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Top 18 Best Japanese Salon Shampoos to Buy Online 2020 - Tried and True!

Top 18 Best Japanese Salon Shampoos to Buy Online 2020 - Tried and True!

Our editors searched Japanese e-commerce sites (such as @cosme, Amazon, and Rakuten) for the best salon shampoo. We then chose the 18 most popular products and tested for the following:

1. Application
2. Mildness
3. Lather
4. Hair Texture
5. Cleansing Power

We consulted a researcher and talked about formulas–which would be the most mild and which would be the most effective? We also discussed the characteristics of different surfactants, including amino acids and sulfates, as well as nourishing ingredients and unnecessary additives.

We then compiled everything we learned into a buying guide about and list of the best Japanese salon shampoos available online.

Last updated: 10-27-2019
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Table of Contents

Top 18 Best Japanese Salon Shampoos to Buy Online 2019

We analyzed ingredients and ran the shampoos through tests to check for mildness. We tried the products out on samples of hair and then rated the texture afterwards. We also sniffed them and lathered them up and rinsed them out, so we could judge the entire “experience” of shampooing.

And based on how they performed, we rated the top 18 Japanese salon shampoos available online.

※Japanese prices for the products are given; they’ve merely been converted into USD for easy viewing.

1. LaClair eau M Shampoo (6.7 oz)

$19.00

View product on Global Rakuten

Best for Damaged, Brittle Hair: Mild Betains and Botanical Extracts Gently Cleanse and Nourish

Hair felt amazing after a wash. The shampoo hydrated, imparting body and shine. The ingredients were mild and counted among them natural botanicals, including rosemary and edelweiss extract, that nourished hair. Even as we were rinsing product out, we could tell that hair was smoother and more elastic.

While cleansing power didn’t knock our socks off, the formula lathered into dense, creamy foam that covered every square centimeter of hair. As long as you take time massaging the shampoo in and rinsing it out, you should be thoroughly cleansed. And the product is gentle enough to use twice on days your hair is particularly grimy.

If your hair is dry and brittle–and constantly suffering under the office air conditioner or Santa Ana winds–then LaClair eau’s M Shampoo will give it the TLC it needs.

Japanese	ラクレアオーシャンプー M
Scent	–
Price per ounce	$2.81
Benefits	Elastic & Moisturized Hair
Application	4.8
Mildness	5.0
Lather	3.0
Hair Texture	4.0
Cleansing	1.0
Overall Score	4.0

2. COTA i CARE 1 Shampoo (10.1 oz)

$31.81

View product on Global Rakuten

Best for Tangled or Hopelessly Damaged Hair: Formula Leaves Strands as Slippery as Silk

If you have hopelessly tangled hair, this is the product to look out for. During testing, it left hair so silky that knots slid apart, and we were able to run our fingers through the strands with no resistance.

The formula features cocamidopropyl betaine, which is often used in infant shampoos because it’s so mild. It lathers into thick, cushiony foam. However, we’d say it’s a bit too gentle–and that most adults, especially adults with thick hair, need to lather up and rinse out at least twice.

However, if you have delicate or damaged hair that needs time to recover, this is a great product to use during the interim between stronger cleansers.

Japanese	コタアイケアシャンプー 1
Scent	Lavender
Price per ounce	$3.14
Benefits	Light, Sleek Hair
Application	3.5
Mildness	5.0
Lather	3.5
Hair Texture	5.0
Cleansing	2.6
Overall Score	4.0

3. hoyu PROMASTER Color Care Cool (20.3 oz)

$14.79

Best for Hair that Needs a Good Cleansing: Refreshing Shampoo that Has Hair Spotless but Not Stripped

Finally, a salon shampoo that juggles mild ingredients with intense cleansing power. It can wash away even stubborn gels and sprays, refreshing and prepping your hair for a new style.

Now, there was sodium laureth sulfate in the formula, but it didn’t show up until the third line of the ingredients list. That likely means that it’s present in such a low concentration it’s unlikely to cause any damage; however, it probably accounts for much of the cleansing power. The first surfactant listed was a betaine.

