WHAT SHAMPOO SHOULD I USE FOR MY HAIR TYPE?

If you've ever browsed the hair care aisle at the store, then you know how overwhelming the shampoo choices can be. Do you need moisturizing shampoo? Volumizing? Maybe thickening shampoo is the way to go? The answer to the question of "What shampoo should I use?" lies in your hair type. Once you know that, you can choose the right shampoo—and the right conditioner—for your hair.

The concept of shampoo—cleaning your scalp and hair while removing dirt and excess oil around your hair follicles—began centuries ago, but the liquid form that we know today was popularized in the 1930s.(1) There's been a lot of research since then, and formulas have evolved and grown, meaning that there's now a shampoo for every hair type.

Types of Shampoos

Not all shampoos are created equal. The quality and quantity of the ingredients—which include the surfactants that cleanse and the active ingredients that provide the desired results (think volumizing or moisturizing)—impact how well the shampoo works.(2) Luxury brands normally have higher-quality ingredients, while drugstore brands often have more water and fillers.

Daily-Use Shampoo

If you wash your hair on a daily basis (which isn't always necessary, depending on your hair type), then choose a gentle shampoo to avoid scalp irritation. Look for products that are free of dyes, fragrances, parabens and sulfates.

Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying shampoos contain sulfates that provide a deep clean, but they shouldn't be used every day as they're harsher than other shampoos. If you use a lot of leave-in products, then clarifying shampoo is something to consider for occasional use. If you have a buildup of dirt and grease on your scalp, it's the perfect time to use a clarifying shampoo. 

Volumizing Shampoo

Do you have flat, lank hair? If so, volumizing shampoo is a game changer. This lightweight shampoo normally carries a mix of polymers that coat the hair fiber to add lift, strengthening proteins that don't weigh hair down, powders that rub together to create friction and lightweight surfactants that clear away residue.

Thickening Shampoo

While volumizing shampoos lift the locks, thickening shampoos widen your strands temporarily, thanks to proteins such as keratin and vitamins such as panthenol (a form of vitamin B5).

Moisturizing Shampoo

If you have dry hair prone to breakage, opt for a moisturizing shampoo. Ingredients such as glycerin and natural oils—like avocado oil, argan oil and coconut oil—infuse the hair with moisture and lock it in.

Color-Safe Shampoo

There are two goals of color-safe shampoo: to prevent the color from being stripped away and to treat damage from bleach or dye. Shampoo for dyed hair shouldn't have harsh chemicals like sulfates or parabens, so avoid clarifying shampoos. Color-safe shampoos will also have ingredients similar to those in moisturizing shampoos, as well as extra proteins.

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

If you've noticed a scaly, itchy scalp and white flakes in your hair (or on your clothes), try an anti-dandruff shampoo. These specialty shampoos kill fungi and reduce loose dander using fungicides such as ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione and selenium disulfide. Looking for something less chemical? Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide and a feature in many anti-dandruff shampoos.

Sulfate-Free Shampoo

As noted above, sulfates can strip moisture from your hair and scalp. Rather than harsh chemical compounds, sulfate-free shampoos contain natural ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil and amino acids.

Organic/Natural Shampoo

As you may have guessed, organic shampoos are void of harsh chemicals such as parabens and sulfates. Instead, they use natural ingredients as cleansing agents, including hemp seed oil, rosemary oil, orange peel, lavender and aloe vera.

Shampoos for Hair Types

When determining what shampoo you should use, consider both the texture of your hair and its moisture level, as oily and dry hair have different needs.

Straight Hair

Those with straight hair want something that creates a sleek, smooth look but doesn't weigh the hair down. If your hair is oily, then a volumizing shampoo for oily hair that clears residue and lifts from the root works well. Clarifying shampoos are also a good choice for this hair type. If you have straight, dry locks, then a moisturizing shampoo or sulfate-free shampoo are both great options.

Wavy Hair

The right shampoo for wavy hair is key to keeping your locks bouncy. To bring out the buoyancy in oily hair, look to a volumizing or thickening shampoo. For dry waves, deep-moisturizing shampoos smooth out frizz.

Curly Hair

While it may be tempting to use a clarifying shampoo on oily curls, it would be too rough on this type of hair texture. Consider a lightweight moisturizing shampoo for curly hair that doesn't weigh it down but prevents frizz. On the opposite end of the scale, those with dry, curly hair should look for deep-moisturizing shampoos and conditioners.

Coily Hair

Treat your tight coils as gently as possible because the texture makes them susceptible to damage and breakage. Even if you have oily hair, be sure to use a shampoo with a water-based moisturizer to quench your hair's thirst. Dryness is common in coily hair, so intense moisturizing shampoos with moisture-locking natural oils are important to use. You may also want to consider a weekly deep-conditioning hair mask.

Having healthy, shiny locks isn't an unattainable goal. By taking the first step and analyzing your hair type, you're well on your way to the hair care routine of your dreams.