We’ve Picked Out the Best Shampoo and Conditioner in Australia (For Every Hair Type )
I’m the go-to guide gal and routine queen here at Adore Beauty. I have a background in media and communications, and over 3 years experience in the beauty industry.
When I’m not answering all of your burning questions, you can find me spruiking underrated products to my co-workers and trying to figure out what our best bloody mascara is.
Key Takeaways
- Shampoo and conditioner are essential foundations of any hair care routine, and selecting the right products is crucial for hair health.
- Customise your shampoo and conditioner choice based on specific hair and scalp needs, such as dryness, oiliness, or hair type.
- For dry hair and scalps, opt for sulphate-free products that hydrate and condition without stripping moisture.
- Oily hair requires balancing shampoos that cleanse excess oil without over-drying the scalp, often found in anti-dandruff formulas.
- Thin, brittle hair benefits from volumising and fortifying products that gently cleanse while providing nourishment.
- Coloured hair demands pH-balanced shampoos and conditioners that protect against fading and restore moisture.
- Heavily styled hair requires clarifying shampoos to remove product build-up, followed by hydrating conditioners for optimal shine and strength.
When caring for your hair and scalp, it’s easy to focus on the products that are the most fun: leave-in conditioners, intensive hair masks, shine serums, the list goes on...
Sometimes, as a result, we tend to brush off the basics: shampoo and conditioner.
That’s why we’ve put together a little explainer on how to pick the right shampoo and conditioner for you, because without understanding the basics, you can set back the health of your hair.
How Do I Choose Shampoo and Conditioner?
As with skincare products, shampoos and conditioners should be customised to your needs. Consider these things when choosing a shampoo and conditioner for your hair.
Most people fall into one of the following five hair and scalp categories:
- Dry scalp and hair
- Oily scalp and hair
- Thin, brittle, and lacklustre hair
- Coloured hair
- Heavily styled hair
This guide breaks down each category and shows you how to choose the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair type.
So, What’s the Best Shampoo and Conditioner for My Hair Type?
We round up the best shampoos and conditioners for your hair type.
Note: Products formulated for these specific concerns contain different active ingredients. Matching shampoos and conditioners are best used together, as the active ingredients complement each other. The claims and results you read about on the bottles usually are achieved only by using both products.
Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry Hair and Scalps
When choosing the best kind of shampoo and conditioner for dry hair and scalps, look for sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners that contain conditioning emollients.
This approach tackles dryness from two angles.
Mild detergents without sulphates cleanse the hair gently and emollient moisturising oils help to intensively replenish and condition.
Seal in All That Moisture
The KEVIN.MURPHY Hydrate-Me.Wash is a gentle, nourishing formula that helps to remove product build up and dry skin for a healthy scalp. This lightweight shampoo is sulphate free and balances the scalp's pH, so you don’t have to worry about feeling stripped of moisture. As far as exciting ingredients are concerned, this shampoo contains a few, such as Vitamin A, Kakadu Plum, Evening Primrose oil and Shea Butter. This formula both attracts and holds moisture for extra strength and shine.
The KEVIN.MURPHY Hydrate-Me.Rinse is a smoothing formula designed to help dry, brittle hair. It is also sulphate free and gives the hair a soft, silky feel. Deeply moisturising ingredients like Jojoba Esters, Evening Primrose oil and Shea Butter work to leave hair feeling replenished and nourished. This is the perfect choice for you if your hair is lacking in moisture. Plus, it helps your colour last and your hair remain strong.
Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Oily Hair and Scalps
Sebum produced by your scalp gradually travels down the full length of your hair shaft, keeping strands shiny, conditioned, and protected.
If you have oily hair, your scalp produces more natural oils than your hair texture and density requires.
To treat an oily scalp, the right shampoo is a must.
You'll often find these shampoos disguised as anti-dandruff shampoos, because the same ingredients that fight dandruff also actively reduce your scalp's oil production.
The Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo is an anti-dandruff shampoo that won’t dry out your scalp. Ideal for oily hair and scalp types, this formula clears oil build up and any dead skin cells for optimal scalp function. Its main ingredients include Lauryl Betaine, to gently cleanse, and Piroctone Olamine, to relieve the scalp. It’s a refreshing shampoo that leaves the scalp feeling comfortable, while the rest of your tresses feel light and hydrated.
Dealing with an oily hair and scalp isn’t about stripping moisture, it’s about balancing it. The Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Conditioner works hard to give you the perfect amount of hydration, without adding any oil or buildup. This lightweight formula focuses on restoring your strands using Pataua oil, which is rich in fatty acids, and oleic acid for hydration. This conditioner works best when applied to the mid lengths and ends, avoiding the roots.
Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Thin, Brittle and Lacklustre Hair
There are many reasons why your hair may be less than lush.
That’s why figuring out how to choose a shampoo and conditioner for this hair type can be more than tough.
Volumizing products work by 'fluffing' hair follicles to increase the thickness of each individual hair shaft.
Thickening products often coat the hair with keratin, a natural protein that comprises hair and nails.
However, sometimes what fine, compromised hair needs is some extra TLC, and formulas that gently cleanse and fortify the hair back to it’s optimal condition.
The Kérastase Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo for Thin Hair is a light hydrating shampoo that protects against hair fall. It has a gentle formula that helps address dry, brittle tresses. It uses Ginger root to protect against environmental factors and Edelweiss extract to help preserve collagen. While soothing and hydrating, this formula works to strengthen the hair over time for brilliant, volumising results.
Hydrate and strengthen your hair, without leaving it feeling heavy with the Kérastase Genesis Fondant Renforcateur Conditioner. This restorative, softening conditioner treats each strand, for more resilient locks. It contains Glycerin, Soybean oil and Sunflower oil to really nourish the hair and leave it looking plumped. No longer lacklustre, your hair will look healthier than ever.
- If you want to know more about the Kérastase Genesis range, have a read through our guide - Yes, Hair Falling Out is Normal (But These Products Can Help)
Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Coloured Hair
After investing in salon or at-home colour, making your new hue last should be a priority.
Coloured hair will absolutely fade faster if you use deep-cleansing shampoos and products that aren't appropriately pH-balanced.
Shampoos formulated for coloured hair offer mild, acid-balanced cleansing.
They also include actives such as UV shields that help to defend your colour from sun-induced fading.
You also want to look at investing in the right conditioner for damaged hair, that will help restore your hair back to its former glory.
The Christophe Robin Colour Shield Shampoo is a luxurious option for coloured, bleached and highlighted hair. This pH balanced and sulphate free formula is gentle on processed hair that’s been through the ringer. Plus, it contains antioxidants to protect the hair and amino acids to help rebuild the hair fibre. Special ingredients include Grapefruit and Camu Camu fruit extract, for perfectly nourished locks.
Colour treated hair needs more TLC than your regular conditioner can provide. That’s why we recommend the Christophe Robin Colour Shield Mask for some extra special nourishment. Macadamia oil helps to seal in moisture, while antioxidants and amino acids help to protect and strengthen the hair. The one thing we will say about this mask is that it leaves the hair exceptionally shiny and smooth.
- If you’re planning on continuing to style colour damaged hair, make sure to use a heat protectant like the Christophe Robin Anti-frizz Rescue Milk
Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Heavily Styled Hair
Bad hair days are often a result of product build-up. Layers of residue can leave locks looking lank and lifeless.
This is when you should reach for a clarifying shampoo.
These specially formulated shampoos provide an intensive cleanse that penetrates more deeply than a regular shampoo.
Take your cleanse to the next level with the fun and affordable ELEVEN Deep Clean Shampoo. This highly clarifying deep cleanse clears the scalp of build up and excess oil, while leaving hair feeling healthy and hydrated. Orange Peel oil is the ingredient that provides the hair with a luxurious cleanse. It’s also a vegan, cruelty free formula that’s safe to use on coloured hair!
Once you’ve done a deep cleanse it’s important to put the right amount of moisture back into your tresses. We recommend pairing a clarifying shampoo with the ELEVEN Australia Repair My Hair Nourishing Conditioner, for healthier hair all round. This affordable, but effective, formula contains Green Tea extract, Aloe Juice and Avocado Oil for well nourished locks. Use this treatment regularly and you can forget dry ends.
You can find more of the best shampoos and conditioners in these handy guides...
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
Shop the Best Shampoos and Conditioners in Australia Here
KEVIN.MURPHY Hydrate Me Wash 250mL$47.95
KEVIN.MURPHY Hydrate Me Rinse 250mL$49.95
ELEVEN Australia Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo$31.95
ELEVEN Australia Repair My Hair Nourishing Conditioner 200ml$33.95
Christophe Robin Colour Shield Mask$53.00
Christophe Robin Colour Shield Shampoo$53.00
Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo 250ml $65.00
Kerastase Genesis Reconstructing Anti-Hairfall Conditioner 200ml$76.00
Kerastase Genesis Fortifying Shampoo for Thin Hair 250ml$62.00
Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Conditioner 200ml$65.00
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