Shampoo for Hair Systems: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)
While hair systems use real human hair, they require very different care than hair that grows from the scalp. This includes shampoos, a product that might seem routine, but needs a deeper look when using it on hair systems.
Choosing the right shampoo for hair systems is essential for maintaining the look, feel, and lifespan of the hair.
This guide explains why hair systems need specialized shampoos, which ingredients are safe, and which ones to avoid so you can protect your investment and keep hair systems looking natural and healthy.
Why Hair Systems Need a Different Shampoo
Traditional shampoos are designed for hair the grows from a living scalp. They remove excess oils, sweat, and dead skin that are naturally produced by the body.
Hair systems are different:
- The hair does not receive natural oils from the scalp
- Moisture must be manually maintained
- Harsh cleansing agents can dry out and damage hair fibers
When standard shampoos are used on hair systems, they often strip moisture instead of cleaning, leading to brittle hair, tangling, and reduced lifespan of the system.
What Makes a Shampoo Safe for Hair Systems?
When choosing a shampoo for hair systems, look for these three qualities:
- pH Balanced Formula:
A shampoo with a pH between 4.5 – 5.5 helps maintain the integrity of the hair. This range matches the natural pH of hair and scalp and prevents unnecessary dryness or bond weakening.
Fun Fact: 4.5 – 5.5 is actually the natural pH for bio scalp and hair. - Sulfate-Free Ingredients:
Sulfates are harsh cleaning detergents commonly found in household cleaners and many shampoos. On hair systems, sulfates can:- Strip moisture
- Cause excessive dryness
- Increase shedding
Choosing a sulfate-free shampoo is one of the most important steps in proper hair system care.
- Low or No Alcohol Content:
Alcohol-based ingredients can dehydrate hair fibers, making them brittle and prone to breakage. Moisture retention is critical for healthy hair systems, so shampoos should be low in alcohol or completely alcohol-free.
Shampoo Ingredients to Avoid for Hair Systems
To protect hair systems and extend their lifespan, avoid shampoos containing the following ingredients:
Sulfates: Dry out fibers and weaken the system over time.
Parabens: May cause scalp irritation, especially for those with sensitive scalps.
Alcohol: Dehydrates hair fibers and reduces flexibility.
Phthalates: Have been known to cause hormone disruption.
Petro-chemicals (including PEGs): Certain petrochemicals have been associated with long-term health concerns like cancer and can be harsh on hair systems.
Sodium Chloride (Salt): Can increase scalp dryness and irritation and contribute to faster wear of the system.
If you have questions about proper hair system care or Walker Tape®’s
system care products, our Customer Service team is here to help.
Contact Us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1.800.759.5150
