15 Best Shampoos In Malaysia 2023: For All Hair Types

It’s always a struggle to find the best hair shampoo in Malaysia! They’re either way out of budget, contain the dreaded SLS, or are just not easily available!

And maybe, you’re not even using the right type of shampoo for your scalp and hair!

But no matter, we have a quick rundown of scalp and hair types and their respective ideal shampoos! As well as option from the best shampoo brands in Malaysia.

Table Of Contents:

• How To Choose The Best Shampoo For Your Hair Type
• What Is Wrong With Shampoo Containing Sulfate?
• 15 Best Shampoos In Malaysia

How To Choose The Best Shampoo For Your Hair Type

Regardless of which shampoo you choose, always let the shampoo sit on your scalp for a few minutes before rinsing it out!

1. Scalp Type

Both your scalp and hair type matter when it comes to selecting the best shampoo for you.

1.1. Shampoo For Oily Scalps

An oily scalp doesn’t need further moisture. Shampoos with the terms like “clarifying” and “balancing” are more suited to you. 

However, don’t use too much either or else you’ll end up with a dry scalp. Which will only exacerbate the situation!

Note: Only apply conditioner to the roots of your hair, never on your scalp!

1.2. Shampoo For Dry Scalps

Just the opposite of oily scalps:

Any shampoo for additional hydration, smoothing or even for enhancing curls will be good for you! Avoid sulfates wherever possible!

If your scalp is exceptionally dry, you may want to see a dermatologist to get a professional opinion on a shampoo you can use.

1.3. Normal

And if your scalp type didn’t fall under any of the previous categories (and is free from scalp conditions like psoriasis):

Then your scalp type is considered normal.  A mild shampoo for daily use will be sufficient! And maybe conditioner for your ends!

Or you can pick the shampoo based on your hair type alone.

2. Hair Type

• Thin fine hair that tends to fall limp – Go for volumizing shampoo without silicones which can weigh your hair down!
• Thick hair of a curly or coarse nature – Get a shampoo that hydrates!
• Normal hair (healthy with no issues) – A mild or balancing shampoo is fine

3. Common Hair Problems

Other than considering your scalp and hair type, you may have certain conditions you would like to treat:

3.1. Hair Loss

Thinning hair may be due to so many factors – stress, age, genetics or hormones.

Aside from using hair tonics or a hair serum:

You can get a shampoo that comes with added nutrients to encourage hair growth and to strengthen your hair so it’s less likely to break or fall out!

3.2. Dandruff

Look for shampoos that contain the following as active ingredients:

• Pyrithione zinc
• Ketoconazole,
• Coal tar
• Salicylic acid
• Selenium sulfide

3.3. Damaged Hair

Processed or colored hair is prone to breakage. There are specific shampoos for this hair type.

Usually with more moisture and silicones (dimethicone and cyclomethicone) to smooth and strengthen your hair!

Common hair conditioning agents include:

• Polyquaternium
• Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride
• Hydroxyethyl dimonium chloride 

For colored hair, get a shampoo that is formulated not to strip away your hair dye!

What Is Wrong With Shampoo Containing Sulfate?

Unfortunately, most shampoos do have one form or other of sulfates (also spelt as sulphates). You can tell by their ability to foam easily. The most well known is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

SLS might make your hair and scalp feel clean but it dries hair out quite substantially too. Stripping away your natural oils and upsetting the pH balance!

There’s a kinder alternative with a similar-sounding name:

Sodium laureth sulfate (or sodium lauryl ether sulfate, also known as SLES). Which does the same job but without causing skin irritation.

Another alternative is cocamidopropyl betaine which is derived from coconut oil.

15 Best Shampoos In Malaysia 2023

• Best Shampoo For Normal Hair Type – KUNDAL Honey & Macadamia Pure Nature Balancing Refreshing Shampoo Cherry Blossom
• Best Shampoo For Anti-Hair Fall/ Hair Growth – Grafen Root Booster Shampoo
• Best Shampoo For Dry Hair – TSUBAKI Extra Moist Shampoo
• Best Shampoo For Damaged/ Colored Hair (Moisturizing) – Noughty To The Rescue Moisture Boost Shampoo
• Best Shampoo For Dandruff – Aveda Scalp Benefits™ Balancing Shampoo
• Best For Oil Control – Ryo Hair Loss Care Shampoo (For Oily Scalp)
• Best For Volume (Oily Scalp/ Fine Hair) – Sukin Volumising Shampoo Hair Care
• Best Organic Shampoo Malaysia – Petal Fresh Hair Rescue Thickening Shampoo Oil Control
• Best Shampoo Bar – 2-In-1 Natural Conditioning Shampoo Bar By HelloNaturalCo
• Best For Dry Curly Hair (Curl Definition) – Nature Republic Argan Essential Deep Care Shampoo
• Best For Dry Curly Hair (Frizz Control) – SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Retention Shampoo

