Safe Shampoo For Pregnancy
Since there are countless shampoos available in the market, choosing the right one might be a bit of a hurdle. But don’t worry, we have your back, keep reading if you want some tips and recommendations to make your decision easy.
Best shampoos for pregnancy Available in India
1. Forest Essentials Hair Cleanser, Bhringraj and Shikakai
During such a sensitive time of one’s life, what could be better than going all organic? Forest Essentials is a well known certified all organic brand that brings you the best of Indian skincare and hair care products. It’s Bhringraj and Shikakai hair cleanser is great for getting stronger and healthier hair and works for all hair types even chemically treated hair.
Pros:
- Bhringraj and Shikakai are main ingredients
- Leaves the scalp squeaky clean
- Doesn’t dry hair
- Strengthen roots
Cons:
- Doesn’t treat dandruff completely
2. Kama Ayurveda Himalayan Deodar hair cleanser
The brand says that it is free of harmful chemicals and made of natural ingredients. The cleanser suits all skin types, even coloured hair. It reduces hair breakage and prevents hair thinning as well. Infused with pure essential oil himalayan deodar, the cleanser is known to offer hydration and boost hair growth. This brand is well known for its natural and chemical free products that offer the best quality and results.
Pros:
- Reduces hair fall
- Sulphate and Paraban free
- Offers hydration
Cons:
- Not easily available
- Expensive
3. Soulflower Reetha coconut milk shampoo bar
Made with the goodness of natural ingredients such as coconut milk, reetha, castor oil, lemon and ginger essential oil makes the scalp squeaky clean while not stripping it away from its natural oil. The idea of a shampoo bar might seem a bit odd but it has out-run many known brands in the race of safety and functionality. It provides healthier and thicker hair after regular use, without causing any harm. It is also suitable for people following the curly-girl method as well.
Pros:
- Hydrates hair
- Makes hair softer and shinier
- Suitable for curly hair
- Vegan
- Free of harmful chemicals
Cons:
- Use of more water to rinse out
4. St Botanica Moroccan Argan Hair Shampoo
This shampoo is made up of natural ingredients and essential oils such as jojoba oil, almond oil, argan oil, rosemary oil, clary sage, silk protein, ginkgo biloba and green tea. It not only deeply cleans the scalp but also keeps the natural oil of the scalp intact. It makes hair more manageable and adds volume to it. This shampoo is free from harmful chemicals and doesn’t make the hair dry and brittle.
Pros:
- Adds hydration to the hair
- Makes hair shinier, voluminous and manageable
- Deeply cleanses the hair without making it dry
- Free from harmful chemicals
Cons:
- May not be suitable for all hair types
5. Curl up curl moisturising shampoo
There are few Indian brands that cater to the curly hair people in the country, Curl up is one such brand. It’s products are CG(Curly Girl) friendly which means they are SLS and paraben free. Its curl moisturising shampoo is especially a good product if you are looking for a good product suitable for curly hair. Surprisingly this product is quite budget friendly and provides a lot of hydration to make your curl frizz free.
Pros:
- Doesn’t dry out the hair
- Budget friendly
Cons:
- Not very hydrating as it claims
6. St Botanica Go Curl shampoo
St Botanica’s Go curl shampoo is another great bio-active product especially made for curly hair people. This brand is known for its good quality and reliable products. Made with no SLS( Sulphate), Paraben, Silicones, Colors, it works wonders for curly hair. Go for this particular shampoo if you are looking for a good reliable brand with experience for your curls.
Pros:
- No SLS, Paraben, Silicones, Colors
- Provides hydration
- Cleans the scalp nicely
Cons:
- None
7. Herbal Essences BioRenew Honey and Vitamin B shampoo
This shampoo has a rich and creamy texture and is known for being gentle. It is suitable for all kinds of hair, be it straight or curly. The fragrance is pleasing and suits even the people who don’t like an overwhelming or strong smell. The shampoo is available on many known sites and easily available in the market. This shampoo is most suitable for people with dry hair as the texture helps provide more hydration and lock it in the hair strands.
