Like finding the perfect foundation or concealer, choosing the best shampoo for your hair type can easily turn into a wild goose chase.
The subject of in-shower hair care can be pretty divided. How often should I use shampoo each week? What about conditioner? What’s the best shampoo for oily hair? Dandruff? Dry scalp? Thinning hair? Do I really have to rinse and repeat?
These questions are all valid, especially if your No. 1 goal is to achieve salon-worthy hair at home (with or without the TikTok-famous Dyson Airwrap, but that’s an article for another day).
The Post Wanted team (naturally) loves to shop and provide credible recommendations on what’s worth your money and what’s not. This review of the best shampoos is one of our readers’ favorites, which is why it has been a topic I’ve put to the test for four years straight.
The full testing method is highlighted below, but allow me to give you the TLDR version. I put a variety of shampoos on a strict rotation, analyzed how they lathered and rinsed each hair-wash day, and assessed the final look once styled, while also considering the best conditioners to complete your routine.
Because shampoo is necessary to care for and cleanse your hair and scalp, Post Wanted consulted two hairstylists who provided the 411 on all things shampoo, from ingredients to look for to how to apply it to your scalp.
“If you feel the shampoo is no longer working for your needs, it’s time for a change to address the latest concern,” Amy Abramite, hairstylist, salon educator and creative director at Maxine Ltd. in Chicago, told the Post. “Having a few different shampoos in the shower to rotate is an effective way to treat multiple concerns simultaneously.”
But, scrubbing a sudsy formula on your strands is more trial-and-error than anything else, which is why I put 29+ sought-after shampoos to the test — including the best dry shampoos I tested and the best sulfate-free shampoos I reviewed, as well as the best personalized shampoos I reviewed after taking hair quizzes from three top brands.
For more hair advice, check out our expert-backed FAQ for the answers to your burning questions.
Best Shampoo Overall: Kérastase Resistance Bain Extensioniste Shampoo
Pairs well with: Kèrastase Resistance Fondant Extensioniste Conditioner ($48) and Kèrastase Resistance Masque Extensioniste ($68)
The Kérastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo is a true game-changer that made a difference in my hair after one use. Not only did my entire head of hair feel thicker but the ends of my hair felt longer and more nourished. Simply put, it’s my go-to formulation whenever I have a special occasion or want my hair to really speed up in terms of growth.
The divine scent and effective absorbability make it a winner in my book. I rave about this shampoo, in particular, a ton — and it’s one everyone *has* to try. Bonus points if you use the brand’s Resistance Serum Extensioniste ($60) after shampooing and conditioning, to go along with it. Truly, it’s the hair-strengthening trio of my dreams.
Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Scent: Fresh | Testing Notes: Safe for color-treated hair
Best Personalized Shampoo: Prose
After weeks of testing, Prose was my favorite of the three. Though I recommend and use all of them, something about this formula just worked for my hair.
After taking a hair quiz (much like the two others), you’ll have a fresh-scented formula show up at your door that you can’t help but love. The difference between Prose and competing brands? It’s a fully custom product line — backed by science — which is a stark contrast from others that have a pre-formulated base. From base to end product, you’re receiving something custom to you.
It’s a really cool process to design a shampoo that you want to use. From scent to even geographic location, Prose does the work and you’ll find your hair starting to work in your favor when you use the product consistently.
However, you’ll only want to use Prose from the moment you receive your package. It’ll allow you to truly understand if the product is working for you by sticking to only the brand for a few months. From there, I’d recommend adding some other brands and products to the mix once you get a feel for how it’s performing on your hair type.
Pairs well with: Prose Conditioner ($34)
Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Scent: Customizable | Testing Notes: Really worth the money if you want a shampoo curated to your specific hair type and needs
Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair: Virtue Full Shampoo
First things first — fine hair is when the stands are slender in diameter compared to coarse hair where the diameter is larger, according to Abramite.
“A densifying shampoo plumps the size of strands with hyaluronic acid, making hair feel thicker through hydration,” she said. “For hair thinning from breakage due to heat styling or chemical over-processing, a repairing shampoo is best.”
As for ingredients, Fitzsimons recommends “caffeine, green tea, pumpkin seed and rosemary oil,” specifically. “Caffeine promotes hair growth by stimulating hair follicles,” he adds. “Green tea, pumpkin seed, and rosemary prevent hair loss by strengthening hair follicles.”
