Last Updated on March 15, 2021 by Righteous Daddy (Rehan)
Disclosure: My content contains affiliate links, meaning “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Because of frequent washing, sweating, and heating up, hair becomes prone to the combination. Combination hair refers to more than one thing happening in the hair. There are many forms of such hair: oily scalp and dry hair, damaged top layer and oily/greasy hair underneath, and flat strands and frizzy hair. To combat dryness and greasiness in your hair, I have gathered some of the best shampoos designed for this purpose.
Let’s get started.
List of Best Shampoos For Combination Hair
If you are in a hurry, the following are the shampoos that are suitable for combination hair.
Shampoo | Suitable For | BUY |
WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo- RighteousDaddy Choice | All Hair Types | Check Price On Amazon |
Kerastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo | Oily Hair | Check Price On Amazon |
Iles Formula - Haute Performance | All Hair Types | Check Price On Amazon |
WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo-Righteous Daddy Choice
This is the very first shampoo on my list.
Introduction
Wow, Apple Cider Vinegar shampoo uses natural apple cider vinegar, almond oil, and argan oil to repair damaged hair. The other natural and hydrating ingredients in it moisturize, soften and strengthen the hair. This shampoo is suitable for all hair types: curly, straight, or wavy. It is free from sulfates, parabens, and silicones.
What does it do?
This shampoo performs the following tasks:
- Clarifies the Scalp: It clarifies the scalp by clearing the buildups caused by dirt, filth, and styling products.
- Controls Dandruff: This shampoo combats dandruff and flaky scalps caused by the over-production of oil by the scalp.
- Prevents Frizziness: Apple Cider Vinegar shampoo makes it easier to comb and manage the hair by reducing the hair’s pH level and frizziness.
Ingredients
For your convenience, I have listed down all of the ingredients used in Wow Apple Cider Vinegar shampoo along with their purpose of use.
Ingredients |
Use |
1. Purified Water |
· free from impurities, contaminants, minerals, and salt
· Used as solvent · Softens and smoothens the hair · Clears up the buildups · Conditions the scalp · Keeps hair hydrated |
2. Caprylyl / Capryl Glucoside |
· A liquid non-ionic surfactant
· Made from vegetable-derived fatty acids and glucose · Increases the foaming capacity · Acts as an emulsifier · Allows blending of essential oils and water |
3. Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate |
· A soft white paste derived from the salt of coconut fatty acid amide of N-methyl taurine
· Functions as a surfactant · Cleanses impurities in the scalp without stripping the skin’s natural pH |
4. Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate |
· A foaming and cleaning agent
· Derived from sarcosine, a naturally-occurring amino acid in the body · Attracts excess dirt and oil, so it rinses easily with water · Improves the appearance of the hair |
5. Decyl Glucoside |
· Alkyl glucoside
· Derived from the reaction of glucose from the corn starch with fatty alcohol known as decyl/capric alcohol · It lathers easily · Acts as a surfactant · Helps in removing dirt and oils from the hair. |
6. Cocoamidopropyl Betaine |
· A surfactant derived from natural coconut oil
· Slightly yellow in color · Creates a thick and rich lather · Leaves hair soft and easy to comb |
7. Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate |
· An amber liquid with a faint fruity odor
· Cleans the hair by allowing water to mix with oil and dirt so that these can be rinsed away · Enhances the appearance of the hair. |
8. Polyquaternium -10 |
· A cloudy, straw-colored liquid
· Functions as an antistatic agent · A film former · A hair fixative |
9. Polyquaternium 73 | · Softens the hair
· Adds shiny effect to them |
10. D-Panthenol (Vitamin B5) |
· Made from pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B-5
· Softens and strengthens the hair · Adds shine to them |
11. PEG-12 Dimethicone | · Acts as a skin and hair conditioning agent |
12. Natural Apple Cider Vinegar |
· Rich in vitamins and minerals – namely vitamin B and C
· Helps lower the pH of the hair and balances their health · Combats the bacteria and fungi that cause scalp and hair problems · Prevents dandruff · Exfoliate the scalp |
13. Nettle Leaf Extract |
· Rich in silica and Sulphur
· Combats hair loss Makes hair healthier and shinier |
14. Saw Palmetto Extract | · Balances hormone levels
· Prevents hair loss |
15. Almond Oil |
· It is rich in vitamin B-7, or biotin
· Softens and strengthens the hair · Protects the hair against sun damage · Used as a scalp treatment |
16. Argan Oil |
· Contains essential fatty acids, and vitamin E
· Keeps hair soft and hydrated · Minimizes frizz · Soothes the dry, itchy scalp |
17. Sodium Benzoate |
· Acts a corrosion inhibitor
· Fragrance ingredient · Preservative · Combats bacteria in the hair |
18. Potassium Sorbate |
· Prevents shampoo from spoilage by Preventing the development of microorganisms. |
19. PEG-150 Distearate | · A strong surfactant
· Makes oil-in-water emulsions possible |
20. Fragrance & Color C. I 15985 | · Sunset Yellow Powder (Golden)
· Cosmetic Colorant |
These are all the ingredients used in Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo.
