I can't stare at another shelf staring at shampoo

[ivor]

Posting for traffic because I'm going crazy.

The shampoo I use is super cheap currently, generic own-brand supermarket anti-dandruff shampoo but my hair is not doing good right now.

For A MONTH I keep trying to change my shampoo. I get so overwhelmed with researching it because you get SO MANY conflicting answers (and just so many answers anyway).
I'm constantly going to Boots and just staring at the shelf trying to decide which and end up walking out in stress.

I've bought the Mielle shampoo (TikTok hype), but now I keep reading stuff online that it's made people's hair fall out!!!

Anyway, I am obviously being unreasonable getting stressed about shampoo, but can I please ask personal (non-commissioned) recommendations? My hair is all natural, slightly oily, more on the thick side, not colour/heat damaged but just lifeless and slightly thinning.

My hair is thick/ curly/ on the dryer side. I find Aussie shampoos best, particularly the 3 minute miracle reconstructor conditioners.

Wow. I literally just pick up anything. Currently head and shoulders itchy scalp and herbal essences conditioner. Also like Alberto Balsam conditioner which is cheap and chips. My hair sounds like yours.

The Garnier Ultimate Blends range is good; lots of choice so you can choose the products best suited to your hair type.

Maybe you're overthinking this one. Think about it, hair is dead. There's only so many marketing claims that can be true. Probably none of the ones you're currently buying into are true.

@BingoMarieHeeler I wish I was that laidback
Think I must have spent at least 2 hours over the course of December in Boots/Superdrug reading over their shampoos trying to decipher which is best!!

Have you tried a bar shampoo instead of liquid?

@Runningandtired never - are they better? I can't imagine how a bar would work?

Things I have tried which were NOT worth the money:
Olaplex
Kerastase

Just so that you can eliminate them from your search. No better than Tresemme but cost £20.

@AhBiscuits so glad you said that as I've been searching for Kerastese!

I share your overwhelm. Posting the link to a radio 4 programme analysing the science behind "wonder-products". I haven't actually listened to the shampoo episode but did hear the one on collagen which was really good.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001gx0z?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

Partner bought Tgel shampoo+conditioner in one for dandruff, which it sorted, but it's made his hair soft shiney and it smells gorgeous. Maybe give it a go?

I do like nicer shampoos but also like cheaper ones. Currently on Tresemme for coloured hair.

Lush shampoo is expensive but lasts ages. Or you could try Aussie shampoo.
Also heard Bumble & bumble is good but haven't splurged yet.

I use mielle. I would assume people overused the rosemary oil or just had bad reaction which can happen with anything

Anti dandruff is too harsh for frequent use. Switch to baby shampoo for a bit.

@RandomMess I've never heard that so it's interesting! I've actually used anti-dandruff shampoo 3x a week for about 7 years.

There is no best. Brand hype is to extract you of money, that is all.
Tik tok don't care about you. They are paid to sell.
Just pick one. Don't overthink it. If you don't like it pick a different one next time.

Why does Claudia W and others bang on about H&S being so great then?!

Another vote for the Aussie shampoos. I’ve used several of them, you’d have to maybe read up which one suits your hair type.

I started using oat milk shampoo and hair con (just basic ones from Boots) and am very happy. It calmed my scalp too. My sister is a hairdresser and she uses Mielle max once a week only.

Pantene classic clean is good, not drying and works really well on my thick hair.

Honestly they're all 75% at least the same ingredients, just pick one and see how you go.

I think your hair just may need a fresh start. Wash it once with fairy liquid and your favourite shampoo will work wonders again.

Lush seaweed shampoo bar, expensive but worth it

I love the TIGI bed head range. I like the red or blue best.

Huge bottles, fairly good price on Amazon AND the delivery to your house so you don't have to deal with the shelves in boots. I will do anything to avoid the 10000 options they seem to offer us!!

I use bodyshop ginger shampoo. They do travel size bottles if you just wanted to try it a few times before committing