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#1 Define your scalp type
“What’s the best shampoo for me?” all beauty junkies ask themselves (after all, healthy-looking hair starts with the first thing you put on it). While you might think of shampoo purely as a hair cleanser, it’s just as important to consider your scalp when choosing a shampoo. “Shampoos all have different cleaning abilities; So it’s important to identify your scalp type before committing to one,” explains Reslan. “By design, shampoo should clean your hair roots more than any other part of your hair. So, for example, if you tend to have oily roots, you may need a less moisturizing and more deeply cleansing shampoo.” And on the other hand, if you have a drier or tighter scalp, you probably need something more moisturizing.
How to recognize your scalp type. “A scalp that feels tight after washing (or just on its own) or an itchy scalp (with or without dandruff) are signs that you may have a dry scalp,” says St. Surin-Lord. “An oily scalp, on the other hand, can be shinier, and someone with an oily scalp and dandruff can have flakes that appear clumped together.” Finally, there’s mixed scalp, which refers to a scalp that is neither dry nor oily. You’ll know if your scalp is combo if it gets greasy two to three days after shampooing versus the day after. (Consider yourself lucky if you are).
Think of it this way: shampoo is for your scalp and roots, while conditioner is for the ends of your hair. If your scalp is oily and your ends are dry (a common combination), then you should choose a shampoo that works best for an oily scalp and let your conditioner do the moisturizing, which should only be applied to your dry ends.
The oil glands in the scalp bathe the actual hair shaft with oil. So if you have oily hair, chances are you are the owner of an oily scalp.
No. 2 shampoos for oily scalps
If your scalp tends to be oily or greasy, you’ve probably gone through dozens of shampoos with little luck. They’ve tried everything from washing every day (even twice a day) to days between shampoos to try to control excess oil and sebum production. Here’s what to look for and what to avoid when choosing a shampoo for oily scalp:
Avoid shampoos that are moisturizing, moisturizing, smoothing or good for curly hair. These tend to add too much moisture to your already oily scalp.
Look for labels that mention volume, strengthening, or balancing. These products are non-moisturizing and more effective at removing excess oil.
A clarifying shampoo can be of great help for very oily scalps, but be careful not to use the product too often and dry out your scalp.
Try a double shampoo. Similar to double washing your face, a double shampoo consists of washing your hair with two separate shampoos to target different needs. Use one formula to treat your oily scalp, followed by another formula to wash under your roots.
Spend extra time working the shampoo into your scalp to dissolve oil and rinse your scalp very well.
Avoid working your conditioner into your scalp after shampooing. Instead, focus on the midshaft and ends of your hair. Rinse well.
#3 Dry Scalp Shampoos
When your scalp is dry, itchy or flaky, choosing the right shampoo can be your first line of defense against the uncomfortable, sometimes embarrassing conditions that can arise. It is important to choose a shampoo that does not increase the problem of dry scalp. Try these tips:
Avoid strengthening, strengthening and bulking shampoos. These products can deprive your scalp of the moisture it needs.
For only slightly dry scalps with little to no itching or flaking, look for shampoo labels that promote moisturizing, moisturizing, smoothing, or curling. These products promote moisture retention and can benefit your dry scalp.
Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, which are very drying to the hair and scalp.1
Even if your scalp is dry, it’s important to shampoo your hair properly for best results.
If your scalp is very dry, itchy, or flaky, consider shampoos specifically formulated for dry scalps. Ingredients like menthol and tea tree can help moisturize.
No. 4 shampoos based on hair type
Fine Hair: Look for volumizing shampoos that can strengthen your strands without weighing the hair down.
Thick Hair: Moisturizing or moisturizing shampoos are great for adding moisture, shine, and softness to thick hair that lacks moisture.
Straight hair: Shampoos designed for straight or straight hair tend to be loaded with added moisturizers and smoothing agents that are meant to help seal cuticles and provide a great start for smooth and sleek styles.
Wavy Hair: Balancing shampoos are usually a good option for middle-class hair. They don’t provide too much moisture, but don’t dry out the hair.
Curly hair: Look for highly moisturizing shampoos that contain ingredients that reduce frizz without weighing down the curls.
Damaged/Coloured/Fragile Hair: Strengthening or strengthening shampoos are good for damaged, overused, highlighted, weakened or brittle hair as they usually contain extra protein that is supposed to improve the condition of the hair.
Other factors to consider
Signs of healthy hair are shine and bounce, and bouncy hair comes from elasticity. If you feel like your hair is lacking bounce, St. Surin-Lord says your hair probably isn’t well-moisturized. “In order to be springy and elastic, the hair must not be weighed down by heavy ointments or silicones,” she says. “Instead, a humectant like glycerin helps absorb moisture and is great for dry scalps.” Mango seed oil is another ingredient to look out for, as it’s moisturizing and lightweight, as is argan oil. The ceramides and fatty acids in sunflower oil can also help repair hair, moisturize it, reduce frizz and add shine.2
Dealing with dandruff? Reslan says that in most cases, dandruff is a byproduct of an oily and flaky scalp, caused by either infrequent shampooing, gentle cleansing shampoos, or in some cases, diet. “If someone has an imbalance in their scalp and hasn’t changed their environment, products, diet, or frequency of shampoos, they should have their doctor take a look at their general health to make sure their scalp imbalance isn’t a sign of something internal.” ‘ she recommends.
#5 Lapcos Dr. 14 Vital Care Shampoo $32.00
This ultra-nourishing formula is made up of 14 powerful active ingredients (think biotin, salicylic acid and centella) designed to prevent hair loss and improve scalp and hair health. The result? A fuller, healthier mane.
#6 IGK Legendary Dream Hair Shampoo $31.00
Whether you have straight hair or tightly coiled hair, IGK shampoo will improve your hair’s moisture, shine and elasticity. It’s made with prebiotics to help protect and balance the scalp and red seaweed to provide moisture and commercial-grade shine.
#7 Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo $9.00
Unlike many shampoos on the market that list deionized water as the first ingredient, this shampoo from Maui Moisture has defined pure coconut water as the star of the show, which — apart from the invigorating scent — promises to contribute to soft, detangled, and curly hair.
#8 Living Proof Full Shampoo $29.00
If full hair is what you’re after, Living Proof’s shampoo will tick all the boxes: gentle formula, ability to remove residue and buildup, repel dirt and oil, and ensure maximum body and body.
#9 Unite Re: Unite Silky: Smooth Active Wash $32.00
Pesky frizz doesn’t stand a chance against this wash, which infuses hair with a heat-activated polymer designed to help create a protective shield to lock in moisture and ward off frizzy moisture.