How to Use it?
The directions to apply and use this shampoo are as follow:
- Wet your hair
- Apply a decent amount of shampoo to your palm
- Massage it well into wet hair and scalp using your fingertips
- Create a rich lather
- Rinse thoroughly
Limitations
Upon further research, I found the following disappointing areas in this shampoo:
- Dry and Itchy Scalp: After few uses, you will feel your scalp super dry and itchy. You will feel as if your scalp is on fire. But hey, don’t worry! After few days of use, you will actually be able to see the results.
- The Cap of the Bottle is Troublesome to Open: It is not easy to open up the shampoo’s bottle in the shower since it has been designed this way. But the solution to this problem is that you should pre-open the cap before your hands get all wet.
Besides these, you won’t notice anything problematic in Wow Shampoo.
Let’s have a quick review of the things I liked and disliked in Wow Apple Cider Vinegar shampoo.
Things I Liked | Things I Disliked |
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Conclusion
Wow, Apple Cider Vinegar shampoo is best for combination hair. It clarifies the scalp by clearing up the buildups, controls and combats dandruff, and prevents frizziness in the hair. The shampoo contains natural and hydrating ingredients that soften, smoothen and strengthen the hair. You will feel your hair and scalp itchy and dry at first, but everything will be fine after few days of use.
Kerastase Specifique Bain Divalent
This is the second shampoo on my list.
Introduction
It is a unisex shampoo designed for greasy scalps and dry hair. The shampoo has nourishing ingredients that soften and lighten the hair.
What does it do?
The shampoo does the following tasks:
- Cleanses and balances the scalp
- Detangles and nourishes the hair
- Makes hair soft, supple, and light
Ingredients
Below enlisted are the ingredients used in Kerastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo along with their advantage.
Ingredients |
Use |
1. Aqua/Water | · Primarily used as a solvent
· Forms oil-in-water emulsion |
2. Sodium Laureth Sulfate | · Soap
· Adds foam and suds to the mix |
3. Tea Lauryl Sulfate | · Surfactant
· Cleansing Agent |
4. Cocamide Mipa |
· A mixture of isopropanolamides of coconut acid
· Functions as a surfactant foam booster · Viscosity increasing agent · Emulsifier and stabilizer |
5. Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate |
· Clean the hair by helping water to mix with oil and dirt so that these substances can be rinsed away
· Increase foaming capacity or stabilize foams |
6. Glycol Distearate |
· Chemical compound
· Combination of ethylene glycol and stearic acid · Used as an emollient |
7. Sodium Chloride |
· Regulate the consistency of the finished product
· Has some emulsifying effects |
8. Hexylene Glycol |
· Surfactant
· Emulsifier · Viscosity-reducing agent |
9. Sodium Benzoate |
· Acts as a corrosion inhibitor
· Fragrance ingredient · Preservative · Anti-fungal agent · Has some effectiveness against bacteria |
10. Capryloyl Glycine | · Restricts the growth of bacteria
· Controls excessive secretion of sebum |
11. Sodium Methylparaben | · Type of Paraben
· Preservative |
12. Polyquaternium-11 |
· Quaternary ammonium compound
· Used as a conditioning agent · Provides instant detangling · Adds volume to the hair |
13. Salicylic Acid |
· Help get rid of flakes
· Moisturizes a dry scalp · Maintain scalp’s moisture levels |
14. Carbomer |
· A series of polymers that are derived from acrylic acid
· Has the ability to absorb and retain large amounts of water |
15. Ethylparaben | · Preservative |
16. Pyridoxine HCI
|
· The hydrochloride salt of Vitamin B6
· Hair conditioning agent |
17. Menthoxypropanediol | · Cooling agent
· Derived from menthol |
18. Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride |
· An organic compound that is a water-soluble quaternary ammonium derivative of guar gum
· Gives conditioning properties to shampoos |
19. Hexyl Cinnamal | · Fragrance Additive |
20. Isopropanolamine | · pH controller
· Helps to form emulsions |
21. Butylphenyl Methylpropional | · A synthetic aromatic aldehyde |
22. Linalool | · A colorless to very pale yellow liquid
· Functions as a fragrance ingredient |
23. Methylparaben | · Preservative |
24. Citronellol |
· A naturally-derived ingredient
· Used as a fragrance due to its sweet, floral scent |
25. Benzyl Alcohol | · A non-volatile alcohol
· Used as a preservative |
26. Sodium Hydroxide | · pH adjuster |
27. Citric Acid |
· Keeps shampoo at the right pH level
· Helps the cuticle maintain a smooth, flat surface |
28. Parfum/Fragrance | · An undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients |
These are all the ingredients used in this shampoo.
How to Use it?
Following enlisted are the directions to apply and use Bain Divalent Shampoo
- Wet hair
- Apply the shampoo
- Emulsify
- Massage it into scalp and hair
- Rinse
Limitations
This shampoo has the following downsides:
- Pricey: This shampoo is a bit heavy on the pocket.