When we started applying the shampoo, it gave off a citrusy scent, like grapefruit. However, as it foamed up, the smell became light, clear, and minty.

Japanese	hoyu プロマスターカラーケアクール
Scent	Floral Mint
Price per ounce	$0.73
Benefits	Conditioning, Color Preservation after Dyeing
Application	3.1
Mildness	5.0
Lather	3.5
Hair Texture	4.0
Cleansing	4.6
Overall Score	4.0

4. Demi MILLEUM Shampoo (27.1 oz)

$13.18

Best Budget Salon Shampoo: Gentle Ingredients that Smooth out Kinks and Nurture Hair

This is another salon shampoo designed to be as gentle as possible. The main surfactant is the ever popular cocamidopropyl betain, which is safe for delicate scalps and hair.

Again, cleansing power leaves much to be desired. If you have oily hair or use styling products, you’ll have to lather up well and massage thoroughly. Still, at least than 50 cents an ounce, it’s incredibly cheap for a salon shampoo. You can afford to lather, rinse, and repeat as many times as you need.

Finally, the formula is silicone-free, but it leaves hair sleek and moisturized.

Japanese	デミミレアムシャンプー
Scent	–
Price per ounce	$0.49
Benefits	–
Application	3.1
Mildness	5.0
Lather	4.0
Hair Texture	5.0
Cleansing	2.3
Overall Score	4.0

5. cocuu Slow Shampoo (8.5 ml)

$13.86

View product on Global Rakuten

The Best if You Want to Hydrate Your Hair Naturally: Features Botanical Oils that Impart Shine and Moisture

cocuu’s shampoo is meant to hydrate as much as it cleanses. We didn’t feel any signs of dryness after all the washing and blowdrying, and the sample of hair slid like water between our fingers.

The formula featured plenty of natural plant oils and extracts, including jojoba seed oil and orange oil. There were no silicones, so you know that sleek texture and shine was all plant-derived.

We did wish it lathered more though. The foam came out a bit loose and rough, and we needed more product to get a thorough cleanse.

Japanese	cocuu スロウシャンプー
Scent	Orange & Patchouli
Price per ounce	$1.64
Benefits	Moisture
Application	3.6
Mildness	5.0
Lather	3.5
Hair Texture	4.0
Cleansing	2.6
Overall Score	4.0

6. SUNNYPLACE nano suppli Cleansing Shampoo (Oolong, 33.8 oz)

$10.89

Worth Checking out: Budget Shampoo that Really Cleanses but Keeps Hair Sleek

This was the cheapest of all the salon shampoos we tried. The formula was silicone-free, but hair felt like silk after cleansing.

But don’t get too excited. If you read the instructions, you’ll see that SUNNYPLACE recommends you shampoo twice. That not only means that you’ll use up product twice as fast, but you’ll be wearing down your scalp. It didn’t help that the main surfactant was sodium laureth sulfate, either.

Japanese	サニープレイスナノサプリクレンジングシャンプーウーロン
Scent	Citrus
Price per ounce	$0.32
Benefits	Scalp Care
Application	3.4
Mildness	3.0
Lather	5.0
Hair Texture	5.0
Cleansing	5.0
Overall Score	3.9

7. LebeL IAU Cleansing Relaxment Shampoo (6.8 oz)

$10.44

Worth Checking out: Feels Amazing to Use, though You Might Not Want to Apply to Greasy Hair

The formula was relatively mild, though all the sebum left on that glass slide had us a bit hesitant.

The shampoo did feel amazing to use. It lathered readily but rinsed out quickly. And it smelled divine. It was the perfect marriage between the sweetness of rose and the earthiness of leafy greens.

The shampoo came in a squeeze bottle. While we prefer nozzles, the cap was easy to open and the bottle easy to squeeze, so it gets a grudging nod.

