Shampoo

How to choose the right shampoo

Shampoo is primarily designed to cleanse the scalp and hair, but different formulas suit different needs. Instead of choosing based on hair type alone, consider how your scalp behaves, the condition of your lengths and how often you wash your hair.

Someone with an oily scalp and dry ends, for example, may need a different shampoo from someone with coarse, dry hair from root to tip. Start with your main concern, then choose a formula that gives you the level of cleansing and conditioning your hair needs.

Which shampoo is best for my hair type?

Dry hair: Look for gentler, moisture-focused formulas that cleanse without leaving the lengths feeling rough. Browse our Hydrating Shampoos if softness and moisture are your main priorities.

Oily hair or scalp: A more thorough cleansing formula can help remove excess oil and product build-up. A Deep Cleansing Shampoo can also be useful occasionally when styling products or residue have accumulated.

Fine hair: Lightweight shampoos are usually the best starting point. Look for formulas that cleanse well without depositing too much richness at the roots.

Curly hair: Curly hair can be prone to dryness through the lengths, so many people prefer gentler shampoos that balance cleansing with moisture.

Colour-treated hair: Choose a shampoo formulated with coloured hair in mind, particularly if maintaining vibrancy is important to you.

Sensitive or dry scalp: If your scalp feels easily irritated or uncomfortable, explore our Sensitive Shampoo options and avoid choosing purely on how dry the ends of your hair feel.

What shampoo should I use for dry hair?

If your hair feels rough, dull or difficult to detangle, a moisturising shampoo is usually a good place to start. Brands including NAK, Davroe and Paul Mitchell offer shampoo ranges designed for dry and moisture-depleted hair.

If the dryness is mainly caused by bleaching, colouring or repeated heat styling, you may benefit from a formula that combines moisture with strengthening or repair-focused ingredients.

What shampoo should I use for damaged hair?

Hair that has been bleached, chemically treated or exposed to frequent heat can become more fragile and prone to breakage. In this case, look for shampoos designed specifically for damaged or weakened hair.

Brands such as Redken, Joico and Keratin Complex offer repair-focused ranges that can help improve the feel, strength and manageability of stressed hair.

Shampoo is only one part of a repair routine. Pair it with a suitable conditioner and, when needed, a Hair Mask or Leave-In Conditioner.

How often should I shampoo my hair?

There is no ideal washing schedule that suits everyone. How often you shampoo depends on your scalp, hair type, exercise habits, styling products and personal preference.

An oily scalp may feel best with more frequent cleansing, while dry, coarse or curly hair may be comfortable with longer gaps between washes. The goal is to keep the scalp clean without repeatedly using a shampoo that leaves the lengths feeling overly dry.

Do I need to use conditioner after shampooing?

For most hair types, following shampoo with conditioner helps improve softness, detangling and manageability through the mid-lengths and ends. Your shampoo and conditioner do not always need to come from exactly the same range, particularly if your scalp and lengths have different needs.

For example, someone with an oily scalp but dry ends may choose a more cleansing shampoo and pair it with a richer conditioner through the lengths.

Shop shampoo at My Haircare & Beauty

Explore shampoos for dry, oily, fine, curly, coloured, damaged and sensitive hair from salon haircare brands including Redken, Davines, Joico, NAK and more.

If you are unsure where to begin, identify your scalp type first, then consider your biggest concern through the lengths. This usually gives you a much better starting point than choosing a shampoo based on a single ingredient or marketing claim.