Episode Details

Walking down the shampoo aisle can feel overwhelming. There are formulas for curls, volume, moisture, color-treated hair, sensitive scalps, and everything in between—but how do you know what your hair actually needs?

In this episode, Wirecutter beauty writer Amanda Rosenthal explains how to choose a shampoo based on your hair type, scalp health, and biggest concerns. After testing 92 shampoos and consulting dermatologists, hairstylists, and a trichologist (a hair and scalp specialist), Amanda shares what makes a shampoo effective, which ingredients are worth paying attention to, and why the most expensive bottle on the shelf isn’t necessarily the best one for your hair.

This episode covers: 

• How to choose a shampoo based on your actual hair type. Determining whether you have fine,  medium, or thick hair, as well as your curl pattern, density, and biggest concerns will help you pick the right shampoo. Consult your hairstylist if you’re not sure. 
• Why your scalp matters just as much as your hair. Shampoo’s main job is to cleanse your scalp and remove oil, debris, and product buildup—and a healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair.
• The truth about sulfates. Amanda debunks one of the biggest shampoo myths and explains why sulfates can actually be useful cleansers for many people.
• How often you should actually wash your hair. There’s no universal rule for shampooing frequency. Your hair type, lifestyle, styling products, and scalp health all play a role.
• Expensive shampoos aren’t necessarily better. After testing dozens of formulas, Amanda found that a good shampoo doesn’t need to cost a lot—it just needs to address your specific hair and scalp concerns.

Products we recommend: 

• Best for fine hair: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo
• Best for tight curls and coils: Pattern Beauty Hydration Shampoo
  Best for dry, damaged hair: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo
• Best for medium and thick hair: California Naturals Classic Clean
• Best for sensitive skin and scalps: Vanicream Shampoo
• Best for dandruff: Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo
• Best for oily hair: Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo
• Amanda loves: The Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

Additional reading:

• The 6 Best Shampoos of 2026
• 13 Best Drugsto