Japanese	ルベルイオクレンジングリラックスメント
Scent	Rose & Leafy Greens
Price per ounce	$1.54
Benefits	Hydrated Scalp and Sleek Hair
Application	4.8
Mildness	3.5
Lather	4.0
Hair Texture	4.0
Cleansing	1.3
Overall Score	3.8

8. napla N. Shea Shampoo (Moisture, 10.1 oz)

$19.64

Worth Checking out: Gentle Formula that is as Moisturizing as It Claims

Here is yet another salon shampoo that could’ve provided a bit more cleansing power. Maybe don’t use this during sweaty summers or after active days.

Unfortunately, application was only so-so. The floral scent was light and elegant, but the formula didn’t lather easily. We were worried about missing a spot during application or hidden residue left behind after rinsing.

Still, the shampoo was not without its strengths. It earned a full score for its mild ingredients. It was also as moisturizing as it claimed to be, which resulted in a solid grade for hair texture.

Japanese	ナプラエヌドットシアシャンプー
Scent	White Floral
Price per ounce	$1.94
Benefits	Moisture
Application	3.6
Mildness	5.0
Lather	3.5
Hair Texture	4.0
Cleansing	2.5
Overall Score	3.6

9. FIOLE F Protect Shampoo (Basic, 10.1 oz)

$11.64

Japanese	フィオーレ F.プロテクトヘアシャンプーベーシックタイプ
Scent	–
Price per ounce	$1.15
Benefits	–
Application	3.0
Mildness	4.2
Lather	3.0
Hair Texture	3.0
Cleansing	3.8
Overall Score	3.4

10. COTA SERA Shampoo (27.1 oz)

$37.64

View product on Global Rakuten

Worth Checking out: Mild Dandruff-Fighting Shampoo Meant to Cleanse Your Scalp

This scalp shampoo is formulated to fight dandruff and soothe itchiness. While ingredients were mild, they did not leave hair silky. Strands tangled as we were washing and blowdrying. Take care not to tug too hard, or you’ll actually end up damaging your hair and scalp.

And while it wasn’t present in high concentrations, piroctone olamine, a powerful antibacterial, was on the ingredients list. Make sure you rinse thoroughly.

Japanese	コタセラシャンプー
Scent	Leafy Greens
Price per ounce	$1.39
Benefits	Medicated Scalp Care
Application	3.5
Mildness	5.0
Lather	4.0
Hair Texture	2.0
Cleansing	1.8
Overall Score	3.7

Products That Didn't Make the Cut

And why they didn't quite make it.

Cleanses Perhaps Too Well–Leaves Hair Squeaky and Tangled

LebeL’s Natural Hair Soap with Marigold (11) was similar in ways to our number six pick. Both were effective cleansers but contained ingredients that weren’t particularly mild (LebeL’s product was rated at a 3.5).

However, unlike the SUNNYPLACE shampoo, which turn hair into spun silk, LebeL was stripping. Locks tangled and felt so squeaky clean that we weren’t able to run our fingers through them.

Likewise, Loretta’s Mainichi no Sukkiri Shampoo (14) and Aujua’s Aging Hair Care Timesurge Shampoo (15) received only around 2.0 points on mildness but near perfect scores for cleansing. Both formulas featured sulfates as surfactants, so we hesitate to recommend them for regular use.

Ingredients are Gentle but Cleansing Power Sub-Par

product’s shampoo (12) was the opposite; the mild ingredients earned it a score of 4.0; however, it got just 1.3 points for cleansing power. It didn’t lather either, so we honestly didn’t feel like we were washing our hair.

Doesn’t Excel in Cleansing Power but isn’t That Gentle Either

Abreeze’s Natural Organic Shampoo (13) wasn’t particularly gentle nor effective; it earned 2.5 and 3.0 points for mildness and cleansing power, respectively. However, it did get 4.0 points for lather and hair texture.

Neway Japan’s Nanoamino Shampoo (16) and Shiseido’s The Hair Care Aqua Intensive Shampoo (17) featured sodium laureth sulfate as their main surfactant. Therefore, they earned about a single point for mildness–and still managed to score a little beneath 3.0 for cleansing power.

beauty experience’s Clay Esthe Shampoo (18) was only slightly gentler, receiving a flat 2.0 for its ingredients. However, it also wasn’t as effective and got only 2.3 points for how poorly it cleaned.

