Shampoo

Enjoy the feeling of freshly-washed, fragrant hair! Your hair is a symbol of personal style and self-confidence. But in order to keep your hair healthy, shiny and vibrant, you need to give it the right care – from shampoo to hair masks and oils. But which shampoo should you choose? Do I need to have a chemical-free shampoo at home? Or a keratin shampoo? Come with us into this vast array of products to choose a luxury shampoo and learn how to use it so that your hair always radiates health.

It began with natural shampoo

The history of hair washing dates back to ancient times, when natural substances such as herbal extracts and natural oils were used for this purpose. The first modern shampoo was made in the 20th century. Previously, hair was washed with harsh soaps that could damage the hair structure. (Now hair care has kind of returned to this with shampoo bars, only they are more nourishing and gentle.) With the advent of the Industrial Revolution and advances in science, the first liquid shampoos began to be developed; they are now the gold standard in hair care and are gentler on the hair and scalp than the original shampoo bars.

What exactly is the purpose of hair shampoo?

Shampoos are used to thoroughly cleanse the hair and scalp of dirt, grease and residue from styling products such as hair gel, spray, mousse, dry shampoo and more. But it doesn’t stop there.

Today’s shampoos are designed to suit different hair types and everyone’s specific needs. In other words: if you choose the right shampoo, it can help you tackle a variety of hair problems, from greasiness to low volume to dandruff.

How we classify shampoos

Thanks to advances in hair care, we can find a variety of shampoos targeting specific hair types or hair problems. And there are already plenty of them! Let’s delve into the kingdom of shampoo.

Classifying shampoos by ingredients

• nettle shampoo – nettle is known for its ability to reduce oil levels, as it contains substances with self-regulating effects (it regulates sebum production); it is a popular shampoo for greasy hair
• keratin shampoo – keratin is a protein that is the main component of hair; shampoos with keratin can help strengthen hair, repair damage, and give it strength and shine
• collagen shampoo – collagen is another important protein that provides elasticity and hydration to hair; shampoos with collagen can improve hair texture and add volume
• goat’s milk shampoo – shampoo with goat’s milk acts as a strengthening shampoo for dry and damaged hair, helping to restore and nourish damaged hair fibres
• caffeine shampoo – caffeine is a well-known stimulant, even in shampoos; it activates hair roots and promotes hair growth and many shampoos for hair loss and shampoos for hair growth boast it in their ingredients
• argan shampoo – argan oil shampoo helps to exceptionally nourish and regenerate dry and damaged hair in particular
• hemp shampoo – hemp shampoo washes the hair very gently but thoroughly whilst relieving itching and scalp irritation; give it a try if you're looking for an effective solution for an itchy scalp
• burdock shampoo – shampoo with burdock extract is designed to support healthy hair growth; it provides nutrients to damaged and split ends and helps to repair the hair’s structure; it also has a beneficial effect against hair loss and reduces dandruff
• birch shampoo – birch extracts boast beneficial effects on the pores; suitable for oily hair and hair prone to dandruff, it also gives hair a radiant shine
• beer shampoo – beer in hair care was recommended by our grandmothers and they weren’t wrong – the protein in hops and malt helps repair damaged hair and provides nutrition to the hair follicles; it can regenerate and strengthen hair, increase its shine and promote growth
• ginger shampoo – thanks to gingerol (the compound responsible for the spiciness of ginger), you stimulate blood flow to the scalp and help nourish both the hair and scalp even better; it helps eliminate dandruff and leaves hair soft and shiny
• chamomile shampoo – chamomile, which is known especially for its significant healing and regenerating effects, takes exceptional care of fine blonde hair; we often recommend chamomile shampoo to lighten hair
• tea tree shampoo – washes hair and cleanses the scalp, gets rid of dandruff, regenerates and nourishes hair, soothes the scalp
• garlic shampoo for hair growth – shampoo with garlic stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss
• lavender shampoo – lavender is soothing and regenerating; it is highly suitable for anti-dandruff care or with excessive hair loss
• coconut shampoo – shampoo with coconut oil and/or coconut milk restores hair’s strength and elasticity, leaves hair balanced, nourishes and moisturises it, delivers softness and shine and, last but not least, smells beautifully exotic
• rosemary shampoo – contains rosemary extract, which is antiseptic so it helps reduce dandruff and soothes the scalp; it stimulates hair growth, enhances its strength and adds shine
• hyaluronic acid shampoo – offers intense hydration for the hair and scalp; hyaluronic acid helps to keep hair soft, improves its elasticity and gives it softness and shine
• sulphur shampoo – intended to remove excess grease from the scalp and regulate sebum production; the sulphur content promotes hair cleanliness and counteracts skin irritation and itching
• chelated shampoo – designed to remove from the hair excess minerals and impurities that can build up as a result of the use of hard water or styling products; this helps to restore the healthy appearance of the hair and prevents it from becoming weighed down
• biotin shampoo – Contains vitamin B7, also known as biotin, which has a key effect on strengthening and supporting hair growth; it helps reduce the brittleness of hair and improves overall hair strength and vibrancy
• shampoo with salicylic acid – suitable for oily scalps and dandruff-prone hair; thanks to its exfoliating properties, it helps remove dead skin cells and regulates sebum production
• zinc shampoo – an effective solution for dandruff and itchy scalp problems; soothes irritated skin, contributing to improved hair health overall
• sea salt shampoo – a popular choice for people with limp, lifeless hair, this shampoo helps to create fuller, voluminous and more nourished hair
• tar shampoo – designed to soothe an irritated and itchy scalp; helps remove dandruff and contributes to healthier-looking hair; tar shampoo is often used for psoriasis

By hair type

Every hair type requires different care. Which shampoo should you choose?

