Shampoo is something most of us buy almost on autopilot. Yet the right shampoo can make a real difference to how your hair looks and feels, while the wrong one can leave it flat, greasy or dry. The best choice depends less on the brand and more on your hair type and your scalp. Here is how to work out what you need.
Start With Your Scalp
Shampoo is mainly meant to clean the scalp, so think about how your scalp behaves.
- Oily scalp. Hair looks greasy within a day or two of washing. A clarifying or balancing shampoo can help remove excess oil.
- Dry scalp. Your scalp feels tight after washing. A gentle, moisturising formula is usually more comfortable.
- Sensitive scalp. If your scalp reacts easily, look for mild, fragrance-free products and patch test new ones.
If you have persistent itching, flaking, redness or hair loss, it is a good idea to speak to a pharmacist, doctor or dermatologist rather than switching between products. Our article on home remedies for a dry and itchy scalp covers some gentle care ideas, too.
Match the Shampoo to Your Hair
Once you know your scalp type, think about the lengths of your hair.
Fine or flat hair. Heavy, rich formulas can weigh fine hair down. Volumising shampoos, such as this volume shampoo, are designed to feel light and leave hair with more body. Use conditioner mainly on the ends.
Thick or coarse hair. This hair type often benefits from moisturising or smoothing shampoos that help tame frizz and make hair easier to comb.
Dry or damaged hair. Hair that has been bleached, heat styled often or exposed to a lot of sun can feel rough. Look for nourishing or repairing shampoos and pair them with a conditioner or weekly mask.
Curly and coily hair. Curls tend to be drier, so many people with curly hair prefer gentle cleansing and plenty of conditioning. Washing less often can help, too.
Coloured hair. Shampoos labelled colour-safe or for coloured hair are usually milder, which can help colour last longer between salon visits.
Ingredients to Know About
You do not need to study every ingredient, but a few terms come up often:
- Sulfates are cleansing agents that create a rich lather. They clean well, but some people with dry, curly or coloured hair find sulfate-free shampoos gentler.
- Silicones can make hair feel smooth and shiny. Some people love them, while others find they build up on fine hair.
- Oils and butters add moisture and suit dry hair, though they can feel heavy on fine hair.
- Fragrance is a common cause of irritation for sensitive skin, so fragrance-free options are worth trying if your scalp reacts.
How Often Should You Wash?
There is no single rule. People with oily scalps or who exercise a lot may prefer to wash daily, while others with dry or curly hair may only wash a couple of times a week. Pay attention to how your hair and scalp feel, and adjust your routine with the seasons. In summer, sweat, sun cream and swimming may mean washing more often.
Simple Washing Tips
- Wet your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water before applying shampoo.
- Use a small amount and massage it into the scalp with your fingertips, not your nails.
- Let the lather run through the lengths as you rinse, rather than scrubbing the ends.
- Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, leave it on for a minute or two, then rinse well.
- Blot hair gently with a towel instead of rubbing it.
Finding the right shampoo may take a little trial and error, but once you know your hair and scalp type, the choice becomes much easier. Explore more options in our shampoo category.