What’s great about the Virtue Full Shampoo is its gentle yet effective cleanse. It strikes the perfect balance compared to plenty of other options on this list. Whenever I have an event or know I want my hair to look fuller, this formulation remains the trusty option I reach for.
Pairs well with: Virtue Full Conditioner ($44)
Size: 8 fluid ounces | Scent: Fruity-floral | Testing Notes: Great for adding volume
Best Shampoo for Body: Biosilk Silk Therapy Original Shampoo
Holy hair. I’ve been using Biosilk for years (seriously, since middle school) and the Silk Therapy Original Shampoo is still a force to be reckoned with. Every time I use it, I know that my hair will have wonderful body and smell absolutely amazing.
From the moment you squeeze this sleek bottle into your hand, you know you’re dealing with something more luxurious than your average cleansing agent. The milky serum glides through your hair with a satin caress thanks to its hydrolyzed silk proteins —17 of the 19 amino acids found naturally in hair — bolstering weakened strands and coaxing out an unmistakable sheen. It isn’t flashy with thick suds; what it does is cleanse gently without stripping, letting its silk-derived nutrients and botanical extracts (think: lavender, peppermint, chamomile, each replenishing and fortifying from root to tip).
The result is hair that feels soft, looks luminous and moves with newfound grace. No wonder what It’s a No. 1 top-rated beauty product on Amazon with nearly 50,000 glowing reviews.
The brand’s Silk Therapy line shields locks from sun damage and pollutants, while panthenol draws moisture deep into the cortex. It’s a shampoo that neither neglects purity nor performance: sulfate‑free, paraben‑free, and gluten‑free, it sidesteps harsh detergents for something more refined.
Ultimately, this is a product that taps into nostalgia as much as necessity. With roots stretching back to 1986, it’s a cult classic reborn for today’s conscience and damaged-hair dilemmas. It’s the kind of shampoo you buy (and rebuy!) not for gimmicks, but because week after week, it delivers glossy resilience. Its ability to tame frizz is seriously impressive, and I know whenever I reach for it that my hair will look full and fabulous.
Pairs well with: Biosilk Silk Therapy Conditioner ($13); Biosilk Hydrating Therapy Leave-In Conditioner ($9)
Size: 2.26 fluid ounces | Scent: Fruity | Testing Notes: Moisturizing formula
Best Drugstore Shampoo: Dove Scalp+ Density Boost Hydrating Shampoo
“Cheaper shampoos are more likely to contain harsh detergents or surfactants, which can strip the hair of natural oils, weakening it and leaving a residue that can cause breakage when combined with styling products,” Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist for Kim Kardashian West and other high-profile names, said. “The key to finding the best drugstore shampoos is to read the ingredient list carefully. Opt for products with higher-quality components, fewer fillers and additives.”
Enter the Dove Scalp+ Density Boost Hydrating Shampoo. With a high-end feel, you won’t believe it’s less than $15. Its scent is fresh and it offers my locks a deep cleanse that leaves my hair feeling full and healthy.
What’s more, it contains niacinamide — just like your skincare — which locks in hydration and allows my hair to feel just as healthy as my skin after I use a serum.
Pairs well with: Dove Scalp+ Density Boost Hydrating Conditioner ($8)
Size: 9.25 fluid ounces | Scent: Fresh/Clean | Testing Notes: Sulfate-free
Best Shampoo for Dry Hair: Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
From the makers of one of the best leave-in oils the haircare industry has to offer, Moroccanoil’s Hydrating Shampoo is exactly what it sounds like — a blessing for dry hair.
I love using this with the other brand’s products — like the famous Moroccanoil Treatment ($48) and Luminous Hairspray ($26) when I’m styling my hair. Plus, the scent is driven by paradise and it’s an exceptional formula to try for your dry hair.
Pairs well with: Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner ($25)
Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Scent: Clean | Testing Notes: Highly moisturizing, great for those with heat-damaged hair
Best Shampoo for Oily Hair: Dae Signature Shampoo
“Those who have oily hair should look for a shampoo that includes ingredients that are clarifying and exfoliating such as alpha-hydroxy acids but should stay away from sulfates which can overly strip the hair,” Fitzsimons recommends. “Lactic acid, an AHA, works to break down the dead skin on the scalp and remove any product build up. This improves the scalp’s natural moisture, keeping your hair hydrated and healthy.”
