Just as Asian skin types have their particular traits, Asian hair, too has its own kind of needs.
Broadly speaking, Asian hair strands are round and thick. Although it’s generally quite straight, the texture can vary from fine to coarse, soft to hard. Compared to Caucasian hair, it’s less dense but relatively stronger and more resistant to breakage. However, Asians tend to have oilier scalps, which is why daily washing is needed to prevent tresses from looking flat and greasy.
“If the climate is really humid like Singapore, then it’s good to have a lighter shampoo for everyday use,” says Celia Tham, creative director of BLOC+ The Salon. “It also depends on whether you’re targeting the hair or the scalp. Scalp shampoos do more deep-cleansing and they also help to thicken fine hair, but they are usually a little more drying. Soothing scalp shampoos are gentler and more suitable for daily use.”
“Coarse and dry hair should opt for more moisturising shampoos. If you feel that makes your hair too limp or greasy, balance it with a lighter conditioner,” advises Celia.
Here, we highlight 20 shampoos that meet the needs of Asian locks.
A natural and organic hair care brand, Natural Source’s Damage Care Shampoo is made from natural ingredients such as honey, sunflower seed extract, royal jelly extract, propolis extract and gold pearls that promises to nourish your damaged hair as well as reduce hair and scalp nutrient and moisture loss.
Specially formulated to control an oily scalp and reduce hair from falling out, local trichology salon Two Herbs has created their own shampoo that has 13 effective ingredients such as sage leaf extract, chamomile extract and nettle extract to name a few, that has been clinically tested to relieve hair loss symptoms and promote healthy hair root growth.
This low-pH shampoo is packed with both probiotics and prebiotics to restore hair and scalp health. It’s infused with six antioxidant-rich Korean herbal extracts, niacinamide, panthenol and biotin. What’s great about it is that it washes away product build-up and strengthens damaged hair. The pre- and probiotics manage the microflora on the scalp, while its trio of peptides help with scalp’s elasticity.
Rinse away excess oils, product build-up and impurities with this shampoo by Goldwell. Adding on to the list of benefits, the shampoo also helps to preserve moisture and soothe the scalp at the same time, so you can look forward to better hair days ahead.
Give your hair that much-needed boost of hydration with this hydrating shampoo from Moroccanoil. This highly raved shampoo is well-loved by many for good reason, and we can clearly see why it’s a perennial favourite for many.
Formulated with antioxidant-rich argan oil, vitamins, and moisture-attracting red algae, this shampoo gently cleanses your hair while restoring smoothness and shine.
Struggling with an oily scalp? Choosing the right shampoo for your daily hair care routine is more crucial for you than for most. To effectively cleanse your hair without drying it out, consider Briogeo’s Superfoods Mango + Cherry Balancing Shampoo. What’s great about this sulfate-free shampoo is that it’s formulated with unique papaya enzymes to help balance oil production on hair and scalp. What’s more, the shampoo also helps to maintain healthy-looking hair thanks to its potent formula of vitamins and minerals too.
As stress takes a toll on our crowning glory, we find ourselves searching for a solution to fix our hair fall woes. And one particular brand has launched its first-ever anti-hair fall series that’s clinically proven to reduce hair fall by 96% – enter Moist Diane’s Extra Hair Fall Control range.
Here, the collection comprises a 3-step routine of shampoo, treatment and lightweight scalp essence, which essentially helps to strengthen the hair against falling and breakage, and not to mention reduce scalp sensitivity and improve overall scalp health for stronger, healthier hair.
More interestingly, it’s also formulated with Wasabi Flavone, which is said to help balance the scalp’s microbiome, reduce irritation and nourish the hair from within, for fortified and luscious tresses.
Those with sensitive or irritable scalp will love this, which uses a blend of moisturising and soothing botanicals like tea tree essential oil, beta-glucan, aloe and quinoa protein to hydrate, relieve scalp discomfort (yes, that includes dandruff) and even boost circulation. On top of being pH-balanced so it doesn’t zap away moisture, it also contains no parabens, sulphates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances or colour.
