How to Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Hair Type?

Do you ever find yourself standing in the shampoo aisle, feeling overwhelmed by the countless options? You might be tempted to grab any bottle, thinking they all do the same job of cleaning your hair. However, using the wrong shampoo can lead to a host of problems, from dryness to excessive oiliness.  

The truth is every scalp and hair type is unique, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution when choosing the right shampoo. If your hair becomes coarse after hair wash or you find too many strands on your brush routinely, you need to switch your shampoo and find the one that suits your hair type.

Choosing the right shampoo for your hair may seem daunting at first, but some awareness and trial and error with shampoos based on the hair type understanding can simplify the process. Let's begin?

Step 1: Know Your Scalp

The roots of healthy, strong and lustrous tresses are seated deep within your scalp. Thus, you must select a shampoo that meets your scalp requirements. It must leave your scalp well-balanced, nourished and clean to let you enjoy shinier and thicker hair. The following are the scalp types:

1. Oily Scalp: If your scalp feels too oily or greasy despite washing it regularly with different shampoos, give it a break. Excessive hair wash can lead to dryness, stimulating sebum production in the scalp. Too much sebum can also cause dandruff. Here are tips you can take note of while choosing a shampoo for an oily scalp:

• Select shampoos that label volumising, strengthening or balancing on their bottles. Such products are effective for removing excess oil and are non-moisturising.
• Go for clarifying shampoos, but do not overuse them, as they will dry out your scalp. You can also use two shampoos with different formulations. One can be a cleanser, while the other can be applied to the lengths of your hair.
• Use light-weight conditioners. 

2. Dry Scalp: If your scalp feels tight and itchy after a hair wash and your hair looks rough to the touch and dehydrated, you have a dry scalp. Those with a dry scalp can also have dry flakes across their hair or scalp. Here's what you must consider while choosing a shampoo for a dry scalp:

• Use shampoos with gentle formulations and rich ingredients to hydrate and moisturise your scalp. They must also help soothe damaged and frizzy hair. Avoid using strengthening, volumising, or fortifying shampoos, as they can make your scalp more dry.
• You must refrain from using shampoos with sulphates and parabens.
• Consider using shampoos formulated especially for dry scalps with potent ingredients such as tea tree and methanol.

3. Normal Scalp: If your scalp has the right amount of natural oil from the sebaceous glands, you need not worry. Your scalp is free from extra oil production, dandruff, flakes or excessive dryness. You could use a mild shampoo for everyday washing to ensure the strength and shine of your scalp and hair is intact.

Step 2: Identify Your Hair Porosity

There are three types of hair porosity: High, Medium and Low. Understanding your hair porosity can make the shampoo selection process easier as it ensures optimal moisture retention, leading to stronger hair.

You can read more about hair porosity and take the test to learn more about your hair porosity here: The Complete Guide to Understanding Hair Porosity.

Step 3: Define Your Hair Type

Once you are aware of your hair type, you can choose a shampoo that suits it to avoid damage and breakages and enhance the appearance of your hair.

1. Thick Hair: Hair that has a lot of volume and density. You must opt for a smoothing or hydrating shampoo to manage the volume. You can look for shampoos with ingredients like coconut or argan oil.
2. Fine Hair: Fine hair refers to hair strands that are thin, delicate, and may lack volume. It appears flat and requires products that can provide lift and support. Opt for shampoos with proteins and biotins that can strengthen your hair and add volume without weighing it down.
3. Oily Hair: Oily hair is greasy and may require frequent washing. Choose sulphate-free clarifying shampoos that can remove the excess buildup.
4. Dry Hair: Dry hair lacks moisture, appears brittle and may be prone to split ends. You can use nourishing and moisturising shampoos with argan oil, glycerin or shea butter that can control the frizz.
5. Normal Hair: Normal hair is balanced, not oily or dry. You can select a gentle shampoo that will not strip the natural oil from the scalp.
6. Colour-Treated Hair: Colour-treated hair requires extra care as it has been dyed or chemically treated. Go for shampoos with ingredients that prevent colour fading and promote healthy hair.
7. Curly Hair: This type has a natural curl or wave and is prone to frizz. Opt for sulphate-free shampoos that reduce frizz without weighing down the volume.

Step 4: Consider Specific Scalp Conditions

Specific scalp conditions include:

1. Dandruff: If your scalp is prone to dandruff, invest in an anti-dandruff shampoo with salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, or ketoconazole. These ingredients can reduce flaking and control the development of dandruff-causing fungus.
2. Hair Fall: Switch to shampoo specifically designed for weak or damaged hair. The ideal ingredients for such shampoos would be keratin, hydrolysed proteins, or ceramides. Also, avoid tight hairstyles, heat styling tools, and exposure to environmental stressors.
3. Scalp Sensitivity: If your scalp is prone to allergies or irritation, use a mild shampoo free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.

Step 5: Read the Labels

Ideally, you must always check the labels (ingredients) and look for dermatologically certified shampoos that are sulphate - and paraben-free, cruelty-free, protein-rich, and pH-balanced.

Step 6: Trial and Error

After checking off all the above steps, it's time to experiment. Pick a shampoo that matches the above requirements and observe the results. Switch to another shampoo if the results are not as desired. It may take a few tries until you find the perfect shampoo.