What Makes a Good Shampoo?

Modern shampoo has come a long way from its humble beginnings, now boasting specialised ingredients to address specific hair issues. These range from sulphate free shampoos that are gentler on the scalp to clarifying formulas that reduce sebum and help get rid of dandruff.

Shampoo is readily available in large stores and pharmacies. There are also a huge variety of shampoos on the market, each with its own unique formula and list of ingredients.

Detangling

Detangling shampoos help to tame kinks, coils and curls by hydrating and gently removing impurities that lead to breakage. They also leave your hair with a rich lather that feels luxurious and smooth.

Infused with Marshmallow Root Extract & Cocoa Butter, this sulfate free detangling shampoo is formulated to gently cleanse kinks, coils and curls while nourishing strands. It detangles strands to make it easier to comb, wrap and set styles. It also reduces frizz and leaves a lustrous shine. Use on wet hair and massage into a rich lather, then rinse thoroughly. For best results, follow with Magical Tresses 1-2-3 Wishes Silky Conditioner.

This sulfate free, hydrating shampoo melts away tangles to cut wash days in half and deeply moisturizes. It also strengthens and seals the cuticle to improve combability and appearance. It is enriched with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera for extra conditioning. It is sulfate, paraben and silicone free.

Infused with Shea Butter & Sunflower Extract, this sulfate free, hydrating detangling shampoo helps to tame kinks, curls and waves while softening strands to make it easy to comb. It leaves your hair with a glossy sheen and a smoother finish. Use on wet hair and massage into the scalp and ends of the strands, shampoo then rinse thoroughly. For best results, apply this detangling conditioner to damp hair and leave in for a few minutes before rinsing.

Moisturizing

This hydrating shampoo is a lifesaver for anyone dealing with dry, brittle hair. It is formulated with Juvexin, a keratin-based anti-aging protein that protects your hair against environmental conditions like harsh sun, humidity and dramatic temperature variations. It also hydrates your hair so it looks and feels healthy, which in turn reduces frizz and makes your hair easier to manage.

This shampoo is sulfate-free, paraben-free and vegan, which is great for those with sensitive scalps. It contains natural extracts and botanical ingredients that gently cleanse your hair while restoring elasticity, moisture and shine. Plus, it provides color protection so your hair stays vibrant and healthy.

A favorite of Sephora reviewers, this ultra-hydrating shampoo is packed with nourishing ingredients like prickly pear extract, glycerin and hyaluronic acid. It’s ideal for taming coarse, dry and damaged hair, and it has a rich, luxurious scent that smells deliciously fruity.

Hydrating and moisturizing shampoos might seem similar, but they work slightly differently. Moisturizing shampoos contain lipids, which create a barrier that prevents your hair strands from losing their own natural hydration and helps them retain it longer. While hydrating shampoos increase the water content of your hair, moisturizing products do just that. And while hydrating shampoos can be pricey, the best moisturizing shampoos will leave your locks feeling soft and supple and will cost less than you might expect.

Scent

The fragrance of shampoo — whether floral, fruity, or herbal — can elevate the shower from a mundane routine to a sensory experience. Often, the most memorable shampoos combine subtle yet pleasing aromas with a clean, formula that leaves hair smelling fresh and voluminous. Whether synthetic or natural, fragrances in shampoo can offer a range of options and consistent performance but also come with some health and environmental drawbacks. Synthetic fragrances are derived from petrochemical compounds and require complex production processes that contribute to air, water, and greenhouse gas pollution as well as ecosystem degradation and resource depletion. Similarly, natural fragrances sourced from botanical extracts and essential oils can be prone to overharvesting, habitat loss, and plant species vulnerability. Both synthetic and natural fragrances can trigger skin issues like irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, necessitating the use of a fragrance-free or hypoallergenic product.

As perfume lovers, it’s no wonder we tend to gravitate towards shampoos that smell like a classic floral (think jasmine blossoms and soothing gardenia) or evoke the scent of SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER freshly-cut grass, fresh green apples and coconuts. These clean, fresh and inviting smells can elicit feelings of joy and wellbeing that are a welcome respite from the shifting fads that dominate both fine fragrance and hair care trends. In fact, studies have shown that consumers give higher «pleasantness» ratings to scents they can recognize and identify.