New York Post review ranks 23 shampoos for every hair type, pairing expert guidance with consumer-tested results

A New York Post shopping guide reviewing 23 shampoos for every hair type pulls together four years of hands-on testing, consumer feedback, and expert input to map out options for oily scalps, dry strands, color-treated tresses, and more. The guide, published by Post Wanted, plots a broad landscape from drugstore staples to premium formulas and identifies standout picks across categories such as Best Shampoo Overall, Best Personalized Shampoo, Best Drugstore Shampoo and others. The heavy lifting behind the rankings comes from years of testing, during which 29+ shampoos were rotated through routine wash days to gauge lather, rinse, and how hair looked after styling.

Victoria Giardina, the New York Post Commerce journalist who authored the guide, said the process blends consumer testing with expert insight. The testing involved a rotating schedule of shampoos, careful notes on how each formula felt in the hand and on the scalp, and a final assessment after styling. The evaluation drew on the advice of two hairstylists who spoke to the publication about ingredients, application, and what to look for when choosing a shampoo. "If you feel the shampoo is no longer working for your needs, it’s time for a change to address the latest concern," said Amy Abramite, a hairstylist and salon educator. "Having a few different shampoos in the shower to rotate is an effective way to treat multiple concerns simultaneously."

The guide stresses that shampoo choices should be guided by the principal hair or scalp concern rather than by a single feature. Experts note that frequent shampooing can strip natural oils, so the recommended frequency varies by hair type and activity. Andrew Fitzsimons, a celebrity stylist, suggests that the average person can go two to three days without washing, while those with fine or greasy hair may wash every other day. In contrast, people with thick, curly, or damaged hair might stretch to two to four days between washes, with co-washing as an alternative for some days. The article also offers practical tips on how to apply shampoo, including wetting the hair thoroughly, massaging the scalp to generate a lather, and repeating the wash if the hair at the roots doesn’t lather on the first pass. It also covers how much product to use based on hair density and length.

Best Shampoo Overall was identified as the Kérastase Resistance Bain Extensioniste Shampoo, praised for its deep clean and scent, and for making hair feel thicker after a single use. The reviewer described it as a game-changer for special occasions or when a faster-growing-looking head of hair is desired, though acknowledged that the price may be high for some shoppers. The product is often paired with the brand’s Resistance Fondant Extensioniste Conditioner and Masque Extensioniste for a full strengthening regimen. The notes highlight size, scent, and color-treated hair safety as part of a comprehensive evaluation.

Best Personalized Shampoo went to Prose, the fully customized line that creates a unique formula after a hair-quizzing process. Reviewers praised its fresh scent and packaging, noting that the fully customized base and finish makeup a noticeably different experience from off-the-shelf bases. The trade-off, the guide notes, is longer shipping times given the bespoke nature of the product. Prose also offers a conditioner and other products as optional add-ons, and test subjects found the personalized approach appealing for hair type changes over time. For those who prefer a tailored routine, Prose is described as a compelling value, especially for users who want a formula aligned to their current needs.

Other standout picks include Best Drugstore Shampoo: Dove Scalp+ Density Boost Hydrating Shampoo, which carries a gentle sulfate-free cleanse and includes niacinamide and zinc to combat buildup and hydrate the hair. The tester cautioned that overuse could lead to dryness for some hair types, recommending use every other day for fine to medium hair. The Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair was Virtue Full Shampoo, which reviewers say thickens hair while maintaining a gentle cleanse. The formula includes ingredients thought to support growth and density over time, though price and heavier texture may not suit everyone.

In the category of body and texture, Biosilk Silk Therapy Original Shampoo was recognized for imparting noticeable body and a luxurious feel, aided by silk-protein ingredients and a fragrance that many describe as uplifting. It’s noted as sulfate-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free, with compatibility for layering with conditioners and leave-in products.

For those seeking a more clarifying approach, OUAI Detox Shampoo earned praise for its scalp-clearing effect and its apple-cider-vinegar/keratin combination that strengthens while refreshing. The cleanser is often cited as ideal for oily scalps and product buildup, with the caveat that its gel-like texture may not be ideal for daily use.