• shampoo for greasy hair – regulates excess sebum production, removes grease from the hair and keeps the scalp refreshed and balanced
• shampoo for dry hair – contains hydrating ingredients that increase moisture in the hair and scalp, preventing dryness and breakages
• shampoo for curly hair – defines and highlights natural curls, softens and acts as an anti-frizz shampoo
• shampoo for wavy hair – adds definition and volume to wavy hair, increases elasticity and maintains the shape of the waves
• shampoo for long hair – provides deep treatment and protection for long hair; hydrates and nourishes the hair, preventing brittleness and split ends; leaves hair soft, shiny and easy to detangle
• shampoo for red hair – strengthens and revives natural shades of red, increases shine and preserves the intensity of the colour
• lightening shampoo for blonde hair – purple shampoo for blonde hair keeps blonde hair bright and fresh, protects it from yellowing and makes it glossy
• shampoo for colour-treated hair – protects and extends the colour, prevents fading and delivers hydrated, vibrant hair
• shampoo for highlighted hair – strengthens the contrast and vividness of highlights, protects them from damage and keeps the colour vibrant; with shampoo for highlighted hair you can enjoy professional highlights for longer
• shampoo for hair extensions – helps keep hair soft and shiny, prevents all sorts of tangling, and reduces breakages
• shampoo for brown hair – revives and deepens the natural brown pigments in the hair and gives it a healthy look and shine
• itchy scalp shampoo – soothes irritated skin, reduces itching and removes impurities from the skin
• shampoo for dreadlocks – cleans and keeps locks strong and leaves them fresh and fragrant; also prevents dandruff
• shampoo for grey hair – with substances rich in a range of nourishing ingredients, it helps to strengthen and revive grey hair, adds shine and prevents yellowing; it is often referred to as silver shampoo or silver shampoo for grey hair
• shampoo for frizzy hair – softens frizzy hair, reduces volume and leaves it smooth and easy to style
• shampoo for damaged hair – restores the damaged hair fibre, nourishes and regenerates the hair; shampoo for damaged hair also prevents breakages and split ends
• shampoo for thick hair – helps take gentle care of your thick mane
• shampoo for fine hair that lacks volume – gives hair lightness and volume, adds texture and improves the hair structure

By specific problem

Whether you suffer from hair loss, dandruff or seborrhoea, a specifically chosen shampoo can help. Choose according to your needs:

• anti-dandruff shampoo – dandruff shampoo contains active ingredients that reduce the formation of dandruff, soothe itching and provide relief for an irritated scalp; if you suffer from dry dandruff, dry scalp shampoo will also help you
• hair growth shampoo – stimulates and supports new hair growth, strengthens roots and gives hair vitality and volume
• hair loss shampoo – shampoo for thinning hair contains ingredients that strengthen the hair and reduce hair loss, promotes a healthy scalp and improves the overall condition of the hair
• shampoo for acne in the hair – cleanses and treats the scalp, fights acne, prevents the clogging of hair follicles and promotes a healthy environment for hair
• anti-lice shampoo (nit shampoo) – contains special ingredients to eliminate lice and nits effectively, clean the hair and prevent further spread
• shampoo for seborrhoea – regulates excess sebum production, helps reduce seborrhoeic eczema and keeps the scalp balanced
• psoriasis shampoo – treats the scalp and soothes inflammation associated with psoriasis, reduces dandruff and improves the condition of the hair
• shampoo for split ends – improves hair structure and strength, helps repair damaged ends and reduces splitting

By format

In addition to the most common liquid shampoos, you can also try dry and solid shampoos. What can they do?

• dry shampoo – whether a dry shampoo powder or dry shampoo spray, it helps you refresh your hair without needing water; it absorbs excess sebum and dirt, adds volume and leaves hair fresh and fragrant – the ideal travel companion
• solid shampoo – a solid cube, ball, stick or even a flower that you can lather up easily when you add water; the absence of plastic packaging makes it a greener choice; the perfect travel shampoo because it doesn’t take up as much space and there’s no risk of a shampoo spillage disaster in your suitcase
• shampoo bar – a type of solid shampoo which contains no water

By the effect required

Do you need to deep-cleanse or hydrate your hair?

