Reader Roll Call: What shampoo works best for you?

08 June 2010 ~ 54 Comments

Reader Roll Call: What shampoo works best for you?

Once in a while I take a roll call just to see how you handle products and haircare. This roll call was sparked by Pilar.

“HELP! HELP! HELP

I’ve been natural my whole life but I haven’t found the right shampoo for me. In the past three months, I’ve gone through 6 different shampoos and none of them work for me. Some left a filmy layer on my hair, others left it brittle, and then there were a few that killed my curls. My mainstay conditioner is Giovanni’s Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture which I love but my scalp needs to get cleaned or it flakes and itches like crazy. I need something that cleanse and allows my curls to look their best but I can’t dish out the big bucks since I’m a broke college student. Please help me find a shampoo that can get the job done!”

I “shampoo” my hair with a mixture of bentonite clay powder, apple cider vinegar and baking soda. That combo does a great job of cleaning my scalp and removing product buildup without leaving my hair feeling stripped/dry. You can find all three of those ingredients at Whole Foods and they’re pretty cheap.

For a cheaper option, I love Organix’ line of shampoos. They’re really gentle but also do a great job at cleansing. Plus you can find them at Walgreens! My favorite is the Revitalizing Pomegranate Green Tea Shampoo… I’ve also heard that the Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo is really good.

What about you guys? What shampoo do you use to cleanse your scalp and remove product buildup without stripping/drying out your hair?

54 Responses to “Reader Roll Call: What shampoo works best for you?”

Tai 8 June 2010 at 1:49 pm Permalink

I love organix coconut milk shampoo and conditioner and their mousse…basically I use all of their products…

My mother recently purchased Wen Fig Cleansing Conditioner…its a no sud conditioner but I use it once in awhile since it is on the expensive side. http://new.wenhaircare.com/index.php

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carri 8 June 2010 at 1:53 pm Permalink

I use Dr. Bronner’s Magic Pure Castile Classic Soaps, INGREDIENTS:
Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide**, Organic Olive Oil*, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Natural Almond Fragrance, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
* CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
** None remains after saponifying oils into soap and glycerin….it leaves my hair feeling and smelling so good, its also cleanses very good no sludge, no build up no nothing ,I buy it at the WHOLE FOOD STORE.

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Erica 8 June 2010 at 1:56 pm Permalink

I have recently discovered the “Shea Moisture” line of organic hair care products. I use their shampoo, conditioner, hair milk, and curl smoothie. Before, I would only co-wash my hair with Treseme weekly, but now I use Shea Moisture shampoo once a week. It smells great and does not leave my hair feeling squeaky clean. Also, I previsously used Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue once a week. Now, I use Shea Moisture Curt Smoothie. I get the same results with the Curl Smoothie, its half the price of Miss Jessie’s and is organic! Everyone should try it!

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Tiffany 8 June 2010 at 2:08 pm Permalink

I do the Apple Cider vinegar rinse too. I like Carols daughter Rosemary and Mint shampoo, it makes your head tingle and is so relaxing. I use weekly RenPure My hair is Parched, My hair loves it.

Peace, Love and Chocolate
Tiffany

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jlowman1 8 June 2010 at 2:21 pm Permalink

For a super clarifying shampoo to get all the gunk out, I use Hello Hydaration Shampoo but if I just want some a little more gentle I use Kinky Curly Come Clean shampoo…

If I dont have either of these, Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Castile Soap Bar.

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Sharon 8 June 2010 at 2:24 pm Permalink

About a year ago I started using Silicon Mix, a Dominican line of products. I love their shampoo, intense conditioner and leave-in conditioner. My hair looks and feels healthy, and even has a sheen. I’m really happy I found it.

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- Gigi 16 November 2011 at 2:28 pm Permalink
  
  OMG! I thought I was the only one that knows and uses Silicon Mix!!! Lol, I love their products and my hair feels amazing afterwards! :)
  
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ashley 8 June 2010 at 2:26 pm Permalink

I love Gionvani Organic Golden Wheat Shampoo. It is cheap, organic makes my hair AND scalp feel amazing. No sulfates and did I mention cheap? I stocked up on 4 bottles for $3.50 at TJ Maxx

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Transitioning Again.... 8 June 2010 at 2:33 pm Permalink

Carols Daughter! I love the hair milk and the black vanilla shampoo and leave in conditiner. I have 3inchs of new growth and it really keeps my hair mosturized and my hair is not brittle at the line of demarcartion! I can’t wait until they come out with the new hair milk line :)

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NewRibena 8 June 2010 at 2:50 pm Permalink

I’ve been using the Curls Cleansing Cream with great results. It is sulfate free and very gentle and non drying on my hair.