Besides being expensive, this shampoo is lovely.
Let’s have a quick review of the things I liked and disliked in Kerastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo.
Things I Liked | Things I Disliked |
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Conclusion
If you are experiencing greasy scalps and dry hair, Kerastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo is definitely for you. It cleanses and balances the scalp. More above all, it makes hair really smooth and soft. Although it’s a bit pricey, it actually provides very great results on the hair.
Iles Formula – Haute Performance Shampoo
This is the third and final shampoo on my list.
Introduction
Iles Formula – Haute Performance Shampoo contains antioxidant-rich ingredients and works perfectly on all hair types. It neither strips out hair color nor makes the hair dry. Also, it adds volume and body to the hair. The shampoo is free from sulfates.
What does it do?
This shampoo does wonders on hair in the following ways:
- It detangles the hair
- It provides protection to the hair
- It repairs the hair
- Provides manageability and silky texture to the hair
- Cleanses the hair
- Nourishes the hair
- Adds volume and body to the hair
How to Use it?
Using and applying this shampoo is easy and breezy.
- Wet your hair
- Massage the shampoo into the hair with the help of your fingers
- Instead of applying more shampoo, apply water, for this shampoo activates with the help of water
- Rinse your hair
That’s all!
Limitations
The only downside of this shampoo is:
- Leaves a Greasy Residue: You have to make sure that the shampoo is washed off properly; otherwise, it will leave a greasy residue, and your hair will feel heavy.
Let’s have a quick review of the things I liked and disliked in Iles Formula – Haute Performance Shampoo.
Things I Liked | Things I Disliked |
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Iles Formula – Haute Performance Shampoo is absolutely worth purchasing. It is free from sulfates, works perfectly with all hair types, and doesn’t strip out hair color. This shampoo is ideal for combination hair.
How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Combination Hair?
To make things easy for you and decide on one shampoo, I have summed up few factors that are very important to account for while choosing the best shampoo for combination hair.
- Types of Shampoos
A shampoo can be of different types and for various purposes such as non-moisturizing, hydrating, color-safe, thickening, strengthening, smoothing, and so on. How do you know which one to choose and which one to drop? Well, you need to be clear about your hair type and your scalp’s requirements.
For your convenience, I have listed down each type of shampoo along with its purpose.
Types of Shampoo |
Purpose |
Hydrating/Moisturizing | · Adds moisture, shine, and smoothness
· Ideal for thick, curly, and coarse hair |
Volumizing |
· Perfect for fine and limp hair
· Adds an extra boost to the hair without making them heavy in weight |
Strengthening |
· Good for damaged, highlighted, brittle, and over-processed hair
· Contains extra protein · Improves hair’s appearance |
Balancing | · Not too moisturizing
· Does not dry out your hair |
Smoothing |
· Contains extra moisturizers and smoothing agents
· Seals the cuticle · Provides smoothness to the hair |
Curly hair shampoo | · Moisturizing
· Reduces frizz · Perfect for curly hair |
- Types of Hair
I have also categorized different hair types along with the shampoos they require.
- Dry Hair: If you have dry hair, your primary target should be looking for a shampoo that moisturizes your hair. Dry hair is prone to breakage, frizz, brittleness, and tangles. For this reason, you must opt for moisturizing or creamy shampoo, for it reduces frizz and conditions the hair.
- Oily Hair: Ingredients like sulfates and salicylic acid are known to remove oils and dirt, so you should look for a shampoo that contains those ingredients. It is worth mentioning that you must avoid hydrating, moisturizing, and creamy shampoos. They add moisture and grease to the scalp.
- Color–Treated Hair: As color-treated hair has been exposed to chemical treatments. They should be washed with shampoos specifically designed for color-treated hair. One tip I can give you in this regard is to avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, for they are known to fade the hair’s color. Also, wash your hair every few days.
- Fine Hair: This type of hair should be washed with volumizing and non-creamy shampoos. Because fine hair has a silky texture and requires less drying time, it can become oily. For this reason, you must avoid moisturizing and creamy shampoos.
- Curly Hair: Curly hair requires special treatment to preserve the natural definition and texture of the curls. That is why you should opt either for a moisturizing shampoo or for a shampoo that is rich in protein.
- Types of Scalp
There are two types of the scalp: either oily or dry.
Oily Scalp: If you suffer from oil scalp, you should look for a shampoo designed for controlling excess sebum – namely volumizing, strengthening, or balancing. You must avoid hydrating, moisturizing, and smoothening shampoo for they add extra moisture to the scalp. The clarifying shampoo also works best with an oily scalp.
Dry Scalp: If you suffer from itching due to your dry scalp, you should look for a moisturizing shampoo. You must avoid shampoos containing sulfates, for they make your scalp extra dry. Ingredients known to provide moisture to the scalp are aloe vera, egg protein, soy milk, shea butter, and glycerin.
Wrapping it up!
That brings us to the end of the article.
I hope you would find it really informative and helpful. I hope you would now be able to choose the right and best shampoo for your combination hair. Thank you for reading the whole article.