How We Tested Our Products

We think a good shampoo, first and foremost, lathers easily and cleanses thoroughly. However, it needs to contain mild ingredients that will nourish–not irritate–your scalp. And it should leave your hair hydrated and sleek.

This is how we tested for those factors.

Test ①: Application

We transferred all the shampoos into plain bottles. We then gathered a group of editors and had them pass the products around and grade each on scent, how easily it lathered and rinsed out, and whether hair tangled upon application.

To try to keep things more or less objective, we asked testers not to tell us whether they liked the fragrance, but rather if it faithfully reproduced whatever it was supposed to reproduce (e.g. whether a rose-scented shampoo smelled like roses or sweet chemical perfume).

Test ②: Mildness

We conducted something called the “protein denaturation test.” Denaturation, by the way, refers to the altering or destruction of protein structure through the introduction of an external stressor.

We diluted each shampoo and dripped the mixture into egg whites. We then stirred gently as to not cause any frothing. After waiting a set period of time, we transferred the cups onto black sheets of paper.

Basically, the harsher a shampoo was, the more the mixture would cloud over. Therefore, the shampoo added to the cup of the left side of the picture was strong and earned only a 1.0 for mildness; on the other hand, the shampoo added to the cup on the right resulted in a clear solution and earned a score of 5.0.

Test ③: Lather

It’s hard for a shampoo to clean if it doesn’t lather. So we diluted the shampoos, making sure to keep the shampoo-to-water ratio equal. We then poured the mixtures into large plastic cups.

We set a hand mixer to a set speed and frothed up the mixtures for a fixed amount of time. We were looking for products that produced huge amounts of foam quickly. Therefore, the higher up the bubbles mounted in the cup, the higher the score a shampoo could earn.

Test ④: Hair Texture

We prepared 18 bundles of long hair. We then washed each with a separate shampoo before blowdrying, ten times each.

Because the very act of rubbing shampoo into your hair can be damaging, we applied using a comb. That way, we ensured that product was distributed evenly throughout the hair sample and that any damage dealt was consistent among the batches.

We also made sure the hair dryer was set to the same temperature and speed throughout testing. We dried without combing through or otherwise ruffling hair.

After we’d gone through the 10 reps, we measured for texture. We used a machine to calculate the amount of force it took us to pass a comb through hair; a higher measurement meant more friction and poorer texture.

Test ⑤: Cleansing Power

Last but not least, we checked for efficacy. We started off by diluting the shampoos at a set water-to-product ratio.

We then dyed a mixture of stearic acid and oleic acid (the main components of human sebum) red and applied it to glass slides.

Finally, we gently submerged the slides into the diluted shampoo. The more artificial sebum came off, the higher the score.

Tips on How to Choose Japanese Salon Shampoo – Buying Guide

Here are five big things to look out for.

① Surfactants Determine How Much a Shampoo Will Strip Your Hair

Generally speaking, salon shampoos contain only mild ingredients, but not always.

When reading the ingredients list, just focus on the first three lines–these are the only items are present in high enough concentrations to really matter. Just keep in mind that products in Japan classified as “quasi-drugs”※1 don’t have to list all the ingredients that went into them, so they’re much harder to judge.

※1 医薬部外品: quasi-drugs (similar to OTC drugs in America)

Betains are So Gentle, They’re Often Used in Infant Shampoos

Betains are often used in infant shampoos. Betain shampoos are not sticky or slimy but are very gentle. They also lather into plush, velvety foam.

Many salon shampoos actually feature some kind of betain as the main surfactant. However, though betains are mild, they also haven’t much to offer in the way of cleansing power. There will likely be days you’ll have to wash your hair twice.

