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Much like finding the perfect full-coverage foundation or creamy concealer, choosing the best shampoo for your hair type can easily turn into a wild goose chase.

Not to mention, the subject of in-shower hair care can be pretty divided. How often should I use shampoo each week? 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).

That said, we consulted two hairstylists who provided the 411 on all things shampoo, from ingredients to how to apply it to your scalp (Related: Best hair conditioners we tested

“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 31 of the most sought-after shampoos to the test — including the best dry shampoos I tested, as well as the best personalized shampoos I reviewed after taking hair quizzes from three top brands.

After more than one year of careful consideration — from salon-name brands to sulfate-free options — I laid out my first impressions and how each ranked after many shower karaoke sessions (thanks, Ariana).

Plus, for more hair advice, check out our expert-backed FAQ for the answers to your burning questions.

Click to jump to a specific shampoo:

How we tested

A sampling of some of the shampoos I’ve been testing for more than two years. Victoria Giardina

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.”

Best Drugstore Shampoos

Though both Abramite and Fitzsimons recommend splurging on a high-end shampoo because the ingredients are higher-quality, drugstore shampoos are still an on-the-fly option that’s sure to meet anyone’s budget.

“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,” Fitzsimons 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.”

Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo

I have never discovered a shampoo that not only offers a mega bang for your buck (I mean, just look at the size of the bottle) but how gentle it applies and how airy it makes your hair feel. Plus, it has a delicate floral scent that makes you feel like you’re hot off a salon chair.

But, more specifically, this sulfate-free shampoo is a great drugstore score. However, I find it’s best to switch this up with other shampoos, as using this formula too frequently can sometimes make my hair appear flat.

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Herbal Essences Sulfate-Free Potent Aloe + Hemp Shampoo & Conditioner

Perfect to grab from your drugstore if you’re in a pinch and want a shampoo and conditioner combo that freshly washes your hair, Herbal Essences’ Sulfate-Free Potent Aloe + Hemp line is a great add-to-cart duo.

For one, it’s a trusty reliable I’ve been using for months and doesn’t dry out my hair or leave it super greasy. It’s the Goldilocks of formulas (especially if Goldilocks is on a budget).

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Best Shampoos for Dandruff

According to Abramite, a good dandruff shampoo “should eliminate dandruff and soothe the scalp without irritation.” Plus, she recommends finding a bottle with salicylic acid because it “gently exfoliates to remove flakes while moisturizing to ease itchiness.”

Fitzsimons also recommends looking for include Pyrithione Zinc, Ketoconazole and Sulfur. “Pyrithione Zinc and Ketoconazole are both anti-fungal drugs that kill the fungus on the scalp that causes flaking and helps break down the buildup of dead skin cells.”

Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

If you’re prone to scratching your scalp every now and again, Oribe’s Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a godsend. Formulated with salicylic acid, per Abramite’s recommendation for flaky hair, it revived the strands near my roots and hydrated my dry scalp.

Not to mention, this formula is vegan, recommended for all hair types and textures and will hydrate your hair from root to tip.

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OUAI Detox Shampoo

Truthfully, OUAI’s Detox Shampoo is a breath of fresh air on my strands. It’s best on oily hair but deeply cleansed product buildup on my scalp and diminished the effects of dandruff.

Plus, it’s formulated with apple cider vinegar and keratin that visibly worked in tandem to strengthen my hair strands. Oh, and the smell is like a salon in a bottle!

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Fekkai Apple Cider Detox Shampoo

When first introduced to Fekkai’s Apple Cider Detox Shampoo, I didn’t have high hopes. A three-step washing process? Who has the time for that? But, I was proven wrong.

This entire line not only refreshed the natural bounce and body of my hair but it gently removed flaky buildup near my roots. And, it’s one of those shampoos that leaves your hair squeaky clean (which I love).

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Best Shampoos for Oily Hair

“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.

Dae Signature Shampoo

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.

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Biosilk Silk Therapy Shampoo

If you’re on the market for a salon-quality shampoo that doesn’t break the bank, Biosilk’s Silk Therapy Shampoo is your best bet. Whenever I’m getting ready to go out, this formula is one of the most reliable to prepare my hair for a natural shine and boost — especially with the brand’s Silk Therapy Shine On Spray ($14).