It’s also a good idea to find a shampoo that targets excessive sebum at the scalp. “Sebum is the body’s natural oil and, when there is too much, the hair gets greasy and weighed down,” Fitzsimons added.
Not only is Dae’s Daily Shampoo clad in a 60s retro bottle but it’s one of the freshest scents and softest cleans your hair will ever be exposed to. When my hair tends to become oilier — especially after a workout — this shampoo is the one that performs the best.
Ideal to capture oils and wonderful on straight and curly hair alike, this clean-formulated shampoo detoxifies impurities without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Pairs well with: Dae Signature Conditioner ($28)
Size: 10 fluid ounces | Scent: Citrus/Clean | Testing Notes: Vegan and sulfate-free
Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo: 14th Night The Nourishing Shampoo
“Sulfate-free alternatives are a little gentler than those with sulfates,” Fitzsimons explains. “It’s best for individuals with dry, frizzy curly hair texture, or color-treated hair. This type of shampoo helps to preserve the natural oils on the scalp and hair, resulting in more moisture in your hair.”
Among all sulfate-free shampoos tested, the 14th Night The Nourishing Shampoo is the best one I tried. Not only is it ultra-nourishing on your hair (hence, its fitting name) but it *glistens* in gold once pumped into your hands. FYI, the brand was kickstarted by a former Vogue employee who just so happens to know a thing or two about haircare.
Extraordinary and unique, there’s no other shampoo quite like it. Now, it resides on my bathroom shelf and is never, ever leaving. Its scent is also better than the salon, and you’ll appreciate how gentle of a cleanse it gives without stripping your hair.
If I may, it’s a shampoo you have to use at least once.
Pairs well with: 14th Night The Nourishing Conditioner ($48)
Size: 8 fluid ounces, | Scent: Vanilla/Amber | Testing Notes: Free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, phthalates, silicones and PEGs
Best Shampoo for Itchy Scalp: OUAI Detox Shampoo
Truthfully, OUAI’s Detox Shampoo is a breath of fresh air on my strands. It’s best on oily hair and deeply cleanses product buildup on my scalp, diminishing the effects of dandruff. It’s formulated with apple cider vinegar and keratin that visibly work in tandem to strengthen hair strands. Oh, and the smell is like a salon in a bottle!
Pairs well with: OUAI Detangling and Frizz-Fighting Leave-In Conditioner ($32)
Size: 10 fluid ounces | Scent: Floral | Testing Notes: Contains hair strengthening keratin
Best Shampoo for Shine: amika Mirrorball High-Shine + Protect Antioxidant Shampoo
The brand amika is known for its captivating, alluring scents — and the Mirrorball High-Shine + Protect Antioxidant Shampoo is one of the best you’ll find. It’s a shampoo you’ll want to regularly use and it helps mitigate frizz, most notably.
Offering lightweight moisture, it acts as a clarifying shampoo — in a way — because it helps remove product buildup. Simply put, it’s a surefire staple in my sulfate-free haircare routine.
Pairs well with: amika Mirrorball High-Shine + Protect Antioxidant Conditioner ($26)
Size: 9.2 fluid ounces | Scent: Amber/vanilla | Testing Notes: Ideal for those looking to boost shine
Best Shampoo for Men: Ulo Thickening Shampoo
Calling all the men: If you’re aiming to try a new shampoo that was thoughtfully curated with natural ingredients, the Ulo Thickening Shampoo is a best-in-class option. Better yet, it’s not a shampoo that flaunts a clean label and that’s it; this shampoo is infused with results-driven ingredients that’ll nurture your scalp with each wash. The Post Wanted team reviewed it and can’t stop raving about it.
For instance, glycerin and panthenol help your hair feel soft and hydrated, while hydrolyzed keratin and wheat protein help strengthen the strands for a thicker look. Additionally, caffeine and saw palmetto target hair growth, while rosemary and peppermint oil couple together to leave a crisp, subtle and refreshing scent.
“I’ve used volumizing shampoos in the past, but my hair rarely sees any immediate results from using those products,” Al Murillo, Senior Director of Commerce Partnerships, said after using the brand for months. “With the Ulo Thickening Shampoo, it was quite apparent as I was drying it that it suddenly had more body and bounce.”
