How To Choose the Best Shampoo According to Your Hair Type

Published August 29th, 2023

You might believe that selecting your shampoo is not a big deal. You might grow to ignore its different types, thinking that it doesn’t make a difference. Later, you find out that washing your hair is critical to your hair health.

And not just washing it with any shampoo. Washing your crowning glory with the right shampoo matching your hair type would be best. It makes all the difference. It creates the right balance of moisture, shine, and bounce. 

Selecting the best shampoo for your hair type can be a confusing task. There is so much hair lingo. There’s hydrating, strengthening, smoothing, thickening, and color-safe, to name a few. It is why we put this beauty article. We’re here to make the process amazingly easy and quick. 

Continue reading to unlock the secret of picking the best shampoo for your hair type. Let’s jump right in! 

Define Your Scalp Type

To find the best shampoo for your unique hair needs, begin with your scalp. It all starts with knowing your scalp type. 

Shampoos all have different cleansing powers. That is why it is critical to identify your scalp type before choosing one. 

• Dry Scalp. A scalp that feels tight after washing is a dry one. It might also feel itchy, with or without flakes. 
• Oily Scalp. An oily scalp may be shinier. A person with it can have clumped together dandruff. 
• Combination Scalp. A scalp that is a combination type gets oily two to three days after shampooing. It is, instead of getting oily the day after. This scalp type is affirmed to be the luckiest. 

The shampoo is for your scalp and roots. The conditioner is meant for your hair ends. If your scalp is oily, and you have dry ends, you should pick a shampoo best suited for an oily scalp. Then, leave the moisturizing up to your conditioner. 

Oily Scalps: Steer clear of over-moisturizing shampoos 

Avoid hydrating, smoothing, and moisturizing shampoos, and those meant for curly hair. They will all likely put too much moisture on your already oily scalp. By design, shampoo is intended to cleanse your roots. If you’re prone to oily roots, you may need a less moisturizing and deeper cleansing shampoo. 

Look for labels that mention volumizing, balancing, and strengthening. All of them are non-moisturizing. More importantly, they are more effective at removing excess oil. 

A clarifying shampoo can be a massive benefit for super oily scalp conditions. Yet, be cautious not to overuse the product. It will dehydrate your scalp. 

Allot extra time working the shampoo into your scalp. It allows for breaking the oil up. Rinse your scalp thoroughly after. After washing your hair, avoid working your conditioner to your roots. What you want to do is focus on the mid-shaft and ends of your hair. 

Dry Scalps: Grab moisturizing products 

Choosing the right shampoo is critical when your scalp is dry, itchy, and with flakes. It is your first line of defense. It works against the uncomfortable, sometimes embarrassing hair conditions that can occur. Selecting a shampoo that will not exacerbate your dry scalp is crucial. 

Avoid strengthening, volumizing, and fortifying shampoos. They can strip your scalp of essential moisture. 

Abstain from using too much dry shampoo. Layers of oil-absorbing dry shampoo can also dry out the skin of your scalp. 

Lean into labels that promote moisture, hydration, smoothing, and curls. These products boost moisture retention. They are best used for dry scalp. 

Avoid styling products, including shampoos that contain sulfates. Sulfates are very drying. 

Define Your Hair Type

In addition to considering your scalp type, it’s also vital to consider your hair type. Here’s the essential tips we have for it: 

1. Fine Hair. Shop for volumizing shampoos. These can boost your strands without weighing hair down. 
2. Thick Hair. Hydrating and moisturizing shampoos are great for securing smoothness. It also locks in moisture and shine, which nourishes thick hair that lacks those properties. 
3. Straight Hair. Pick smoothing or straight hair shampoos. They are typically abundant in extra moisturizers and smoothing agents that help seal the cuticle. These products also render an excellent start for straight and smooth styles. 
4. Wavy Hair. Balancing shampoos are your best friend. They are an excellent middle-of-the-road option. They do not contain too much moisture. They also don’t dry out the hair. 
5. Curly Hair. Those with curly tresses should stick to moisturizing shampoos that contain ingredients that lessen frizz. 
6. Damaged/Brittle/Colored Hair. Fortifying shampoos and strengthening ones are vital for damaged, processed, highlighted, and weakened hair. These shampoos usually have extra protein meant to improve the said hair conditions. 

Types of Shampoos That Are Good for Your Hair

1. Daily Use Shampoo 

These shampoos are gentle enough for everyday use. They provide regular cleansing. They do so without stripping away natural oils. Daily use shampoos are best for normal to oily hair types.

2. Moisturizing Shampoo 

These shampoos contain hydrating ingredients such as oils, butter, and humectants. They are perfect for dry, damaged, and chemically treated tresses needing extra care and nourishment. 

3. Clarifying Shampoo 

They are credited with diminishing stubborn product buildup. They are outstanding in removing excess oil. They fight impurities. Clarifying shampoos render a deep scalp cleanse. They are ideal for occasional use. They also are a top pick for those with oily hair.

4. Volumizing Shampoo 

Volumizing shampoos give body, life, and fullness. They give them to otherwise fine and limp crowning glory. They often contain elements that improve hair thickness. They also provide a lightweight, airy finish.

5. Color-Protecting Shampoo

These shampoos are made to preserve hair color. They also safeguard hair color fading. They support retaining vibrancy. Color-protecting shampoos extend the life of your colored hair.

6. Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 

They target flaky and itchy scalps born from dandruff and dryness. These shampoos are often created with active ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, and ketoconazole. Both of these fight dandruff-causing factors. 