Shampooing for shine and smoothness featured amika Mirrorball High-Shine + Protect Antioxidant Shampoo, which reviewers say helps reduce frizz and boost gloss without weighing down medium to fine hair when used in moderation. The brand’s signature scent and antioxidant blend contribute to a salon-like experience at home. For those prioritizing hair growth and thinning concerns, PURA D’OR Anti Hair-Thinning Biotin Shampoo appears as a budget-friendly option that blends biotin and a herbal infusion to boost fullness over time, though it may not be ideal for dry scalps.

Curly hair is given particular attention, with AG Care Curl Fresh Curl Enhancing Shampoo described as a standout for texture and hydration. The formula’s plant-based profile and amino-acid-rich ingredients are noted to support curls without heavy weight, though overuse can flatten looser curl patterns.

Other categories highlighted in the guide include Best Hydrating, Best Sulfate-Free, and Best Clarifying shampoos, with thoughtful caveats about how each formula interacts with different scalps, colors, and styling routines. The testing also covered specialty picks like Best Shampoo for Men (Ulo Thickening Shampoo), Best Shampoo for Itchy Scalp (OUAI), and Best Dry Shampoo (I.C.O.N. Dry Shampoo) as a complementary option to traditional cleansing.

The guide makes clear that price often factors into decision-making. Several top picks were noted to have price points that may be out of reach for some shoppers, while others offered strong performance at drugstore or mid-range prices. The reviewers emphasize that effective results can emerge at a broad range of budgets when the formula aligns with specific hair needs and usage patterns.

The testing process itself is described as rigorous and ongoing. The article outlines the method: a rotation of products, assessment of lather and rinse, and final styling outcomes, combined with expert input on ingredients, application, and scalp health. Abrams and Fitzsimons explain that a balanced approach—using hydrating, clarifying, and densifying options as needed—can address multiple concerns without overstripping natural oils. The guide also provides practical answers to common questions: how often to wash, whether to double-rinse, and how to portion shampoo for different hair lengths. The practical tips aim to help readers select products that fit their routine without overthinking the science.

In addition to the product rundowns, the guide sheds light on the broader context of hair-care decision-making. It notes that ingredients matter, with guidance on avoiding harsh detergents and prioritizing components that support scalp health and hair strength. The experts suggest readers consider their primary concern—dryness, oiliness, damage, or thinning—and choose a formula that targets that issue, ideally with a balanced blend of cleansing power and conditioning support.

The piece also includes context about how the hair-care market is evolving toward personalization and science-backed formulations. Prose, for example, leverages a hair-quiz approach to tailor a regimen, while Kerastase and Virtue exemplify premium lines that emphasize strengthening and density. The reviewer stresses that choosing a shampoo is not a one-size-fits-all decision but a careful alignment of ingredients, hair type, and lifestyle.

As with any consumer guide, cost and accessibility are part of the conversation. Some of the top-rated options are priced at premium levels, and the guide notes that readers may want to sample smaller sizes or wait for sales to determine if a formula suits their needs long-term. Others highlight mid-range or drugstore options that deliver noteworthy performance without a steep price tag. The takeaway for shoppers is to identify the core hair concern, test a few complementary options, and adjust over time as hair type and conditions change.

The NY Post’s health and lifestyle coverage emphasizes the practical side of hair care—how to wash, how much product to use, and when to replace a formula. The piece also underscores the value of consulting professionals when hair concerns persist, and it frames the topic as part of a broader conversation about scalp health and hair vitality. The article is part of the publication’s ongoing exploration of beauty and wellness products, combining shopping guidance with expert perspectives to help readers make informed decisions.

The guide’s author, Victoria Giardina, notes that the evaluation extends beyond a simple product list. The piece reflects a long-running commitment to testing and comparing beauty items, with a focus on what actually works for real people across a spectrum of hair types. The full testing methodology and expert quotes are designed to help readers navigate a crowded market and build a personalized regimen that balances cleansing, moisture, and scalp health.

For readers seeking a takeaway, the guide offers a clear message: there is no universal best shampoo. By identifying the primary hair concern and rotating formulations to address multiple needs, shoppers can achieve salon-like results at home. The report ends with an invitation to continue exploring expert-backed hair tips and to stay tuned for updates as new formulas enter the market.