What Shampoo Should I Use? Here's the Ultimate Guide

By Leonardo Rocco
INFOBAE | Blog #5 – May 2023

Choosing the right shampoo may seem simple—but it’s one of the most important decisions in your hair care routine. Shampoo is the foundation of healthy hair: it sets the tone for shine, strength, and hydration.

Just like your skin needs personalized care, your hair deserves a product tailored to its specific type, condition, and goals. Whether you color your hair, struggle with dryness or oiliness, or want to boost volume or curl definition, there’s a shampoo made for you.

Below, I’ll break down the most common shampoo types so you can make the best choice for your hair.

Color-Protecting & Keratin-Safe Shampoos

If you color your hair or have keratin treatments, always use sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoos. These formulas gently cleanse while locking in moisture, maintaining your color, and protecting treatment longevity. Look for options enriched with oils and proteins to restore shine and softness.

Moisturizing Shampoos for Dry or Damaged Hair

Hair feeling brittle, dull, or overprocessed? Choose a nourishing shampoo without sulfates to repair damage and bring hydration back to dry strands. Ideal for restoring elasticity, softness, and shine.

Hydrating Shampoos for Curly Hair

Curls require moisture to stay bouncy, defined, and frizz-free. A hydrating sulfate-free shampoo with curl-friendly oils will help retain moisture, enhance curl pattern, and keep hair manageable.

Volumizing Shampoo for Fine Hair

Need a lift? If your hair tends to fall flat, go for a lightweight volumizing shampoo formulated with ingredients like seaweed or biotin. It adds movement and structure without weighing the hair down.

Anti-Dandruff Shampoos

Struggling with flakes? An anti-dandruff shampoo helps regulate scalp balance and soothe irritation. Use consistently until symptoms disappear, then maintain with a gentle shampoo.

Shampoos for Oily Hair

If your scalp gets greasy fast, opt for a clarifying shampoo to remove excess sebum and product buildup. Focus application on the roots, and follow with conditioner only from mid-lengths to ends.

Lightening Shampoo for Blondes

Gentle lightening shampoos with ingredients like chamomile can gradually brighten blonde tones without causing damage. Use regularly for a sun-kissed glow.

Purple Shampoo (for Blonde, Gray, or Highlighted Hair)

To neutralize brassiness and maintain bright tones, purple shampoo is your go-to. It tones and brightens blonde, gray, and highlighted hair. Always choose a sulfate-free version to avoid dryness.

Color-Enhancing Shampoos

Want to revive faded color? Pigment-rich shampoos or toners enhance intensity and shine. Use once a week or every 10 days depending on your wash frequency. Available in a variety of shades.

2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner

Pressed for time? 2-in-1 formulas offer a quick cleanse and condition. While convenient, I personally recommend separating cleansing and hydration for better results.

Clarifying & Gentle Cleansing Shampoos

These are deep-cleaning formulas that remove residue from styling products like gels or pomades. Great for short hair or occasional resets. Note: Most contain sulfates—avoid if you have color, highlights, or keratin.

Dry Shampoo

A true lifesaver on non-wash days. Dry shampoo refreshes the scalp, absorbs oil, and adds volume—all without water. Perfect to extend your blowout or bring limp hair back to life in seconds.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right shampoo can elevate your entire routine—and transform the health and appearance of your hair. Don’t just grab what’s on sale. Take the time to understand what your hair needs, and invest in a formula that supports your goals.

Remember: healthy, radiant hair starts with the way you wash it.

Until next time,
Leonardo