Confused about shampoo? Learn how to choose the right shampoo for your hair type with expert tips from Dr. Hanan Dermatology Clinic, Chennai.
How to Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Hair Type
Choosing the right shampoo might seem like a small decision, but it plays a big role in your hair health. With endless options on the shelves—hydrating, clarifying, volumizing, anti-dandruff—it’s easy to feel confused. The truth is, using the wrong shampoo can lead to dryness, hair fall, dandruff, and an irritated scalp.
At Dr. Hanan Dermatology Speciality and Trichology Clinic in Chennai, we guide our patients in making personalized hair care choices, starting with the right shampoo for their unique hair and scalp type. In this blog, let’s decode how to pick the perfect shampoo that actually works for you.
Why Choosing the Right Shampoo Matters
Your shampoo is more than just one cleanser – this is the foundation of your hair care routine. The right one supports the health of your scalp, strengthens your hair roots, and keeps your strands shiny and manageable. Wrong one, however, can spoil your scalp condition and cause issues like:
- Hair thinning
- Increased hair fall
- Greasiness or dryness
- Frizz and dullness
- Flaky scalp or dandruff
Step 1: Understand Your Hair Type
Before shopping for a shampoo, determine your hair type:
1. Oily Hair
Quickly looks smooth or flat. A clear or balancing shampoo is required that removes excess oil without drying the scalp.
2. Dry Hair
Often feel brittle, rough or frizzy. A moisturizing or hydrating shampoo with ingredients such as shea butter, argan oil, or coconut oil.
3. Normal Hair
Not very oily or dry. You can choose a mild, sulfate-free shampoo that maintains the natural balance of your scalp.
4. Combination Hair
Oily on the roots and dry at the ends. Choose a balancing formula or apply shampoo to the scalp only when conditioning the ends.
Step 2: Know Your Scalp Type
A healthy scalp equals healthy hair. Match your shampoo to your scalp needs, not just your hair strands.
- Oily scalp: Go for a shampoo with ingredients such as tea tree oil, salicylic acid, or charcoal to control sebum.
- Dry scalp: Soothing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin and ceramides
Sensitive or itchy scalp: Use fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested shampoos that are soft and hypoallergenic.
Step 3: Identify Hair Concerns
Choose a shampoo that targets your specific hair concern:
Hair Concern | Ideal Shampoo Type |
Hair fall | Strengthening or anti-hair fall shampoo with keratin or biotin |
Dandruff | Anti-dandruff shampoo with zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid |
Frizz | Smoothing shampoo with argan oil or keratin |
Color-treated hair | Color-protect shampoo that’s sulfate-free |
Heat-damaged hair | Repairing shampoo with protein and amino acids |
Step 4: Avoid Harmful Ingredients
When choosing a shampoo, always read the label. Avoid these ingredients that can damage your hair over time:
- Sulfates (SLS, SLES) – Can strip natural oils and irritate the scalp
- Parabens – Preservatives linked to hormone disruption
- Alcohol – Can be drying (except for fatty alcohols like cetyl or stearyl)
Artificial fragrance or color – May trigger sensitivity or allergies
Step 5: Try Before You Commit
If you’re unsure whether a shampoo will suit your hair:
- Start with a small bottle or travel size
- Use it for at least 2–3 washes
- Watch how your scalp and strands respond
If irritation, hair fall, or excess dryness occurs, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
Expert Advice from Dr. Hanan Dermatology Clinic
Every scalp and hair type are different. This is why Dr. Hanan Dermatology Specialty and Trichology Clinic in Chennai, we provide individual hair care guidance after a detailed scalp analysis. Whether you are struggling with hair loss, dandruff, or dryness, our team will help you take the right shampoo and treatment to restore hair health.
Quick Tips to Get the Best Out of Your Shampoo
Shampoo your scalp, not only hair length
Rinse well to avoid buildup
Use lukewarm or cold water, not hot
Follow with conditioner suitable for your hair type
Do not over wash – For most people the ideal wash is 2-3 times.
Conclusion
Your shampoo can either protect your hair or be the silent criminal behind damage. Choosing the right shampoo for your hair type makes your hair healthy, vibrant and strong. If you are uncertain from where to start, then book a consultation with our hair experts at Dr. Hanan Dermatology and Trichology Clinic – we are here to guide you at every step.
Book Your Consultation Today!
For Personalised Treatment visit Dr. Hanan Clinic. Feel confident and proud with our expert care.
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How to Hydrate Skin: Your Ultimate Guide to Radiant, Healthy Skin
Skin hydration is more than just a discussion – It’s an important skincare routine. If your skin often feels dry, tight, flaky or dull, you can deal with dehydration. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, learning to effectively hydrate the skin, can help restore its brightness, improve elasticity, and prevent signs of aging.
In this guide, we dive into practical, science -backed tips to deeply hydrate your skin and maintain moisture from both inside and outside.
