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.

What’s your hair washing routine

Although I could wash my thick hair with washing up liquid and it would be fine, and when I shower after swimming 2x a week I use cheap shower gel, for preference I would use Pantene. But I don't, when I wash once a week at home I use cheap shampoo.

It's all a plot to get you to spend a fortune.

I tried timotei when it was on offer for £2, the coconut one and my personal favourite the argan oil and jasmine one. Made my hair feel really clean, soft and shiny. I'n using ogx coconut right now, but i'm going back to timotei.

My favourite shampoo's are redken ones, but they're a treat for me as they're too expensive lol

I usually go for OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen shampoo and conditioner or TRESemmé Revitalise Colour shampoo and conditioner

I agree. My hair gets washed with whatever shower stuff or body wash I'm using at home or with whatever is provided by the gym. It hasn't fallen out yet.

Getting a filter for my shower head made a massive difference to my hair, more than any shampoo change ever did.

If your water is hard, as it is in the London area, it will effect your hair because the minerals build up. Even if you don't perceive the damage, you will see a big difference after changing to a filter that takes those minerals out.

I use Nexus Keraplex, it's protein enriched and leaves my difficult to manage hair soft and shiny, it's expensive but a bottle lasts ages

Just buy whatever is on special offer that week. If you don't like it, try a different special offer the next time.

Use the time not being wasted on overthinking shampoo choices to research what help you need to stop over thinking everything.

(Former overthinker who just had a year of counseling and AD support, CBT, CBD oil, and still a work in progress, but learning to prioritize important decisions over shampoo choices!)

I agree the sheer amount of products has become so overwhelming.
I wanted to a buy a smoothing product with a bit of hold. I gave up the display in Superdrug was massive and done by brand rather than product. I gave up.

I use MooGoo which I get online but some Holland and Barrett stores stock it. It has solved my scalp eczema for the first time in 25 years or more and my hair is shiny and easy to manage.

Garnier ultimate blend honey or argan oil is very good and the pantene argan hair oil is worth the money but I wouldn't use anything else in that range.

Because they get paid to do so...I do not think for one minute that she actually uses it 🤔

I buy a different shampoo everytime I think its better for your hair to keep changing currently I'm using tresemee but just bought pantene for when that runs out. I tend to buy what's on offer.

The trick to anti dandruff shampoo is to wash your hair, massage it right in to the scalp and leave the shampoo on for at least five minutes before rinsing off.
I do this twice a week. In between I use Dove shampoo and conditioner.

I do this. If I don't like it i tip it into the hand wash bottle.

Garnier Ultimate blends are brilliant and you can get them in Home Bargains!

Pick one problem and address it.

Mine is thinning hair. I am using hair vitamins to help from the inside, rosemary oil massage to encourage new growth and Philip Kinsley products, including a weekly hair mask with my hair wrapped up. Im also using heat protection for my twice a week blow dry and a bamboo silk pillowcase.

If your biggest concern is thinning and lifeless maybe go for a bamboo pillowcase and volumising routine and product for root volume?

I would recommend picking a brand and using the full routine for at least 3 months.

If you have a flakey scalp, Body Shop ginger shampoo is the one

Tigi bed head urban antidotes is the best shampoo and conditioner I've tried - there's different ones depending on your needs but my hairdresser said that the bluey/green one is the best for usual use. Red one is for really dry hair.

Another vote for Aussie shampoo! Both myself and daughter use it and love it

I have quite similar hair. Honestly I think all shampooos and conditioners are much of a muchness. Sometimes I find one that makes my hair extra silky for a day but the flip side is it’s usually greasy the next day. I use a variety of cheap shampoos and then a really expensive scrub once a week - Christophe Robin clarifying purifying scrub as I have a really flaky sensitive scalp and it really works.

I love kerastase - the genesis range. My hair is so soft and shiny. I hate paying kerastase prices though but nothing else is anywhere near as good. I feel like I’ve tried every brand out there and if anything was better, I’d buy it. Saying that OP, it’s all trial and error. You need to find what works for you so buy one and test it out.

Aldi aussie knockoffs
Garnier honey treasures

But I have thick, dry, colour treated hair and an oily scalp.

Honestly op it really doesn't matter too much as long as your clean!

@MinervatheGreat interesting you say that about Sulphate free. After a year of struggling with hair that goes into a greasy, sticky lump after washing, l have concluded that 2 big changes are responsible - moving to a hard water area and switching to sulphate - free.
I never had greasy hair, it was always dry. I thought sulphate free would help with frizz. Blamed the hard water for the horrible waxiness and clumping at the roots. Not a problem at the hairdresser's, who use the same water.
After a year of being unable to use products, or even conditioner without making the greasy mess worse/hairdressers baffled and advising double washing (costs a fortune with my thick hair and an electric shower) I am giving up on sulphate free (reluctantly) after using an ordinary shampoo whilst away and being thrilled at the difference.
Maybe it's the hard water combo, but sulphate free just seems to have been a massive bust for me.

Sulphates are great for straight hair but not so good for curls.