Plus, after washing, my hair lasts a good three to four days without another wash. Typically, I wash my hair every other day so the fact Biosilk combats against unwanted oiliness is an amazing feat.

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Best Shampoos for Thinning or Fine Hair

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 prevents hair loss by strengthening hair follicles.”

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Shampoo

Picking up steam in the haircare industry is Alterna’s Caviar Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Shampoo. It’s a great “volumizing shampoo,” which Abramite recommends for thinning or fine hair as this shampoo type “creates weightless lift at the root area resulting in fullness and body.”

After shampooing, my hair doesn’t feel tangled, stringy or dry. Instead, it feels refreshed — the formula serving as a wonderful primer to be styled. Not to mention, it’s sulfate-free, smells amazing and is a product I recommend to everyone I know in real life.

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Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Clinical Densifying Shampoo

Meet Alterna’s sister formula, the Clinical Densifying Shampoo. Per Abramite’s recommendation, densifying shampoos “plump individual strands for thicker-looking hair with more substance.”

That said, it’s a wonderful formula to interchange with the brand’s Multiplying Volume Shampoo for the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. However, this one is better suited for body and bend toward your hair’s ends rather than the roots.

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Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin Hair Volumizing Shampoo

Take things up a notch with this sweet-smelling blend of ginseng, biotin and aloe. Upon first wash and ever since, it’s been a revitalizing bottle I’ve reverted to for a fun and fast-absorbing clean.

Not only does it provide a decent amount of volume but it’s specifically rooted in how well it lifts and rejuvenates the hair at the crown of my head. And, this makes sense, as the shampoo is said to target oiliness, shine and volume as primary concerns.

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Best Shampoos for Curly Hair

“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.”

adwoa beauty Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo

No lie, I once had a conversation with a Sephora beauty director who told me “everyone should experience this shampoo at least once.” And, its extremely fresh peppermint scent makes it all worth it.

While my hair leans wavy to curly, I find that my hair is clean — the scent making me nostalgic from my earliest blowout appointments with a minty shampoo. But, based on the brand’s strong line of deep conditioners, creams and gels, this shampoo is likely more effective on super curly or coily hair.

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AG Care Curl Fresh Hydrating Shampoo

Amazon

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.

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Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo

Briogeo’s Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo is a dreamboat for curly hair that’s prone to frizz. It’s designed for all hair types and textures, is vegan and even gave my hair more fullness.

So, the mixture of a fresh scent, a lessening of the frizz and a strong bounce make this one of the best I’ve tried.

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Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Enter the crowd-favorite Olaplex, a mighty addition your bathroom shelf and even more powerful addition to your hairwashing routine. Mixed with the brand’s No. 3 and No. 5, its Bond Maintenance Shampoo feels like the formula seeps into your scalp for gentle, refreshing vibrance.

It’s unmatched and wonderful on curly hair, namely because it’s incredibly moisturizing, which Abramite explains is best to soften the curls, add bounce and define the shape.

Editor’s note: Olpalex’s haircare has been reformulated to remove an infertility-linked ingredient out of its products.

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Best Clarifying Shampoos

“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.

Adwoa Beauty Blue Tansy Clarifying Gel Shampoo

The first of each month, I’ve been using Adwoa Beauty’s Blue Tansy Clarifying Gel Shampoo and, let me tell you, my hair is cleansed.

But, equally as good as its detox capabilities is how much shine it provides. It’s almost like I used a hair mask, but instead I just went through my normal shampoo and conditioner cycle in the shower.

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Chi Keratin Reconstructing Shampoo

Truthfully, I’ve been wary of any shampoo that claims to “reconstruct” my hair. It seems intense and I wasn’t sure if that terminology is what my hair needed. But, Chi proved me wrong and its formulation is especially effective for a once-in-awhile detox that gives your hair a glossy shine, too.

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Drybar Cure Liqueur Strengthening Shampoo

I decided to pay homage to the talked-about-everywhere blowout salon, Drybar. With its line of products for sale, I was impressed with how purifying — and sweet-smelling — its Cure Liqueur Strengthening Shampoo is.

Recommended on all hair types, it’s especially great for damaged hair. I enjoy using this about a month or two after I trim my hair, to ensure that once split ends may start to rear their ugly head, my hair is still fresh and clean.

