With so much choice out there, choosing the right shampoo can feel a bit overwhelming. But when you find the right one, it can make all the difference to the look, feel and health of your hair, so it’s important to get it right. Here’s our guide to finding your perfect match.

Identifying your scalp type

First things first. When choosing a shampoo, it’s just as important to consider the condition of your scalp, as your shampoo is for cleaning both your scalp and your hair. Here’s how to work out your scalp type:

Oily scalp: If your scalp gets oily or greasy a day or two after washing, you have an oily scalp. Avoid moisturising or hydrating shampoos as these will be too heavy. Opt instead for clarifying, volumising or balancing shampoos that remove excess oils more effectively, and only apply conditioner to your mid-lengths and ends.
Dry Scalp: If your scalp feels tight, itchy or flaky, it’s likely to be dry. Look for a shampoo with a moisturising formulation that will help hydrate your scalp and sooth any irritation and discomfort. Avoid shampoos containing sulphates which can be drying.
Balanced Scalp: A balanced scalp feels comfortable between washes, not too oily or dry, and with a balanced amount of oil production. You don’t experience any real concerns with your scalp, so look for formulas that are suited to your hair type, just being sure to choose a formulation that won’t strip your scalp’s natural oils.

Now that you know your scalp type, here’s what you need to think about it when choosing a shampoo that’s right for your hair type:

If you have fine or thinning hair

Fine or thinning hair can look flat and limp, so the key is to avoid heavy, creamy products that will weigh it down further. Look for volumising shampoos like Aveda’s Invati Ultra Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo-Light (£33) that will lift your locks and create the illusion of fullness. With wintergreen-derived salicylic acid, the lightweight formula gently exfoliates the scalp to remove sebum, product build-up and residues that can clog the pores, without causing irritation. When used alongside Invati Ultra Advanced Thickening Conditioner-Light (£37.50), it instantly thickens the hair and helps reduce hair loss.

If you have thick hair

Thick hair needs hydration to lock in moisture, tame frizz and leave it shiny and sleek. Hydrating or moisturising formulas are your best bet for softening hair and enhancing shine. Aveda’s Smooth Infusion Anti-Frizz Shampoo (£27) is a great choice for making thicker hair more manageable. With Kalahari melon seed oil and Tamanu oil, it smooths and conditions from root to tip, while the plant-based polymer shield creates a protective barrier against humidity, so you can say goodbye to frizz and flyaways.

If you have curly or wavy hair

Curly and wavy hair types are naturally more fragile, and prone to dryness and frizz. You need a hydrating shampoo that boosts moisture and reduces frizz, giving your natural texture more definition. Aveda’s Be Curly Advanced Shampoo (£30) is a game-changer for curls, coils and waves. Creamy and sulphate and silicone free, its plant protein derived formula removes product build up without stripping the hair’s natural oils, replenishing the hair structure to leave curl patterns looking smoother, healthier and more defined.

If you have damaged or coloured hair

Hair that has been damaged by heat styling or chemical treatments, including colouring, needs extra TLC. The right shampoo can help repair and nourish damaged hair, as well as protect your colour, making it look vibrant for longer. When it comes to treating damaged hair in the salon, Aveda’s Botanical Repair Strengthening Shampoo (£30) is a favourite, and for good reason. It’s formulated to gently remove excess oil, product build-up and pollution which can cause hair breakage, while the innovative plant-powered bond building complex strengthens and repairs hair from within.

Whether your hair is fine, thick, curly or damaged, the right shampoo will make styling easier and keep your locks looking their best. Your stylist will be happy to advise you on the perfect products for your hair. You can also get a tailored hair and scalp care routine from Aveda by taking their quiz- it only takes 5 minutes.

Team Shine’s favourite local restaurants and cafés

When we’re not busy helping you achieve your dream hair, you’ll probably find us grabbing a bite at one of the many amazing restaurants and cafés around Brighton and Hove (often thanks to our lovely clients’ recommendations!). This month, a few of our team members have shared their favourite local spots, and we think you’ll love them too:

Veronica- ‘I love Kusaki. It’s the best spot for vegan Japanese food in Brighton. It’s a bit pricey but the food is so excellent that it feels good value, and the atmosphere is lovely and relaxed.’

Saori- ‘My favourite local café is Rawlab on Trafalgar Street. So Japanese, and so cute! And of course, the food tastes great too!’

Jonathan- “We're so lucky in Brighton to have such an incredible food scene, with so many great places to eat. Two of my all-time favourites are La Choza and The Chilli Pickle- both just a stone's throw from Shine! For a special occasion, I’d recommend heading to Tutto or The Salt Room, and I’m really excited to try the newly opened Coal Shed on North Street."

Miriam- ‘My favourite meal has to be a Sunday roast, and The Ginger Pig in Hove serves some of the best in town. It has more of a restaurant feel, making it the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. Just down the road, The Connaught also does a great roast, and their lovely garden makes it a nice spot in the summer.’

Franco- ‘Right now, my favourite spot has to be Red Snapper. The food is delicious, packed with healthy ingredients, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting—perfect for a relaxed meal.’

Cecilia- ‘Trading Post is my go-to for my morning oat flat white, while I love going to The Eagle for drinks. If you like sushi, Oshio on Trafalgar Street is the place to go!’

That’s all for this month. Book your next appointment with us online, by email or over the phone. Hope to see you soon!