That straight, sleek hair. Shiny, beautiful hair.

 

It’s every girl’s dream to have beautiful hair. This dream never fades away. You always want to find a better shampoo or conditioner that transforms your hair into heavenly beautiful hair.

 

Imagine you finally found the perfect shampoo that is just right for your hair and your friends started to notice how smooth, shiny your hair became! 

 

I could help you find that secret shampoo. Why?

 

I was a hair model back in the day, having appeared in advertising for Pantene and more.

— one of the shots from Pantene campaign in 2010: photo by Rankin —

— me on the Pantene global site 2010 below —

 

My Japanese dark straight hair was much appreciated by the industry (thank you🙏). I got to know quite a lot about hair working with top hairstylists and hair salons.

 

My hair was even used to make commercial wigs when I was little.

That’s right – people asked me to grow my hair very long so they could use my hair for wigs! As a child, I had no idea whatsoever why people wanted my hair. Apparently, I had the hair people desired… 

 

I remember my mother made sure to keep my hair in the best conditions at all times. It is something ingrained in me still to this day.

Japanese shampoo = my secret for beautiful hair

 

In this article, I’m going to share my secret – best Japanese shampoos, followed by my personal tips on how to maintain beautiful hair.

Ready to discover :)? Let’s get to it!

 

 

Why Japanese Shampoos are Special

 

credit: https://www.kracie.co.jp/

 

High Quality

 

As is the case with Japanese skincare products, you can expect high quality from Japanese shampoos – even from Japanese drugstore shampoos.

There are over 1,200 different shampoos sold in Japan according to a local beauty site. The industry is extremely competitive.

It means you must come out the very best to compete.

It naturally raises the standard as many brands introduce more advanced shampoos every year.

 

 

For Every Hair Type

 

It is ingrained in the Japanese company culture – YOU (customers) are the inspiration.

Every one of you has different hair and different concerns. The makers of Japanese shampoos had thought of every possible hair trouble:

Dry hair, dull hair, frizzy hair, damaged hair, oily hair, thinning hair, dandruff, hair loss

Japanese shampoos give you a lot of options to choose from, and you will find one that suits your hair type and needs.

 

Natural Ingredients

 

Japanese people are sensitive to the ingredients used in the cosmetics they use. Japanese shampoo brands compete with their unique ingredients that are gentle on the scalp & the skin.

They come infused with a wide range of natural ingredients that do wonders for your hair. 

Conditioning, moisturising, volume-adding. 

Your hair will become smooth, healthy and shiny while gently treated.

 

Fragrance

 

Japanese shampoos have a subtle but lasting fragrance. It lingers long after you’ve finished washing your hair.

Knowing western shampoos, this is one of the reasons why I love Japanese shampoos – the beautiful scent.

You will see your boyfriend or husband goes ‘hummmm’ with a smile.

 

 

15 Best Japanese Shampoos 

 

Here are the best Japanese shampoos based on my personal experience as a Japanese girl, the real voice from my Japanese friends and my research from major Japanese fashion and beauty magazines.

All Made in Japan.

 

Best Japanese Shampoo for Sensitive Skin:

 

courtesy of brand

Minon Amino Moist Hair Shampoo

Sensitive skin | Moisturising | Dandruff

buy on DOKODEMO

(scent: subtle floral)

MINON is a J-Beauty drugstore brand designed for sensitive skin or allergic skin. This shampoo is mildly acidic, allergens-free, non-toxic, sulfate-free. Perfect for itchy scalp or dandruff. It’s so gentle but cleanses thoroughly, leaving your hair soft and moisturised. Kids friendly too.

 

 

Best Japanese Shampoo for Damaged Hair

 

courtesy of brand

ICHIKAMI Smoothcare Shampoo

Repair | Smoothing | Tangled hair

buy on amazon

(scent: sakura, cherry blossom)

ICHIKAMI prides itself in the ancient Japanese adage “hair first, style second” This shampoo is infused with Japanese botanicals which have long been used since ancient times. The secret of beautiful Japanese hair. Sulfate-free, non-silicone. Perfect for tangled, damaged hair. 

