Image: MomJunction Design Team
Japanese shampoos have become one of the favorites among beauty enthusiasts worldwide. If you’re confused about which shampoo to choose, our list of the best Japanese shampoos can help you out. Japanese shampoos use natural ingredients to protect, cleanse, and boost hair growth. With multiple options available, it could be difficult to choose one suitable for your hair type. So, take a look at our list to learn about the various professional-grade products and their features to make an informed decision.
Top Picks
15 Best Japanese Shampoos
1. Best Moisturizing: MyKirei By Kao Shampoo
MyKirei’s moisturizing Japanese shampoo is derived from rice water and Tsubaki, and other nutrients, suitable for all hair types. It comes in an easy-to-use pump bottle and contains no harmful chemicals such as parabens. It has a gentle formulation that offers deep nourishment.
The moisturizing shampoo restores hair nourishment balance and is rich in oleic acid, glycerides, and proteins to promote growth and nourishment, keeping your hair healthy. In addition, its plant-based cleaning system keeps it 95% biodegradable.
Pros
- Provides healthy and soft hair
- No artificial dyes
- Phthalate-free
- Not tested on animals
- Cruelty-free product
- 100% recyclable bottle
- Uses 50% less plastic
- Vegan-friendly formula
Cons
- May not lather well
- Some may dislike the smell
"I came across this shampoo when searching for a vegan option. It has boosted hair growth and made my stands look healthy. While the quantity was lower than expected, its concentrated formula has allowed it to last long."
Trivia
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 1,966 good reviews on Amazon.
2. Best For Dry Hair: Tsubaki Extra Moist Shampoo
Tsubaki extra moist shampoo in a 500ml bottle is specially formulated to restore balanced nourishment for dry hair. With the goodness of Tsubaki extract, this Japanese shampoo for hair loss provides deep nourishment and moisturization to the hair for visible results.
All you have to do is apply the shampoo to wet hair and massage it into a lather. After a thorough rinse to remove the shampoo traces, you should notice your tresses becoming gentler and softer than usual. The formulation can restore natural hair texture and luster with proper hair care routine and regular use. You may check out more about this Japanese hair product in this review video.
Pros
- Suitable for dry and flat hair
- Does not weigh down
- Pleasant fragrance
- Makes the hair manageable
Cons
- May not suit oily hair
- May have a watery consistency
3. Best For All Hair Types: Theorie Charcoal Bamboo Detoxifying Shampoo
Theorie’s charcoal bamboo detoxifying shampoo has purifying and restorative properties for healthy hair growth and optimal nourishment. Use this Japanese hair shampoo for keratin treatment at home. It is suitable for all hair types, including dry, normal, textured, and oily hair.
The product also smells great, with tangerine, vanilla, bergamot, and cedar undertones that keep your hair fragrant all day. The professional-grade shampoo comes in a 400ml bottle and contains ingredients, such as argan oil, moringa extract, grape seed oil, and vitamin E. Its bincho-tan white charcoal helps absorb oil and other impurities from hair roots, leaving the scalp fresh and breathing for better moisture absorption. In addition, the shampoo is free of harmful chemicals and safe to use.
Pros
- Cleanses the scalp and hair
- Gluten-free formula
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Contains botanical extracts
- No animal testing
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- Some may dislike the fragrance
- Might not lather well
| Product Image | Best Moisturizing  | Best For All Hair Types  | Best For Hair Softening  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Name | MyKirei By Kao Shampoo | Theorie Charcoal Bamboo Detoxifying Shampoo | Mirai Clinical Purifying And Deodorizing Hair Shampoo |
| Vegan-Friendly | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cruelty-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Paraben- and Phthalate-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hair Type | All | All | All, including dry hair |
| Moisturizing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Key Ingredients | Japanese Tsubaki and rice water | Japanese binchō-tan, white charcoal, Bamboo extract | Japanese Persimmon extract, Japanese Camellia extract |
| Dimensions | 3.9 x 2.65 x 9in; 300ml | 2.7 x 2.8 x 7.35in; 400ml | 8.03 x 2.4 x 2.36in; 400ml |
| Amazon Rating | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Amazon Review | 2,174 | 207 | 267 |
| Buy Now | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
4. Best For Hair Softening: Mirai Clinical Purifying And Deodorizing Hair Shampoo
Mirai Clinical’s hair shampoo with natural extracts serves the twin purpose of purifying and deodorizing. As a result, it is one of the best Japanese shampoos available, and it also has moisturizing properties to soften hair.
