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.

Monday is my current favourite.

I wouldn’t waste your money paying £10 per bottle for Body shop ginger shampoo and conditioner. I’ve been suffering for itchy scalp of back of head for over a year (no dandruff) and been using this shampoo/conditioner for last 2 weeks. Made no difference.

I’ll be going back to my £1 bottle of Alberto Balsam shampoo. I’ve spent a lot of money recently on different shampoos and no noticeable difference between any of them.

The only significant difference I’ve seen is the effect of the conditioner you buy with home hair dyes. Amazing!!! Think it’s due to high silicone content but I don’t care. I wish you could buy it separately.

I've used OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Sulfate Free Shampoo / Conditioner for Dry Hair for quite a while and it is very moisturising without making your hair greasy.

I've read all the OP plus the first page, so apologies if this is a repeat.

My shampoo theory is based on the fact that all shampoos and conditioners leave some residue. This can obviously build up, so The Grand Theory is to use a different shampoo each time, and rotate at least 3 different ones, and each shampoo strips the previous residue and leaves a different one.

I was lucky enough to get some of the free honey shampoo from MN, and that is my favourite at the mo, but it still gets rotated with others.

Apologies if this increases your anxiety - because if you accept the theory it means you have two or three to buy!

I agree. Changing products makes a difference.
Also, where do you live? My daughter loves coming home to our soft water after living in London. Hard water is harsh on some hair types.
If money was no object, I would use Philip Kingsley products all the time. They have an anti dandruff shampoo.
Otherwise it's Bedhead (available in Home Bargains) or Costco's Kirkland brand; which my hairdresser swears by.

Or science 🤔

I’m devastated that my “scalp benefits” was reformulated to scalp solutions

I love this at the moment for my thick, on the oilier side hair. L'oreal Elvive Extraordinary Clay Shampoo

My hair sounds the same as yours. I love Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo- discovered it about 3 years back as I have a sensitive scalp.

I used to swear by L'Oreal for men anti dandruff shampoo- it had an orange top and was the only thing that stopped me having a horrid flakey scalp.
They discontinued it and none of the other L'Oréal's are the same so I am still searching for something that works for me.

Oooh thank you very much. I have one more bar of the Lush seaweed to use and then I will be getting some Body Shop bars

I’ve tried dozens of shampoos, from Kerastase to Redken to Rituals. My hair is fine but dry and a lot of it.

Good shampoos:

John Frieda Flawlessly Straight - for dry/normal hair types. If you have oily hair you may need to wash hair more frequently. Available in supermarkets and Amazon

L’Oreal Professionel Absolut Repair Lipidium (available in salons and Amazon) (good for dry/normal hair)

L’Occitan Lemon Verbena shampoo (good for normal hair)

Garnier Banana Hair Food shampoo (good for dry/normal hair and curly hair)

Bad shampoo

Garnier Ultra Blends Honey Treasures

Pantene

Tresemmé

Herbal Essences

Aussie Haircare

Liz Earle works well for me.

I have thick hair, which is wavy and usually on the dry side. I use tresemme most of the time. Sometimes I use vosene if I have an itchy scalp.

Try nope shampoo bars.

my fine, thinning, menopausal hair and oily scalp has loved the peppermint one. Lasts for ages and not massively expensive.

https://www.howaboutnope.com/

I tend to buy whatever is on offer for my hair type. I find it does my hair good to switch products like this

I solve this for myself by picking whichever one is on special offer from the second tier cheapest ranges (ie basic but not "super value")

Usually Elvive then I match it to my hair (coloured, long, damaged, etc)

Faith in nature works a treat. My hairdresser recommended it as being as good as the expensive stuff in the salon!! Our whole household uses it and after a month or so all the irritation on our scalps was gone.

I had an issue with shampoo as I have dyed red hair. I started using OGX and it's really good. I also then bought some wella from my hairdressers which has been lasting me since October. And that is awesome but I definitely rate the OGX. I will go back to it after the wella and alternate as you're meant to change every now and then

I use Aldi Bonded shampoo and conditioner. My hair is shiny, and I wash it every two days.
Love the stuff and it's £3.99 a bottle.

Redken Soft (in the brown container) - without a doubt best for all you have mentioned - not cheap but makes a huge noticeable difference

I went through this dilemma a while ago. The sheer amount of products available is overwhelming. I paid out for color wow shampoo and conditioner after my hairdresser used it and it made my hair lovely but I wasn’t a fan long term. I’ve tried olaplex and it’s definitely over rated and I wouldn’t buy it again.

following I’ve tried and liked
maui moisture - these are sulfate free etc and did make my hair go nice, not really expensive either and often on half price in boots.
Aussie
my current favourite though and it really has made my hair feel wonderful is goldwell rich and repair- particularly the treatment. It’s a salon brand and not horrendously expensive so a win win and I would definitely re buy it.

my hair is long, naturally curly and can be quite frizzy, recently had highlights but otherwise my hair is its natural colour.

Because they are paid to say nice things about the shampoo they might or might not use

I have been using Aussie Shampoo and conditioner for years, they leave my hair shiny, easy to manage and just in great condition. I started using it after I had two
perms in succession and I had some hair breakage. I use the formula for dry, damaged hair and although my hair has been back to its normal condition for over 3 years, I still use this formula as it keeps my hair at its best. My hair is straight and fine, and neither oily or dry when I use Aussie.

I do also eat lots of protein (mainly beans and lentils, fish or chicken once a week) and about 7 portions of vegetables per day, and don’t smoke or drink alcohol which I think helps my hair’s condition. But I still find my hair isn’t as good with any other shampoo or conditioner!

Very similar hair and I switch between a couple as I find if I stick with one my hair doesn’t do as good. Rotating between Aussie Mega, Mark Hill, and something cheap seems to keep it healthy, clean and shiny.