Find your perfect wash-day hero
No matter what your hair type, achieving your dream locks is easy with the right shampoo and conditioner. Whether you need to fight frizz, defeat dryness or boost volume, the latest salon-grade formulas will make your scalp and hair look and feel better than ever.
What’s the best shampoo and conditioner for me?
Start by identifying your needs (such as moisturising, adding volume or handling curls) and invest in targeted haircare. Check to ensure the formula is sulphate-free, and follow the application guide. Visit a John Lewis beauty hall to find your perfect wash day duo based on your scalp health, texture, and structural damage - or read on as we pluck the deluxe from the duds, starting with shampoo.
Best daily shampoo: ARKIVE All Day Extra Shampoo
The foundation of good hair is dousing it with hydration from the outset. ARKIVE’s ultra-lightweight cleansing formula clarifies the scalp while leaving hair nourished, ultra-volumised and full of bounce.
Best fine hair shampoo: Living Proof Full Shampoo
Designed to make hair healthier and stronger with every wash, Living Proof’s Sili-CLONE™ HairTech delivers the benefits of silicone, such as fullness and high shine, but with zero downsides.
Best coloured hair shampoo: Wella Professionals Ultimate Colour Shampoo
If you have damaged, colour-treated hair you need a strong, optimised routine. Wella Professionals developed this formula to be scalp-soothing, lock in moisture and to minimise colour fade.
Best hydrating shampoo: Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
With argan oil, vitamins A and E and red algae, Moroccanoil’s super-moisturising shampoo infuses dehydrated, dry hair and helps to increase manageability, smoothness and shine. Glossy locks here you come.
Best shampoo for hair growth: Oribe Serene Scalp
Formulated with pea sprout extract, red clover and a biomimetic peptide, Oribe’s gentle hair cleanser also stimulates the scalp, increases fullness and preserves hair integrity.
Best curly hair shampoo: Bumble and Bumble Curl
Enhanced with shea and cocoa butter and avocado, coconut and jojoba oils, this deeply hydrating shampoo from Bumble and Bumble will help tame your mane, reduce frizz and define those curls.
Best thick hair shampoo: OUAI Thick Hair Shampoo
Cleansing without stripping, OUAI’s hugely popular formula gives intense hydration while leaving hair smooth and manageable. Just a little gives great lather, and the unmistakable fragrance is addictive.
Best frizzy shampoo: Aveda Botanical Repair Shampoo
Give dry, frizz-prone hair a tall glass of water with Aveda’s strengthening shampoo. Harnessing the power of plants, it repairs and protects against future damage. Results are high-gloss heaven.
Best Afro hair shampoo: Fenty Hair The Rich One
With Replenicore-5’s proteins, amino acids and antioxidants to remove buildup without stripping your natural oils, Fenty Beauty’s moisturising yet lightweight creme revitalises curly and coily hair.
Best luxury shampoo: Sisley-Paris Hair Rituel
Worth the splurge, Sisley-Paris’ Revitalising Nourishing Shampoo wraps hair in intense nutrition while maintaining scalp health. Expect your locks to feel restored and softer than ever.
Haircare FAQs answered
Do I need to shampoo twice?
Double cleansing is a good idea if you have an oily scalp or use lots of styling products. The first wash breaks down any grease and buildup, while the second actually cleanses the hair, ready for the next step.
Are sulphates bad for my hair?
Sulphates in shampoos create heavy lather to lift away dirt, but they can also strip away natural oils and fade the pigments in colour-treated hair. This can lead to dry, brittle locks, so it’s best to avoid them.
How often should I wash my hair?
This depends on your hair type and preference; for some it’s every day while others go several days. Daily hair-washing won’t makes your scalp greasier; the things that do that are certain styling products and touching it with your fingers.
How do I apply conditioner?
After shampooing, choose a conditioner that’s right for your needs, and apply it from ear height, down. If you have dry or damaged hair, regularly use a hair mask or hair treatment for nourished results.
What is hair perfume used for?
Hair perfumes are your finishing touch. They are made without the high alcohol content of traditional fragrances, and leave a subtle scent in your locks. Spray onto dry hair (or your hairbrush) for best results.
What is a scalp serum and do I need one?
These are leave-on treatments for the skin beneath your hair that are packed with active ingredients to target the hair follicles, promote growth and relieve dryness. Ideally applied for bed, they support the scalp's protective barrier and improve overall hair health.
Do I need a leave-in conditioner if I’ve already used a wash-out one?
You don’t need to, however using both is highly beneficial if you have curly, dry, or colour-treated that is in need of extra moisturising. Leave-in conditioners act as a protective styling base and can help balance the hair's pH.