ICHIKAMI also offers:

• For fine hair – ICHIKAMI Airy & Silky Shampoo
• For dry hair – ICHIKAMI Soft & Moisturising Shampoo

 

 

Best Japanese Shampoo for Curly or Frizzy Hair

 

courtesy of brand

Dear Beauté HIMAWARI Oil In Shampoo (Rich & Repair)

Repair | Moisturising | Dry skin

buy on amazon

(scent: elegant floral)

HIMAWARI is a Japanese word for sunflower. The HIMAWARI shampoo uses premium sunflower oil which is rich in omega fatty acids. Your hair becomes easy to manage. Sulfate-free, non-silicone, gentle on the skin. Perfect for curly hair or frizzy hair.

HIMAWARI also offers:

• For thin or fine hair – Dear Beauté HIMAWARI Oil In Shampoo (Volume & Repair)
• For dull hair – Dear Beauté HIMAWARI Oil In Shampoo (Gloss & Repair)

 

 

Best Japanese Shampoo for Dry and Dull Hair

 

courtesy of brand

＆ honey Deep Moist Shampoo

Organic | Moisturising | Dull hair

buy on amazon

(scent: peony honey)

＆honey is an award-winning Japanese natural hair care brand using organic ingredients. This shampoo’s ingredients are 100% organic argan oil from Morocco, royal jelly and hyaluronic acid – all highly moisturising. Paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, very mild on the skin. Most of all, it’s got that amazing honey scent! So heavenly.

 

 

Best Natural Japanese Shampoo

 

courtesy of brand

Haru Kurokami Scalp Shampoo

Organic | Multipurpose | Scalp care

buy on amazon

(scent: refreshing citrus)

Haru went an extra mile to make the shampoo 100% natural. It is non-silicone, no synthetic polymers, no preservatives, no mineral oils, no artificial colourants or preservatives. What’s more, it works on many hair troubles! Itchy, greasy skin, dandruff, damage repair and volume care. No need to use a conditioner with this shampoo. It does it all to make your hair shine, literally.

 

 

Best Japanese Hair Salon Shampoo

 

courtesy of brand

Plarmia Hairserum Shampoo by Milbon

Repair | Salon exclusive | Anti-ageing

buy on amazon

(scent: divine floral)

Milbon is the #1 professional hair care company in Japan with a rapidly expanding global footprint. Trusted by over 40,000 salons worldwide, this shampoo has caught many women’s hearts. Its hair nourishing essence makes your hair SO sleek. Your damaged, rough, dry or thinning hair will transform to healthy-looking hair in no time. Perfect for ageing hair care too.

 

 

Best Japanese Shampoo for Coloured, Damaged Hair

 

        courtesy of brand

rinRen Shampoo Rose & Tsubaki

Repair | Dry hair | Sensitive skin

 buy on amazon

( scent: lasting divine tsubaki )

rinRen makes shampoo with carefully selected Japanese flowers & plants (tsubaki, yuzu, etc.). It’s also paraben-free, silicone-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, no artificial colourant or fragrance. It feels so gentle on the skin, yet it cleanses and repairs your hair so heavenly. Many say this shampoo makes hair so manageable that even on a rainy day, their hair stays sleek.

rinRen also offers:

• For more volume, tangled hair – rinRen Yuzu & Ginger Shampoo
• For oily hair, dandruff, scalp care – rinRen Mint & Lemon Shampoo

 

 

Best Japanese Shampoo for Scalp Care

 

   courtesy of brand

Scalp D Beaute Volume Shampoo

Volume loss | Split ends | Dandruff

buy on amazon

( scent: relaxing natural rose )

Scalp D Beaute specialises in scalp care for women. Extensive research on shampoos for scalp care since the launch in 1999. Truly a scalp care leader.

This shampoo works wonders on thinning, loss of volume and firmness. Infused with moisturising ingredients, it revitalises your hair from within. It’s silicone-free, paraben-free, mineral oil-free, sulfate-free and artificial colourant-free. 

 

 

Best Japanese Anti-Ageing Shampoo

 

courtesy of brand

Quo Hair Bath Anti-Aging Shampoo by Amatora

Repair | Scalp cair | Ageing care

buy on amazon

( scent: citrus breeze like the mediterranean sea )

Quo is salon-exclusive. Its technology “Crystal Lamellar Technology” is globally patented, and it creates shiny, silky and smooth hair. It is said you can’t possibly go back to your old shampoo once you’ve experienced this divine shampoo. Your hair will be so glossy after blow-drying. The more you use, the more beautiful your hair becomes. Can’t resist.

