Buying shampoo can be a confusing endeavor. Non-moisturizing, hydrating, strengthening, smoothing, color-safe, thickening—how do you match what is on the bottle with the hair on your head? It doesn’t have to be a hard game if you know what you’re looking for. This is HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SHAMPOO FOR YOUR HAIR AND SCALP TYPE
Define Your Scalp Type
Before you choose shampoo, it’s important to know what shampoo does, how to use it, and how that relates to your hair and scalp type. shampoo is meant to clean your hair and scalp of dirt, oil, and styling products. While you might think of shampoo strictly as a hair cleansing agent, it’s equally important to consider your scalp when choosing a shampoo.
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 is best suited for an oily scalp and leave the moisturizing up to your conditioner, which should be applied only to your dried ends.
Shampoo Choices for Oily Scalps
If your scalp tends to be oily or greasy, you’ve likely been through dozens of shampoos with little luck. You’ve tried everything from washing daily (even twice daily) to allowing days between shampoos in an effort to control excess oil and sebum production. Here’s what to look for and what to avoid when choosing a shampoo for an oily scalp:
- Avoid shampoos that are hydrating, moisturizing, smoothing, or good for curly hair. These tend to add too much moisture to your already oily scalp.
- Look for labels that mention volumizing, strengthening, or balancing. These products are non-moisturizing and more effective at removing excess oil.
- A clarifying shampoo can be a big help for super-oily scalp conditions, but be careful to not overuse the product and dry out your scalp. Dry skin can actually stimulate more oil and sebum production.
- Try a double shampoo. Similar to a double-cleansing your face, a double shampoo consists of washing your hair with two separate shampoos to target different needs. Use one formula to address your oily scalp, followed by a different formula to wash below your roots.
- Spend extra time working the shampoo into your scalp to break up oil, and rinse your scalp very well.
- After shampooing, avoid working your conditioner into your scalp. Rather, concentrate on the mid-shaft and ends of your hair. Rinse well.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SHAMPOO FOR YOUR HAIR AND SCALP TYPE
Shampoo Choices for Dry Scalps
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 occur. It’s important to choose a shampoo that doesn’t add to the issue when you have a dry scalp. Try these tips:
- Avoid strengthening, fortifying, and volumizing shampoos. These products can strip your scalp of necessary moisture.
- For scalps that are only slightly dry with little to no itching or flaking, look for shampoo labels that promote moisture, hydration, smoothing, or curls. These products promote moisture retention and can be beneficial to your dry scalp.
If your scalp is very dry, itchy, or flaky, consider shampoos that are specifically formulated for dry scalps. Ingredients such as menthol and tea tree can help moisturize.
- Nioxin shampoo can be an excellent investment for moderate to severe dry-scalp concerns.
- Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, which are very drying to the hair and scalp.
- Even when your scalp is dry, it’s important to properly shampoo your hair for best results.
Shampoo Choice Based on Hair Type
When your scalp is neither excessively dry nor oily (or maybe you just want to know what on earth all these shampoo types mean), you can choose whatever shampoo fits your desired results:
- Hydrating/moisturizing shampoo: great for adding moisture, shine, and smoothness to hair. Good for thick, curly, or coarse hair that lacks moisture.
- Volumizing shampoo: excellent choice if your hair is fine or limp for an extra boost without weighing the hair down.
- Strengthening/fortifying shampoo: good for damaged, over-processed, highlighted, weakened, or brittle hair. Usually contains extra protein to improve hair’s condition.
- Balancing shampoo: typically a nice middle-of-the-road option. Not too moisturizing, but won’t dry your hair out.
- Smoothing/straight hair shampoo: typically rich with extra moisturizers and smoothing agents that help seal the cuticle and provide a great start for straight and smooth styles.
- Curly hair shampoo: very moisturizing and contains ingredients that reduce frizz without weighing down the curls.
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