The 10 Best Korean Shampoos
Editor's Notes
October 12, 2020:
Korean shampoos are becoming increasing popular in the United States due to their focus on botanicals, essential oils, and various other natural ingredients that are intended to help combat a range of hair and scalp problems, such as excessive shedding or thinning, itchiness, breakage, and split ends. We that in mind, we focused on finding shampoos that are generally regarded as being effective for their stated purpose.
For example, Ryoe Strengthener contains ingredients like pickled bean and camellia oil that are rich in fatty acids, which are said to be nourishing and support growth, and ginseng, which is believed to be a natural vasodilator and could help increase blood flow to the scalp. Daeng Gi Meo Ri Gold, Ryoe Jayang Yoon Mo, and TS Premium Prevention also contain ginseng, making all four of these a smart choice for anyone dealing with shedding and thinning. Daeng Gi Meo Ri Gold and Ryoe Jayang Yoon Mo are best for those with oily scalps, while Ryoe Strengthener can be used by those with either dry or oily scalps. TS Premium Prevention boasts an impressive ingredient list that contains more than 20 botanical extracts, three essential oils, as well as biotin and menthol.
If you are one of those few people who simultaneously deal with both an oily scalp and dandruff, you may want to turn to Ryoe Chung Ah Mo, which can strip away excess sebum, without causing dryness, and also reduce the need for daily washes. Somang Golden is another option suitable for those dealing with dandruff, but this one is best for those who also suffer from dryness and itching. Both can be a good alternative to traditional dandruff shampoos.
Of all the options on our list, Kerasys Lovely and Romantic might just have the most alluring scent. It is notably sweet and long-lasting, however, it may cause excessive dryness for some, so if you are prone to this issue already, you should steer clear of it.
July 19, 2019:
In this update, we made fairly conservative adjustments in our ranking to reflect what, in our estimation, we believe consumers want out of a Korean shampoo. Caring for your hair can be a pretty complex matter. Those with pin-straight or uber-curly locks know what its like to rage against a stubborn mane. While a volumizing shampoo may be great for those straight-haired types, it may wreak havoc on those who already have a large-bodied do. And those with thick, curly hair will need a shampoo gentle enough to clean the scalp without excessively stripping natural oils. So, we've tried to include a variety of options to suit the needs of those of any hair type.
You may notice that half of our top picks are made by Ryoe. While this is due, in part, to their market dominance, they also happen to make very good shampoo. Each of their products included on our list meets a different need, whether it's adding volume, fortifying weak and damaged strands, or providing luster to dull tresses.
Ultimately, choosing a shampoo is a personal matter that comes down to knowing your hair type and deciding what kind of shampoo will best meet your scalp's needs. Coupled with a healthy lifestyle, nutrient-dense diet, and perhaps some vitamins to promote hair growth, the right products can make a noticeable difference in your mane's health and appearance.
Why You Should Switch To Korean Shampoo
When you use products that wipe out oil, your locks may be clean, but they definitely won't look or feel healthy.
There are tons of different hair care products out there, which can make choosing the right one for your locks a daunting task. Here, we'll outline the benefits of using Korean shampoo as opposed to the typical supermarket brand that is probably making your beauty situation worse — whether you realize it or not.
If you take pride in your appearance, it's important to avoid low-quality formulas. Many of the most visible brands are full of ingredients that can cause a host of issues for your hair and even your health. Take sulfates, for instance. Commonly found in popular shampoos, sulfates strip the hair of oil almost completely. The natural oil produced by your skin is each strand's first line of defense against the elements. When you use products that wipe out oil, your locks may be clean, but they definitely won't look or feel healthy.
Other questionable shampoo additives are parabens, silicone, and alcohol, to name just a few. These ingredients may extend the shelf-life of beauty products, or result in temporary benefits, but in the longterm, they aren't going to help your hair game. If you use formulas that contain iffy chemicals like these, you've probably noticed your hair becoming dry and dull over time, which is something you're much less likely to experience while using Korean shampoos.
Need more motivation to ditch the cheap stuff? Believe it or not, you're probably not scoring the deal you think you are when you take home drugstore shampoos, as these bargain formulas often contain more water than product. Even if the price is low, why waste your money on what is effectively a bottle of water mixed with a puny amount of soap? There is no compelling reason to purchase these kinds of shampoos when there are plenty of nourishing, affordable alternatives on the market.
How To Choose The Right Korean Shampoo For Your Hair
Since there are quite a few Korean shampoos to choose from, it's wise to do a bit of research before pulling the trigger on your purchase. Here, we've outlined the main features to consider as you shop for the right formula.
Before any other criteria come into play, think about the issue that causes you the most frustration. Is it dryness, split ends, or are you concerned about protecting your color-treated strands? Always go for the the option that is formulated to combat your specific hair woes.
Cultivating shiny hair isn't a one-step fix, but an ongoing journey.
One common issue that many Korean products are crafted to address is dullness. Cultivating shiny hair isn't a one-step fix, but an ongoing journey. With the right shampoo on hand, a daily lather can make all the difference. For gloss and shine, look for a formula that contains distilled water — an ingredient that few Western shampoos can boast. Purified water is free of any harsh minerals, which means it won't make your tresses appear parched and mousy.
If you suffer from hair loss, there are several Korean brands that target this very irritating problem. The way that these formulas work is by treating the scalp itself using ingredients like biota seed and ginseng, which are good for the skin and keep the scalp moisturized. A healthy scalp, after all, is the foundation for strong, resilient hair.
Those who love to indulge in a quality treatment but don't have tons of extra time to spare will appreciate combination shampoo and conditioner products. With these, you can cleanse and treat your hair in the same lather. Plus, two-in-one formulas are usually less expensive than the cost of two separate bottles. Similarly, be on alert for Korean shampoos created to be used at set intervals. Individuals who prefer to wash their hair less frequently may be best served by a stronger formula that is meant to be used every few days rather than on a daily basis.
Tips For Keeping Your Hair Healthy And Beautiful
Once in a while, we all need a refresher course on the basic rules of hair care. Following these simple tips will help you make the most of your beauty routine.
If you absolutely have to use hot tools for styling purposes, research which models are best suited to the thickness and texture of your hair.
Washing your hair may seem like an intuitive process, but mistakes are often made in the shower. A good rule of thumb is use cold water only. Hair cuticles automatically seize up in frigid temperatures, trapping moisture inside the strand and enhancing conditioner results. Even if you're averse to the idea of a chilly morning shower, a quick rinse with cold water before drying off is a smart move. And, when you aren't in a hurry, let your hair dry naturally or by gently patting with a towel to curb breakage.
Another way to prevent damage is by using quality tools. A brush with natural bristles is ideal for folks with thin, delicate strands. If you absolutely have to use hot tools for styling purposes, research which models are best suited to the thickness and texture of your hair. Dry, brittle hair is, of course, more vulnerable to damage, so be sure to choose a ceramic curling iron as opposed to a metal device, as ceramic conducts heat evenly and won't destroy the natural oils that keep hair looking luminous.
Glamor enthusiasts who wear extensions should consider switching from sew-in tracks to tape-on versions. Extensions that are sewn in are difficult to remove without tearing out natural hair. With tape-on locks, removal is easy: after soaking them in a safe adhesive remover, they slip right off, leaving your real hair in perfect condition.
The bottom line is this: if you happen to have hair, you may as well take good care of it, especially since doing so doesn't require much extra time, effort, or money. With these tips in mind and a bottle or two of Korean shampoo on your shelf, you'll have an enviable head of hair in no time.