The year so far has conjured up trends inspired by K-pop curls and Italian cake, plus the rise of multi-step hair care.
BEST SHAMPOOS
Gentle, purifying cleansers that ensure the first step to a supple scalp and luscious locks is covered
BEST SHAMPOO FOR SENSITIVE SCALP
A sensitive scalp is usually one that is out of balance. Target the root of the problem with a calming cleanser that gently sweeps away dirt and oil without stripping moisture. This ultragentle, pH neutral formula is enriched with antiinflammatory lime blossom extract to soothe and alleviate any itchiness or irritation.
BEST SHAMPOO FOR DANDRUFF
Minimise flakes in a wash with a cocktail of premium Korean medicinal herbs such as camellia oil, bamboo sap and chestnut shell, which soothe the scalp, alleviate dryness and irritation, and leave strands soft and moisturised.
BEST DRY SHAMPOO FOR NORMAL HAIR
This soaks up excess oil fast and cleanses the scalp to leave hair looking fresh and revitalised even if you haven’t had the time for a shower. The best part: It leaves no residue.
BEST SHAMPOO FOR COARSE HAIR
Having coarse hair means you have thick strands, which tend to be dry and unruly because moisture takes quite a bit longer to penetrate deeply. Reach for this rich, nutritive formula that repairs and strengthens follicles, with jojoba oil to alleviate dryness and lock in moisture.
BEST SHAMPOO FOR NORMAL HAIR
Good hair starts in the shower and this anti-ageing treatment, as its name suggests, renews hair health by protecting hair and scalp with antioxidant-rich spinach extract and maqui berry.
BEST SHAMPOO FOR FINE HAIR
BEST SHAMPOOS FOR OILY HAIR
The zinc-PCA and hydro-lime extract regulate the production of sebum, prevent grease buildup and moisturise the scalp to leave hair feeling clean and light all day long. What does all that mean for you? Peace of mind as oily roots are left behind in the past.
BEST SHAMPOO FOR DRY HAIR
Repair and rejuvenate dull, damaged hair and split ends with this mix of regenerating Abyssian oil, healing chamomile flower extracts and a host of vitality-boosting vitamins. Lather and leave on for two to three minutes for the goodness to seep in.
BEST SHAMPOO FOR MEN
Leaving a fresh, minty feeling, this sweeps away pore-clogging oil and impurities while restoring optimal scalp pH with a cocktail of exfoliating salicylic acid, stimulating copper tripeptide and conditioning agents.
BEST DRY SHAMPOO FOR OILY HAIR
Thanks to an exclusive technology that effortlessly absorbs sebum and crafts space between each strand for an instant boost when roots go flat, you can say hello to hair that looks and feels freshly washed.
BEST NATURAL SHAMPOO
Based on the centuries-old remedy of Amazonian women, Rahua is fortifi ed with a potent restorative oil of the same name. This organic shampoo deeply nourishes scalp and hair follicles. It contains healing quinoa, coconut and shea butters to gently remove oil and impurities without stripping away necessary nutrients.
BEST SHAMPOO FOR THINNING HAIR
Meet the wash-and-go volume booster that doesn’t just purify the scalp and make hair appear fuller, it also prevents loss and encourages growth with ingredients like ginger root and gingko biloba extract.
BEST SHAMPOO FOR COLOURED HAIR
Stretch out the time between your colour appointments with this shampoo that refreshes and revives hair with copper, auburn, copper brown, copper rose and rose gold tones. Plus, it’s vegan and free of sulphates, silicones and parabens.
BEST SHAMPOO FOR CURLY HAIR
Taming frizz, increasing shine and helping to seal cuticles, this multi-tasker works on waves and curls with a wheat protein and organic aloe blend that expands when hair is wet and retracts when dry—so you can expect good definition and bounce.
BEST SHAMPOO FOR CHEMICALLY TREATED HAIR
BEST CONDITIONERS
Deep moisturisers that help to repair and reseal hair cuticles for silky, tangle-free tresses
BEST NATURAL CONDITIONER
1. Rosemary and Lavender Conditioner, approximately $49, Banyan Tree
Formulated with healthy hair growth in mind, this moisturises your mane and improves circulation in the scalp with organic rosemary and lavender essential oils. Organic argan oil helps to nourish and regenerate follicles while moringa seed extract shields hair from environmental stress.
BEST CONDITIONER FOR CHEMICALLY TREATED HAIR
What does spider silk have to do with hair? Being one of the strongest fibres in nature, it’s the inspiration behind Wella’s unique silksteel fusion programme. Together with amino acids, it forms the basis for a conditioner that delivers some major TLC to damaged tresses and protects them against breakage.
BEST CONDITIONER FOR DRY HAIR
Quench dry, brittle, chemically treated locks with this conditioner that’s formulated with buriti oil—a rich antioxidant known for its deep moisturising and healing powers. The vitamin E found in this natural ingredient also protects hair against environmental stressors.
BEST CONDITIONER FOR FINE HAIR
This airy formula, with ingredients like keratin and elastin, adds body and fullness to fine and limp hair, while strengthening and smoothing at the same time. An added bonus: The creamy, lightweight foam texture doesn’t weigh down locks at all.
BEST CONDITIONER FOR SENSITIVE SCALP
Whether dry, stressed, over-styled or aggravated by the environment, a sensitive scalp yearns for sufficient nourishment and comfort. This gel immediately relieves tightness, itching, burning or redness with Chinese peony, known for its soothing, anti-irritant properties and relaxing energy.
BEST CONDITIONER FOR CURLY HAIR
Thorough moisturising is the key to beautiful, bouncy curls. This ultra-hydrating formula penetrates the hair shaft and seals the cuticle, ensuring hair dries consistently while effectively locking out frizz-causing humidity, leaving even the kinkiest of locks soft and defined.
BEST CONDITIONER FOR NORMAL HAIR
7. Elements Lightweight Renewing Conditioner, $36, Wella Professionals
Quench thirsty tresses with this paraben-free, lightweight gel that preserves natural vitality, detangles, and leaves hair soft, silky and shiny.
BEST CONDITIONER FOR THINNING HAIR
You’ll be glad to know this bestows moisture, balance and volume because the last thing we want is for a conditioner to weigh down fine strands like a midday slump.
BEST CONDITIONER FOR OILY HAIR
This lightweight conditioner locks in moisture while salicylic acid gently exfoliates the scalp and catechins strengthen hair from the root.
BEST CONDITIONER FOR COLOURED HAIR
Photographed by Jonas Bresnan. Styled by Rosie Arkell-Palmer