Hair Glossary - Shampoo section - #1

Cosmetology Science Terms - ongoing

 

Something I should have started a while ago . . . better late than not at all! An ongoing glossary of terms that I use frequently and you should know. Many hate learning new words but I suspect if they are words related to hair I will have more enthusiasts. So, please start collecting them and I will add to it once or twice every week . . .that way when I go into a post there will be a TOTAL HAIR GLOSSARY where you can look up terms I am using so you can make sense of what I hope is some profound statement and expression on that lovely mop on top of your head. If you have questions about any of them, please ask in the Comments section so I can clarify. Enjoy!

• acid........solution that has a pH below 7.0, tastes sour,turns litmus paper from blue to red
• acid balanced shampoo.. .shampoo that is balanced to the pH of skin and hair (4.5 to 5.5)
• alcohol.........readily evaporating, colorless liquid obtained by the fermentation of starch, sugar and other carbs
• alkali............solution that has pH above 7.0, tastes bitter & turns litmus paper from red to blue
• alkanolamines.......substances used to neutralize acids or raise the pH of many hair products; often used in place of ammonia
• anion.......ion with a negative electrical charge
• balancing shampoos..... shampoos that wash away excess oiliness from oily hair and scalp, while keeping the hair from drying out
• cation.....ion with a positive electrical charge
• clarifying shampoos.......................shampoos containing an acidic ingredient such as citric acid to cut through product build-up that can flatten hair; increase shine
• conditioning/moisturizing shampoos........shampoos designed to make the hair smooth & shiny, avoid damage to chemically treated hair, & improve manageability for dry and very dry hair. Look for an oil added to the formula to add moisture
• dry shampoo.. ...shampoo that cleanses hair without the use of soap & water....work excellent for adding body to lifeless and thin hair. The new ones are excellent, worth a try... especially if you have oily + super-oily hair as well as looking to add Volume to blah hair.
• hard water.....water containing certain minerals that lessen the ability of soap or shampoo to lather readily, this would not be the water you want to enhance your hair. There are water treatments, and filters for your showers to 'counter' this
• humectants...... substances that absorb moisture or promote the retention of moisture, such as glycerin, which helps when dry hair is a factor.
• medicated shampoos..... shampoos containing special chemicals and/or drugs for reducing excessive dandruff or relieving other scalp conditions
• soft water............rainwater or chemically softened water that lathers easily with soap or shampoo. The most wonderful perfect choice of water to make your hair look its best