Look for These Ingredients

ラウラミドプロピルベタイン: Lauramidopropyl Betaine
ココアン酢酸Na: Sodium Cocoan Acetate
コカミドプロピルベタイン: Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Amino Acids are Mild, But You’ll Need to Spend a Few Extra Minutes a Day Pampering Yourself

Amino acid shampoos have been gaining traction recently. They’re mild on your hair and your scalp.

However, they also aren’t the most effective cleansers–and they don’t lather well either. And shampoos that don’t lather don’t rinse out easily. And no matter how gentle the surfactant, leaving it on your skin for longer than necessary spells damage.

But we aren’t trying to scare you away from amino acids. As long as you make sure to lather up before applying to your scalp and then spend about five minutes rinsing product out, you’ll be fine.

Most amino acids will contain “cocoyl” or “lauryol”※2 in their name.

Look for These Ingredients

-Don’t Lather Easily but are Especially Gentle-

ココイルグルタミン酸Na: Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
ココイルグルタミン酸TEA: TEA-Cocoyl Glutamate
ラウロイルグルタミン酸Na: Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate

-Lather Relatively Easily-

ラウロイルアラニンNa: Sodium Lauroyl Alanine
ココイルメチルアラニンNa: Sodium Cocoyl Methyl Beta-Alanine
ココイルアラニンTEA: TEA-Cocoyl Alaninate
ラウロイルサルコシンNa: Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
ココイルサルコシンNa: Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate

※2 「ココイル」「ラウロイル」: “cocoyl” and “lauroyl,” respectively

Sulfates are Harsh, but They Will Do Wonders for Lank, Greasy Hair

There’s a reason sulfates are popular. They lather high and cleanse deep, and perhaps most importantly, they’re cheap. They’re often used as the main surfactant in commercial shampoos, and they’re even included in salon shampoos, albeit at lower concentrations.

Actually, sulfates are a bit too effective. They strip your hair and scalp of not only gunk but also moisture and nutrients–stuff you want to keep. It’s fine if you turn to sulfate shampoos every once in a while–when you’ve been sweating a lot or have seawater in your hair–but we wouldn’t recommend them for everyday use.

Look for These Ingredients

ラウレス硫酸Na: Sodium Laureth Sulfate
ラウリル硫酸Na: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

② Know What Ingredients are Unnecessary

Shampoos really only need three types of ingredients: water, a cleansing agent (surfactant), and conditioners, such as nutrients and moisturizers. Yet some contain unnecessary additives or harsh antibacterials.

Tar Dyes are Represented by a Color Followed by a Number and are Best Avoided

Image is important for marketing. However, shampoo is something you dispense, lather up, and then rinse out right away, so you don’t need dyes.

Scanning the ingredients list, you may sometimes stumble across a color followed by a number※3. These are knows as tar dyes. While they’re harmless in small amounts, they contain impurities that, if left to build up on your scalp, could cause irritation. Do your best to avoid them.

We will make an exception for caramel, which is sometimes included as a colorant. It’s the same caramel you get from heating up sugar–it’s a natural and safe ingredient.

※3 「赤」「青」「黄」「紫」「緑」「橙」: red, blue, yellow, purple, green, and orange, respectively

Salicylic Acid Irritates the Eyes, so You Don’t Want It in Shampoo

Salicylic acid is sometimes included in shampoo as a kind of antibacterial. If you’ve ever struggled with acne before, you’re likely familiar with it. It’s a powerful cleanser, which can also act as an exfoliant.

Salicylic acid won’t damage your skin or scalp (which is why it’s often used in acne medication), but we wouldn’t recommend it in shampoo because, when you rinse out, it can get into and irritate the eyes.

③ Next, Know What Ingredients Can Nourish Your Hair

Why not get a shampoo with benefits?

Ceramides Moisturize Dry, Brittle Hair

For dry, frizzy hair, we recommend ceramides. They hydrate without weighing down your locks.

Look out for ingredients like “ceramide 2” and “ceramide NP,”※4 or “cetyl-PG hydroxyethyl palmitamide” and “ceramide NS dilaurate,”※5 which are kind of mock ingredients, very similar in structure to ceramides.

