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.
Red Hair
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.
Platinum Hair
Platinum-blonde 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.
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.
Short Hair
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."
Long Hair
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."
Fine Hair
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.
Thick Hair
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."
Color-Treated Hair
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."
Damaged Hair
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."
Curly Hair
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.
Textured Hair
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."
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