On the theme of scalp health, this much is undeniably true: prioritizing it really is key to choosing what’s best for your hair and getting the best results. As a rule of thumb, if you have oily hair, you’re likely to have an oily scalp and vice versa. If you do have the former, try to avoid those shampoos that purport to be hydrating or moisturizing, opting instead for those that promise to strengthen or volumise as these will help to remove unwanted oil. The reverse, meanwhile, is true for dry scalps and hair: if you struggle with thirsty tresses, avoid those volumizing shampoos and choose the moisturising products instead. In all cases, do also avoid silicone-based shampoos.
These are our shampoo picks according to hair type.
Best For Oily Hair
Aveeno Haircare Clarify and Shine+ Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo, £7.99
Most people whose hair is prone to grease have tried every remedy under the sun to calm their sebaceous glands and thus enable themselves not to have to wash their hair on a daily basis. There is a reason this shampoo from Aveeno gets wall-to-wall rave reviews. Its strong cleansers, combined with soothing oatmeal, make it a dream for anyone who has got caught in the daily washing trap, plus it is easy on the pocket too. Buy it.
Best For Hard Water Areas
HelloKlean Hard Water Shampoo, £18
If you live in a hard water area, you will be well familiar with the havoc it can wreak on your hair, causing breakages and clogging up the strands with calcium deposits which then stop you from cleansing your locks thoroughly. Hello Klean’s hard water shampoo is award-winning because it lifts these minerals from the scalp using activated charcoal, oat proteins and lactic acid, whilst also remaining sulphate- and silicone-free. Buy it.
Best For A Dry Scalp
Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo With Aloe Vera, £26
If your hair feels limp and dry, try Christophe Robin’s invigorating formula to leave locks hydrated and luminous. Silky and refreshing, it is gentle enough to use daily if you so wish, using aloe vera to soothe and hydrate, and derivatives from plant amino acids to retain moisture. Flaxseed, meanwhile, gives it the shine it deserves. Think of it as the hair equivalent of an all-natural ultra-rich moisturiser for your skin. Buy it.
Best For Encouraging Growth And Preventing Thinning
MONPURE London Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo, £36
Nipping breakage in the bud is the name of the game when it comes to encouraging hair growth. Monpure is dedicated to the health of our scalps, thus its products treat discomfort and irritation, prevent hair thinning and promote strong, healthy hair. It is, in short, the middle ground between skincare and haircare. Its London Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo can repair damage by up to 72 per cent, while boosting shine, hydration and volume. Silicone- and sulphate-free, it leaves hair noticeably stronger. Buy it.
Best Shampoo For Curly Hair
Curlsmith Core Strength Shampoo, £22
Gentle enough to use regularly on curly hair, Curlsmith’s Core Strength Shampoo cleans your curls without stripping away the natural oils. Containing hemp seed oil, rice protein and a superfood blend of shiitake, prickly pear, kale, guava, blackcurrant and pumpkin seed extract, it is gently fortifying and perfect for bringing out natural curls. Buy it.
Best Shampoo For Afro Hair
Afrocenchix Swish Sulphate-Free Moisturising Shampoo, £17.80
This gentle formula, which features aloe vera and fruity essential oils, softens afro hair that is running dry. Light and creamy, it leaves hair a beautiful texture and its pH balance is designed to be used once a week. Cruelty-free and scrupulously vegan. Buy it.
By Nancy Alsop
August 2023