This clinically and scientifically formulated product provides deep conditioning while nourishing your locks from the roots up, thanks to active ingredients such as butylene glycol, hydrolyzed silk, citric acid, and camellia oil. In addition, ingredients such as Japanese camellia remove impurities from the scalp and hair without making your hair dry and help prevent hair damage. The absence of harmful chemicals only serves to make the shampoo your everyday hair care product. Take a look at this video to learn more about this product.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Eliminates scalp odors
- Free of synthetic dyes and preservatives
- Sulfate-free formula
- Fragrance-free formula
- Does not strip natural hair oil
Cons
- Might not lather well
- May leave residue
"Besides cleaning my hair, this shampoo also tackles sweaty odors. It is a concentrated formula, so I recommend using a small amount to keep the hair from getting dry. Overall, I am happy with the results it has offered."
Did you know?5. Best For Coarse And Detangled Hair: Milbon Hair Serum M Shampoo
Milbon’s hair serum-cum-shampoo is designed to nourish coarse hair for detangled and smooth locks. The Japanese hair shampoo, which contains keratin and jojoba oil as active and unique ingredients, moisturizes the hair and aids in intense repair for healthy growth.
Individuals with coarse hair can use this shampoo regularly to achieve a smoother hair texture supported by healthy follicle growth. The hair care formulation, made in Japan, contains soybean extracts, which provide the antioxidants required to repair damaged hair follicles. This hair repair shampoo comes in a 6.8-ounce bottle and can serve as an excellent substitute for your regular shampoo and serum.
Pros
- Antioxidant-rich
- Age-defying shampoo
- Restores hair strength
- Makes hair manageable
Cons
- Might feel oily for some
- May have sulfates
"Although I was skeptical due to the minimal ingredients, the ease with which it has made my hair shine feels magical. While it may not lather too much, its results and gentleness are undeniable. Hence, it has become a staple in my haircare routine."
6. Best Fragrant: Tamanohada 004 Gardenia Natural Hair Shampoo
Tamanohada 004 gardenia natural hair shampoo is another good option to consider among the best Japanese shampoos for glossy hair. The professional-grade shampoo comes in a volume of 18.26 ounces and has a mild and pleasant gardenia fragrance that smells good. In addition, the shampoo is ideal for people with dry hair and dandruff.
The natural dandruff shampoo thoroughly cleanses the scalp and hair while leaving behind a lingering fragrance and giving you smooth hair. Ylang-ylang oil and lemon oil are two other essential oils in the formulation that make it rich and nutritious, and avocado extract provides deep conditioning.
Pros
- Silicone-free formula
- Unisex shampoo
- Anti-dandruff shampoo
- Suitable for damaged hair
- Cleanses the scalp
- Contains natural plant-based ingredients
Cons
- Pump may be inconvenient to use
- May feel dry without conditioner
"The shampoo’s hair-softening properties have made it easy to comb through my hair and try different hairstyles. I also love its distinct gardenia scent. However, I recommend getting the dispenser-style bottle to ensure easy usage."
7. Best For Colored Hair: Royd Punkish Pink Hair Dyed Shampoo
If you enjoy coloring your hair and are looking for additional nourishing care, this Japanese shampoo from Royd might be the one for you. Hair color fading is typical after multiple dyes, so this shampoo from Royd protects the hair and helps the dyes last longer on hair strands.