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AdriB 8 June 2010 at 3:05 pm Permalink

I’d say work to shampoo your scalp, not your hair. The little bit of suds you get in the rinse should be good enough for your strands. I can use just about anything if I do that. I’ve used sandlewood soap as well; makes my curls super-defined and bouncy! (Note: there is always shrinkage with better curl definition, so if you’re going for a long look, ditch the soap!) Sea Breeze is good for the scalp too. Cuts all the grease from you scalp, but leaves the hair alone.

I haven’t used it in a while, but I remember Creme of Nature being SUPER moisturizing.

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Bri 8 June 2010 at 3:08 pm Permalink

Head and Shoulders shampoo and conditioner. Rinses clean.
I’m not too savvy about products so that works for my simple routine.
I actually don’t know about much else.

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AdriB 8 June 2010 at 3:08 pm Permalink

Also, try keeping the conditioner off your scalp. I read that somewhere on the Internet. Its for your hair. That might help.

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thelady 8 June 2010 at 3:42 pm Permalink

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Pure Castile Liquid Soap – diluted with water
Kinky Curly Come Clean – when I don’t have oil or shea in my hair

I’ve started braiding my hair before I shampoo to prevent tangles now that that my hair is longer.

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Steph302 8 June 2010 at 3:49 pm Permalink

I use Giovanni Smooth as Silk shampoo and conditioner. It’s an organic hair care line that conditions my 4c hair very well. I also love Oyin Handmade’s Honey Hemp conditioner. The honey gives me good curl pop.

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Jc 8 June 2010 at 4:11 pm Permalink

Whatever my husband has bought!

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Shones 8 June 2010 at 4:48 pm Permalink

I’ve had great results with each of the following three ‘poos:

- Chagrin Valley shampoo bars at http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com/. The one with marshmallow worked quite well for cleansing. Made my hair soft, but not uber-squeaky.
- Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap – comes in many different scents. This one actually does tend to lean more toward squeaky clean. Works best for me when diluted with water. Hmm, maybe I should mix it with conditioner…
- Baking soda + water in a squirt bottle, shaken – idea from MotownGirl.com. If you follow with organic apple cider vinegar, clean and soft. Rinse after ACV with water to get rid of the scent.

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CutieCourt 8 June 2010 at 4:56 pm Permalink

I use black soap shampoo…its very moisturizing and cleans my scalp really well.

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skeeta25 8 June 2010 at 5:04 pm Permalink

I use suave clarifying shampoo once a month (1.50, can’t beat that!) Sometimes I shampoo in between the month, then I will use a generic black bar soap from my local beauty supply for like $3 bucks. Its makes my hair feel so good! Its simple and cheap.

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Shauna 8 June 2010 at 5:43 pm Permalink

What I’ve been using the past two months or so is some watered down Dr. Bonner’s Peppermint Castile Soap. I use that head to toe for everything, really. My hair has been pretty good with it so far, and I follow with a rinse of ACV.

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Torri 8 June 2010 at 5:57 pm Permalink

Nature’s Gate Herbal Daily Shampoo and its sold at Whole Foods, Central Market or online.

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Micaela S 8 June 2010 at 7:00 pm Permalink

I’m still trying to find my staple but for now I really like Elucence Moisture Balancing Shampoo and Giovanni Shampoos.

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nana yaa 8 June 2010 at 8:54 pm Permalink

I use dr bronners diluted. love the almond.

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Janice 8 June 2010 at 9:17 pm Permalink

4b hair should avoid gel-based shampoos like Nature’s Gate. Even if they don’t have sulfates/parabens, they are drying. Condition-wash and natural washes (once a month) like ACV, baking soda, etc are good and gentle.

I’m also on the Dr. Bronner’s train.

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- AtEase 3 June 2011 at 1:43 am Permalink
  
  I have 4 abcxyz hair tighter than tight coils and if I do that my scalp is not happy.
  
  Also from what I’ve read ACV only lowers pH and doesn’t really “clarify”,baking soda is rough (it is crystals) and has a high pH = Not for me.
  
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A. Fobi 8 June 2010 at 10:34 pm Permalink

Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle rose or White Camelia Shampoo is the number one contender on my list. Has worked for me for the last year and half. It can be found at your local natural food store or Whole foods or online. I just picked up on using black soap so I’m going to give it a try when the poos run out.

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Ashley 8 June 2010 at 10:54 pm Permalink

I tend to stick to cheap shampoos like VO5.