 

 

Best Japanese Shampoo for Wavy or Frizzy Hair

 

courtesy of brand

IAU Serum Cleansing Shampoo by Lebel

Dry hair | Split ends | Styling

buy on amazon

( scent: fresh apple & blackcurrant )

IAU is a Japanese shampoo brand specialised for frizzy hair and salon-exclusive. This shampoo has been transforming so many Japanese women’s hair. No more frizzy, dull, dry, thinning hair. No more hard time with styling! It’s silicone-free and gentle on the skin. The key ingredient “green nut oil” leaves your hair moisturised too – a HEROIC shampoo.

 

 

Best Japanese Organic Shampoo

 

courtesy of brand

Diane bonheur Natural & Organic Shampoo (Damage Repair)

Repair | Dry, frizzy hair | Sensitive skin

buy on amazon

( scent: relaxing french rose )

It looks like perfume, but it’s shampoo! This shampoo is 98% natural ingredients, non-silicone. It repairs coloured or damaged hair gently. Diane bonheur series is strictly organic and promises you revitalised shiny, smooth hair for all hair types. 

 

 

Best Japanese Shampoo for Coloured or Permed Hair

 

courtesy of brand

Moist Diane EXTRA DAMAGE REPAIR SHAMPOO

Coloured hair | Damaged hair | Split ends

buy on amazon

( scent: lasting floral )

It looks like a whisky bottle, but it’s shampoo – just a luxury looking shampoo! It contains organic oils that smooth your hair. Non-silicone and sulfate-free. If you colour or perm your hair a lot, this shampoo is perfect for you. It repairs from deep inside and transforms your hair into healthy and shiny looking hair. 

 

 

Best Japanese Shampoo for Your Dream Straight Hair

 

courtesy of brand

Moist Diane EXTRA STRAIGHT SHAMPOO

Wavy hair | Tangled hair | Styling

buy on amazon

( scent: floral & sweet berries )

If you’ve ever dreamed of having shiny straight hair, this shampoo is for you! This shampoo is like going to a hair salon, leaving your hair so incredibly sleek straight. Packed with organic argan oil which works cuticles. Non-silicone and sulfate-free. Gently on the skin. This little opulent bottle is all you need for your dream straight hair.

 

 

Best Japanese Botanical Shampoo

 

courtesy of brand

BOTANIST Botanical Shampoo

Wavy hair | Tangled hair | Styling

buy on amazon

( scent: apricot & jasmine )

BOTANIST is an overwhelmingly popular brand in Japan. People are raving about its quality. It’s like you’re going to a hair salon every day. Made of supernatural ingredients (90%+ plant-derived) leaving you with natural gloss hair. It’s so gentle on the skin and family-friendly. 

 

 

Best Japanese Drugstore Shampoo

 

courtesy of brand

Shiseido TSUBAKI Extra Moist Shampoo

Dry hair | Tangled hair | Styling

buy on amazon

( scent: floral )

TSUBAKI shampoo is the most famous J-Beauty drugstore shampoo. Everybody knows it and possibly used it or thought about trying. It’s from the giant J-Beauty brand Shiseido and its cutting technology make this shampoo special with unique beauty ingredients. It feels like coming back from your favourite hair salon after use, leaving your hair shiny and sleek.

 

 

Best Salon-Exclusive Japanese Organic Shampoo

 

courtesy of brand

ALLNA Organic Shampoo

Scalp care | Ageing care | Sensitive skin

buy on amazon

( scent: natural aromatic lavender )

ALLANA is salon-exclusive. Highly rated for the organic ingredients. Contains 23 kinds of plan based beauty serum essence combined with moisturising ingredients (hyaluronic acid and collagen). It’s SO gentle and safe for sensitive skin. Loved by many Japanese women of all ages as it leaves your hair soft and smooth.

 

 

How To Get Sleek Hair like Japanese

 

Now, I’m going to share my beautiful hair secrets – the Japanese way.

Below are what I personally have always followed to keep my hair healthy, looking shiny and smooth. And lots of volumes. 

It’s all I learned from my mother as I grew up, and the ingrained habits eventually led me to land on hair model opportunities.

 

#1 Food

 

 

This is the thing I’ve always put above anything else for my healthy hair. 

I didn’t understand why my mum was telling me to eat this and that, but she always said eat this ‘cos it’s good for your hair. There was a huge emphasis on taking care of health in general from inside in my childhood. 

 

Wondering what the foods I was made to eat?

It’s seaweed, fish (seafood), konbu, tofu, sesame seeds. 