As a man with very thin hair, Murillo shared that his hair is always in peril of looking flat or becoming uncomfortably frizzy in certain conditions.”In order to achieve volume with strong support, I often have to rely on pomades and hair spray,” he added. “After using the Ulo Thickening Shampoo, my hair kept its fuller form. Most impressive is the fact that I didn’t need to use a blow dryer to achieve the longer effects.”
The crux of this brand is its clinically proven ingredients, which make you feel good about your hair wash days. From its catalog of approved ingredients come personalized treatments that are all doctor-approved. That’s right — you can skip the in-person visits and enjoy a catered-to-you shampooing experience. Ah, yes.
Looking for other men’s haircare products? Check out our review of Ulo’s Hair Growth Serum.
Size: 8 ounces | Scent: Fresh, Peppermint-y | Testing Notes: Fuller, more volumized formula
Best Shampoo for Split Ends: Dr. Groot Bond Fortifying Shampoo
I can’t shut up about the Dr. Groot Bond Fortifying Shampoo. It’s truly a miracle for thinning hair and splitting ends. I wouldn’t classify my hair as damaged per se, but at times when the ends seem untamable, this is the formula I typically reach for.
This Korean haircare brand is pretty much like glass skin for your hair; it results in an effortlessly shiny finish that will make you want to keep using it consistently. Better yet, it’s infused with keratin and silk protein, both of which I feel instantly working on smoothing out my hair as it’s time to rinse it out and condition. Do your hair a favor — try this shampoo.
Size: 13 fluid ounces | Scent: White floral musk | Testing Notes: Good for thin, lifeless hair
Best Dry Shampoo: I.C.O.N. Dry Shampoo
“Dry shampoo is a powdery shampoo substitute that does not use water to cleanse hair,” Abramite explains. “It can be used anytime the hair is feeling dirty, which for some is daily after a visit to the gym or for those who quickly get an oily scalp.”
But, the golden question — what makes a dry shampoo good? According to Abramite, a good dry shampoo “doesn’t leave visible powder or flakes in the hair for a dusty appearance.” And, it should invigorate your style with a fresh scent.
Fitting the bill is the I.C.O.N. Dry Shampoo. I love it so much that I had to write a full review on its standout nature, coming above some brands you’ve seen all over #BeautyTok. It’s one of the only options that truly lasts all day and doesn’t feel like it’s building up into my scalp.
Though it’s a bit up there in price, it’s worth it to effectively work when you don’t want to *do the work* and wash your hair.
Pairs well with: I.C.O.N. Fully Shampoo ($28)
Size: 5 fluid ounces | Scent: Clean | Testing Notes: Great at giving flat hair volume
Best Shampoo for Dry Scalp: Dr. Groot Hair Thickening Shampoo
More people need to know about the Dr. Groot Hair Thickening Shampoo. Sure, Korean skincare is all the rage, but this product proves that Korean haircare is the next best thing.
For only $30, its prized blend of biotin and prebiotics directly results in my hair looking amazing each and every time. As someone who occasionally struggles with a dry scalp, one to two pumps of this product alleviate the “dirty” feeling.
While the shampoo doesn’t come with a matching conditioner, it’s such a legendary product that you can mix and match with whatever product you want to apply to the ends of your hair. However, if you want that “wow” factor, grab the Dr. Groot Miracle In-Shower Treatment that, as marked on its label, takes five seconds to smooth your strands. Actually. See for yourself in the shower.
Pairs well with: Dr. Groot Miracle In-Shower Treatment ($30)
Size: 13 fluid ounces | Scent: Fruity-floral | Testing Notes: Silicone and paraben-free
Best Clarifying Shampoo: Raw Sugar Living The Deep Cleanse Shampoo
“Clarifying shampoos, also known as purifying or deep cleansing shampoos, are designed to eliminate product buildup and natural oils from your hair that your regular shampoo may overlook,” Fitzsimons said. “Clarifying shampoos should be used only when absolutely necessary, or once a month as they might be drying and can trigger sensitive reactions in some people.”
This shampoo type is ideal to purify, exfoliate and detoxify the scalp and hair for overall good health, too, according to Abramite.