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Best Shampoos for Dry Scalp

“A moisturizing shampoo locks in hydration, nourishes the scalp and boosts hair shine,” Abramite said. “Plant and seed oils will replenish and restore by sealing in moisture and smoothing the cuticle from scalp to ends.”

Plus, simply changing your shampoo could help you get rid of mild to moderate irritation and minor dandruff. “Look for products that contain coconut oil, tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and apple cider vinegar, since these ingredients can help alleviate itchiness,” Fitzsimons recommends.

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.

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Aveda Nutriplenish Light-Moisture Shampoo

If you suffer from the irritation of a dry scalp, Aveda’s Nutriplenish Light-Moisture Shampoo is one of the best you can use. It’s a sulfate-free, invigorating shampoo that I’ve gotten everyone hooked on in the past few months.

Specifically, my roots looked cleaner and more voluminous after several months of using this product. For salon quality, it’s a good one.

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Gisou Honey-Infused Hair Wash Shampoo

One of the trendiest Instagram brands has one of the most impressive formulations for shampoo I’ve tried. It’s one of the most hydrating, too, if that’s what you’re after.

The pretty bottle aside, it truthfully is a compliment-worthy scent that leaves a powerful clean. I’ve been impressed and love using this on special occasions (though you can use it every day, of course).

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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.

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OUAI Medium Hair Shampoo

Holy salon. OUAI’s Shampoo has to be the best-scented shampoo in this entire edit. It’s a shampoo that deserves even more hype than it already boasts, too, especially for its smooth shine and anti-frizz properties I notice upon styling.

If you’re looking for a full-bodied routine, OUAI has an incredible leave-in conditioner ($28) and treatment mask ($38) that makes me feel like a queen. It’s a must-buy, to say the least.

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Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos

“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.”

14th Night The Nourishing Shampoo

Amazon

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.

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amika Mirrorball High-Shine + Protect Antioxidant Shampoo

Amazon

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.

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Divi Shampoo

Ulta Beauty

I’m someone who *loves* the feel of a nice, clean scrub (aren’t we all?), and that feeling is surely enhanced with a minty shampoo. Enter Divi — the brand that offers a fresher-than-ever cleanse that’s gentle and even thickens the hair a bit.

Pro tip: use the brand’s Scalp Serum ($46) before your wash to rev up your haircare ritual.

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Best Dry Shampoos

“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.

amika Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo

Sephora

Amika’s Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo is one of the winners for an unbeatable scent — seriously, it should be a crime a dry shampoo smells this good. Its formula doesn’t comprise on volume, either, lasting for eight hours without reapplying.

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Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo

For a budget dry shampoo, Eva NYC’s Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo is a great choice. It doesn’t leave a shiny cast on your roots and freshened up my hair for up to six hours before reapplying or showering.

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Batiste Overnight Deep Cleanse Dry Shampoo

Amazon

If you’re looking to kill two birds with one stone — that is, absorbing excess oil overnight and adding some texture and body — Batiste Overnight Deep Cleanse Dry Shampoo is for you. At first, I was skeptical: What shampoo *really* works overnight? But, this formula is worth every penny — a unique product as far as dry shampoos go.

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Best Personalized Shampoos

Alongside testing your top-of-the-mill shampoos of all varieties, I also reviewed three of the best personalized haircare brands: Formulate, Function of Beauty and Prose.

New York Post Composite

For a more in-depth overview of each, I recommend reading the full review, clad with a list of pros and cons and notes on the processes of each. If there’s ever a fancy event, like a wedding (or, if I just want my hair to look extra perfect), I always resort to these three.

Formulate

Victoria Giardina

What’s great about Formulate is how you just know it’s professional. You can speak with your chemist (who’s in charge of making your formula based on your hair quiz) and even provide feedback should there be any preferred adjustments.

Personally, this shampoo was one of the best for making my hair feel fuller and bouncy, and I 100% recommend it.

Function of Beauty

Function of Beauty shampoo Victoria Giardina

Known for its popular acclaim (and for its pick-your-own-color shampoos), Function of Beauty is one of the most well-known personalized haircare brands that give you the most bang for your buck (IMO). The bottle is huge and it made my hair smooth and virtually frizz-free throughout the day.

That said, it’s well worth the try.

Prose

Victoria Giardina

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.

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 into 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 and 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 preventing damage and breakage,” per Abramite.

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