The importance of shampooing has been drilled into our brains since we were little. Having grease and grime on our scalps isn't very appealing, after all. What our moms likely didn't tell us? Which shampoo — of the many options — we should be using.
Just like not all conditioners are created equal, shampoos differ widely. While some things may be obvious (if your hair is fine and straight, don't use a product made for thick, curly strands), we also understand that the countless choices can be overwhelming.
So, we've consulted some of the top hair insiders in the biz on which cleanser is best for which tress type. Click through to see their picks for long, short, and everything in-between. Because, visiting the beauty aisle shouldn't give you a mini panic attack.
Platinum
If you have platinum hair, you know the struggle it can be to keep that perfect tone. A great silver shampoo is crucial to help neutralize any yellow, and Sachajuan’s does just that, while adding volume and shine.
Sachajuan Silver Shampoo, $31, available at Barney's New York.
Platinum
Platinum-blond beauties know that fighting brass is one hard battle — which is why a shampoo that helps win it is oh-so-necessary. Pureology’s Perfect 4 Platinum Shampoo has a soft-blue tint to tone, and is sulfate-free so it won’t damage your strands.
Pureology Perfect 4 Platinum Shampoo, $28, available at Ulta Beauty.
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Dry
The last thing you want to do is strip even more moisture from dry hair, which can happen when you suds aggressively. That's why this silicone- and paraben-free shampoo is so awesome: It coddles hair while gently cleansing it, so all you're left with is softness and shine. Chase it with a hefty dose of conditioner for hair that's noticeably less straw-like. And the crazy-delicious vanilla and jasmine scent? Well, that's just a bonus.
Hair Food Gluten Free Hair Milk with Jasmine & Vanilla Shampoo, $9.99, available at Target.
Clairol, $9.99, available at Target
Wavy
If you’re after sultry, bedhead waves, you need to start in the shower. Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Shampoo will give you the perfect base to your sexy waves due to its lightweight clean. It adds soft, touchable texture to the finest of hair types.
Bumble and Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo, $25, available at Bumble and Bumble.
Wavy
Recently launched by DevaCurl, this light cleanser is a new spin on the brand's original No-Poo products. Aptly named Low-Poo, it's specifically for those with loose waves and will help cleanse the scalp while providing weightless moisture.
DevaCurl Low-Poo Delight, $22, available at DevaCurl.
Red
If you’re not a natural redhead, you know the struggle of trying to keep that vibrant shade after each wash. Luckily, Davines’ Alchemic Shampoo in Red contains pigments to brighten up your hue each time you wash. If you are a natural redhead, you can use this product too — it will just brighten your color.
Davines Alchemic Shampoo Red, $24.50, available at Davines.
Red
Redheads (natural or not) also struggle with keeping color looking bright, glossy, and healthy-looking — year-round. John Frieda’s Radiant Red magnifies red hues in hair, without weighing it down.
John Frieda Radiant Red, $5.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Short
Hairstylist Ryan Richman recommends that women with shorter strands not wash their hair every day. But, he also understands that product buildup and natural oils accumulate much faster in this hair type. The solution: "Choose a shampoo that will cleanse without stripping your hair of natural oils [or leaving] your scalp feeling dry," he says. "Dove Daily Moisture is great for everyday use. It cleanses hair without stripping, while leaving it soft and smooth."
For those "short" on time, he also recommends a dry shampoo, like Dove's Refresh+Care. "With a few sprays, you can refresh your look and absorb product and oil buildup, leaving hair feeling clean with a freshly washed scent."
Dove, $3.48, available at WalmartPhoto: Via Dove.
Long
The key to finding a great shampoo for longer hair is a product that will leave it feeling light as a feather (or close to it). Richman swears by Kérastase's Cristalliste, because it's silicone-free and "leaves lengthy hair looking smooth and beautiful without [weighing] it down."
Kérastase, $39.00, available at KérastasePhoto: Via Kérastase.
Fine
The struggle here often lies in lack of body and greasiness. Hairstylist Ryan Trygstad recommends a volumizing shampoo, like Shu Uemura's, which, he says, "Does a great job [at] keeping the hair free of oil and product buildup." If you're looking for a less expensive option, he suggests checking out Neutrogena's Anti-Residue Shampoo.
