With such a wide range of hair care options available, it’s not always easy to find the best shampoo and conditioner for your specific needs. Whether you’re trying to keep tight curls squeaky clean or soothing a dry scalp, we know how game-changing it is to add the right items to your routine—even if wash day isn’t exactly your favorite.
That’s why we consulted a panel of dermatologists—who specialize in hair and scalp treatments—plus asked over 60 testers with a wide variety of hair types and concerns to put these new items to the test. After combing through (pun intended!) some of the top new hair products of 2021, we feel confident all of the items on this list will give your staples a little zhuzh.
For fine or thinning hair
According to our panel of dermatologists, those with fine or thinning hair should look for shampoo and conditioner that contains silicones, including dimethicone, which tightly cling to the hair and retain moisture to help it appear fuller. As thinning hair can be attributed to genetics, hormones, or underlying health issues, it’s important to speak with a board-certified dermatologist for more in-depth treatments. While moisture retention is ideal for fine hair types, experts suggest avoiding oils like argan, coconut, and olive, which can weigh it down.
For natural, textured hair
Those with natural or textured hair should look for fortifying ingredients—including whey and hydrolyzed proteins that help strengthen and define their curls—plus hydrating ingredients like coconut and jojoba oils, since natural hair is usually more prone to dryness and damage, among other unique types of hair loss. It’s essential that those with natural hair pay attention to their scalp health, as moisturizing ingredients tend to cause build-up and irritation. Our dermatologists recommend choosing that the best shampoo and conditioners are the ones that can soothe and exfoliate. Look for products that contain ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and aloe vera juice.
For oily hair and scalp
Experts say that oily hair typically goes hand-in-hand with flaky scalp, which is why this hair type should look for exfoliating ingredients like salicylic and glycolic acids. While avoiding products with excess oil is recommended, those with thicker hair may be able to use lightweight oils such as argan and jojoba. If you deal with dandruff, look for products with ingredients like coal tar, tea tree oil, or even coconut oil (for some), which can control yeast-causing flakes.
For dry hair and scalp
To add hydration to dry scalp and hair, oils like argan, jojoba, avocado are especially beneficial, as well as hydrolyzed keratin and silicones, like dimethicone. Since sulfates and alcohols can be drying to already dry hair—with the exception of cetearyl and stearyl alcohol which can actually be moisturizing—dermatologists recommend avoiding the ingredients altogether.
Ahead, find the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair type, and make sure to check out our complete list of star-studded 2021 Healthy Beauty Award winners here.
Reviews have been edited and condensed for clarity and length.