No matter your hair type or concern, we can confirm that these are the best shampoos on the market - and these five experts agree

We all use wash our hair multiple times a week, if not daily, but for many of us, it's also a step in our routines that we don't give much thought to. Although a shampoo's main function is to clean the scalp, the type you choose can have a huge impact on the overall finish and condition of your hair. Which is why it is essential to arm yourself with the best shampoo for your hair type or concern.

It can be difficult to choose with so many options out there though. As a beauty editor, every hair wash is the chance to try out a new formula so I've tried my fair share (read: hundreds) of shampoos over the years.

If you're not sure what shampoo to try next, I've called in the help of the experts to break down which shampoos are the best and why.

How often should you wash your hair?

The golden question: how often should we wash our hair? Although it's down to your hair type and preferences, the one misconception that I hear often is that we shouldn't wash our hair too often. But the experts always say differently.

"Many people are hesitant to wash their hair frequently, but postponing it when necessary, can be detrimental," explains Hare and Bone hairstylist and trainee trichologist, Jade Summers. A clean scalp lays the foundation for hair growth and overall hair health.

Think of it like your skincare. You can layer on all the incredible serums in the world, but if you haven't cleansed properly, you won't get the result you want. The same is true for your scalp.

Not properly cleansing your scalp can "lead to various issues and conditions"—particularly if you get dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.

How often you wash depends on your hair type and how greasy it gets. If you have an oily scalp, you might need to wash it daily or every other day. "Although this may seem frequent, dandruff thrives in oily conditions," Summers explains. If you have a dry scalp then you won't need to do it daily, but make sure to wash it at least once a week to help remove that build-up. "Adjusting your shampoo according to your hair's needs will help maintain its overall health and appearance."

Best shampoos of all time, according to a beauty editor

Best shampoos for oily hair

Oily hair gang, your shampoo choice is important. "Using a deep cleansing or exfoliating shampoo for overactive sebaceous glands (the glands attached to hair follicles that produce sebum, causing oiliness) can help rebalance the scalp," says Summers. Shampoos specially formulated for this can help to "lift away excess dirt, sebum, and oils that can clog your pores if not properly cleansed," she adds.

Make sure you're washing frequently and if you think you need to wash daily, then go for it—just make sure you're using heat protector if you're styling daily, too.

Best shampoos for curly hair

"Curly hair tends to lose its moisture quickly resulting in dryness, so it’s important to consider moisturising agents in your products such as coconut oil and shea butter for conditioning," Cobella says.

Best shampoos for a sensitive scalp

Sensitive scalps "can be more easily aggravated by environmental pollutants and product build-up. To manage this sensitivity and prevent irritation, it's advisable to wash your hair every one to two days. This routine helps remove any potential irritants that can contribute to scalp discomfort," Summers explains.

Best shampoo for natural textured/ afro hair

Shampooing natural textured/ afro hair is often about balance; making sure the scalp is nice and clean without stripping it of all its wonderful natural oils. This hair types tends not to get the same oil build-up as others (like fine, straight hair) so you likely won't need to wash it as often. This is why going back to basics with a simple yet hardworking wash routine can work brilliantly—which is where shampoo does the heavy lifting for you.

Best shampoo for coloured hair

For those with coloured hair, it's all about preserving those perfect blondes and vivid shades. Look out for "shampoos with colour-protecting ingredients like quinoa, amino acids, and UV filters," says colourist and salon owner Samantha Cusick. "These help to preserve the colour vibrancy and protect against damage from environmental factors," she adds.

Hairstylist James Lear makes an excellent point: "if your hair has ever been highlighted or bleached, it’s classed as damaged and needs to be treated as such," so bear this in mind when shopping for products for your hair type.

In addition to shampooing, "you need a good treatment with protein and moisture as well as a bonding agent that reconstructs the disulphide bonds, similar to Olaplex, B3 or K18," says Anna Wiig, hairstylist and colourist.

Best shampoo for fine hair

"Finer, straight hair types can appear oilier more quickly, often leading to limp, lacklustre hair that lacks volume," says Summers. "Lightweight formulas with ingredients like biotin, panthenol, and rice protein are ideal for fine hair as these ingredients add volume and strength without leaving the hair feeling greasy or heavy," Cusick adds.

"To maintain a fresh and voluminous appearance, washing daily is suitable if it fits your schedule. Alternatively, washing every one to two days is also effective, if you're not prone to dandruff," Summers explains.