※4 「セラミド2」「セラミドNP」：ceramide 2 and ceramide NP, respectively
※5 「セチルPGヒドロキシエチルパルミタミド」「ジラウリン酸セラミドNS」: cetyl-PG hydroxyethyl palmitamide and ceramide NS dilaurate, respectively

Hydrolyzed Keratin Patches up Damaged, Delicate Hair

If you bleach, dye, or use heat styling tools, consider getting a shampoo that contains hydrolyzed keratin (or hydrolyzed lecithin).

Keratin is a protein that protects cells from damage, and it’s an important component of healthy nails and hair. When hydrolyzed, it absorbs more easily into hair and accelerates healing.

④ Make Sure the Shampoo Fits into Your Budget

Commercial shampoos sell for, on average, about 2.6 yen (a little over 2¢) a ml, or about $0.71 per ounce. Salon shampoos, however, sell for about 5.6 yen a ml, or about $1.54 per ounce.

The latter may contain higher quality ingredients, but none of that matters if you can’t afford to restock regularly. Look at the price and compare it to how much product you get and how much you use up in a month before determining if the shampoo is worth it.

⑤ Follow Your Nose

The scent of your shampoo lingers in your hair even after you rinse it out. So don’t discount fragrance. It’s an incentive to cleanse regularly and thoroughly and can lift your mood throughout the day.

Most commercial shampoos will have a description of scent–lavender and chamomile or whatever–listed somewhere on the bottle, usually near the ingredients list. Salon shampoos often don’t. However, if you’re curious, you can probably find more information on the company’s official site.

For a sweeter scent, look for floral fragrances; rose is especially popular. If you like lighter, more neutral scents, try citrus or herbal blends.

How to Properly Wash Your Hair

The very act of washing your hair can be a stressor. So we turned to a hair specialist, who taught us the dos and don’ts of cleansing.

① Start off by Slowly and Thoroughly Cleansing Your Scalp

Before applying shampoo, rinse your hair out for 2-3 minutes. As you rinse, gently massage your scalp, helping the water reach every square centimeter of it. That’ll help you wash away most air pollutants and styling products.

Next, lather up your shampoo and pile it onto your head. Use the pads of your fingers to massage foam into your pores for 1-2 minutes. Make sure you aren’t scratching at your scalp. That can put stress on not only your skin, but also on your baby hairs as well.

Maintain a distance of about 1 inch between your fingers and slowly work your scalp from front to back.

② Comb Through–Don’t Rub at–Your Hair. Then Rinse for Three to Five Minutes

After you’ve cleansed your scalp, it’s time for your hair. Wash as follows.

Place your fingers at the roots of your hair.

Comb your fingers towards the ends of your hair, coating each strand with foam.

Free your fingers from your hair.

Return any leftover foam on the backs of your hands to the roots of your hair.

Think of these four steps of a set. Each portion of your hair should go through three sets. Like with your scalp, wash from front to back. Once foam has been distributed evenly throughout your hair, rinse out.

You aren’t done rinsing when all the foam has disappeared. That’s because you want to get rid of not only the bubbles, but also any cleansing agents that sank into your hair and pores. Aim to rinse for about three to five minutes. Basically, you should spend more time washing away the shampoo than you spend applying it.

Looking for a Better Deal? Consider Commercial Shampoos

Not everything good has to be expensive. After all, aren’t the best things in life free? We actually tested 26 commercial shampoos as well, and some produced stellar results. Learn more about them below.

Top 26 Best Japanese Commercial Shampoos to Buy Online 2020 – Tried and True!

Summary

We rounded up members from our editing department, purchased the 18 most popular Japanese salon shampoos, and tested them all.

Now, most salon shampoos you purchase at a salon at the recommendation of your stylist. However, some brands do sell online and in select stores–just beware of fakes. Take the time to do your research, be a discerning buyer, and we’re sure your scalp and hair will thank you for it.

Original by Mai Okutomi; Translation by Jasmine Li