The Best Shampoos for Your Hair

From limp locks to frizzy ‘dos, proper hair care begins in the shower with a cleanser that will work best for your hair type. We checked in with some of the country’s most respected hairstylists to get their shampoo recommendations.

By Fiona Byrne, Elle editor

1. Afro

The gentlest of gentle shampoos are preferable for this hair type. For day-to-day opt for a baby shampoo, or a if you want something more luxe, try Daily Cleanse Shampoo by Ted Gibson, renowned stylist to stars such as Anne Hathaway and Angelina Jolie.

"It contains five cleansing agents that help to remove buildup and gently cleanse," he says "This allows for the curls to release and prevents the hair from being weighed down."

Meanwhile, a more intense shampoo such as PhytoSpecific Intense Nutrition Shampoo provides extra nourishment, and can be used once or twice a week. Phyto & PhytoSpecific Expert Phyto Universe NYC Ron Williams, favors this shampoo for hair that's been color-treated, relaxed, and says it's popular with his clients since it's "all botanical and made with great ingredients such as macadamia and kukui oils."

2. Fine

Those with fine hair have to worry about limp locks. Try products designed to give your hair a bit of lift during the shampooing stage, like Wella Professionals Enrich Volumizing Shampoo for fine to normal hair, as recommended by Andy LeCompte.

LeCompte who's worked the tresses of Reese Witherspoon, Madonna, and Penelope Cruz says “It leaves even fine hair full of volume and movement,” while Ted Gibson loves L'Oréal Professionnel Volume Expand Shampoo.

“It's great for fine hair,” says Gibson “It gently cleanses the hair and adds extra body and bounce.”

3. Frizzi

The taming of frizz begins in the shower with a shampoo such as Straight from Bumble & Bumble which is specific for this type of hair. The sulfate-free cleanser reduces frizz and flyaways and according Sabrina Michals, Stylist and Director of Styling Education at Bumble & Bumble, "A unique gemstone blend (Brazilian Green Malachite, Tourmaline, Pearl, and Sapphire Powder) work with the heat of the blow dryer to help loosen the inner curly bonds (S bonds).”

Moroccanoil Global Brand Ambassador Robert Vetica, who’s tamed the hairdos of Hilary Swank, Naomi Watts, Salma Hayek, Marion Cotillard, Jennifer Lopez, and Scarlett Johansson says Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo is an "Excellent choice for frizzy hair as it helps tame down this hair type and leaves hair healthy and manageable, with the added bonus of incredible shine."

4. Red

Redheads always look super vibrant when leaving the salon, but their shade can fade drastically with each shampoo. Nikki Ferrara, colorist at Sally Hershberger Downtown and hairstylist to Olivia Wilde, Mila Kunis, and Alexis Bledel recommends Davines Alchemic Shampoo in Copper or Red. “It should only be used once a week, and on the other days use John Frieda Radiant Red Color Magnifying Shampoo.”

Naomi Knights, Director of Color Education at ION Studio also recommends Davines, saying “Red is the quickest color to fade from the hair, so it needs plenty of protection. Davines NOUNOU Shampoo has the least amount of surfactants, and right after a color service I have my clients take home the NaturalTech Nourishing Shampoo for use every time they wash their hair for a month, then once a week after that.”

5. Blonde

Both Ferrera and Knights also recommend Davines for blondes.

“If a blonde is concerned about maintaining the tone of her hair, then use the Davines Alchemic Shampoo in Silver for cool, neutral, and beige blonde," Knights says “And the Alchemic Shampoo in Golden for gold, honey, and warm blondes twice a month will keep the a blonde bright! Ferrera also suggests using Shu Uemura Moisture Velvet Shampoo For Normal Hair or Shu Uemura Silk Bloom Restorative Shampoo for weakened and dry hair."

Global Artistic Director of Color for Aveda Ian Michael Black has solutions for every shade of blonde:

“Firstly, if your hair color tends not to change between salon visits then I would recommend Aveda Damage Remedy Shampoo," he says. “This will help maintain the hairs strength and vitality by building up the strength of the hair with quinoa proteins."

But for those who feel that their hair starts to look brassy between visits and becomes too yellow, Black recommends Aveda's Blue Malva for “When you feel you need to softly tone the hair back to a more ashen shade."

Source: Elle