Is Baby Shampoo Good for Color Treated Hair – SHM Answers!

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Because baby shampoos are soft, tender, and gentle, many wonder if they can use them for their hair, hence the question, “Is baby shampoo good for color-treated hair?”

If you’re asking this question, then you want to know if using baby shampoo, such as Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, is safe for your color-treated hair.

There is a widespread belief that baby shampoos can help with hair growth. But what about treated hair?

Here is an answer:

Is Baby Shampoo Good for Color Treated Hair?

Yes, baby shampoo is suitable for color-treated hair. While it may not be as effective as adult shampoos designated for color-treated hair, it can be a temporary fix.

Exhausted your shampoo before you had the chance to restock? Can’t just afford another splurge right now? Whatever your reason is, baby shampoo can be a viable alternative…

However, it shouldn’t be taken as a permanent alternative. I’ll say use it until you are able to get your hands on a better option.

Let me further explain why you can use this shampoo and why it should be temporary…

Understanding Hair Chemistry

Color-treated hair undergoes a delicate process that alters the natural pigmentation of hair strands, making it susceptible to damage and color fading.

To comprehend why certain shampoos might be suitable for colored hair, one must first grasp the basic science behind hair care.

At a microscopic level, hair consists of a series of overlapping cuticles.

When the hair is treated with color, these cuticles are forced open to allow the color to penetrate. Following the color treatment, the goal is to keep these cuticles closed to retain the color and maintain hair’s health.

Enter baby shampoo. With its gentle formula, baby shampoo ensures minimal disturbance to these hair cuticles.

The mildness of the ingredients is designed primarily to be gentle on the baby’s scalp and eyes but provides a side benefit of being gentle on hair cuticles as well.

The pH Level Balance

Every shampoo has a pH level, which indicates how acidic or alkaline it is.

The natural pH level of human hair and the scalp ranges from 4.5 to 5.5, leaning on the acidic side of the scale. This slight acidity helps maintain the health of the hair cuticle.

An ideal shampoo for color-treated hair would, therefore, mirror this natural pH balance to prevent undue stress on the hair.

Baby shampoos are typically formulated to be neutral or slightly acidic, aiming to match the pH level of the eyes to prevent any burning sensation.

This pH balance, coincidentally, is also conducive to the health of color-treated hair. Such a formulation ensures that the hair cuticles aren’t unnecessarily agitated, which can result in faster color fade.

Sulfate-Free Formulation

One of the primary ingredients to be wary of in shampoos, especially for those with color-treated hair, is sulfates. Sulfates, being potent detergents, are effective at cleansing but can be quite aggressive.

They can strip the hair of its natural oils and, unfortunately, some of that fresh color as well.

A notable advantage of many baby shampoos is that they often exclude sulfates from their formula.

The absence of sulfates not only makes them mild for babies but also ensures that color-treated hair doesn’t lose its vibrancy prematurely.

However, it’s essential to read the ingredients list as not all baby shampoos are sulfate-free.

Potential Drawbacks

While baby shampoo offers several features beneficial for color-treated hair, it’s not without potential drawbacks.

Firstly, while baby shampoos are gentle, they might not provide the deep cleansing required for certain hair types or those exposed to heavy styling products.

Over time, this could lead to product build-up, leaving hair looking limp and lifeless.

Furthermore, while baby shampoo might be sulfate-free, it may contain other cleansing agents that can be harsh on some hair types.

Again, checking the ingredients is paramount.

It’s also worth noting that while baby shampoo might help in color retention, it might not offer other benefits that specialized color-treated hair shampoos provide, such as UV protection, which prevents color from fading due to sun exposure.

What Are Other Options?

You can also use a sulfate-free shampoo, which isn’t harsh like baby shampoo. A good one is the Terax Hydrating Shampoo.

If you’re going to use a conditioner, go for something that’s protein-based like the Crema Ultra Moisturizing Daily Conditioner.

Also, if you’re just looking for a way to improve hair growth, there isn’t much you can do. It’s purely genetic!

Concluding Thoughts

So, is baby shampoo a hidden gem for those with color-treated hair? It can be, given its gentle formulation, appropriate pH balance, and frequent lack of sulfates.

However, like all hair care products, its efficacy will depend on individual hair types, specific needs, and personal preferences.

While baby shampoo can be an excellent alternative for some, others might find it lacking in certain aspects.

It’s always recommended to consult with a haircare professional before making any significant changes to your haircare routine. After all, color-treated hair is both an investment and a statement, deserving of the best care.