Understanding Skin Hydration vs. Skin Moisture
Many people confuse hydration and moisturization, but they serve various purposes. Hydration is to increase your skin water content, while moisturization helps in that hydration seal.
If your skin feels rough, dull, or tight, it is possibly dehydrated. On the other hand, if it sounds dry and flaky, you may need more moisture.
1. Start with a Hydrating Cleanser
Your skincare routine starts with cleanliness. But using hard, sulfate-rich face washes can remove the natural oils of your skin. Choose a soft, hydrating cleanser that does not disrupt the moisture balance of your skin.
Look for:
- Glycerin
- Aloe vera
- Coconut-derived surfactants
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
2. Apply Products on Damp Skin
Want to do your skincare better? Apply it while your skin is still slightly moist. When you apply hydrating serum and moisturizer after washing your face, your skin absorbs active ingredients more effectively.
This method also reduces Transepidermal water loss (TWEL), which helps your skin to maintain moisture.
3. Use Serums Rich in Humectants
Hydrating serum contains humectants, materials that draw water in the skin. The most effective ones include:
- Hyaluronic Acid – attracts and holds moisture up to 1000x its weight in water.
- Glycerin – draws moisture from the air and deeper skin layers.
- Sodium PCA – a natural component of the skin that hydrates and softens.
Pro tip: Pair hyaluronic acid with a good moisturizer to lock in the hydration it attracts.
4. Moisturize with Hydration-Locking Ingredients
After hydrating, seal it in with a rich but non-comedogenic moisturizer. Choose products based on your skin type:
Dry skin: Ceramides, shea butter, squalane
Oily skin: Gel-based moisturizers with aloe or panthenol
Sensitive skin: Fragrance-free creams with oat extract or niacinamide
Applying moisturizer twice a day strengthens your skin’s lipid barrier and prevents water loss.
5. Drink More Water — But Not Just That
Yes, drinking water is important. But only drinking water is not enough to instantly hydrate your skin unless your entire body is hydrated. Intake water with water rich fruits and vegetables like:
- Cucumber
- Watermelon
- Oranges
- Strawberries
- Spinach
Also, avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol and caffeinated beverages if your skin feels tight or flaky.
6. Add a Humidifier to Your Routine
Environmental factors play a major role in skin hydration. Dry indoor air, especially air conditioner and heater, can calm your skin moisture. Running a humidifier at night replenishes the moisture in the air, which helps your skin to stay hydrated while sleeping.
7. Don't Skip Your Nighttime Routine
Night time occurs when your skin goes into repair mode. A consistent evening routine supports deep hydration:
- Gentle cleanser
- Hydrating toner or essence
- Hyaluronic acid or niacinamide serum
- Moisturizer or overnight hydrating mask
You can also use occlusive agents like petroleum jelly (slugging) at night to trap hydration and reduce water loss.
8. Avoid Over-Exfoliating or Using Harsh Ingredients
Exfoliation is essential for skin renewal, but overdoing. It can damage your skin barrier, leading to lack of moisture. Limit exfoliating 1-2 times a week using light AHA or BHA.
Avoid ingredients causing excessive dryness:
- Alcohol Denat.
- Strong retinoids (without moisturizer layering)
- Benzoyl peroxide (without hydration support)
9. Protect Skin with SPF Daily
The sun exposure dehydrates the skin and weakens its ability to maintain moisture. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. See for double sunscreen moisturizing in the form of skincare.
10. Consider Professional Hydration Treatments
If your skin is extremely dehydrated or you’re not seeing improvement from your skincare routine, professional dermatological treatments may help:
- HydraFacial – deep cleans, exfoliates, and hydrates in one session
- Mesotherapy – injects hyaluronic acid directly into the skin
- Skin boosters – improve hydration and texture with long-lasting results
Book a consultation with Dr. Hanan Dermatology Speciality Clinic to explore personalized hydration treatments tailored to your skin type.
Conclusion: Consistency is the Key to Skin Hydration
Understanding how to hydrate skin is about building a daily habit — not just applying a product when your skin feels dry. Hydration works best when combined: internal nourishment, topical hydration, and environmental care.
Keep your routine simple, stay consistent, and protect your skin’s barrier. With time, you’ll notice smoother, brighter, and more resilient skin.
Book Your Consultation Today!
For Personalised Treatment visit Dr. Hanan Clinic. Feel confident and proud with our expert care.
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How to Get Clear Skin: Proven Tips for a Glowing skin
Achieving clear skin isn’t just about following trends or chasing influencer-endorsed routines — it’s about establishing a lifestyle that prioritizes skin health. If you’ve ever wondered how to get clear skin, know that it’s the result of consistent care, evidence-based skincare practices, and making the right choices every day. Whether you’re tackling breakouts, dullness, or uneven skin tone, the journey starts with understanding what your skin truly needs.
Let’s dive into the best practices to help you achieve a naturally glowing, blemish-free complexion.