It’s mainly from the typical Japanese diet. 

 

The old Japanese adage goes, eating seaweed makes beautiful hair. Seaweed contains lots of minerals which help grow hair, and it can help prevent thinning hair or grey hair.

Most important is to have a balanced diet, and for me, that is to stick to the Japanese diet. My diet is full of seafood and vegetables with little sugar content. I hardly eat sweets or drink soft drinks.

 

 

#2 Washing Hair The Right Way

 

 

This is another thing my mum told me so many times when I was little (my ears hurt). I’ve been sticking to this rule over the last 30 years (I’m 38 btw).

She was a busy mum, but hair was something she never compromised. I could tell, even if I was very little. Below are the 3 steps she religiously followed and told me to do the same. And I still do!

 

The 3 Steps

 

1) Wet your hair thoroughly before putting on shampoo.

(focus on this because 70% of dirt comes off in this process)

2) When shampooing, focus on cleansing the scalp, not hair.

(use the pads of your fingers, not your nails)

3) Rinse thoroughly – make sure no residue left on the scalp

(any residue will make your scalp oily, and it can lead to pimples and dandruff)

 

It may be simple, but it does make a huge difference. 

It brings up hair’s natural beauty this way. 

My focus is not what shampoo I’m using, but how I’m treating my hair when shampooing. 

 

I make sure I wash my hair thoroughly before shampooing, so I only need a bit of shampoo. This way, I can avoid exposing my scalp (skin) to some washing ingredients of shampoo which can be straining on the skin. 

I also try to use a shampoo that is gentle on the hair and the skin so that I can let my natural beauty come out.

 

 

#3 Drying Hair The Right Way

 

 

There are a couple of things I’m always intentionally careful when drying my hair.

Towel drying the wrong way can damage your hair in the worst way possible. 

When hair is wet, the cuticles are open and very fragile. If you dry your hair in a rubbing fashion, it causes friction and tangles, and it can lead to breakage and cuticle damage.

 

Here are the exact steps to ensure your beautiful hair:

 

Towel Dry:

 

1) Dry the scalp gently by letting a towel absorb water – never rub

(think like gently tapping or hand-pressing the scalp with a towel)

2) Once the scalp is dry, dry the hair by wrapping it with a towel

(press the towel gently and let it absorb water, again no rubbing)

3) After towel drying, blow-dry your hair straight away

(wet hair can cause coarse hair)

Blow Dry:

 

1) Start from the roots using fingers only

(don’t put heat in one spot too long, make sure your hairdryer is 10cm away from the scalp)

2) Keep drying the entire hair until about 80% dry

(mid-high temperature)

3) Finish off the rest with cool blow-drying

(Key: always from top to bottom, never put hairdryer too close to the hair)

 

 

#4 Brushing Hair The Right Way

 

 

My days started with spending time with mum brushing hair.

She spent so much time making sure my hair was in the best condition, and I picked up her tricks naturally over time. 

 

Brushing hair 3 times a day, but no more.

• In the morning before styling
• before a shower and shampoo
• after blow-drying before bed

Brushing has 3 main positive effects: 

• Remove dust, dandruff, lost hair 
• Promote hair growth with improved blood circulation in the scalp
• Gives shine and moisture to hair

 

The key is to start brushing from the end. Once the end is all de-tangled, comb from the midsection and finally from the roots.

 

Also, I highly recommend investing in a quality hairbrush.

 

I am quite picky with hairbrushes, but here are a few hairbrushes I recommend:

 

Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush

 

 

 

 

 

@ aveda

(➝ 🛒on amazon)

Affordable professional paddle brush from Aveda. Ideal for creating smooth and straight styles. This is really a good investment if you want to upgrade your hairbrush quick!

 

 

The Mason Pearson Hair Brush

 

 

 

 

@ mason person

(➝ 🛒 on amazon)

Luxury hairbrush from the famous English brand. This is THE ultimate hairbrush. It costs a little more, but if you think about the quality and the dream hair you will get, it is worth it.

 

 

Summary

 

Now, you reached the end of the article!

I know it’s long and a lot to digest, but you now know something special 😉

• Why Japanese shampoos
• The best Japanese shampoos for every hair type
• How to get sleek hair like Japanese

It’s time to take action!

Give it a go with some of the best Japanese shampoos and my beautiful hair tricks – you never know, your hair may transform into sleek, gorgeous hair that everyone wants!

Enjoy x