If you're reading this, chances are that you're on the hunt for the best shampoo for your hair type. Yes, believe it or not, finding the right shampoo can be incredibly tricky. As a beauty editor, I've been there. In fact, I've tried countless formulas over the years, from the best shampoo for oily hair to the best affordable shampoo to the best clarifying shampoo, and it's safe to say that I have been left less than impressed by the results. The thing is, the right shampoo is the starting point for any good hair day. Yep, alongside the best conditioner, shampoo is crucial in making sure that the roots of your hair are clean, bouncy and healthy.
As someone with incredibly thick hair, I know that there's nothing more frustrating then going to the effort of pencilling in a hair wash only to be left with greasy roots and an irritated scalp, so I've made it my mission to find out everything there is to know about choosing the best shampoo for your hair type.
I've been busy chatting with Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley, to find out the answers to all of my burning shampoo questions. Not only that, but I've also been speaking with Who What Wear UK editors to find out what shampoos they recommend for their individual hair types. So, what are you waiting for? Keep on scrolling and get ready to say hello to your best hair yet....
What Does Shampoo Do?
First things first, I was intrigued to know what shampoo actually does for the hair. "Shampoo acts as a cleanser for your scalp," explains Kingsley. "You take your hair and scalp to the same places you take your face, and it gets just as dirty. Your scalp is also a living tissue; it sweats, produces oils and sheds skin cells. Just as you wash your face, or your clothes – apply the same thinking to your hair and scalp."
If you didn't know, every single hair follicle on your head has an oil gland that produces sebum, and according to Kingsley, if you don't wash your hair often enough, it can lead to a build-up of dirt, dead skin cells, oil and hair products, which in turn can make your hair even greasier. "Your hair and scalp need to be clean and healthy to produce optimal hair growth and to prevent scalp issues from occurring."
How to Use Shampoo
So, how should you use your shampoo to get the most out of the formula? "It is crucial to choose a shampoo that suits your hair texture," says Kingsley. "I recommend using shampoo daily if you have fine, textured hair. This is because people with finer hair have more oil glands on their scalp, therefore their hair becomes greasy faster. If you have medium textured hair, try to shampoo every other day. Ideally coarser and curly hair textures should leave no more than 3 days between shampooing."
Now that you know how often to wash your hair, how should you actually be doing it? "The correct way to wash hair is to wet the hair fully, use a targeted shampoo and clean the scalp thoroughly for two minutes, rinse with water and then repeat this step, " explains Kingsley. "Then, apply a conditioner to the ends before rinsing again. Shampooing is really only about cleansing the scalp. Don’t scrub your hair when you shampoo or pile it on top of your head—you will only tangle your hair. Let the suds run down the lengths of your hair as this is enough to remove daily dirt."
Interestingly enough, using too much shampoo might not be beneficial for your hair. "You only need to use a 50 pence size of shampoo and massage gently, adding more water to increase the lather," Kingsley adds. New research from Philip Kingsley states that out of 2000 people surveyed, only 27% use a 50 pence size shampoo, while most of us use a 10 pence size amount of product.
How to Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Hair Type
Now that you know what shampoo does and how to use it correctly, it's time to think about choosing the right shampoo for your hair type. Below, we've included our favourite formulas for all different hair types, but first, I wanted to ask Kingsley about what to look out for.
Those of you with a dry scalp will want to look for a moisturising, balancing shampoo formula. "A dry scalp occurs when the top layer of skin (the epidermis) lacks moisture," explains Kingsley. "It is commonly due to environmental factors, such as weather. However, it is more likely to occur when your scalp is not producing enough, or adequately replacing, sebum, which tends to happen as we get older. I love our Moisture Balancing Combination Shampoo as it contains wheat protein to strengthen and add moisture."
One thing to note is that it's important not to confuse a dry scalp with dandruff. "Dandruff is generally caused by an overgrowth of the Malassezia yeast which thrives in an oily environment," says Kingsley. "If you have both of these concerns, our Flaky/Itchy Shampoo clears flaking on the scalp as well as oil build up."
While considering your scalp is important, you also want to think about your hair texture. It you want volume, you might benefit from one of the best shampoos for fine hair, while thick hair will benefit from a hydrating formula. If you have curly or coily hair, Kingsley also recommends a hydrating shampoo. "Curly or coiled textures are the most fragile of hair textures and therefore more susceptible to breakage," she explains. "Because of this, curls require lots of care in terms of handling and moisture content to keep them nourished and hydrated. I recommend our Moisture Extreme Shampoo for curly or coiled hair as it delivers moisture using a unique blend of nourishing oils to target every strand.