However, I’ve used Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship and loved it. When I’m not being cheap, I find that Herbal Essences and Aussie products work well.

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binks 8 June 2010 at 11:34 pm Permalink

I have problems with shampoo myself because most leave my hair dry but right now I’ am using Doo Gro

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Taharqa 9 June 2010 at 3:43 am Permalink

Tropic Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil shampoo. I use most of their line (black castor oil pomade, pure black castor oil, and now their shampoo)I have shoulder length hair now but I had some breakage @ the hair line. I’m seeing new growth and my hair seems to be getting thicker. FLOVES IT. I also have been alternating between Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle shampoo & Alaffia Neem oil and Black Soap shampoo for the last 4 years. But for the breakage, the castor oil shampoo seems to work! I think I’m gonna stick with that for awhile.

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BigSyd4life 9 June 2010 at 8:56 am Permalink

Anything, anything, anything from the Nature’s Gate line!!!! I love this stuff!!!! I only condition, using Jojoba Revitalizing COnditioner, but they have tons of other great shampoos/conditioners and soooo much more!! The best part….it’s ALL NATURAL!!! Yes, you heard right, all organic, no cones, no parabens. And it leaves the hair so soft, smooth, and supple, I just love it! Sorry….I’m getting a little carried away, but trust me, check out their website at

http://www.natures-gate.com/index.asp

And if you’re unsure about any of the ingredients, they have a list on their website of all the ingredients, telling you what they are, and how they use them in their products.

Ok, sounds like they should be paying me to advertise for them, lol, but anyway, good luck!!!

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BigSyd4life 9 June 2010 at 8:59 am Permalink

Sorry, I forgot to add that the price tag can run you anywhere from 5-8 bucks. Not too bad, my bottles last me at least two months, but then again, I only wash when needed, not necessarily every week. Also, you can order online, but I get my supply from the ‘Vitamin Shoppe’ Check it out!!

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b. 9 June 2010 at 9:12 am Permalink

Seconding the motion on Nature’s Gate Herbal Shampoo. I :heart: Nature’s Gate most of the time, and my hair is pen-spring size in the largest part (4b at *least*). It’s one of the few shampoos that does NOT dry my hair while still cleansing my scalp. I co-wash most of the time, but I find that even with keeping most of my leave-in off my scalp it still becomes dry after a few days. I am currently trying to prepoo my scalp with tea tree oil (the brand in the bottle, not just the EO) to see if that will help. (This means I massage it in my scalp right before washing.) The jury’s still out on that.

I really love Nature’s Gate Pomegranate and Awapuhi conditioners, especially as a light leave-in! The are rather thin, but keep the hair oh-so-soft!

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J 9 June 2010 at 9:37 am Permalink

* diluted Dr. Bronner’s castile peppermint soap
* SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus shampoo

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AfroKisses 9 June 2010 at 11:50 am Permalink

Whenever I feel like I have buildup or dandruff I use Dr.Bronner’s soap and I know most folks use the liquid but I actually use the bar. I don’t rub a bar of soap through my hair; I just rub it in my hands along with water and slowly work it into my hair. This leaves my scalp feeling SO good but I definitely pay special attention to conditioning and moisturizing after I do this. Otherwise I like to co-wash with Vo5 conditioner(one without protein) and sometimes I use their shampoo(moisture milks) and it works better than some of the more expensive brands for my hair.

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Krys 9 June 2010 at 12:22 pm Permalink

I use David Babaii For Wildaid Hydrating Shampoo (awesome!!) and Giovanni Smooth as Silk conditioner….I love this conditioner….

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Jasmyn 9 June 2010 at 10:19 pm Permalink

I think Cream of Nature’s shampoo works for me. I tried some sulfate free shampoo from Vitamin World, but I think it was irritating my scalp. Weird but true.

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Erika 9 June 2010 at 11:16 pm Permalink

I use Suave Professionals Shea Butter and Almond Moisturizing shampoo:

http://www.walgreens.com/store/catalog/Shampoo/Professionals-Moisturizing-Shampoo/ID=prod6013755-product?V=G&ec=frgl_&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=sku6012709

This shampoo leaves my hair soft and it doesn’t strip my hair or wallet. LoL The conditioner is amazing too!

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Jarquisha Hollings 10 June 2010 at 2:54 am Permalink

I use Giovanni’s Smooth As Silk Deeper Moisture Shampoo/Conditioner. My curls pop after shampooing twice.

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Shell 10 June 2010 at 6:24 pm Permalink

Recently, I have been washing my hair with baking soda and water. It is wonderful. Cleans my hair and makes my hair shine.