To the delight of your hair (and your wallet), the Raw Sugar Living The Deep Cleanse Shampoo is, by far, the best I’ve reviewed in four years. Its matcha-infused, pleasing scent is second to none and the shine it gives makes everyone compliment its end result. My mom said it was the “nicest my hair has looked in a while,” and momma always knows best, after all.
Pairs well with: Raw Sugar Living The Mighty Cream Leave-In Cream Conditioner ($8)
Size: 18 fluid ounces | Scent: Varied | Testing Notes: Vegan, and color-safe
Best Volumizing Shampoo: amika Big Hit Volumizing Shampoo
Whenever the word “volumizing” is embossed on a hair product’s label, I’m usually the first one to run to it. My hair isn’t “flat” by any means, but volume is always nice for my hair to exhibit, especially if I usually blow dry my hair and want the blowout to maintain its body and shape.
This shampoo doesn’t let me down because it’s fast-absorbing, hydrates and smoothes. I still think the Mirrorball High Shine + Protect collection is a step above the rest, but the Big Hit Volumizing catalog is the most versatile.
Each time I use this shampoo and matching conditioner, my hair always feels as soft as a baby’s bum. It’s not volumizing to the point of no return, either. It provides lift while still being simple to manage, which I love. This makes it perfect for curly and coily hair types, I’d imagine.
It’s not as smoothing as the Velveteen Dream Smoothing Shampoo, though is a bit more lightweight and fast-absorbing.
Size: 9.2 fluid ounces | Scent: Amber Vanilla | Testing Notes: Excellent for medium, normal hair types
Best Shampoo for Hair Growth: PURA D’OR Anti Hair-Thinning Biotin Shampoo
What’s revolutionary about the PURA D’OR Anti Hair-Thinning Biotin Shampoo is its popularity, effectiveness and affordability, all infused into one pump-dispensing bottle. More than 20,000 shoppers bought it on Amazon this month alone and its formula is aloe vera-based to soothe your hair strands.
As someone with fairly oily hair, I love how this shampoo doesn’t require a double rinse like most others on this list. Once styled, my hair was full and revitalized, and I love how many hair-boosting ingredients are found in its formula. You won’t find artificial ones or a consistency that’ll weigh down the hair either.
Although infused with biotin to help promote hair growth when used consistently, it’s not the best for those with dry scalp. While my hair looked full, other shampoos on this list were better suited for dry or flaky scalps a bit more. However — not a dealbreaker. The working power of this shampoo is quite extraordinary at helping to fluff up the hair at the root, creating more body at the ends of my hair.
Best Shampoo for Curly Hair: AG Care Curl Fresh Curl Enhancing Shampoo
I’m just going to come out and say it — AG Hair’s Curl Fresh Shampoo is the best shampoo for curly hair I’ve tested. And, this shampoo will actually “enhance your natural curls,” as the formula doesn’t weigh them down or mitigate their natural vivacity.
That said, this vegan formula would earn a six out of five stars if possible. Containing peptides, quinoa, keratin and rice extract, you won’t find more of a superfood blend for your luscious locks.
“Curly hair tends to be dry so a moisturizing shampoo will soften curls, add bounce and define the shape,” Abramite explains. “A sulfate-free shampoo with amino acids gently cleanses without stripping natural oils and strengthens the internal structure by repairing cuticle damage.”
And, Fitzsimons echos this to a T. “Curly hair tends to be much drier than those with straight hair because the natural oils from the scalp are unable to travel throughout the hair shaft and distribute moisture evenly, resulting in dry and fragile hair,” he said. “It’s important to look for very hydrating and non-stripping shampoos that contain ingredients that will reduce frizz without weighing down the curls.”
Pairs well with: AG Hair Curl Fresh Conditioner ($34)
Size: 12 fluid ounces | Scent: Herbaceous | Testing Notes: Paraben and sulfate-free. safe for chemically-treated hair
Best Hydrating Shampoo: Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin Shampoo
You can’t come between me and the Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin Shampoo. Enriched with niacinamide, it’s one of the best to hydrate your hair while coating your strands with nutrients along the way. Consider it a vitamin for your hair whenever you reach hair-wash day.
With a gorgeous satin finish, it’s revolutionary in that it doesn’t weigh down my hair. Sure, it’s a splurge, but the blowouts last long on my medium-thick hair, and I can go three days without washing. Typically, I wash my hair every other day.
