak and your scalp feels greasy by evening. Too strong and it strips away the natural oils your hair needs, leaving it dry.
How herbal shampoos are different
Herbal shampoos use plant extracts as part of their formula and are usually made to be gentler on the scalp. Many people find they leave hair feeling softer and less stripped, which matters if you wash often or oil your hair regularly.
"Herbal" doesn't mean "no cleansing". A good herbal shampoo still lathers and cleans properly. It just aims to do it without being harsh.
Who should consider switching
- People who oil their hair and need a shampoo that removes oil without drying the hair out
- Anyone who washes daily because of heat, sweat or the gym
- People whose hair feels rough after every wash, especially in hard-water areas
- Families who want one shampoo everyone can use
How often should you wash your hair?
There's no single rule. In Pakistan's heat, many people wash daily or every other day, and that's fine with a gentle shampoo. If your scalp is dry, every two to three days may suit you better. Always wash after oiling, sweating heavily or a dusty day out.
How to wash hair properly
- Wet your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Very hot water dries the scalp.
- Lather a coin-sized amount of shampoo in your hands first.
- Massage the scalp with your fingertips for a minute. The scalp is what needs cleaning.
- Let the lather run down the lengths rather than scrubbing them.
- Rinse well. Leftover shampoo makes hair look dull.
- After oiling, apply shampoo to dry hair first, then add water. It lifts oil much better.
Choosing the right size
If you're trying a shampoo for the first time, start with a regular bottle. Once you know it suits you, a family size bottle is almost always cheaper per ml. PureRoots Herbal Shampoo comes in a 300ml cap bottle (Rs. 600), a 300ml pump bottle (Rs. 700) and a 1 litre family size (Rs. 1,850).
The bottom line
If your current shampoo leaves your hair dry or you oil regularly, a gentler herbal shampoo is worth trying. Pair it with a weekly oiling routine for the best results.