Best Shampoo For Normal Hair Type

1. Sukin Natural Balance Shampoo

Naturally scented by the tangerine and mandarin peel oils that are part of the ingredient list: Sukin Natural Balance Shampoo cleans without drying out your scalp or hair!

Reviews from beautycrew.com.au remark that you don’t need a lot of the shampoo to get your hair clean!

The gentle formula is suitable for those with dyed hair too.

However, it’s best if you have no existing problems with your hair! As the Sukin Natural Balance Shampoo is not quite hydrating enough for dry hair.

Pros:

• Pump dispenser
• Foams (but just enough)
• Gentle enough for daily use
• Not tested on animals
• Reasonably priced
• Does not affect hair dye
• Free from alcohol, silicones, parabens, and sulfates
• Smells fresh and subtle
• Doesn’t weigh down hair

Cons:

• Hair does not feel softer if you just use this without conditioner
• Citrus peel and lavender oil may irritate sensitive scalps

2. KUNDAL Honey & Macadamia Pure Nature Balancing Refreshing Shampoo Cherry Blossom

KUNDAL Honey & Macadamia Pure Nature Balancing Refreshing Shampoo Cherry Blossom is a paraben-free, sulfate-free and alcohol-free shampoo from a Korean brand!

Users with dry and oily hair alike describe hair feeling soft and looking shiny after using this shampoo! With no greasy residue leftover! The fresh feeling can make it to the next day too.

However, if you use hair products like hair serums or hair oil, you may find that this gentle shampoo doesn’t quite cut it when it comes to clarifying power! Best for normal scalp types!

Pros:

• Makes hair feel soft and manageable
• Smells like flowers! Smell fades
• Affordable
• No silicones, alcohol, parabens, or sulfates
• Foams well
• Convenient dispenser bottle
• Does not sting the eyes

Cons:

• Contains citric acid (skin irritant)
• Comedogenic ingredients (shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, etc) – unsuitable for acne-prone skin

3. Aveeno Pure Renewal Shampoo

Also sulfate free, Aveeno Pure Renewal Shampoo is meant for all hair types. Using seaweed extract to balance and cleanse your scalp and hair!

It has an impressive 4.6 score from over 2,000 ratings on Amazon. Users with oily hair especially find it efficient at clarifying without drying out weighing hair down!

Overall, the Aveeno Pure Renewal Shampoo is a great clarifying shampoo that is sulfate-free. It’s just a pity that it includes perfume and silicones!

Pros:

• Paraben-free & alcohol-free
• Smells good
• Creates sufficient suds
• Sulfate-free

Cons:

• On the drying side
• Contains perfume and silicones
• Citric acid is present (may irritate sensitive scalps)

4. TSUBAKI Extra Moist Shampoo

Under Shiseido, TSUBAKI Extra Moist Shampoo is surprisingly very affordable! It smooths as well as softens hair according to multiple reviews on tryandreview.com!

This shampoo in Malaysia scored 4.5 with 36 votes on hermo.my too.

It makes dry hair softer and more manageable. However, this shampoo is not quite moisturizing enough for damaged hair though!

Pros:

• Paraben-free, alcohol-free, sulfate-free
• Nice smell that is not too strong
• Inexpensive
• Reduces hair frizz

Cons:

• Many fakes online

Best Shampoo For Anti-Hairfall / Hair Growth

5. Grafen Root Booster Shampoo Special Edition

Grafen Root Booster Shampoo Special Edition is another product from Korea that is sulfate-free! 

Moreover, it has menthol to increase blood circulation in your scale and hence, encourage hair growth!

It bubbles enough to clean hair well while reducing itch and making hair softer! But you might find that it doesn’t rinse off squeaky clean.

Still, it doesn’t hurt to try the Grafen Root Booster Shampoo Special Edition as prolonged use might result in extra benefits:

Some users do report less hair fall! And by the 3rd bottle, you might see some hair growth. Plus, it will not leave your hair and scalp feeling dry!

