How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Your Hair

Mane Problems
Frizz, dryness

You Need...
Hydrating shampoo and conditioner. On the ingredients list, look for fatty alcohols like cetyl and stearyl alcohol, which protect and moisturize, and silicones to add shine and softness, says Pantene senior scientist Rolanda Johnson Wilkerson, PhD. For extremely dry hair, use a deep conditioner weekly.

Try:
• Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo and Conditioner, $19 and $20; Redken.com for salons.
• John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Deep Conditioner, $10; drugstores.
• Herbal Essences Wild Naturals Rejuvenating Shampoo and Conditioner, $6 each; drugstores.

Avoid...
Clarifying shampoo. It's designed to remove stubborn product buildup and can increase dryness, Wilkerson says.

Mane Problems
Flatness, frizz, damage

You Need...
Volumizing shampoo and conditioner that also boost shine. Look for panthenol, which moisturizes and increases sleekness and shine without weighing down hair, says Wilkerson. To strengthen damaged, brittle hair, use a conditioner with amino acids or keratin, adds Boston hairstylist Mario Russo.

Try:
• Nexxus New York Salon Care Diametress Rebalancing Shampoo, $12, and Restoring Conditioner, $17; drugstores.
• Pantene Pro-V Full & Strong Body Building Shampoo and Flexible Conditioner, $4 each; drugstores.

Avoid...
Deep conditioners. They contain high levels of moisturizing ingredients, which can make straight hair appear lifeless, Wilkerson says.

Mane Problems
Breakage, dryness

You Need...
Shampoo and conditioner that detangle, soften, and moisturize to treat the breakage caused by processing and styling. Look for silicones, like dimethicone, which help detangle hair, and natural oils, like coconut oil, to quench dryness. Because coarse hair needs intense moisturizing, add a hydrating hair mask to your routine once a week, says celebrity stylist Ken Paves. As hair improves, use it just twice a month and then eventually once a month.

Try:
• Motions Active Moisture Lavish Shampoo and Plus Conditioner, $5 each; drugstores.
• Ken Paves You Are Beautiful Thick Conditioning Mask, $18; Walmart.com.
• SoftSheen-Carson Optimum Salon Haircare Amla Legend Moisture Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner, $6.50 each; drugstores.

Avoid...
Protein treatments. They can cause the hair to stiffen and break, says Motions celebrity stylist Ursula Stephen.