The hair care formulation contains the necessary moisture to keep the hair frizz-free. Reviewers’ experiences also indicate that it is effective at removing dust and dirt from the hair. This result-driven shampoo is one of the best Japanese shampoos since it meets the highest quality standards.
Pros
- Prevents yellowing
- Hydrates the hair
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Intensifies the color
- Makes hair soft
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- May not lather well
- May feel difficult to rinse
"Experimenting with this pink shampoo turned out quite fun for my summer look. It kept my dyed hair looking bright longer than usual and nourished the strands. Overall, the shampoo may not be a permanent way to lock color, but it prevents signs of yellowing."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 5,218 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
8. Best For Deep Cleaning: Kaminomoto Charge Shampoo B&P
The Kaminomoto Charge Shampoo comes in a 300ml pack that lasts a long time, nourishing your hair while deep cleaning it from the scalp to the roots. It adds nutrition and moisturizes the hair, detangling it and protecting it from damage with active ingredients such as piroctone and glycyrrhetinic acid.
Regular application of the formulation, in conjunction with other essential care measures such as periodic oiling and conditioning, can help prevent hair damage through regenerative growth and protection.
Pros
- Prevents hair loss
- Cleanses the scalp
- Suitable for all hair types
- Improves hair elasticity and hair health
- Adds volume to hair
- Highly cleansing formula
Cons
- May not help with hair growth
- Some may find the fragrance peculiar
"I've been using this shampoo regularly, and while I can't vouch for hair regrowth, it does make my hair look thicker. Its cleansing properties have also been impressive, and the reduction in hair fall has been pretty noticeable."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 61 satisfied customers have left positive reviews about the product on Amazon.
9. Best Natural Ingredients: Rishiri Hair Color Shampoo
The Rishiri Hair Color Shampoo in black is formulated and prepared from natural ingredients with medicinal properties required for allergy prevention and control. This professional-grade Japanese shampoo and conditioner set is gentle on the hair follicles while protecting your strands for minimum damage and distress. It is a gentle formulation that can be a great healthy hair wash alternative to chemical-based hair care products. The formula is suitable for people with sensitive skin and helps improve hair texture and hair health.
Pros
- Naturally dyes the hair with every use
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Provides shiny and healthy hair
- Free of mineral oil and parabens
- Includes a conditioner
- Gentle on hair and skin
Cons
- May not soften the locks
- Might stain the towels
"From keeping my grays covered to softening the strands, this hair color shampoo takes care of everything. Its results are not dramatic, but the subtle color changes over multiple washes keep my hair from looking artificial. Moreover, the lack of chemicals and odor has kept acne at bay."
Point to consider10. Best For Damaged Hair: Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Premium Shampoo
Camelia premium shampoo by Oshima Tsubaki is a foaming shampoo that gently cleanses the scalp and hair. It contains camellia seed oil as its main ingredient, which has been popular in Japan since ancient times for its moisturizing properties.
Combined with other camellia-derived ingredients, this shampoo helps the scalp maintain its pH levels while making the hair smooth and soft. The sebum control shampoo is free of mineral oil, colorants, and silicone.
Pros
- Suitable for damaged hair
- Adds shine to the hair
- pH balanced formula
- A little goes a long way
- Reduces oily scalp
- Has a pleasant fragrance
- Leaves no residue
Cons
- May weigh the hair down for some
- Might be slightly greasy
"After exploring various shampoos, I am happy to have landed on this one. It suds well and leaves my hair soft and easy to tame. And though stronger than expected, its scent has also helped keep me refreshed throughout the day."
11. Best Chemical-Free: & Honey Deep Moist Shampoo
This Japanese shampoo comes in a 440ml bottle and contains the goodness of nutrient-rich ingredients such as honey, argan oil, golden silk, hyaluronic acid, royal jelly, and propolis to gently massage, hydrate, and repair your hair and scalp.
