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Unlock the key to healthier hair and scalp as we take a look at the best Japanese scalp shampoos and treatments designed for various needs. Whether you're in pursuit of relief for a dry scalp, seeking the best solution for an itchy sensation, or aiming to address specific conditions such as thinning hair, our list of recommended haircare products will serve as a useful guide on your hair care journey.
Scalp care is important for several reasons, as the health of the scalp directly impacts the overall health and appearance of the hair. Here are some key reasons why scalp care is crucial:
- Promotes healthy hair growth – a well-nourished scalp provides optimal conditions for hair follicles to thrive and helps to promote healthy hair growth by removing dead skin cells and excess oil.
- Prevents dryness and dandruff – good scalp care can help to prevent issues like dandruff and dry scalp, helping to maintain the balance of oil production and moisture levels. Regular scalp care can also help manage conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
- Reduces hair loss – taking good care of your scalp helps to ensure that hair follicles are not clogged, preventing conditions that can contribute to hair thinning.
Read on to learn more about the best Japanese scalp shampoos and conditioners for strong and healthy hair.
How we decided
- Scalp TypeWe look at whether the product suits dry, sensitive, itchy, or oily scalps to ensure gentle and effective care
- Hair ConcernsProducts are selected based on specific hair needs such as thinning, damaged, aging, or stiff hair
- Key Ingredients & BenefitsWe consider key ingredients like ceramides, plant oils, and growth complexes, and their benefits for scalp and hair
- ValuePrice, availability, and overall benefit relative to cost
1. Kao Curel Scalp Care Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp 420ml
The Kao Curel Scalp Care shampoo is formulated for consumers with dry and sensitive skin and contains ceramide to keep your scalp hydrated even after washing your hair. It creates a fine foam allowing you to cleanse your head and scalp without causing dryness and can also be used on children and babies.
Pros
- Hydrates scalp effectively
- Gentle foam, non-drying
- Safe for children and babies
Cons
- Mild scent may not appeal to everyone
- May feel less “deep cleansing”
2. Kao Curel Scalp Care Hair Conditioner for Sensitive Scalp 420ml
As a companion to the scalp care shampoo mentioned above, the Kao Curel Scalp Hair Conditioner is ideally suited for consumers with sensitive scalps.
This product is designed to hydrate your hair without causing irritation using plant-based ingredients to moisturize hair to the tips, leaving it feeling silky smooth and tangle-free. This deeply moisturizing yet lightweight hair conditioner is easy to rinse off without leaving any residue on your hair and scalp.
Pros
- Plant-based moisturizing ingredients
- Lightweight, non-greasy
- Detangles hair smoothly
Cons
- May not suit very oily scalps
- Not specifically anti-dandruff
3. Kaminomoto Hydrating Scalp Care Conditioner B&P 300ml
The Kaminomoto Conditioner B&P is suitable for men and women and helps to moisturize your hair and scalp while preventing dandruff, itchiness, and odor. Its moisturizing effect protects hair from heat damage when using hairdryers and it helps to prevent split ends. Additionally, by moisturizing the scalp, it helps to promote better hair growth. For best results use this conditioner alongside the Kaminomoto Hydrating Scalp Care Shampoo B&P.
Pros
- Moisturizes scalp & hair
- Helps prevent dandruff & split ends
- Protects from heat damage
Cons
- Needs matching shampoo for full effect
- Fragrance may be strong for some
4. Shiseido Professional Adenovital Scalp Treatment for Thinning Hair 1000ml
Shiseido Professional Adenovital series has been developed in conjunction with professional stylists and beauty creators to give consumers more voluminous hair.
This treatment has been specifically designed to improve thinning hair by moisturizing your scalp to stimulate hair growth. Shiseido's exclusive formula includes a blend of ingredients that strongly support hair growth from the roots.
For maximum results use this product in conjunction with Shiseido’s scalp essence (see below).
Pros
- Stimulates hair growth
- Deeply moisturizes scalp
- Professional-quality formula
Cons
- Results take time to appear
- Large bottle may be pricey upfront
5. Shiseido Professional Adenovital Advanced Scalp Essence 180g
This premium hair treatment from Shiseido is designed for consumers who want to improve their thinning hair. The Japanese scalp essence energizes your scalp and nurtures your hair to improve you overall scalp condition, promoting hair growth, and minimizing hair loss.
It features ingredients such as apricot-originated AP complex for improved scalp health, spiny restharrow (a flowering plant) to repair damage and improve resilience,
whilst moisturization agent AG Complex II focuses on improving the scalp condition, which is essential for effective hair growth.
Pros
- Strengthens hair from roots
- Improves scalp condition
- Contains AP & AG Complex II
Cons
- Small bottle, regular use needed
- Pricey
6. Milbon Aujua Gentle Aging Spa Shampoo Scalp Care Shampoo 500ml
For consumers with stiff or aging hair, the Aujua Aging Spa series is a great option. The Milbon Aujua lineup of products is specifically targeted towards consumers who are experiencing hair stiffness, a common problem with aging hair, and consumers who often dye or perm their hair.
This shampoo is packed full of ingredients to gently cleanse and moisturize the scalp and hair including Glucosamine, Moisture Veil and Sodium Hyaluronate.
Pros
- Gently cleanses scalp
- Moisturizes & softens hair
- Protects dyed or permed hair
Cons
- Higher price point
- May not be suitable for oily scalp
7. Milbon Aujua Scalp Care Aging Spa Moisturizing Hair Mask Treatment 250g
Within the same series of Milbon products as the shampoo mentioned above, this moisturizing hair mask treatment is also ideal for consumers concerned with aging or stiff hair.
