With so many options on the market – and so many different hair types – it can seem impossible to choose the best shampoo for your hair’s unique needs. If you’re in need of some expert guidance, we’ve compiled a strategy approved by stylists and estheticians for top notch care!

Strike a balance

Before you do anything else, remember that shampoo is just one part of a well-balanced hair care routine! The main goal of shampooing is to remove buildup and get clean; so while you should definitely tailor your choice to your needs, your shampoo doesn’t need to do everything. Make sure it’s complemented with the right conditioner and any other products you may need.

Scalp TLC

Shampoo is more for your scalp than it is for your hair, which is why stylists and estheticians recommend you focus application and lathering of shampoo on the head itself. It’s also why you should base most of your choice of best shampoo on how those roots are feeling!

For an oily scalp, avoid heavier smoothing and moisturizing shampoos. Instead, look for options that cleanse more deeply, add volume, or balance the scalp. We recommend Angel.Wash or Balancing.Wash from Kevin Murphy. You may also want to incorporate a clarifying shampoo, like Maxi.Wash, for a more thorough removal of oil and buildup, but make sure not to overuse it – these can be drying, and shouldn’t be used more than once a week, depending on your oiliness level.

Got a dry scalp? Hydration is the name of the game. You’ll want to avoid drying ingredients like sulfates, and flock towards restorative and moisturizing ingredients like argan and jojoba oil or amino acids. You’ll be left feeling clean, but not stripped! Pro tip: for especially flaky or itchy scalps, try specially-formulated shampoos specifically for scalp care like Kevin Murphy's Scalp.Spa Wash.

Save your strands

Despite the emphasis on the scalp, choosing the best shampoo for your hair also depends on your strands themselves! If your hair is more fine, you’ll want to avoid heavy ingredients that weigh your hair down, opting for light moisture and volumizing ingredients. For thick, curly hair, avoid harsh and drying ingredients, and make sure to include moisturizing properties, like Leaf and Flower's CBD Instant Curl Refresh Shampoo.

Have heat-damaged or color-treated hair? This is especially important for you! The best shampoo for this should include fortifying proteins, which can be very helpful in repairing that damage – for example, Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo. Additionally, ingredients like sulfates can strip hair color and contribute to further drying, so you’ll want to stay away from them.

We hope these pro tips will help you choose the best shampoo for your hair needs! Stay tuned for next month’s hair blog, where we’ll share our Monarch esthetician and stylist certified tips for choosing the best conditioner to complement your new favorite shampoo.