1. Cleanse Gently but Thoroughly
Cleansing is the cornerstone of any skincare regimen. A clean face ensures that other skincare products can be absorbed properly. Wash your face twice daily – to remove sweat and oil overnight in the morning, and to get rid of dirt, pollutants and makeup at night. Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that suits the type of your skin-oily, dry, or combination.
Over-cleansing or using harsh soaps can damage the skin barrier, leading to irritation and dryness, which can actually trigger more breakouts. Stick with a cleanser that contains skin -friendly ingredients such as ceramides or aloe vera.
Extra Tip: For acne-prone skin, ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation and unclog pores.
2. Exfoliate Regularly — But Don’t Overdo It
Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells that can stop pores and can make your skin look dull. By exfoliating 2-3 times a week, you stimulate the cell turnover, promoting a smooth and more-toned complexion. However, more isn’t always better — over-exfoliating can lead to micro-tears and sensitivity.
Chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA) are particularly effective for all types of all types. They enter deeply than physical scrub and are less likely to cause irritation when used properly.
3. Moisturize Daily — Even If You Have Oily Skin
Many people skip the moisturizer thinking that it will spoil the oil or cause acne. In fact, skipping of moisturizer can lead to dehydration, causing more than oil to compensate for your skin. The key is using a non-comedogenic, light moisturizer that hydrates without closing the pores.
Look for formulations with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or niacinamide – these elements not only lock the moisture, but also improve the skin texture and tone over time.
Pro Tip: Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps seal in hydration effectively.
4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen — Ever
If you want clear skin that stays youthful, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Unprotected exposure to the sun can lead to hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, sunburn, and premature aging — all of which can hinder your skin goals.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or outdoors for extended periods. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
5. Avoid Touching Your Face
Your hands face countless surfaces throughout the day, raising bacteria, oil and other impurities. Each time you touch your face, you risk transferring that grime directly into your skin, which increases the chances of clogged pores and acne.
Always be aware that you keep your hands away from your face unless you’re cleansing or applying skincare. In addition, clean the screen of your phone regularly and change your pillow weekly – small hygiene habits that make a big difference.
Pro Tip: If you’re a frequent face-toucher, keep a reminder on your desk or phone screen to break the habit.
6. Maintain a Balanced Diet and Stay Hydrated
Your skin reflects your internal health. Consuming a diet rich in dense foods of nutrients can improve your skin texture, clarity and flexibility. Antioxidants from berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds help in combating oxidative stress, while omega -3 are found in fish such as fatty acids, such as salmon reduce inflammation and support a healthy lipid barrier.
Limit the intake of Processed foods, dairy (if you are sensitive), refined sugars – which can spike all insulin and contribute to a breakout. And of course, drink enough water – ideally 8–10 glasses daily to keep your skin plump, clear and well-hydrated from within.
7. Follow a Consistent Night time Routine
Night time is the natural repair time of your skin. Having a structured evening skincare routine can increase recovery and help in dealing with specific skin concerns at bedtime.
Start with a soft cleanser to remove makeup and buildup. To prepare the skin, follow with a toner or essence, then apply serum like niacinamide, retinol, or vitamin C on your base
Bonus Tip: Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and keep skin smoother overnight.
8. Get Enough Sleep and Manage Stress
Sleep and stress are two underrated yet powerful contributors to skin health. Lack of sleep disrupts hormonal balance and skin regeneration, causing dull, puffiness and acne. Chronic stress increases the level of cortisol, which triggers oil production and inflammation.
Target for a comfortable sleep of at least 7-9 hours. Include stress-reducing activities in your daily life-it should be a journey, a nature walk, meditation
9. Use Targeted Treatments for Specific Issues
When dealing with stubborn issues such as acne, dark spots, or fine lines, over-the-counter treatment can offer powerful support-but only when used wisely. Look for products with active ingredients:
- Vitamin C: For brightening and reducing hyperpigmentation
- Retinol: For anti-aging and acne control
- Benzoyl peroxide: For acne-causing bacteria
- Azelaic acid: For redness and acne scars
Always start with a patch test and introduce one active product at a time to avoid overwhelming your skin.
Pro Tip: Consulting a dermatologist can help you choose the right actives for your unique skin concerns.
ConclusionConclusion: Clear Skin Is a Journey, Not a Quick Fix
Understanding how to get clear skin means knowing that consistency, patience, and the right guidance are key. There’s no one-size-fits-all miracle product, but by establishing a balanced skincare routine, making healthy lifestyle choices, and staying informed, you can achieve the radiant, blemish-free complexion you deserve.
Still struggling with persistent skin issues or confused about what products suit your skin? Visit Dr. Hanan Dermatology Speciality Clinic for personalized consultations, expert-guided treatments, and tailored skin solutions that truly work. Our team is here to support you every step of your clear skin journey.
Book Your Consultation Today!
For Personalised Treatment visit Dr. Hanan Clinic. Feel confident and proud with our expert care.