The hair revitalizing shampoo is primarily honey-scented and is designed to provide nutrients to dry hair. Its active ingredient is honey which is known for its proven efficacy to provide ample moisture. It is a blend of three different variants, namely raw honey from Japan, Acacia honey from Hungary, and Manuka honey from New Zealand. It contains the goodness of 100 percent Moroccan oil and is free of synthetic dyes and additives
Pros
- Free of sulfates and parabens
- Contains organic ingredients
- Free of mineral oil and silicone
- Cleanses the scalp
- Hydrating formula
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Might not suit all hair types
- May feel oily
"The shampoo’s delightful scent and hydrating properties have made it a pleasant addition to my hair care routine. While it's perfect for achieving that silky look, I recommend using a pea-sized amount, as too much product can leave an oily residue."
12. Best for Hair Fall Control: Kracie Dear Beaut’e Oil InShampoo
Kracie Dear Beaut’e oil shampoo is one of the best Japanese shampoos for hair fall control, moisturization, and deep nourishment. It comes in a fun 500ml bottle and is honey-scented. It is specially formulated to provide necessary nourishment to dry and wavy hair while reducing the chances of damage for effortless detangling.
You can use the hair care formulation to correct nutritional imbalances in the hair follicles, strands, and scalp, leaving it smooth and manageable. It derives its high nutritional value from sunflowers, and it also has a light floral undertone.
Pros
- Makes hair fragrant
- Contains natural ingredients
- Makes hair silky
- Gentle formulation
- Prevents frizz
Cons
- May not suit oily hair
- Some may experience dryness
"I love the refreshing scent of this shampoo and the results it has offered. Its moisturizing properties have reduced frizziness and made my hair soft. Plus, it even kept my dye from fading quickly."
13. Best For UV Protection: Moist Diane Perfect Beauty Extra Fresh & Hydrate Shampoo
The Moist Diane shampoo from Japan provides much-needed UV ray protection, often a source of concern for those who step out daily. The Japanese shampoo has a smooth finish that is gentle on the hair while providing intense UV damage repair. Its refreshing formula keeps both hair and scalp clean and breathable. In addition, the use of feather keratin, which is high in hydrophobic amino acids, provides the nutrition required for rapid follicle repair and new follicle generation.
The deeply hydrating shampoo is made with all safety and quality standards, ensuring that the user receives the maximum damage protection benefits. You can enjoy the soft undertones of sweet and fresh scent from the hair with this shampoo.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Contains herbal ingredients
- Makes hair oil free
- Gives you soft and smooth hair
- Non-drying formula
- Feels cool on the scalp
- Suitable for oily scalp
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance overpowering
- May not be suitable for sensitive eyes
"This shampoo has impressed me with how well it balances scalp health and hair hydration. It makes my hair look voluminous without leaving an oily residue on the strands or scalp. Overall, its citrusy scent and cooling effects have made it the perfect find for summer."
14. Best for 24-Hour Hair Protection: Kao Japan Asience Shampoo & Conditioner Set
Kao Japan introduces its Asience volume-rich and moisture-rich shampoo and conditioner set for a complete hair care regimen. The Japanese shampoo and conditioner set has a rich foaming texture and deep cleansing effects.
Its ingredients include extracts from honey, pomegranate, aloe vera, and pearl, featuring moisture-retaining properties. With moisture locked in for a longer period, you can expect a gentle transformation of rough and dry strands into untangled tresses that are easy to manage. In addition, its exotic floral fragrance enhances the overall experience of a gentle and relaxing hair wash.
Pros
- Prevents frizz
- Provides 24-hour hydration
- Lathers well
- Leaves hair silky smooth
- Suitable for Asian hair
Cons
- Smell could be overpowering
- May be difficult to rinse
"This shampoo and conditioner combo has been a game-changer for my hair. It makes my hair look straight and shiny even when I do not use a heat-based styling product. Plus, the scent, though strong, has been a nice touch."