• cleansing shampoo – removes dirt and excess oil from the hair and scalp perfectly, leaving hair fresh and clean
• deep clarifying shampoo – a detoxifying shampoo that penetrates deep into the hair structure, removes product residue and accumulated impurities, revitalises the hair and gives it a new shine
• hydrating shampoo – hydrating shampoo contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid that moisturise the hair intensely, prevent drying and promote hair elasticity and softness
• nourishing shampoo – provides hair with thorough care, improves its structure, restores damaged hair and gives it a healthy and shiny look

By ingredient type

Are you looking for a shampoo without chemicals or with a purely vegan formula? Then try:

• natural shampoo – natural, chemical-free shampoos are made from ingredients such as herbal extracts, essential oils and plant extracts; they contain no synthetic chemicals or dyes and offer gentle care for the hair and scalp
• organic shampoo – is certified as a bio (organic) shampoo and meets strict standards for ecological and sustainable production; contains natural and organic ingredients that minimise the negative impact on the environment
• sulphate-free shampoo – does not contain sulphate cleansing agents such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulphate (SLES); it is gentler on the hair and scalp, minimises dryness and prevents irritation of sensitive skin
• silicone-free shampoo – silicones are substances that are often added to shampoos and conditioners to form a protective film over the hair, which usually increases shine and makes hair easier to detangle; however, some people prefer shampoos without silicones to stop weighing down the hair and preventing it from breathing
• low-poo shampoo – a gentle shampoo without sulphates or silicones, which lathers very little; a suitable shampoo for a sensitive scalp or when following the Curly Girl method for naturally curly hair
• vegan shampoo – shampoo for vegans without any ingredients of animal origin

By user

Children’s hair requires a gentler formula, and men usually appreciate a different fragrance in their shampoo than women. Keep an eye on who the shampoo is for:

• children’s shampoo
• baby shampoo
• shampoo for women
• shampoo for men

Other specific types of shampoo for the hair

• shampoo with UV protection – harmful UV rays deprive the hair of its shine and health; shampoos with UV protection add moisture to it before, during and after sun exposure; it is basically a shampoo for the sea or swimming pool
• 2-in-1 shampoo – a shampoo and conditioner in one product, which allows you to simultaneously cleanse the hair of impurities and give it hydration and protection
• 3-in-1 shampoo – a shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in one that enables effective and quick hair and body care; ideal for travel and sports, plus you save space in the bathroom

Colouring shampoo

Colouring shampoos are special types of shampoos with pigments that temporarily change your hair colour. Colouring shampoos are designed to revive and enhance the existing hair colour or temporarily change the shade. You can use them on natural and colour-treated hair; if you want a more obvious colour change, they work best on blonde and lightened hair. Colouring shampoos wash out gradually and are generally gentler than permanent hair dye. Try one of the popular types:

• purple shampoo
• red shampoo
• pink shampoo
• blue shampoo
• gentle shampoo
• brown shampoo
• colouring shampoo for grey hair
• tinted shampoo

Remember, there is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” best shampoo. The one that suits your friend won’t necessarily suit you. The best shampoo is one that suits your hair and scalp. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the one for you!

Tip: Do you still not know which shampoo to choose? Take a look at our best-selling shampoos! Or ask your hairdresser to recommend a professional hairdressing shampoo, which you can also buy from Notino!

How to use shampoo correctly

Learn how to wash your hair properly:

1. Brush your hair thoroughly before washing: Brush out any styling residue and your hair won’t get as tangled when you wash it.
2. Wet your hair: Rinse your hair thoroughly with water before applying the shampoo. Hot water can dry out your hair and scalp, so opt for lukewarm water instead. Even the best dry scalp shampoo will be of no help if you’re washing your hair with hot water.
3. Put the appropriate amount of shampoo in the palm of your hand: it depends on the length and density of your hair, but generally an amount of shampoo the size of one to two olives is sufficient. Less is often more. Don’t believe the myths that the more shampoo you use, the cleaner your hair gets. In fact, unnecessarily high amounts of shampoo can dry your hair out.
4. Apply the shampoo to the hair: Rub the shampoo between the palms of your hands and then apply it evenly to your hair.
5. Massage the scalp: Gently massage the skin with your fingertips. This promotes circulation and the removal of impurities. For perfect cleaning and massaging, use a scalp massager!
6. Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly: When you have finished cleaning it, rinse your hair with clean water so that there is no residue left in your hair that could weigh it down.
7. Follow steps 3–6 again: The first time you wash your hair is to remove dirt, the second time is to strengthen the effects of the shampoo.
8. Apply conditioner: After washing your hair, always use a conditioner to seal the hair fibre and make detangling easier. Treat yourself to a nourishing hair mask once a week.
9. Dry your hair carefully: After rinsing, gently squeeze the excess water out of the hair and then blot it with a towel.

Tip: Get a heat protector to protect your hair when blow-drying, straightening and curling it.

Hair care doesn’t stop with shampoo

What else you can do for beautiful hair:

• Trim the ends regularly.
• Make sure you drink enough and eat a balanced diet.
• Try some special hair vitamins.
• Use conditioners, masks and hair oils.

Choose a professional shampoo and other hair care products at Notino today and take the first step towards beautiful hair.