Pros:
- Easily available
- Suits all hair type
- Gentle smell
Cons:
- May not be suitable for oily hair due to its creamy texture
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8. Kesh King Scalp and Hair Medicine Anti-Hairfall Shampoo
Who doesn’t know about Kesh King in India right? But very few people know that it is one of the leading ayurvedic brands in the world. It’s hair-fall shampoo is made with precious herbs such as Shikakai, Nagakesara, Bramhi, Henna, Neem, Haritaki, Manjistha, Bingharaja etc to help reduce hairfall to a noticeable amount. The shampoo contains all natural ingredients with no chemicals, therefore having no possibility of side effects.
Pros:
- Made with all natural ingredients
- Reduces hair-fall
- Moisturising in nature
- Doesn’t dry out the hair
- Affordable
Cons:
- None
9. Khadi Mauri Amla And Bhringraj Ayurvedic Shampoo
As the name suggests this shampoo contains natural ingredients such as amla and bhringraj. These ingredients are known to strengthen the roots and promote healthy hair growth. The shampoo deeply cleanses the scalp and makes the hair shinier and softer. The shampoo works better with a deep conditioner
Pros:
- Deeply cleanses the hair
- Inexpensive
- Available easily
Cons:
- Can make the hair dry
- May not suit curly hair people
10. Bella Vita Organic Growth Protein Shampoo
Bella Vita is another brand that makes products inspired from nature. Its organic growth protein shampoo is great for people looking for herbal solutions for their hair. The shampoo is surprisingly affordable and gentle on your scalp. Since it is an all natural product, there is no chance of any side effects.
Pros:
- Its CG friendly
- Doesn’t dry out hair
- Moisturising in nature
- Reduces hair fall to some extent
Cons:
- Doesn’t help in hair growth
- Can have a bit strong smell for some people
Guide to Using shampoo Efficiently
Why is a good shampoo important during pregnancy?
Women go through a lot of physical and hormonal changes when they are pregnant that hugely affects their body parts including hair. Pregnancy can alter the natural growth of the hair that means it might actually accelerate the growth and make it healthier. You might feel that your hair is much thicker and shinier but the disadvantage is that you might also experience hair growth from different parts of your body as well. Therefore having a good shampoo is highly important because it has to suit your skin and hair during such a vital period of your life. A bad shampoo might cause hormonal imbalances and health issues as your body is sensitive during the time of pregnancy. Hence ensuring a shampoo that is suitable for your hair is pivotal for a healthier scalp.
What types of shampoos are best during pregnancy?
Since pregnancy is a sensitive time, where women have to go through major hormonal changes that not only affect them physically but also mentally, it is crucial to make sure all the products that are used during this time is absolutely safe and reliable. What could be more reliable than nature right? It’s best to use as much natural products as possible during pregnancy as they do not have any side-effects or reactions. But if in some case you are not comfortable with that, then make sure you check the ingredients list and look out for the harmful chemicals listed below.
What are the ingredients to avoid not only during pregnancy?
If you are someone who has studied about the ingredients to avoid in shampoos, you probably already know about it. But if you have no idea, it’s okay, we can start from here. If you have already used shampoos with these ingredients in it, don’t worry it won’t harm your child but it’s best to avoid these ingredients. Even though no particular study or research has showed a direct link of these ingredients to any health issues, but these have been indirectly linked to long term skin and body issues. Therefore let’s take a look at these ingredients now:
- SLS or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate:
Studies and research has shown that SLS is connected to congenital disabilities in animals. SLS has also been found to make hair drier and less healthy in a long period of time. This ingredient is found in many popular shampoos as well, so check out for this before buying it. Don’t get confused with Sodium Laureth Sulfate, it is not the same. Sodium Laureth Sulfate is milder and is considered as a safe ingredient.
- Parabens:
Parabens are used as preservatives in shampoos to help the product stay fresh and good for a long time. Studies have shown that they can cause hair to dry out and increase frizz in the long run. They may also cause allergic reactions or hormonal disruption as well. Therefore it’s better to stay steer clear of this ingredient.
- Formaldehyde:
Studies have found that many chemicals such as quaternium-15, glyoxal, polyoxymethylene urea, etc release a small amount of formaldehyde that can cause severe health issues in the long run. These ingredients can irritate your eyes, skin, scalp and even respiratory tract. It’s better to check out for this ingredient before spending your hard earned money on a product.
- Phthalates:
Worryingly many studies have been linked to Phthalates causing breast cancer, neurodevelopment issues, asthma and even altered reproductive development. Phthalates can be found in some major shampoo and conditioner brands. Therefore experts advise to stay away from any product that has this ingredient in it.