15. Best for Deep Conditioning: New Ichikami Smooth And Sleek Shampoo And Conditioner Set
The shampoo and conditioner set provides the necessary nutrition to the hair with maximum cleansing. It cleanses the scalp, provides deep conditioning, repairs hair damage, and improves hair health. It contains effective ingredients such as palm kernel amido propyl betaine, glycol distearate, and tea-lauroyl sarcosinate.
Pros
- Soothes itchy scalp
- Makes the hair smooth and soft
- Controls frizz
- Sulfate-free formula
- Subtle smell
- Free of harsh chemicals
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin
- May not work on greasy hair
"A friend recommended this shampoo, and I am glad to have used it. It smoothened and revived my damaged hair in just a few uses. And its scent, though subtle, lasts all day long."
How To Choose The Right Japanese Shampoo?
Consider the following factors before selecting the best Japanese shampoo.
- Hair type: Shampoos made in Japan are typically formulated to suit specific hair types. Although many formulations are suitable for all types of hair, you must assess your hair’s suitability and select the best shampoo for your tresses.
- Ingredients: Different shampoos contain different ingredients, such as amino acids, keratin, honey, and floral extracts. Pick a shampoo based on the suitability of an ingredient and the purpose of your purchase. Look for shampoos made with clinically proven or dermatologist-recommended ingredients.
- Gentleness: Determine whether or not the formulation is free of harmful chemicals such as parabens and sulfates. If you have sensitive skin or a sensitive scalp, opt for gentle, hypoallergenic products.
- Effectiveness: You can also assess the extent of the product’s effects on hair growth and scalp health. Also determine if you need it for repair, rejuvenation, or texture improvement and make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Japanese shampoos have sulfates?
This would depend on the brand. Brands such as Theorie, Mirai, &honey, and Ichikami, generally offer sulfate-free shampoos.
2. Are Japanese shampoos good for the hair?
Most Japanese shampoos contain ingredients native to Japan, including rice water, honey, and cherry blossom extract, which not only nourish your hair but also bestows them with a fabulous scent.
3. Which Japanese shampoos are good for hair fall?
Choose shampoos that are formulated for tackling hair fall. You may choose the Kracie Dear Beaut’e Himawari Oil In Shampoo or the Tsubaki Extra Moist Shampoo from this list, as they are formulated with natural ingredients that prevent hair loss.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag, our hair and skin care products reviewer and writer, has scoured several reviews online to collate this list of the best Japanese shampoos for your hair care needs. These shampoos are made of natural, organic ingredients that cleanse, nourish, and protect your hair. Poulami has selected each shampoo after analyzing customer feedback. She provided each shampoo’s exclusive features and a how-to-choose section to help you make an informed choice.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for products with natural ingredients that nourish your hair and keep them healthy, Japanese shampoos are good options. Formulated using the best ingredients native to Japan, these shampoos not only cleanse but also promote hair growth. When choosing one, ensure it is suited for your hair type and specifically formulated to treat chemically treated, damaged, brittle, dry, or oily hair. Our top pick is the MyKirei By Kao Shampoo, as it is enriched with Japanese Tsubaki and rice water. Next in line is the & Honey Deep Moist Shampoo, which is free of harsh chemicals. For dual benefits, you may choose the New Ichikami Smooth And Sleek Shampoo And Conditioner Set.
Infographics: Your Japanese Shampoo Buying Guide
Japanese shampoos have become a worldwide sensation for their natural ingredient-infused formula that protects, cleanses, and boosts hair growth. However, having too many choices is bound to cause confusion. So check out this brief yet informative infographic to pick a shampoo that would suit you best. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Drene Shampoo Medium.
https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_688587 - Japan’s Panasonic develops robot hair-washer
https://phys.org/news/2010-09-japan-panasonic-robot-hair-washer.html
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