Shu Uemura, $48.00, available at Shu UemuraPhoto: Via Shu Uemura.
Fine
For fine-haired ladies, figuring out which shampoo to use can be a struggle, as you never want product that will add weight, you’re always looking for extra volume and body. Rene Furterer’s Volumea Volumizing Shampoo does just that – it’s a lightweight shampoo so it doesn’t weigh hair down, but gives it a boost of volume so your fine hair looks naturally more full.
Rene Furterer Volumea Volumizing Shampoo, $30, available at Rene Furterer.
Thick
Thick hair can be a blessing and a curse. The upside is that you never have to worry about volume, says celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin. But at-home blowouts are pretty much impossible. "To get you to a more manageable state, preparation starts with cleansing and conditioning," Atkin says. "For thick, unruly hair, my automatic go-to is Frizz Control by Clear Scalp & Hair. With ingredients like Nutrium 10 and vitamins B5, C, and E, plus a blend of natural oils, it provides 24 hours of nourished control."
Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy, $4.98, available at WalmartPhoto: Via Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy.
Color-Treated
According to colorist Aura Friedman, you should avoid washing your hair more than twice a week, since water is one of the main culprits of color-fading. Using a color-safe shampoo is your best bet, she says. "Nexxus' Color Assure is sulfate-free and has three oils [almond, coconut, and argan] with moisturizing qualities, which keeps color-treated hair hydrated."
Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo, $13.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Photo: Via Nexxus.
Color-Treated
This Redken shampoo is another good option for those with dyed strands. It has UV filters to keep the sun from fading color and ceramides that lock in moisture and prevent breakage.
Redken Color Extend Shampoo, $15.50, available at Ulta Beauty.
Color-Treated
This rich shampoo is an editor favorite for the luxurious smell and gentle cleansers.
Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color, $24, available at Birchbox.
Damaged
Roxie Darling, a colorist at Hairstory in New York City, recommends steering clear of shampoos with detergents, which can make hair dry and frizzy. "I make sure all my clients use New Wash by Hairstory," she says. "It's 100% detergent-free, but also cleans hair very well. It uses aloe vera, a combination of essential oils, and is so good that it negates the need for a conditioner."
Hairstory, $40.00, available at Hairstory
Damaged
You can also try StriVectin’s brand-new hair line if you’re struggling with damage. The sulfate-free shampoo works to both cleanse and restore the hair, as well as soothe the scalp, without stripping away any natural oils that the hair needs to grow. Plus, its patented NIA-114 and Kerapeptide Strengthening Complex help to coat the hair with keratin and protect from environmental stressors.
StriVectin Hair Ultimate Restore Shampoo, $32, available at Sephora.
Curly
Chuck Amos — the man behind the manes of Solange, Jordin Sparks, and Tracee Ellis Ross — likes Oribe products for controlling coils. The Moisture & Control shampoo has a ton of natural ingredients, mixed with amino-acid and polymer complexes. "Amber and sunflower extracts help moisturize and stimulate the scalp, while keeping hair strengthened, from root to tip," he says.
Oribe, $42.00, available at OribePhoto: Via Oribe.
Curly
Everyone with curls knows that they need moisture, and this shampoo from Ouidad is the solution. Packed with shine-enhancing vitamins and nourishing ingredients like chamomile and corn oil, it’ll make over-processed curls silky and soft in no time.
Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo, $18, available at Sephora.
Textured
If you’re looking for a clarifying shampoo for your textured strands, try Kinky-Curly Come Clean Shampoo, which is good to use just once every couple of weeks to get rid of product buildup. This clarifier will quickly and easily clean out all of that extra product. Don’t overdo it, though, or it will strip your strands of the natural oils they need.
Kinky-Curly Come Clean Shampoo, $12.49, available at Walgreens.
Textured
It's vital to avoid shampoo with sulfates of any kind, as they tend to dry out hair. Amos suggests checking out the new, organic brand Briogeo: Its products come sans sulfates, parabens, or silicones. And, they're gluten-free and include ingredients like green-tea oxidants, and vitamins B5 and E.
He also recommends Briogeo's co-wash shampoo, which "uses sea, avocado, and quinoa extracts to help cleanse and nourish hair, and soothing aloe to help nourish the scalp."
Briogeo, $20.00, available at SephoraPhoto: Via Briogeo.
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