Pros:

• Paraben-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free
• Smells nice and refreshing
• Provides oil control for oily scalps
• Hair feels soft
• Without comedogenic ingredients
• Reduced hair fall
• Scalp is less itchy

Cons:

• Contains fragrance
• Not for sensitive skin (mentol, citric acid, etc)

6. Ryo Hair Loss Care Shampoo (For Oily Scalp)

Korean ginseng is among other beneficial herbs (Pine needle extract for sebum control) in the Ryo Hair Loss Care Shampoo (For Oily Scalp)! Hair feels smoother too!

A common remark about this shampoo on is that it works very well for oil control! As for hair fall reduction – results vary. Some see results and some don’t.

The Ryo Hair Loss Care Shampoo is one of the best anti hair fall shampoo you can get in Malaysia if you have an oily scalp! Especially if you like the smell of ginseng!

Pros:

• Paraben-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free
• Smells like ginseng
• With ginseng to strengthen your roots!
• Refreshing on an oily scalp
• Leaves hair clean and smooth
• Oil control for up to 2 days

Cons:

• Can be drying
• Fragrance can be overpowering
• Not fragrance-free (unsuitable for sensitive scalps)

7. Sukin Volumising Shampoo Hair Care

You know it’s got mostly natural ingredients by the way that it hardly lathers! This shampoo cleanses while adding volume to your tresses!

Fine hair does feel more voluminous according to reviews on iherb.com. Though don’t expect anything too drastic!

The Sukin Volumising Shampoo Hair Care is suitable for use every day as its cleaning power is very mild!

It is an agreeable natural shampoo for those with an oily scalp and thin fine hair! Although you may need to pair this with a conditioner as the resulting texture can make your hair prone to knots.

Pros:

• Gives hair shine
• Smells yummy (fruity) – smell is not overpowering
• Pump dispenser
• 2 available sizes
• Alcohol-free, paraben-free, silicone-free and sulfate-free
• Cruelty-free and vegan
• Does not make hair greasy

Cons:

• Unless you have an oily scalp, it can be drying
• Little foam (but still able to clean)
• With citric acid (common skin irritant for sensitive skin)

More Anti-Hairfall Shampoo: 11 Best Shampoos For Hair Loss In Malaysia

Best Shampoo For Dandruff Prone Scalps

8. Aveda Scalp Benefits™ Balancing Shampoo

Alcohol free and SLS free, Aveda Scalp Benefits™ Balancing Shampoo does not have the usual active ingredients to target dandruff.

Instead, it uses echinacea, burdock root, and sage to clean your scalp!

Aveda Scalp Benefits™ Balancing Shampoo garners mixed reviews but most users agree that it cleans well and is effective on dandruff:

For some, it works like a miracle to clear dandruff and balance oily scalps!  While others experience an itchy scalp afterwards!

To be on the safe side, it’s best to keep the Aveda Scalp Benefits™ Balancing Shampoo for infrequent use (1-2 times a week) to clear dandruff breakouts.

Note: Get the small bottle first if you want to try the Aveda Scalp Benefits™ Balancing Shampoo.

Pros:

• Cruelty free
• Pleasant mild smell
• Removes build up of hair products
• Clears dandruff within 2 weeks
• Hair becomes softer and smoother with prolonged use
• Both dry scalps and oily scalps can try this shampoo
• Appears effective for treating mild cases of psoriasis

Cons:

• Not for sensitive scalps – it has irritants like citric acid
• Contains fragrance and silicones

9. LebeL Viege Shampoo

LebeL Viege Shampoo is a Swiss shampoo with salicylic acid and citric acid to control oil production.

However, it should be noted that these two ingredients are not for sensitive skin! But this is a dandruff control shampoo that smells undeniably fragrant.

In addition to smelling nice, it has the ability to relive an itchy scalp! And as a bonus, you might notice less hair fall!

Furthermore, the LebeL Viege Shampoo is not drying but it’s not extremely hydrating either. So if you have dry or processed hair, you will need to use this shampoo with a conditioner.