What to Look for in a Shampoo and Conditioner

Understanding the key ingredients that go into shampoos is vital. They can help you select the best one for your hair type and concerns. 

1. Sulfate-Free Formulas 

Sulfate, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, can damage the hair and scalp. They might strip away natural oils. For this fact, shop sulfate-free shampoos. It is to secure a gentler cleanse.

2. Moisturizing Ingredients 

Ingredients such as glycerin, aloe vera, argan oil, and shea butter provide excellent hydration. They will give your hair above and beyond nourishment. It ensures your crowning glory’s softness. It makes it smoother. Further, maintain easy styling.

3. Protein 

Protein-based ingredients will strengthen your hair strands. Look for keratin, wheat protein or silk amino acids. They will reduce breakage. They will also improve overall hair health. 

4. Botanical Extracts 

Chamomile, lavender, and green tea. They are some of the best hair health-promoting natural botanical extracts. They can offer benefits such as soothing the scalp. It accelerates hair growth. Finally, they add extra shine to the hair.

What Shampoo Should I Use? 2023 Best Shampoo Picks

1. Hers Full Volume Shampoo: The Best Volumizing Shampoo

Hers Full Volume shampoo is a game changer for those looking to have a little oomph to their hair. It contains biotin and rice water that help lift hair from the root. Hence giving an instant body and bounce to otherwise limp tresses. It also contains glycerin. It is a natural humectant that improves hair softness. It also keeps it silky.

2. Love Beauty and Planet Aloe Grapefruit & Vitamin B3 Shampoo: The Best Shampoo for Wavy Hair 

This shampoo is gentle and sulfate-free. It will give your hair enough structure for a beachy, lived-in look. It contains aloe vera that gently exfoliate your scalp. Removing buildup will keep your wavy hair cleanse and doing its thing. It will make it softer, smoother, and shinier with minimal frizz.

3. Curlsmith Essential Moisture Cleanser: The Best Shampoo for Curls and Coils 

This Curlsmith shampoo will give your hair a refreshing feeling. One that lasts for a long time. It is easy to work with, making it perfect for wash days when you’re low on time. It contains rosemary oil and aloe. The two are impressive hydrating ingredients that work well on all hair types.

4. 4U by Tia Clarifying Shampoo: The Best Shampoo for Natural Hair 

Next on the list is a shampoo best suited for natural hair. It is made without sulfate. It has apple cider vinegar that gently exfoliates and moisturizes the scalp. 

5. Biolage Professional Strength Recovery Shampoo: The Best Shampoo for Dry and Damaged Hair 

Anyone with dry and damaged hair understands the never-ending need to eliminate frizz. More so in getting rid of flyaways and split ends. This shampoo takes care of all of that. It is packed with gentle ingredients such as vegan squalane. It keeps hair feeling healthy and strong. It also has salicylic acid that delicately exfoliates the scalp. 

6. Head & Shoulders Bare Pure Clean: The Best Dandruff Shampoo 

Head & Shoulders have a long history of dominating the dandruff market for a reason. It really, truly works beyond what it promises. This particular product works to treat flaky scalps. It gives much-needed relief. It highlights zinc pyrithione that targets the yeast that causes dandruff. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing the Best Shampoo According to Your Hair Type

1. Why is it important to choose the appropriate shampoo for a specific hair type? 

Using the right shampoo for your hair type ensures effective cleansing. One that is specifically tailored to address your specific hair concerns. It also offers targeted hair care. More importantly, it can promote a healthier scalp environment. It is also the key to improving hair health. It can also enhance styling results. Finally, maintain the balance of moisture and nutrients needed for healthy hair. 

2. How often should I wash my hair? 

For an average person, washing every other day or every two to three days is encouraged. Yet, there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for everyone. Those with curly and wavy tresses must wash them every five to seven days. Doing so will maintain moisture and safeguard excessive drying. If your hair is dry and dusty, you can clean your hair just once a week. For color-treated tresses, wash hair less frequently. It can help extend your hair color’s life. Every other day or every three days might keep color vibrancy.

3. Can I use a conditioner every day? 

If you have dry or damaged hair, you should use conditioner daily. It will help to moisturize and care for your hair. Conversely, if you have oily or fine hair, using conditioner daily might weigh your hair down. It will also make it appear less greasy. It is encouraged to use it every other day if that’s the case for you. 

4. What to apply after shampoo and conditioner? 

Next to shampooing and conditioning your hair, you can incorporate extra hair products to boost your hair health. You can opt to apply for a leave-in conditioner. It helps to render extra moisture and entanglement of your hair. It also protects it from heat and environmental damage. Serums and oils can be applied to the ends. It is to add shine, smoothness, and manageability.  Also, depending on your desired hairstyle. You may choose to use styling products. They are typically mousse, gel, or hairspray. They can create volume, define curls, or provide hold and control. Finally, a heat protectant is ideal to cut damage caused by heat. It will come in handy if you plan to use heat-styling tools.

And there we’ve unlocked the guide to choosing the best shampoo for your hair type. As you can tell, it’s not that hard! You’re now ready to slay your hair-washing day using the best shampoo that serves your tresses well. With your newfound knowledge, you’re one step closer to optimizing your hair health. You’ll indeed have healthy hair with lots of moisture, volume, and shine to make it stand out from the crowd. 

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Meet The Author – Tracy Gorman

I’m Tracy Gorman, an experienced writer. I love writing about topics on lifestyle, beauty, and health. Get in touch with me on LinkedIn.