Overall, you’ll feel like a member of the Royal Family when you use this shampoo. It’s one of the best for long-term hair health and everyone I’ve told to try it has become hooked on it ever since.
Pairs well with: Kérastase Nutritive Lait Vital Hydrating Conditioner ($44)
Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Scent: Floral | Testing Notes: Can also be used daily
Best Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
If you want to extend the livelihood of your hair dye, highlights or gloss, the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is a worthy pick to add to your cart right this instant. It makes me feel nostalgic, as this was the minty fresh shampoo my hairdresser first used on me when I began adding some highlights to my hair in high school.
Because it’s thicker than some other shampoos you’ll find, a little goes a long way. This proves that the value is there as the bottle will likely last you for six months straight, depending on how often you wash your hair, of course.
Infused with vegan-derived ingredients, its formulation is always one that nourishes and cleanses without a hitch. Its scent is divine as well and it’s a supreme option that I recommend anyone with color-treated hair to try next.
Pairs well with: Pureology Hydrate Moisturizing Conditioner ($37)
Size: 9 fluid ounces | Scent: Herbaceous | Testing Notes: Also great for those with dry, heat-damaged hair
Best Moisturizing Shampoo: Redken All Soft Shampoo
If you want your hair to have that “blowout feeling,” grab the Redken All Soft Shampoo. It allows your hair to feel lifted from the roots and thicker at the ends, making it a dynamite option that’s truly worth every penny.
Whenever I use it, I always catch myself running my fingers through the crown of my head (sometimes, I truly can’t believe it feels that much thicker than before). Hailing from a trusted brand and topped with a delicious scent, it’s one to pick up ASAP.
Pairs well with: Redken All Soft Conditioner ($26)
Size: 10 fluid ounces | Scent: Mildy fragranced | Testing Notes: Good for all hair types
Best for Body and Bounce: IGK Good Behavior Ultra Smooth Shampoo
Sometimes, all shampoos touting to smooth your strands look and feel the same — but not the IGK Good Behavior Ultra Smooth Shampoo.
With an alluring scent and gentle yet effective scrub, my hair feels clean, bouncy and full. In other words, it’s a dream to use and is truly one of the highest quality shampoos that, while not as affordable as some drugstore options, is fairly priced for the end result you’ll noticeably find.
It leads to a long-lasting blowout, too, though isn’t the best for frizz. However, it does smooth out some baby hairs and subtle frizz, so I continue to use this product to give me that desirable clean feel, among other bouncy hair benefits.
Pairs well with: IGK Good Behavior Ultra Smooth Conditioner ($29)
Size: 8 fluid ounces | Scent: Fresh | Testing Notes: A must-try for those with split ends or damaged hair
Best Budget: Acure Ultra Hydrating Shampoo
You know a product is good when you simply have no words to describe it other than just buy it. In all seriousness, this shampoo smells like almond paste (delicious rainbow cookies if you’re a fan) and makes my hair sudsy soft — in the best way possible.
Plus, it’s a shampoo I most frequently use in my hair-washing routine. You simply can’t beat the price and it contains a rich amount of replenishing oils, which our experts approve of.
Pairs well with: Acure Ultra Hydrating Conditioner ($8)
Size: 8 fluid ounces | Scent: Dessert-like | Testing Notes: Vegan-friendly
Your shampoo questions, answered by hair experts
How often should I wash my hair?
“Shampooing is a personal choice for everyone and one size does not fit all,” Abramite said. “On average, people shampoo daily or at least once a week. The decision is typically made on how dirty the hair looks or feels from a build-up of product, dirt or oil in the hair or how physically active someone is at the gym.”
Though different for everyone, Fitzsimons recommends looking closely at your hair type.
“Frequent shampooing depletes your hair’s natural oils and dries out your scalp,” he said. “The average person can go two to three days without shampooing their hair. People with fine or greasy hair should wash their hair every other day in general.”
On the other hand, those with medium to thick, wavy, curly, coiled or damaged hair can normally go two to four days without washing — depending on if your curly hair has product buildup, your scalp is itchy or if you exercise regularly you can swap in co-washing between washes.
How do I properly apply shampoo (in other words, do I really have to rinse and repeat?)