This particular hair mask contains glucosamine and sodium hyaluronate to add an extra layer of moisture to your scalp and hair, keeping the hair protected and moisturized at the same time.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes hair & scalp
- Contains glucosamine & hyaluronate
- Easy to apply & rinse
Cons
- Slightly thick consistency
- Relatively expensive
8. Lion Oct Serapie Skin Care Shampoo 230ml
Lion Oct Serapie Skin Care Shampoo is formulated for consumers prone to itchy, dry scalps and dandruff. This shampoo contains an effective component called Octopirox which restrains bacteria from increasing and at the same time protects the scalp from itchiness and dandruff.
It also contains a blend of natural moisturizing components such as fermented soybean extract and sorbitol for hydrating your scalp, is free from parabens, and is allergy tested. It is recommended to use this product with the Lion Oct Serapie Scalp Conditioner for Itchiness & Dandruff (see below).
Pros
- Controls bacteria & dandruff
- Hydrates scalp naturally
- Allergy tested, paraben-free
Cons
- May not suit oily hair types
- Scent may be unusual
9. Lion Oct Serapie Scalp Conditioner for Itchiness & Dandruff 230ml
Lion Oct Serapie Skin Care Conditioner is a hair conditioner that can also be applied directly to the scalp. It is intended for people who want to protect their scalps from dryness, itchiness, and dandruff.
Like the shampoo mentioned above, the conditioner also contains Octopirox to prevent unwanted bacteria from forming on the scalp and protect against itchiness and dandruff.
Pros
- Controls bacteria & dandruff
- Hydrates scalp naturally
- Allergy tested, paraben-free
Cons
- May not suit oily hair types
- Scent may be unusual
10. Kao Merit Shampoo Cool Pump Bottle 480ml
Merit Shampoo Cool is ideally suited for consumers with an itchy scalp because it has an immediate soothing and refreshing menthol effect on your scalp to relieve any irritation and cleanse your scalp.
The rich gentle lather of this Japanese shampoo effectively cleanses impurities from your scalp and hair and helps to prevent dandruff. It also contains plant-derived licorice, eucalyptus, and chamomile to moisturize and refresh your scalp.
Another variation of this product is the Kao Merit Shampoo Pump Bottle which contains many of the same ingredients and performs the same functions minus the cooling menthol effect.
Pros
- Cooling menthol effect
- Gentle cleansing
- Plant-derived moisturizing ingredients
Cons
- Menthol may be too strong for sensitive users
- May dry out very dry hair
11. Kumano Yushi Horse Oil Shampoo 600ml
Kumano Yushi Horse Oil Shampoo contains natural oil from horses, which has the closest composition to human sebum. This shampoo is ideally suited for people who want to improve their hair quality and scalp health condition and can help relieve itchy scalps, tame unruly hair, and repair damage.
This silicone-free shampoo is formulated with the same pH as skin resulting in a soft finish after washing. Because it does not contain silicone, the product is gentle to your hair and scalp, leading to shinier, glossier hair.
12. ULOS Anti-Dandruff Scalp Shampoo 300ml
ULOS Scalp Shampoo keeps your hair and scalp healthy by preventing dandruff, itching, and bacteria that cause scalp odor. This shampoo can help you to achieve smoother hair without the use of conditioner and has fine mild foam that contains essential oils and menthol for a refreshing and soothing sensation.
Pros
- Prevents dandruff & odor
- Smooth hair without conditioner
- Mild foam with essential oils
Cons
- May not deeply moisturize
- Menthol effect may be strong
13. Koh Gen Do Scalp Aging Repair Japanese Shampoo 200ml
This premium scalp care shampoo produced by Japanese cosmetics brand Koh Gen Do contains plant-based ingredients and collagen to cleanse the hair and scalp whilst having a moisturizing effect at the same time. This product is free from aromatics, colorants, mineral oils, paraben, alcohol, sulfate, and silicon, making it kind to your hair and scalp.
This shampoo is so effective at making your hair soft and shiny that you won’t need to use conditioner or other treatments. With regular use you can expect voluminous, glossier hair.
Pros
- Plant-based & collagen-infused
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Makes hair soft & glossy
Cons
- Very expensive
- May not suit oily scalp
14. Milbon Plarmia Balancing Scalp Soap Shampoo 500ml
Formulated especially for dry, sensitive scalps, this gentle shampoo will effectively cleanse the scalp and hair without stripping essential moisture and lipids.
Milbon Plarmia Balanacing Scalp Soap comes in a generous-sized 500ml bottle and is packed with a blend of natural minerals to gently cleanse the scalp and hair and replenish the skin's moisture.
Tailored to address the unique needs of dry and sensitive scalps, it goes beyond cleansing to normalize the skin's barrier function, effectively countering the effects of aging that can lead to dryness.
Pros
- Gentle cleansing, retains moisture
- Replenishes natural lipids
- Large 500ml bottle
Cons
- May not foam heavily
- Expensive
15. Botanist Smooth Botanical Shampoo for Sleek Hair Green Apple & Rose 460ml
Botanist Green Apple & Rose Hair Shampoo provides consumers with a naturally beautiful, silky, and moisturized hair experience. This Japanese shampoo is crafted with a selection of botanical ingredients such as jojoba seed oil and macadamia nut oil, leaving your hair feeling sleek and smooth.
Ingredients such as birch water provide moisture for your hair and scalp, whilst sugarcane molasses and nanosized rice ceramide also work to keep your hair hydrated. Additionally, this shampoo has a revitalizing aroma of green apple and rose.
Pros
- Botanical ingredients for shine
- Moisturizes scalp & hair
- Pleasant green apple & rose scent
Cons
- May be light for very damaged hair
- Slightly higher price
If you’re looking for more Japanese hair products, check out the full range of shampoos and conditioners, hair and scalp treatments, or read out article on the best shampoos for dry and damaged hair.