The Best Shampoo 2025
- Best affordable shampoo: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Shampoo
- Best luxury shampoo: Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo
- Best shampoo for oily hair: Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo
- Best shampoo for dry hair: JVN Revive Repairing Shampoo
- Best shampoo for fine hair: Aveda Sap Moss Weightless Hydration Shampoo
- Best shampoo for thick hair: Ouai Thick Hair Shampoo
- Best shampoo for curly hair: Only Curls All Curl Cleanser
- Best shampoo for coloured hair: Color Wow Color Security Shampoo
1. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Sulphate Free Shampoo
Best for: Dull hair
Why It's the Best: Glossy hair is always in style, and this affordable L'Oreal Paris shampoo will help you get that salon-worthy shine at home. If you didn't know, hair often looks shiny as the smooth surface reflects light. However, damage can disrupt the smoothness of the hair which can leave your ends looking dull and lacklustre. This formula is packed with glycolic acid which penetrates the hair's fibre to improve softness and in turn promote shine.
Who What Wear Editor Review: "When I'm looking for an affordable shampoo, I always reach for L'Oreal Elvive's Glycolic Gloss Shampoo because it genuinely rivals more expensive brands that I've tried. The whole range is brilliant for adding shine to my dull hair, but the shampoo is particularly great at cleansing my oily yet dry scalp while leaving my hair looking like I've just had a professional glossing treatment," says Eleanor Vousden, beauty editor.
Pros
- Affordable
- Adds shine
- Can be used on all hair types
Cons
- Might not be best for really oily scalps
2. Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo
Best for: Brittle hair
Why It's the Best: If your hair is in need of a little TLC, you can't go wrong with this shampoo from Oribe. The nourishing formula is ideal for brittle hair as it works to add moisture and restore elasticity. It is full of botanical extracts from strengthening chia seed, antioxidant-enhancing bamboo leaf and hydrating hyaluronic acid alongside the brand's signature complex of watermelon, lychee and edelweiss flower extract.
Who What Wear Editor Review: "Oribe products are the pinnacle of beauty luxury, and this shampoo is without question one of the very best around. For starters, it looks like a work of art. Then there’s the fact it smells like a luxury perfume. Finally, we come into the formula and results—it works to strengthen hair and boost its elasticity to help build resilience and prevent breakage. The result? Bouncy, glossy hair that is full of movement," says Shannon Lawlor, beauty director.
Pros
- Smells amazing
- Restores elasticity
- Safe to use on coloured hair
Cons
- Very expensive
3. Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Best for: Oily/flaky hair
Why It's the Best: If you struggle with an oily or flaky scalp, then I recommend this shampoo from Philip Kingsley. The gentle formula is mild enough for daily use, and works to eliminate flakes and buildup while relieving itching and irritation. How, I hear you ask? It's all thanks to anti-microbial Piroctone Olamine which removes skin cell build-up.
Who What Wear Editor Review: "I suffer with an oily, flaky, itchy scalp (fun, I know) so I always have this shampoo on hand for when my scalp needs a bit of TLC. It has a refreshing apple scent and thanks to the gentle formula, my roots always feel fresh without feeling stripped of moisture. One thing I will say is that this shampoo doesn't lather up like other formulas, so sometimes it can feel like it's not doing much. I recommend making sure you're applying enough and giving your scalp a good wash when using," says Grace Lindsay, junior beauty editor.
Pros
- Removes scalp buildup
- Relives itching
- Smells refreshing
- Gentle enough to use everyday
Cons
- Doesn't lather up like other shampoo formulas
4. JVN Revive Repairing Shampoo
Best for: Dry hair
Why It's the Best: New from JVN Hair, this repairing shampoo is ideal for dry ends. The formula is packed with powerful ingredients including ceramides, hemisqualane and jojoba to lock in moisture and add shine. Plus, it comes in an easy-to-use pump format.
Who What Wear Editor Review: "I've been using the JVN Revive Repairing Shampoo and have never had so many compliments on how shiny my hair is. It tackles two problems I face with my hair: dullness and damage. It helps to repair hair bonds which helps to leave my frizz-prone, damaged hair looking smoother and sleeker while imparting a knockout shine. I've been using it in tandem with the gloss treatment and conditioner and it has made my hair unbelievably silky," says Eleanor Vousden, beauty editor.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Full of hydrating ingredients
- Adds shine
Cons
- Might not be best for super oily hair
5. Aveda Sap Moss Weightless Hydration Shampoo
Best for: Fine hair
Why It's the Best: Aveda is such a great hair brand, and the shampoos are no exception. This lightweight formula contains a blend of iceland moss and larch tree sap to restore moisture without weighing hair down. Not only that, but jasmine, cypress and organic olibanum add the most beautiful, fresh scent.
Who What Wear Editor Review: “Having thin and fine hair means having to use a shampoo that effectively cleanses without delivering too much moisture and weighing the roots down—this product is harder to find than you might think. While this particular shampoo isn’t dubbed volumising in any way, the luxurious texture and weightless hydration that it delivers keeps my fine hair looking bouncy and full of life. I simply adore it," says beauty director, Shannon Lawlor.
