For such a simple act, washing your hair sure can be confusing. Between figuring out how often to wash and keeping track of new product trends, the shampooing process can leave even the most seasoned beauty maven scratching her head.
The shampoo struggle is real, so Shop TODAY is here to help you get the best results possible from every wash. We consulted a crew of experts to answer all of your basic questions, so you can consider your shower problems handled.
Should you wash your hair every day? | How often should you wash your hair? | How do I shampoo my hair for the best results? | Best shampoos and conditioners | How we chose | Meet the experts
"Science-forward" clarifyer$38.00$38.00
Should you wash your hair every day?
There’s just something refreshing about that squeaky-clean, post-shampoo feeling, so it’s not surprising that many women wash their hair every day. But is a daily shampoo really necessary, and is it even a good idea? Well, you can think of washing your hair like washing your face: It’s a necessary part of your routine, but overdoing it can unintentionally upset your body’s natural balance of healthy oils that help moisturize.
Shampooing too frequently can cause actual damage to hair. “Washing your hair too often can make the hair dry and brittle and lead to irritation of the scalp,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital's department of dermatology, told Shop TODAY.
When hair is wet, it swells up, making it more vulnerable, according to Perry Romanowski, a cosmetic chemist who co-founded the website The Beauty Brains: “The process of moving shampoo or conditioner around in your hair can damage the hair cuticle (the outer layer). When the hair dries, it doesn't lay perfectly flat, so that makes hair look dull, makes it harder to comb and increases the chances of getting split hair.”
Women with sensitive scalps should take extra caution. “Exposure to detergents can cause irritation on your scalp," Romanowski tells us. "For some people, washing hair too often can lead to rashes and itching."
At the same time, you also want to make sure you’re washing your hair enough because skipping out on several washes can irritate your scalp. “If you don't wash your hair often, scalp oil tends to build up. This causes greasiness of the hair and can promote dandruff,” Zeichner says.
How often should you wash your hair?
According to Kasey Bertucci, hairstylist and co-founder of Salon 120 West in Boston, how often you should wash depends on a number of factors, including hair type, texture and your personal routine.
If you're someone who likes to wash their hair more frequently, Bertucci says that a good rule of thumb is to leave at least two to three days between washes. Those with textured or curly hair typically have a drier scalp and strands, so they can go between five to seven days between washes "if that works for their lifestyle," she says.
According to Romanowski, colored hair should also be washed less often — with a moisturizing, sulfate-free formula — if you want to get the most bang for your buck. After all, color fades a bit with each shampoo, so you can extend the life of your dye job by only washing every other day or every three days.
Some hair types require more frequent washing, like thinner locks. To avoid flat hair, women with thinner hair typically need to cleanse more often. Ladies with fine, thin hair should also try to avoid shampoos containing certain ingredients. “Dimethicone can build up and weigh your hair down. Cyclomethicone is a good choice for that type of hair because it evaporates over time,” Romanowski says.
How do I shampoo my hair for the best results?
While washing your hair may seem like second nature, there are a few common mistakes that you might be making that could affect how your hair looks and feels. When shampooing, Bertucci says that you really want to focus on the scalp, "you don't need to pull it through your mids and ends because it will be washed out that way."
And you probably don't need as much product as you think — just a dollop of shampoo (about the size and volume of one raspberry) will do the trick.
In case you're wondering, there's no need to switch up your go-to shampoo every once in a while, either, because hair actually appreciates consistency. "Hair will not become 'used to' a shampoo such that it won't work any longer," Romanowski says.
And don't forget about conditioner! "If you don't use a conditioner, hair will be more difficult to comb and that could lead to more damage," Romanowski says. "A conditioner will also make your hair look and feel better. It is a way to prevent more damage."
Keep in mind that conditioners are much more powerful than shampoos, in general, so it's worthwhile to pay more attention to a quality conditioner than a shampoo. "Any effect you'd see from a shampoo will be overwhelmed by the effect you'll get from the conditioner," Romanowski says.
When applying a conditioner, you want to avoid putting the product on your scalp — start at the ears and work downward — because applying too much product could cause your scalp to look oilier faster, Bertucci says.
Best shampoos and conditioners according to editors and experts
Below we rounded up shampoos and conditioners recommended by experts to keep your locks clean and healthy. Plus, we added some more top-rated options to consider.
Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo
- Affordable, reliable option
- Subtle scent
- Formula is different from previous versions; might not work as effectively as before
If you often find those dreaded flakes piling up on your scalp in the winter, this dermatologist-approved shampoo could help. Its hydrating formula is said to help relieve dryness and itchiness and cleanse away dandruff flakes. Not only that, but one expert said that the mild formula is gentle on hair, so it won’t dry out your strands.
