How to choose the right shampoo: A guide for every hair type

Have you ever wondered what your hair would be like without a shampoo? Shampoo is inarguably one of the most important elements of a hair care routine. It helps to cleanse the scalp and hair by removing dirt, excess oil and product buildup. But choosing the right formulation is essential as your shampoo can be your strands’ best buddy or worst enemy. Regular use of the right shampoo is the first step to healthy and beautiful hair. While moisturising shampoos with ingredients like argan oil and shea butter are good for dry hair, clarifying shampoos, which contain ingredients like tea tree oil or citrus extracts work well for oily hair. This buying guide can help you match your hair type and concern with the right shampoo to say goodbye to bad hair days!

Why are shampoos important?

Shampoos are a staple hair care product. They help maintain the health and appearance of your strands. There are several benefits of shampoos – from cleansing the scalp to preventing issues like dandruff and itchiness. Dermatologist Dr Natasha Vijayendran says, “Shampoo is the most important product in the hair care regimen. They can cleanse excess oils, dirt, dead skin and styling products that weigh the hair down and clog pores on the scalp.” Shampoos are packed with nourishing ingredients to strengthen your strands, boost hydration, reduce breakage and protect against environmental damage. By keeping your hair and scalp clean and well-maintained, shampoos support overall hygiene and contribute to a fresh and healthy look. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, concentrating on cleaning the scalp with a shampoo that is formulated for your hair type can make your hair healthy.

How to choose the best shampoo according to your hair type?

Normal hair

Normal hair is a hair type that is balanced, meaning, not too oily or dry. It has a natural shine, smooth texture, few split ends, minimal frizz and is more manageable. With minimal hair products, this hair type can retain its natural volume, shape and a healthy scalp. For this hair type, using shampoos, which are free from sulphates, and paraben and are labelled as “suitable for all hair types” works best.

Also Read: Best shampoo for damaged hair: 10 picks to transform your hair health

Dry hair

This hair type lacks moisture, which makes them look dull, damaged and brittle. As they are more prone to frizz, tangling and breakage, this type of hair requires hydrating treatments to restore its suppleness, shine and softness. While choosing the best shampoo for dry hair, look for products that contain moisturising ingredients like coconut milk, shea butter and natural oils. Make sure that the product has a more creamy texture so that it can deeply repair and nourish your strands.

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Oily hair

Does your hair feel sticky if you skip shampooing them for a day? Well, chances are you have oily hair. This hair type produces excess sebum, making it look greasy and flat quickly. It requires frequent washing as per the American Academy of Dermatology Association. For this hair type, opt for transparent shampoo as they have a higher level of astringent, which can remove greasiness. Make sure it contains gentle ingredients like tea tree oil, neem, aloe vera and other herbal extracts.

Curly hair

This hair type has natural curls or ringlets that vary in tightness and pattern. It tends to be drier as the natural oils find it difficult to travel down the curls. For this hair type, opt for moisture-rich shampoos that can help define curls, reduce frizz and enhance shine without weighing it down. Look for products that contain avocado and argan oils as they can restore the moisture balance and make your hair look bouncy.

Also Read: Best shampoo for wavy hair: 8 top picks for you

Wavy hair

Falls between straight and curling forming loose, S-shaped waves, this hair type is more prone to frizz. They require products that can help enhance the natural wave patterns of the hair without making it look greasy or heavy. While choosing a shampoo for wavy hair type, look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like argan oil or avocado.

Colour-treated hair

Colour-treated hair is a type of hair, which has been chemically processed to change its natural colour. This hair type can be more prone to dryness, damage and fading and so, they require specialised treatment. To maintain the colour vibrancy of your strands, make sure to use shampoos that are designed for colour-treated hair.

Other factors to consider when choosing the best shampoo for your hair type

1. Scalp type

It is essential to consider your scalp type when choosing the best shampoo for hair growth in India. Identifying your scalp type can help you choose the shampoo that is specially formulated to cater for your concerns.

For oily scalp, avoid using overly moisturising shampoos as they may add more moisture to your oily scalp. Opt for a deeper cleansing shampoo that is meant for volumising, strengthening and balancing your strands. The clarifying shampoos can remove excess oil and address your oily scalp issues.

When choosing the best shampoo for a dry scalp, opt for products that are enriched with moisturising ingredients. Look for products that can promote moisture, hydration, and soothing. Use shampoos, which contain tea tree or menthol to lock the moisture and make your hair feel nourished.

Also Read: Best clarifying shampoo for curly hair: 5 picks for you!

2. Hair and scalp-related concerns

Another important factor to consider when choosing the right shampoo is to identify your specific concern.

• Dandruff: If you are dealing with scalp issues like dandruff and flakiness, look for shampoos that are designed to tackle these problems and soothe your scalp.
• Damaged hair: If you have dull, brittle hair with split ends, look for moisturising and nourishing shampoos. Opt for products that contain argan oil, shea butter and keratin to replenish moisture and repair damage. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology states that argan oil can help protect hair against oxidative damage.
• Thin hair: Does your hair appear flat and lifeless? It may be a sign of thin or fine hair. To tackle this hair-related concern, opt for volumising shampoos that are packed with biotin or collagen to add body to the hair.
• Frizz: To reduce the frizz, opt for shampoo that contains smoothening properties like shea butter. It can help make your strands smoother and silkier.
• Scalp sensitivity: Choose a shampoo that is free from harmful ingredients like paraben or sulphate. These ingredients can lead to irritation and allergies.

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3. Ingredients

While buying a shampoo, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients of the products as they hugely impact the health of your strands. Look for shampoo that is infused with the goodness of natural oils, vitamins and proteins. Make sure to avoid buying products that contain harsh chemicals like sulphates, parabens and silicones as they can damage hair over time.

4. pH balance

Look for shampoos with a pH level close to that of your scalp, which is around 5.5. This can help maintain the natural balance of oils and prevent irritation. Hair is considered to be healthiest when it is in its natural and acidic state. So, using a product that can maintain this equilibrium to prevent fluctuations. Using any products with harsh chemicals like sulphate and parabens can disrupt the pH spectrum, causing damage to the hair.

Why is choosing the right hair shampoo important?

While choosing the right shampoo may feel overwhelming, it is important to experiment with products as it may help to remove and smooth out your strands. Dr Natasha Vijayendran recommends using gentle formulas to cleanse the hair without stripping away the natural oils. Using the right shampoo can help lock in moisture, leaving your hair smooth and soft. A suitable shampoo can also tame frizz and flyaways, soothe the scalp and reduce the risk of damage caused by heat styling, sun exposure and environmental factors. The experts say that along with the right shampoo, adding damage repair hair conditioners, anti-frizz and smoothing hair conditioners and deep nourishment hair masks can be beneficial for hair.

Also Read: Best alcohol-free shampoos: 6 choices to improve your hair texture

How to use the shampoo for effective results?

Along with choosing the right shampoo, it is important to use it correctly for effective results. The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests a few tips to help you maintain healthy hair:

• You should focus on the frequency of shampoo usage. People with oily scalps should wash their hair once a day. Individuals with colour-treated hair should limit their shampoo usage as it may lead to dryness.
• While washing your hair, focus on cleaning the scalp rather than washing the entire length.
• Make sure to apply conditioner after every hair wash. Using the best conditioner can help repair damage, boost shine, improve strength and protect your strands against UV damage.
• Use a shampoo and a conditioner that is specially formulated for your hair type and needs.

These tips can help you pick the right shampoo for your hair. So, make sure to remember these points while adding the next shampoo to your shopping cart!