“You should aim to shampoo twice and rinse in between,” Fitzsimons recommends. “Your hair will get a lot stronger, shinier, and healthier. Over-shampooing can strip natural oils the scalp produces and can lead to dry, brittle and damaged hair.”
The proper way to shampoo hair is to get it thoroughly wet with warm water to prepare it for the shampoo, Abramite offers. “This will immediately begin to loosen and break down the product. Add shampoo to your hands and begin to massage the scalp in a circular motion to work it into a lather. If the hair at the scalp doesn’t lather right away, a second shampoo will be needed to break the product down further to remove.”
Then, rinse your hair thoroughly, add shampoo again, and repeat the scalp massage. Once a good lather gets going at the roots add the extra lengths of hair into the massage so the ends get cleansed as well. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and run fingers through hair to check to feel if the hair feels healthy and moisturized.
How much shampoo should I apply?
“The amount depends on the density and the length of the hair,” Abramite said. “For short hairstyles or fine hair, a dime size should be a good place to start. For longer or thicker hair, I recommend starting with a quarter-sized amount and adding more if needed for a good lather.”
How long does shampoo last?
“If the seal has been broken on the shampoo bottle and used, it will expire in about a year,” Abramite explains. “If you’re not sure when it was opened, a smell test will do. If the fragrance has a foulness to it, toss it.”
What is the benefit of choosing a shampoo with apple cider vinegar?
“Apple cider vinegar’s acidic properties can help improve chemically damaged hair by lowering the hair’s pH level by sealing the cuticles,” Fitzsimons recommends. “It can also help to regulate the microbiome on the scalp by reducing inflammation and removing build-up, restoring luster and preventing tangling in the hair.”
What is a “volumizing shampoo?”
“A volumizing shampoo creates weightless lift at the root area resulting in fullness and body,” Abramite said.
What is a “densifying shampoo?”
According to Abramite, a densifying shampoo “plumps individual strands for thicker-looking hair with more substance.”
What is a “strengthening shampoo?”
“A strengthening shampoo fortifies the internal structure of the hair strand by rebonding to prevent damage and breakage,” per Abramite.
How we tested
After reviewing dozens of shampoos for more than two years, it’s safe to say I found a testing process that works for me. Here’s the criteria I used when testing each one:
Viscosity: Before I scare you off with a highly scientific term, this point simply refers to how thick or lightweight the formulation felt in my hands (and then, my hair) once emitted from the tube. Any formulations that were incredibly thick or, on the flipside, far too runny, didn’t make the cut.
Scent: Whether a shampoo costs $1 or $100, if it doesn’t smell good — it’s not worth it, IMHO. I made sure to point out which scents instantly transported me to a salon, among all the shampoos that made the cut.
Longevity: Of course, how often you wash your hair is dependent on your hair type and thickness. However, I had a confident understanding of which ones seemed to make my hair flat after using a blow-dryer brush to style and which ones held the blowout for at least two days.
An overview of my hair type
I like to say my hair type is a little bit of everything, which made testing a unique experience for touching on different hair types and textures. My hair is the Goldilocks of texture (not too thick or too thin) and is a hybrid of curly and wavy.
But, when blown out, I can lean to almost straight — as long as slight frizz is tame (which, can rely heavily on choosing the right shampoo).
What’s more, after visiting a dermatologist, I realized I have a dry scalp (which is pure genetics) and find that dandruff shampoos help mitigate severe dryness. However, my hair tends to become oily if I don’t wash it every other day.
Plainly stated, I’m a mut of hair types, which is why I wanted to get to the bottom of which shampoo makes my hair the least oily, the least dry and how I can avoid formulas that simply won’t work well.
How to choose the right shampoo for your hair type, per experts
“The key is to identify the primary challenge with the hair or scalp and specifically target that concern,” Abramite adds. “For example, if the hair is feeling dry to the touch, a hydrating shampoo will nourish the strands and balance moisture for optimal health.”
Not only that, but ingredients play a big role. “You should make sure the shampoo is suitable for your hair type and addresses any issues you may be experiencing, such as dandruff, dull and lifeless hair or damaged hair,” Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist for Kim Kardashian, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez and more, told the Post. “It’s critical to check ingredients for harmful chemicals to avoid exacerbating your hair problems further.”
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This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.