Extremely hydrating, this has amino acid-based cleansing ingredients and natural-origin moisturisers such as olive fruit oil, shea butter, honey and aloe, to help repair dry, brittle hair that’s been damaged by chemical processes and UV exposure.
Thanks to a formula that’s rich in Honey Jelly, this shampoo gently cleanses while restoring a healthy shine to hair. Plus, it is also silicone-free so you can rest assured that it won’t weigh your hair down.
Excess sebum build-up around the hair follicles may clog the follicles. As a result, this could be a cause of thinning hair. Containing anti-bacterial agents, this shampoo helps to limit excess sebum production and to purify the scalp, yet it does not strip away the natural moisture of it.
Living in high-density Asian cities, it is unsurprising that both skin and air will be affected by air pollution. Add in stress to the mix, clogged hair follicles and oily scalp will follow suit. To prevent this, Klorane‘s anti-pollution detox shampoo cleanses away build-up from air pollution. What we also like is its minty cooling effect to help with blood circulation as well.
If you’ve got coloured hair – whether it’s a whole head of bleached hair or a simple balayage makeover – you’ll need to take care of your mane with a shampoo made especially for coloured-treated hair.
Coloured hairs tend to be more brittle and will cause the scalp to feel dry and sometimes even itchy. Opt for a shampoo like this one from Aveda that not only protects your hair colour (so it lasts longer) but also helps to tackle all the other issues that bleach might potentially cause.
Created to prevent tangling and clumping during washing, the shampoo’s strong foams prevent hair breakage while providing your locks with lots of volume. Ingredients such as Jojoba and Argan oil helps to strengthen any dry or split ends and adequately hydrates your scalp.
A holy grail of Japanese women, this shampoo has been raved by thousands of satisfied users for its extreme hydrating properties. Thanks to its patented ‘INAKARAMI’ technology, the reactive keratin interlocks to promote the repair of damaged hair and soothes the scalp with its anti-inflammatory properties. A perfect multi-tasking shampoo for the busy woman.
Micellar water works wonders for whisking away makeup and grime from the skin. It works the same way for hair by effectively cleansing off any dirt, oil and residual hair products without leaving the scalp stripped so they are great for those who struggle with a dry scalp and flakes.
Pantene’s iteration of Micellar Water also contains Pro-Vitamin B5, the brand’s iconic hydrating ingredient, and antioxidants. It’s silicone-free, paraben-free and dye-free also pH balanced, so the natural state of your hair and scalp won’t be disrupted.
This nasties-free shampoo for fine hair gently cleanses while promising long-lasting volume with a weightless finish. It is formulated with Himalayan salt, which is rich in over 80 minerals, to add texture to and protect hair against damage.
Infused with rosehip oil and hyaluronic acid, this nourishing shampoo lathers into a rich and creamy foam. It cleanses your scalp and tresses while nurturing scalp to give hair new strength and supple density. It also prevents kinks in the hair, counter dullness and damage, leaving hair stronger and healthier.
This strengthens damaged as well as coloured hair from the first wash. It contains goji, which gently cleanses fragile hair, while strengthening and repairing it, as well as defending strands against damage and daily colour aggressors. After just a few days of using the shampoo and conditioner, you’ll notice less hair fall and a renewed smoothness to your strands. This super silky hair texture plus the refreshing scent with subtle herbal-floral notes will make you want to keep touching your hair all day.
This oil shampoo uses the power of eight nutrient-rich botanical oils – including argan, baobab and marula and mango seed – and not silicone to deliver intense shine and smoothness. Designed for those with flat, fine tresses, it removes product buildup, sebum and impurities to give you extra volume at the roots, while maintaining the natural moisture balance of hair and scalp.
Though it contains French rose oil, this lightweight shampoo nourishes and conditions without leaving any greasy residue. Delivering all-day moisture and a gentle but effective cleanse, it removes dirt and excess sebum and seals damaged hair fibres to give you a beautifully smooth, glossy mane. Bonus marks for the lasting, feminine rose scent.
Made for rough, dry Asian hair, its moisturising-retaining ingredients like honey, aloe and pomegranate are said to fill and plump up hollowed hair shafts, delivering all-day hydration and maintaining a healthy shine.