Shielo Hydrate Moisturizing Shampoo

Image taken from http://www.shielo.com/hydrate-moisturizing-shampoo.html

Recently I was offered the chance to try out some new products from Shielo. Created in 2001, they're an American Salon brand specialising in cruelty free products, which are sustainable and suitable for vegans. I was advised that the Hydrate and Colour Protect lines are sulfate-free, so naturally I elected to try those out.

Over the past few days I’ve been experimenting with the Hydrate shampoo, which retails for $22.49. This is designed for use on overly processed, coloured, weak or damaged hair. At this time of year with central heating and cold weather, my hair needs all the hydration it can get. Another plus for those whose scalps are sensitive or prone to flakiness is the Hibiscus and Vanilla Cactus, which is supposed to help moisturize the scalp. UV filters also make this a good choice for summer, is there anything this shampoo doesn’t do?


I've been using this shampoo for a week and one of the most noticeable things is that for a sulfate-free shampoo, this really lathers, a lot. The vanilla scent is sweet without being overpowering and due to the concentrated formula, a little goes a long way. My hair is squeaky clean and nicely moisturized without feeling weighed down (key for those of us with fine hair) and my scalp is not irritated. However, it is very tempting to really get in there with the luxurious lather, so you may find you need to use a detangler before combing afterwards.


I was sent a sample of this, which means I could only try a couple of applications, so I can't comment on the long term benefits of this product. However, I suspect that with continued use, this would greatly improve the appearance of hair as typically, anything that improves the health of the scalp takes time to show. As we of the temperamental scalp variety know, a healthy scalp translates into healthier looking locks.


Shielo deliver internationally, but shipping fees vary according to country and weight. Delivery to Portugal is quoted as $14.55 for a 8 oz 237 ml bottle of Hydrate shampoo.

TIGI Health Factor Sulfate Free Shampoo

I've recently added to my sulfate free shampoo collection, well now I have two, not quite a collection yet. I'm still going strong with the TIGI Superstar sulfate free, but as ever I like to try out new products. In addition, I always like to rotate my hair products. I think I read somewhere once that it was a good idea because otherwise hair was prone to build up or something like that.

Anyway, I chose to try out the 250ml bottle of Health factor for £11.75, even though Feel Unique had a great deal on the duo pack of shampoo and conditioner, which was incredibly large at 750ml and £29.99. I've been burned in the past, when I forked out for the larger, better value size only to discover I hated the product. 

Health Factor is made with Nettle, Yucca, White Ginger, Horsetail and Rosemary, which are supposed to promote a healthy scalp and subsequently healthy hair. The scent reminds me of a citrus sorbet combined with freshly cut grass, which is extremely pleasant in the mornings when I need to wake up and get going. Like the Superstar shampoo, this is quite a thick formula and needs to be lathered up in the hands before applying to very wet hair. I know some people avoid sulfate frees because they have a reputation for lacking in the lather department, but I have never been bothered. They lather up just fine for my tastes and the results are so much better.

Results include a healthier scalp, no flakes and healthier hair. Since I switched to sulfate frees, I have even noticed that the baby hair around my temples has started to grow. Bazaar! This very fine and weak hair seems to have had a growth spurt, which in my books tells me these products are seriously doing some good. I had read that people who were sensitive to sulfates might experience breakage, but I never expected to notice hair growth, where previously there appeared to be little to none.

Now, I know I shouldn't fool myself into thinking that I'll have thick lustrous hair in place of my fine, easily damaged locks. However, as much as my hair and I have our little disagreements, I would like to hang onto as much of it as possible. On the sulfate free thing, we both appear to agree.

TIGI - Superstar sulfate free shampoo - Update

Recently I posted on this shampoo, raving about the full bodied results and healthier results due to the lack of sulfates. For those who read the post, you may recall I mentioned I can be prone to some flakiness. I had intended on using an anti-dandruff once a week to see if this would be sufficient.

Guess what? I haven't used any anti-dandruff since a couple of days within writing that post and no flakes. This is a first, it's been a few weeks with regular every other day shampooing and nothing. How? I don't care, I just say.. long may it continue.

It's official, I am a sulfate-free convert. Ladies, if you're having scalp/ hair problems, try this.

TIGI Bed Head Superstar Sulfate-Free Shampoo

So, here was my problem.... Highlighted blonde hair + psoriasis/ dandruff + anti-dandruff shampoo = discolouration.

I'll explain... I have heavily highlighted hair and an oh so sensitive scalp. I can't really tell if it's my psoriasis acting up, my sensitive skin or just plain old dandruff, but flakes have been known to appear. With my love of dark clothing, it's just a bad combination. Why not just use any old anti-dandruff shampoo? Well, besides the fact that I'm not even sure it's dandruff, they are supposed to be really bad for your hair. Have you ever tried to find an anti-dandruff for colour treated hair? They're not easy to find, are they?

Now, I have tried. I found H&S for colour treated or highlighted hair and used it for a while. It did get rid of flakes, but left my scalp a bit tingly, which I did not like at all and it seemed to make my scalp and roots oily. I'm convinced my hair got brassier than usual as well.

I tried Goldwell Inner Effect Regulate Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, which was also effective, without the nasty side-effects and left my hair feeling healthier than with the H&S. However, I like to rotate my shampoos and wondered if there was something a little gentler than a regular anti-dandruff I could use. 


After some research I came upon some blogs and articles about sulphates and sulfate-free shampoos. What are sulfates? They are the ingredients that make your beloved shampoo foam up. They claim that sulfates can be very harsh on both scalp and hair and may provoke reactions. 


I pondered on this for a while and came to the conclusion that were this true, it was perfectly feasible that the flakiness could be the same type I get on the rest of my body when it's stripped of moisture. A definite aha/ eureka moment. 


As with so many of these moments, this resulted in my surfing the net to find a sulfate-free shampoo and I found TIGI Bed Head Superstar Sulfate-Free. I ordered, I waited, it arrived. I've been using it for about a week now, but fear has held me back from abandoning anti-dandruff completely. I've come to a compromise, which means my every-other-day shampoo is with Superstar with a once weekly of Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Dandruff Control Shampoo. 


Results: My hair looks thicker and better than ever when I use the TIGI. I have what I can only assume is called volume, an alien concept to me. My scalp and subsequently my roots seem less oily and yes, no flakes. I intend to experiment with this combo and perhaps try to phase out the anti-dandruff, we'll see. I'm curious to see if this will help to preserve the blonde as sulfates are also reputed to fade/ damage colour. Here's hoping and I'll keep you all updated.