Pros:

• Paraben-free, silicone-free, alcohol-free, sulfate-free
• Natural fragrance that smells good
• Controls excess oil without drying your hair
• Reduced hair fall (strengthens hair)
• Does not build up in your hair
• Hair feels smooth and soft

Cons:

• Only one size available
• Contains fragrance, citric acid and salicylic acid (all may be unsuitable for sensitive scalps)
• Does not offer extra hydration

Best Shampoo For Damaged/ Colored hair (Moisturizing)

10. Noughty To The Rescue Moisture Boost Shampoo

It may not be so well-known in Malaysia but the Noughty To The Rescue Moisture Boost Shampoo is highly rated elsewhere (4.4/5 out of 901 ratings on Amazon):

Noughty To The Rescue Moisture Boost Shampoo softens both colored or curly hair! You will get a good shine after using the product to wash your hair too!

The natural formula is just the thing for damaged hair or frizz management!

But if you don’t like overly sweet-smelling things, the fragrance of this shampoo might put you off!

Pros:

• Paraben-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free
• Keeps curls intact but soft
• Reduces frizz
• Lathers well
• Cleans without stripping moisture from your hair
• Hair looks healthier after a few weeks of use
• There’s a travel-friendly size!
• Smells sweet – a lot of reviewers like the smell!

Cons:

• Has quite a strong fragrance (it fades) – one of the top 10 ingredients
• Can take your hair a while to get used to it
• Too rich for oily scalps – may cause dandruff

Wait! Don’t leave the page just yet:

You may find your perfect shampoo in the next section! Or in a shampoo bar form!

Best Organic Shampoo Malaysia

11. Petal Fresh Hair Rescue Thickening Shampoo Oil Control

Anyone who’s done their research on reducing hair loss, will know that saw palmetto may help reduce balding in men!

And that is one of the ingredients in this shampoo! At the same time, there are circulation-boosting ingredients like peppermint leaf extract and caffeine to encourage hair growth!

From our experience, it does keep an oily scalp under control. And hair becomes thicker with regular use (less hair fall and some hair growth).

It’s our personal favorite for an SLS free shampoo for oily scalps. It helps thicken hair and keep grease and dandruff away!

And it smells nice and minty.

Pros:

• Balances oil production (ylang ylang extract)
• Clarifying benefits (tea tree oil)
• Thickens hair shafts (Biotin-B Complex)
• Pleasant smell (minty smell that lingers)
• Doesn’t make your hair dry
• Refreshing sensation

Cons:

• Need regular use to see results
• Not for sensitive skin
• Not much lather

Recommended reading: best organic shampoo in Malaysia

Best Natural Shampoo For Dry Curly Hair (Curl Definition)

12. Nature Republic Argan Essential Deep Care Shampoo

Another shampoo that is more amazing for dry scalps than naturally oily scalps is the Nature Republic Argan Essential Deep Care Shampoo.

It features argan oil (11^th in the ingredient list) along with several herb extracts (e.g. peppermint, chamomile, lavender, rosemary) and it will leave your hair feeling smoother. You might not even need to use conditioner if you’re using this shampoo.

That said, those with thin hair or oily scalps should steer clear of this as it will cause build up which may lead to dandruff.

Those with curly hair can benefit with from use of the Nature Republic Argan Essential Deep Care Shampoo as it provides pretty decent curl definition although it doesn’t do much to control the frizz unlike the SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Retention Shampoo.

Looking at the ingredients you will find beneficial ingredients such as rosemary but you will also see parfum which may not be suitable for those with sensitive scalps.

While the shampoo is marketed towards those with dry and brittle hair, it doesn’t really do much for hair fall and some have said their hair fall actually increased.

So if that is a concern for you, you may want to go for another shampoo instead.

But if moisture and curl definition are your main hair goals and you want a shampoo that doesn’t have silicones or SLS, you can give the Nature Republic Argan Essential Deep Care Shampoo a go.

• Available Size: 300ml
• Suitable For: Curly And Dry Hair That Needs More Moisture And Definition
• Key Ingredients: Argan Oil, Butylene Glycol, Camomile Extract, Freesia Extract, Glycerin, Lavender Extract, Peppermint Extract
• Price: RM35

Pros:

• Suitable for curly hair and dry scalps
• Smells good and makes hair feel softer and shinier
• Very moisturizing
• Provides good curl definition
• SLS free
• Silicone free
• Formula has beneficial natural ingredients

Cons:

• Not suitable for oily scalps
• Has ingredients (parfum, limonene, linalool) that may irritate sensitive skin
• Doesn’t control frizz well
• Could cause more hair fall
• Has parabens

Best Shampoo Bar Malaysia

You and your hair might take a while to get used to it:

But making the switch from bottled shampoo to a shampoo bar is great for the environment! And these shampoo bars are usually made of natural ingredients!