Pros
- Refreshing scent
- Adds moisture without weighing hair down
Cons
- A little more expensive
6. Ouai Thick Hair Shampoo
Best for: Thick hair
Why It's the Best: Pretty much the whole of team Who What Wear UK are obsessed with cool-girl hair care brand, Ouai, and this shampoo is ideal for thicker hair types. The formula works to clean the hair without stripping it of moisture, as thicker hair can often sit on the dryer side of things. It features shea butter, avocado oil and hydrolyzed keratin to reduce breakage and flyaways, alongside marshmallow root which actually helps to detangle hair and reduce knots.
Who What Wear Editor Review: "I have such thick hair and find it hard to find a shampoo that actually cleanses my roots without leaving my ends feeling dry and knotty. However, this particular formula works wonders. My hair feels clean, soft and manageable after using," says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Makes thick hair more manageable
Cons
- Bulky packaging
- Might weigh fine hair down
7. Only Curls All Curl Cleanser
Best for: Curly hair
Why It's the Best: Editors rave about this shampoo for curly hair, and I can totally see why. Suitable for all waves and curls, the formula gently foams to clean the hair without stripping any of the natural oils. In fact, it actually contains a blend of avocado oil and kukui nut oil to hydrate your curls while helping to reduce flyaways. If you want your curls to look fresh and bouncy, this is the shampoo to go for.
Oh, and did we mention it comes with a citrus and coconut scent? Yep, this ticks all the boxes.
Pros
- Cleanses hair without stripping moisture
- Reduces flyaways
- Delicious scent
Cons
- Bulky packaging
8. Color Wow Color Security Shampoo
Best for: Coloured hair
Why It's the Best: If you have coloured hair, then you have to be a little more careful about what shampoo you use to ensure that it doesn't strip your hair of its new hue. Instead, you want to look for a gently cleansing formula. Enter, Color Wow's Color Security Shampoo. This formula is suitable for all hair types and removes product buildup and excess oil while working to protect the vibrancy of your hair colour. Yep, you don't need to worry about dull hair here.
Pros
- Protects hair colour
- Gently cleansing
- Slim packaging
Cons
- Might want to alternate with a more cleansing shampoo for days with more product buildup
9. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Best for: Damaged hair
Why It's the Best: I couldn't do this roundup without including Olaplex's Bond Maintenance Shampoo. This is a cult favourite for a reason. It contains the brand's iconic bond building technology to rebuild damaged bonds and repair the hair, leaving it feeling stronger, healthier and more manageable.
Who What Wear Editor Review: "I've tried lots of different shampoos, and Olaplex’s No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is the only one I use. It gets rid of all my scalp buildup without giving my hair that squeaky clean finish that leaves it looking dull and dry. Plus, I straighten my hair a lot, so the fact that it's designed to strengthen and repair damaged hair is a big plus," says Brittany Davy, editorial assistant.
Pros
- Repairs damaged hair
- Cleanses hair without leaving it stripped of moisture
Cons
- A little more expensive
- Bulky packaging
10. Davines Rebalancing Shampoo
Best for: A stressed-out scalp
Why It's the Best: If your hair is feeling a little off-kilter, let me introduce you to this Davines shampoo. With lemon leaf, cassia bark and ginger root extract, this formula helps to cleanse oily scalps, restore balance to your roots and has a wonderfully soothing effect.
Who What Wear Editor Review: "Similar to my skin type, my scalp is incredibly sensitive and responds best to a nourishing, hydrating and deeply cleansing product. While my face borders on dryness, my crown is presently oily, meaning I need a shampoo that can remove impurities, grease and build-up while still leaving my strands glossy and smooth. This shampoo is the only product I’ve found that can do all that and more. I find my hair less frizzy and truly reset after a wash, with my lengths detangled and ends less fried. Despite the product not necessarily being the easiest to lather, you still only need a small amount to treat your entire head. The actual consistency of the formula is really silky, too, making it an in-shower indulgence all round," says SEO writer, Ava Gilchrist.
Pros
- Balances oily scalps
- Soothing formula
Cons
- Might not be best for really dry hair
11. Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo
Best for: Blonde hair
Why It's the Best: If you've recently dyed your hair blonde, then you'll know how important using one of the best purple shampoos is. These clever formulas work to remove brassiness and restore vibrancy, and are great for enhancing your colour in between salon appointments. That being said, these shampoos can feel quite stripping. That's why I recommend this colour-correcting formula from Redken as it contains a Triple Acid Protein Complex that nourishes and strengthens the hair.
Who What Wear Editor Review: "This is the best purple shampoo that has ever been formulated. If you want your blonde hair to look cool and icy, one wash with this stuff will do the trick. It has a deep-purple hue that gets rid of brassiness in no time at all, and it doesn't leave my ends feeling like straw," says beauty director, Shannon Lawlor.
Pros
- Gives a cool-toned finish
- Nourishing formula
- Easy to use
Cons
- Contains sulfates which may be a downside for some
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