Even though we have had peeling shampoos in Anwen’s offer for a long time, we still receive questions about their effectiveness and application. To dispel doubts about this group of shampoos, we asked for help Edyta Pawluś, trichologist from Healthy Hair Center in Krakow.
What is scrubbing shampoo?
Anwen’s exfoliating shampoos were the first shampoos designed to cleanse the scalp in Poland thoroughly. Unfortunately, the market lacked products that would allow for thorough but still gentle and easy exfoliation. The idea of self-made scrubs based on sugar and a regular shampoo, while theoretically effective, turns out to be very inconvenient in practice. And it certainly does not encourage people to use it regularly. And this is essential for achieving the best scalp exfoliation results.
In 2017, Anwen launched the first Mint It Up product, a mint scrubbing shampoo with apricot kernel particles. Some of our customers, especially those with thick, long hair, struggled to rinse them out. So in 2019, Wake It Up had been launched. This one is a coffee enzyme shampoo. Mint It Up is still in Anwen’s offers because a significant number of customers appreciate it.
What are the effects of scrubbing shampoo?
Both shampoos have a similar foundation of a strong detergent – SLES, designed to cleanse both the scalp and hair throughout the length intensely. If SLES still scares you, we suggest you check out our post on detergents. Both shampoos also contain a probiotic enzyme that acts as an exfoliant. Wake It Up additionally contains urea, which enhances its keratolytic abilities. In Mint It Up, this task is performed by the apricot kernel particles already mentioned.
In the “before” and “after” pictures of the exfoliating shampoos taken at the trichologist’s office, you can see the effects of the shampoos. You can notice that the scalp is clean, refreshed, without dead skin. The hair stem is also clean. No substances are settling on the length of the hair. The scalp is better prepared to absorb all active ingredients from the hair care products (e.g., hair lotions, ampoules).
Before using Mint It Up
After using Mint It Up
Before using Mint It Up
After using Mint It Up
Before using Mint It Up
After using Mint It Up
The effects of using a mild enzyme shampoo are visible below.
Before using Wake It Up
After using Wake It Up
Before using Wake It Up
After using Wake It Up
Before using Wake It Up
After using Wake It Up
Successful exfoliating depends on two key factors: a thorough massage and the proper timing of the shampoo action. No exfoliating shampoo will work if it is used as a regular shampoo. Exfoliation requires time and a gentle but thorough scalp massage. For an exfoliating enzymatic shampoo, the minimum massage time is 6-10 minutes. According to a trichologist, exfoliating shampoos are suitable for people with a healthy scalp. However, people with skin problems should seek professional help. Depending on the scalp condition, a comprehensive therapy recommended by a hair specialist or dermatologist is necessary.
Which shampoo should I choose?
While both of Anwen’s exfoliating shampoos have similar effects, we recommend considering which one is better suited for your skin type and hair. Mint It Up will probably work better for people who have an oily scalp. We recommend it also for men. On the other hand, Wake It Up may be better for those with sensitive and irritation-prone scalps. It will undoubtedly satisfy thick and/or long hair owners who may have problems with the particles washing out when using Mint It Up.
How frequently should I use an exfoliating shampoo?
It is fundamental to be regular. No hair treatment will be effective if you use it occasionally. Exfoliating shampoos should be included in your hair care routine and used about once a week (if you wash your hair every day) or every 5-6 washes if you don’t have to cleanse your hair daily. Of course, this is only a suggested frequency. Everyone should decide individually, observing the condition of the hair and its needs. For example, if you use many products, which may pollute the scalp (e.g., dry shampoos or styling products) or live in a polluted city, you may want to use a scrubbing shampoo more often. If, on the other hand, you have a sensitive scalp and do not overload it with additional products, you may use this type of shampoo less often.
Anwen Team