Here is a zero waste shampoo bar you can try:

13. 2-in-1 Natural Conditioning Shampoo Bar By HelloNaturalCo

Who doesn’t like a product that has more than one function?

The 2 in 1 Natural Conditioning Shampoo Bar By HelloNaturalCo is plant based with chamomile and aloe vera to soothe an itchy scalp!

Less hair fall with good lather are what you can expect according to the reviews. It cleans well without leaving behind any residue!

Some users still need a conditioner after using this but the pros do outweigh the cons!

• Available Size: n/a
• Suitable For: For All Hair Types
• Key Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice Powder, Niacinamide, Chamomile, And Shikakai
• Price: ~RM45

Pros:

• Cruelty free
• Free from parabens, silicones, etc
• Reduces hair fall (by strengthening your hair)
• Plastic-free and zero waste!

Cons:

• It may take a few weeks for your hair to adjust to a soap bar after using commercial shampoos.

14. J. R. Liggett’s Shampoo Bar (Coconut & Argan Oil)

Have permed or colored hair? Or naturally curly hair?

J. R. Liggett’s Shampoo Bar (Coconut & Argan Oil) from the US foams up well, leaving scalp and hair clean.

Continuous use will return the life to your curly hair as it adjusts to the SLS-free formula!

This shampoo bar scores 4 from almost 5,000 reviews on Amazon! And 4.8 on Byrdie for their full review of it! Users are surprised with the amount of lather it produces!

The J.R. Liggett’s Shampoo Bar (Coconut & Argan Oil) is best for normal to dry scalps.

Pros:

• No fragrance added, GMO free
• Contains no animal-derived products
• Does not weigh hair down
• Lathers well
• Smells nice
• Lasts a long time (despite its small size) if you keep it dry after use

Cons:

• Expensive
• May build up gradually (use an apple cider vinegar on your hair once in a while to combat this)
• Can be drying, follow up with a conditioner

Best For Dry Curly Hair (Frizz Control)

15. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Retention Shampoo

SheaMoisture is a well-known brand in the curly hair community. The high moisture content in the SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Retention Shampoo makes it great for keeping the frizz under control, even in humid conditions.

And those who suffer from an itchy and flaky scalp will find that the shampoo will help keep your scalp and hair moisturized while reducing the presence of flakes!

The previous formula (back in 2020) had a minimal ingredient list that was full of natural ingredients and thus, it was the holy grail for many users.

In comparison, the new formula of the SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Retention Shampoo is runnier and no longer contains aloe vera, vitamin B5 or rosemary, but has argan oil and soybean oil.

Vitamin E and shea butter are still present although the shea butter is reduced (from third on the list to fifth) so it’s not as moisturizing as before. There is also now an essential oil blend for fragrance so those with sensitive scalps, beware.

You may also want to note that shea butter may be too rich for those with oily scalps or thin hair as it has a tendency to build up and this may in turn, weigh down your hair or even cause scalp acne (for those who are prone to acne).

With that, we do recommend getting a smaller bottle of the SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Retention Shampoo to try it out on your hair first especially if you have dry curly hair!

Because in spite of the formula change, the SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Retention Shampoo is still a great shampoo if you need extra hydration.

• Available Size: 384ml
• Suitable For: Dry Curly Hair That Needs Frizz Control
• Key Ingredients: Panthenol, Shea Butter, Argan Oil, Soybean Oil, Vitamin E
• Price: RM56

Pros:

• Moisturizing for scalp and hair
• Suitable for processed/ damaged hair and hair that is thick, curly or coarse
• Keeps curly hair frizz free
• Smells good

Cons:

• Recent ingredient change so it’s not as good as before
• Not suitable for oily scalps (I.e. too moisturizing)
• May cause scalp acne

Conclusion

This list of the best shampoo Malaysia features mainly SLS-free and paraben-free options! Because in the long run, these are better for your hair and scalp!

You can take it a step further and go with shampoo bars. These completely do away with the need for a plastic bottle! Which means, less junk in the world! And in your hair!

Further reading:

• 11 Best Sunscreens In Malaysia
• 17 Best Facial Cleansers In Malaysia
• 21 Best Toners In Malaysia
• 21 Best Moisturizers In Malaysia
• 11 Best Whitening Creams In Malaysia
• 19 Best Lip Balms In Malaysia