I do not pretend to be an expert on hair care products, but I’m learning that brand and ingredients matter. Until recently, I selected my shampoos and conditioners based on whether they passed the sniff test and if their packaging was pretty. In the shower, I would squeeze a palm full of shampoo and follow that with almost just as much conditioner. My hair often felt heavy and oily when it dried, and I found myself switching brands frequently. Recently I interviewed Younghee Kim, owner of Younghee Salon in NYC for the magazine’s “Roots” series, and learned that women (such as myself) are using way too much product—often filled with sulfates that make our hair feel soft—and as a result are clogging our scalps. In my quest to find a shampoo that would not result in a weighted mane, I turned to Klorane’s oil control Shampoo with nettle. The results were amazing! Derived from the roots of the nettle plant sustainably sourced in Portugal, nettle works to control oil and cleanse the scalp. The product is light, does not produce foam, and washes out easily. Best of all, I am able to use this shampoo sans conditioner, every other time I wash my hair. My locks feel lighter and healthier than ever.
-Elena Schmidt; Naturally light, sunkissed Miamian, seeking to find my perfect shade
