When caring for your hair and scalp, it’s easy to focus on the products that are the most fun: leave-in conditioners, intensive hair masks, shine serums, the list goes on...
Sometimes, as a result, we tend to brush off the basics: shampoo and conditioner.
In reality, shampoo and conditioner are the foundation of your scalp and hair care routine.
That’s why we’ve put together a little explainer on how to pick the right shampoo and conditioner for you, because without understanding the basics, you can set back the health of your hair.
What Shampoo and Conditioner Should I Use?
As with skincare products, shampoos and conditioners should be customised to your needs.
Most people fall into one of the following five hair and scalp categories:
Dry scalp and hair
Oily scalp and hair
Thin, brittle, and lacklustre hair
Coloured hair
Heavily styled hair
This guide breaks down each category and shows you how to choose the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair type.
Note: Products formulated for these specific concerns contain different active ingredients. Matching shampoos and conditioners are best used together, as the active ingredients complement each other. The claims and results you read about on the bottles usually are achieved only by using both products.
Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry Hair and Scalps
When choosing the best kind of shampoo and conditioner for dryness, look for sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners that contain conditioning emollients.
This approach tackles dryness from two angles.
Mild detergents without sulphates cleanse the hair gently and emollient moisturising oils help to intensively replenish and condition.
