How to choose a correct shampoo for your scalp type in Singapore?

Choosing the right shampoo can completely change how your hair and scalp feel. Most people pick shampoo based on hair goals—smooth, curl, volume—but the truth is, shampoo should be chosen based on your scalp type, not your hair type. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right one.

1. How to Identify Your Scalp Type

Understanding your scalp is the first step:

✔ Oily Scalp

• Feels greasy within 1–2 days after washing

• Hair looks flat or clumps together easily

• You may see oily dandruff (yellowish flakes)

✔ Dry Scalp

• Feels tight, itchy or flaky

• White, powdery dandruff flakes

• Hair looks dull or frizzy

✔ Combination Scalp

• Oily at the roots but dry at the ends

• Flaky in some areas but greasy in others

• Gets greasy fast, but ends feel rough or split

✔ Sensitive Scalp

• Stings or gets irritated easily

• Reacts to new products

• Redness or discomfort after washing
  

2. Best Shampoos for Each Scalp Type

✨ Oily Scalp

• Look for: clarifying, oil-control, volumizing, lightweight formulas

• Avoid heavy moisturising shampoos

• Ingredients to look for: salicylic acid, tea tree, rosemary, charcoal
  

✨ Dry Scalp

• Look for: hydrating, moisturising, soothing shampoos

• Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, oat, gentle oils

• Avoid strong cleansing or clarifying shampoos
  

✨ Combination Scalp

• Choose a balancing or light moisturising shampoo

• Avoid formulas that are too rich or too stripping

• You can also alternate between oily- and dry-scalp shampoos
  

✨ Sensitive Scalp

• Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, gentle formulas

• Look for calming ingredients like chamomile or centella asiatica

• Avoid sulphates and strong scents

3. Tip: Choose Shampoo Based on Scalp Type, Not Hair Type

Your shampoo’s job is to clean and care for your scalp, not your hair strands.

Your scalp needs cleansing; your hair can be moisturised later with conditioner or a mask.

So even if you have dry ends but an oily scalp, always pick an oily-scalp shampoo.

4. Use Clarifying Shampoos Strategically

Clarifying shampoos give a deep clean by removing:

• Styling product buildup

• Hard water minerals

• Sweat and excess oil
  

But they can also be drying if used too often. Use them only once every 1–2 weeks, depending on your scalp and lifestyle.

If you’re unsure what your scalp type is, feel free to drop by The Hive Salon for a quick consultation (scanning of your scalp) — we can recommend the best shampoo for your scalp and lifestyle.