Guide to Choosing Shampoo and Conditioner by Hair Type

No single shampoo suits everyone. Dry hair needs moisture, oily hair regular cleansing, and coloured hair a formula that preserves colour.

Two Basic Rules Before Choosing

• Shampoo Is for the Scalp: dermatologists recommend massaging shampoo onto the scalp rather than the ends, then letting the foam run down the lengths while rinsing.
• Conditioner Is for the Ends: apply after each wash to the ends if hair is fine or thin, or throughout the lengths if it is dry or curly.

Washing frequency depends on the scalp: straight hair with an oily scalp may need daily washing, while dry, curly or thick hair can be washed as needed.

Dry and Damaged Hair

Dryness shows as a rough texture, split ends and difficulty combing. Look for terms such as nourishing, repairing or for dry hair. Do not skip conditioner, reduce heat where possible and let hair air-dry.

• L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Extra Dry Hair Shampoo 400 ml— an Elvive shampoo for very dry hair.
• L'Oreal Elvive Total Repair 5 Shampoo 400 ml— a shampoo from the Total Repair range for damaged hair.
• Garnier Ultra Doux Avocado & Shea Shampoo 700 ml— an avocado and shea shampoo in a large 700 ml pack.
• Garnier Ultra Doux Olive Oil Conditioner— an olive oil conditioner from Ultra Doux.
• L'Oreal Elvive Dream Long Restoring Conditioner 400 ml— a repairing conditioner from the Dream Lengths range for long hair.

Oily and Fine Hair

An oily scalp produces oils that make hair lie flat after a day or two. Choose a purifying shampoo or one suitable for daily use, applying conditioner only to the ends. Dry shampoo is a temporary solution between washes and does not replace washing with water.

• Garnier Ultra Doux Purifying & Shine Shampoo 200 ml— a purifying and shine shampoo from Garnier Ultra Doux.
• Sebamed Everyday Shampoo 200 ml— a Sebamed shampoo for daily use.
• Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo 600 ml— a volumising shampoo suitable for fine, thin hair.
• Pantene Pro-V More Volume Conditioner 360 ml— a Pantene extra-volume conditioner.
• Batiste Cherry Dry Shampoo 200 ml— a dry shampoo spray to refresh hair between washes.

Coloured Hair

Colouring and bleaching make hair drier and more fragile, while frequent washing and sun fade colour. Choose shampoo and conditioner labelled for coloured hair or colour protection, wash with lukewarm rather than hot water, and protect hair from sun with a head covering.

• L'Oreal Elvive Colour Protect Shampoo 200 ml— Color Protect shampoo to protect coloured hair.
• L'Oreal Elvive Color Protect Shampoo 700 ml— the same shampoo in a 700 ml pack for family use.
• L'Oreal Elvive Color Protect Conditioner 360 ml— Elvive colour-protection conditioner to complete the routine.
• Herbal Essences Color Safe Shampoo 400 ml— a Herbal Essences shampoo labelled safe for coloured hair.

Hair Loss

Anti-hair-fall shampoos usually help reduce breakage during washing and combing, but do not treat the underlying causes of hair loss. Causes include nutrient deficiencies, hormonal changes, stress and certain medicines. See a doctor if you notice heavy shedding or clear gaps. Avoiding tight hairstyles and high heat helps reduce breakage.

• Dove Hair Fall Rescue Shampoo 200 ml— a Dove shampoo addressing hair fall caused by breakage.
• Pantene Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo 400 ml— Pantene anti-hair-fall shampoo in a 400 ml pack.
• Vichy Dercos Energizing Stimulating Shampoo 200 ml— an energising shampoo from the Dercos range for scalp care.
• Dermedic Capilarte Hair Growth Stimulation Treatment Shampoo 300 ml— a shampoo from the Capilarte range for weak hair.

Dandruff

Dermatologists recommend shampoo containing zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, sulphur or selenium sulphide, massaged onto the scalp and left for a few minutes before rinsing if the instructions specify this. Those with oily scalps may use it twice weekly, and those with curly hair about once weekly. Consult a doctor if dandruff persists with redness or severe itching.

• Vichy Dercos Anti Dandruff Shampoo Sensitive Scalp 200 ml— an anti-dandruff shampoo for sensitive scalps.
• Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo 400 ml— an anti-dandruff shampoo with a classic cleansing formula.
• Head & Shoulders Almond Oil Dry Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 400 ml— an anti-dandruff shampoo for dry scalp care.

Common Mistakes

• Rubbing hair lengths vigorously while washing, increasing breakage.
• Applying conditioner to an oily scalp, making it oilier.
• Brushing wet hair vigorously with a narrow brush rather than a wide-toothed comb.
• Changing products every week without allowing enough time.

For more options, browse the Hair Care section, and for coloured hair, the Hair Colour sections.