Pantene Pro-V Radiant Color Shine Shampoo
- Helps to control frizz
- Works to preserve color
- Has a scent to it some reviewers found unpleasant
Treat your colored hair to some TLC with a targeted shampoo from the brand Romanowski says always scores well. This formula combines a blend of nutrients and antioxidants, which the brand says can help protect hair from damage.
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- "Decreases dandruff over time"
- Lathers really well
- Different, new formula
- Caused some hair shedding
Taking home the award for best budget dandruff and dry scalp shampoo during Shop TODAY's 2024 Beauty Awards, experts and editors alike agree — you don't have to break the bank for quality hair care products.
Key ingredient ketoconazole acts as an anti-fungal agent, working to combat causes of dandruff, according to experts.
It’s a 10 Miracle Moisture Daily Conditioner
- Gentle on strands
- Hair feels smoother after use
- Leaves a bit of a greasy residue after showering
- Has an unpleasant smell, according to some reviewers
Another Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner, this cult-favorite product was named the best overall conditioner in 2023. Perfect for dry, damaged or color-treated hair, the brand says that it will help restore moisture, reduce frizz and even provide UV protection for your tired strands.
Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo
- Sulfate-free; lathers well
- Cleanses thorougly
- Great for fine waves/curls
- Some still noticed frizz
Have frizzy hair that can't seem to calm down? This shampoo hopes to help resolve that, earning the award for best overall shampoo for frizz-prone hair during Shop TODAY's 2024 Beauty Awards.
"I've been a fan of Redken hair products for years, and this shampoo did not disappoint," says commerce editor Amanda Fama. "I have very frizzy hair, but after using this shampoo and blow-drying, I experienced way less frizz. My hair was softer than usual, too, and it smells wonderful!"
R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
- Works on all hair types
- Does not lather
- Strong scent
This formula was named the best shampoo for thin hair during the 2023 Shop TODAY Beauty Awards. Free from parabens and sulfates and featuring ingredients like biotin and coconut oil, it's designed to nourish and add vitality to fine hair.
"I love that my hair genuinely feels smooth after each wash — something that doesn’t often happen," Shop TODAY editor Vivien Moon said after trying it. "My hair is thin and gets oily fast so any product that’s too heavy instantly shows on my hair (yes, this has happened with shampoo too) and this shampoo is not only a quality product but something I know I will repurchase."
Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Reviewers saw instant results
- Truly helps with flakes
- Has a slight scent to it
- Small size for price
This shampoo earned the award for best overall shampoo for dandruff and dry scalp during Shop TODAY's 2024 Beauty Awards, with testers loving its fast-acting formula that provided immediate results.
"After using this shampoo for months, I noticed that my scalp was a lot less itchy and flaky," says associate social media editor Dani Musacchio. "It has a light, pleasant fragrance that I really enjoy. I have oily hair, but this shampoo leaves my scalp feeling nice and clean. The only downside is that it is a bit pricey."
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
- Be sure to shake before use
- Reviewers saw instant results
- Stripped hair, for some
Also a Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner, this science-forward shampoo won best overall clarifying shampoo, with editors raving about the "immediate difference" they noticed in their scalp after just a couple of uses.
Pura D'Or Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner
- Truly helps hair grow after significant loss
- No. 1 bestseller on Amazon for hair regrowth shampoos
- Pricey, but comes in a set
If you're concerned about thinning hair, you can try this popular shampoo and conditioner set from Pura D'Or. Made with biotin, nettle extract, pumpkin seed and black cumin seed oil, the bestselling hair care products are designed to boost hair strength and thickness, all while hydrating your hair.
Dermatologists and editors alike credit this shampoo and conditioner set for its hair growth abilities, helping our vice president of commerce, Jen Birkhofer, with managing postpartum hair loss.
Virtue Recovery Shampoo
- Truly hydrating
- Good for damaged hair
- May not lather
One hairstylist previously recommended this shampoo for people with dry hair. It’s formulated with Virtue’s proprietary Alpha Keratin 60ku, a protein that the brand says is almost identical to the one found in our own hair, skin and nails — so it is said to effectively work to repair damage and reduce frizz.
Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume
- Hair looks and feels healthier
- A little goes a long way
- Smaller size for the price
Earning the title of best overall volumizing shampoo, our editors loved this option from Oribe, thanks to its luxurious, easy-to-lather feel and the fact that it makes "styling a breeze."
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team interviewed experts and scoured the internet to find the best shampoos and conditioners to recommend, in order to make shopping easier for our readers.
Meet the experts
- Perry Romanowski is a cosmetic chemist who also co-founded "The Beauty Brains."
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner is the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s department of dermatology.
- Kasey Bertucci is a hairstylist and co-founder of Salon 120 West, based in Boston.