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DM 10 June 2010 at 8:37 pm Permalink

i make a shikakai tea that i use to shampoo my scalp. it makes my scalp feel clean and my hair feels strong and not stripped of moisture. its a time investment to make but when i do i make alot of it and fill it up into bottles and jugs and refrigerate. if you want the recipe just email me at demena24@aol.com

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Hannah 11 June 2010 at 7:14 pm Permalink

I alternate between Dr. Bronners Magic Castile Soap(diluted), and Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Brilliant Curl Shampoo. I use Dr. Bronner’s when my scalp is feeling itchy or I have a lot of product buildup, typically once a week or every two weeks, if I use too much or don’t dilute it it gives my hair a squeaky clean feeling and sometimes it can be overly dry; I noticed yesterday after washing my hair it seemed to clump my curls, but that probably always happens before I comb my conditioner through. I use Shea Moisture whenever I feel like it, it’s very light, smells A-MAZING and it’s ingredients are Deionized water, sugar beets, certified organic coconut oil, certified organic shea butter, aloe vera leaf juice, vitamin E, neem seed oil, sodium lauroyl lactylate (coconut oil), vitamin b-5, rosemary extract, silk protein, honeysuckle flower and Japanese honeysuckle flower extract. Shea Moisture’s products are GREAT!

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Dee 14 July 2010 at 1:55 am Permalink

I recently purchased Carol’s Daughter rosemary shampoo & conditioner….LOVE the shampoo…but the conditioner really don’t work for my hair….it won’t detangle it…the hair milk leaves my hair soft and very manageable.

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Janice 21 August 2010 at 9:17 pm Permalink

I’ve been using Aveda Damage Remedy since March and my hair has never been softer or healthier! I can actually come through it! It was expensive but I’m worth it :)

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teachermrw 31 August 2010 at 6:54 pm Permalink

Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo. It is now available as a sulfate-free formulation. Being a user of the previous sulfate formulation, I was concerned as to how my hair would respond. Fortunately, it responded favorably.

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Miesha 4 September 2010 at 7:37 pm Permalink

Hi,
I am a natural nubi and not a product junky as I am also suffering from eczema from scalp to body.

I came across this product while looking up Tropic Isle Living hair line and found Sakari hair mask on the SheabutterCottage distributor’s website.
Do you know anything about this product or care to do a review on it please?

Thank you in advance,
Miesha.

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- gracie 5 October 2011 at 10:19 am Permalink
  
  Hi Miesha, I’m afraid I haven’t heard about the product you mention but I used to suffer from eczema. Now I hardly ever get it. Are you eating dairy? For me what radically reduced eczema was a dairy-free diet. Also reducing stress by cutting down caffeine, alcohol, smoking and by getting enough exercise and also getting counselling when I was feeling low or anxious.
  I couldn’t use any kind of soap but I did use emulsifying ointment or aqueous cream as a hair, face and body wash for many years as it is super cheap and non-allergenic
  
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Yaya84 28 September 2010 at 3:44 pm Permalink

I clarify with Organic Root Stimulator Creamy Aloe shampoo

For regular shampoo I like Elasta QP Creme conditioning shampoo.

Both diluted with distilled water or Aloe Vera Juice

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Miatta 29 September 2010 at 12:09 am Permalink

So I tried the ACV + bentonite clay rinse and I don’t believe it did it properly because my hair felt kinda dry. How much ACV to bentontie clay should I use next time?

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mangomadness 26 October 2010 at 1:23 pm Permalink

I use Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo. It’s a very moisturizing low-lather shampoo that makes my hair fluffy, soft and fragrant. It’s the only shampoo I’ll ever use on my hair–It’s that good.

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helga crane 18 December 2010 at 9:02 pm Permalink

MyHoneyChild’s Olive You Scalp Cleanser

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beautylosangeles 3 June 2011 at 3:50 pm Permalink

I am having a SERIOUS Love AFFAir with Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner and Qhemet Biologics Egyptian Hair Tea!! LAWD HAV MERCY

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beautylosangeles 3 June 2011 at 3:52 pm Permalink

My Coils are conditioned and Shiny Due to Organix and Qhemet Biologics.

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TheBeautifulOne 24 July 2011 at 12:59 am Permalink

Giovanni smooth as silk deep moisture shampoo

But I only shampoo my hair once in a while, as in not very often….I co wash with Garnier Frutis fortifying triple nutrition/action cream conditioner, it has avocado, Shea butter, and olive oil in it…. I LOVE IT…..it’s the best thing ever…. :)

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