With all of the shampoo brands on the market, one would think that picking the right one would be a simple task. Well, they thought wrong! Choosing a shampoo brand isn’t as easy as it seems. You need to choose one that works with the texture and type of hair you have.
Certain brands specialize in dry, damaged, oily, and other types of hair. This is one reason why Japanese hair brands focus more on repairing the moisture level of your hair to help with dryness or adding a glossy finish to your hair.
If you’re still unsure about what Japanese shampoo brand you should choose, we have compiled a list of brands for you that are reputable, proven effective, and all around great to use.
Best Japanese Shampoo Brands
1.MINON Amino Moist
MINON Amino Moist is a Japanese skincare brand created by a pharmaceutical company called Daiichi Sankyo. This brand was created to meet the needs of individuals with sensitive skin. Its first product was released in 1973.
Their brand is based on the “Three Nons” which includes Non-allergenic, Non-toxic, and Non-alkaline. Their products are formulated with 9 types of hydrating amino acids and 2 types of clarifying amino acids. Not only do they moisturize, but they beautify and brighten skin,
2.&Honey
&Honey uses a blend of Manuka Honey, Acacia Honey, and Raw Honey. They focus on the water content of hair and the concept of “water retention organic beauty”. Their products consist of more than 90% moisture essence and have no additives such as sulfates, parabens, synthetic coloring, and other chemicals that may do more harm than good. These products are best for managing dry and crisp hair texture.
3.Botanist
Botanist, a brand that’s been around for about 5-years, uses a variety of raw materials that have been derived from plants grown in the environment. They only use the best ingredients for their products and remain honest with their brand. The main ingredient in their shampoo and body soap is clean water. They believe in utilizing a balance between carefully selected plant derived ingredients and technology. Their shampoos are made with gentle and mild surfactant and formulated with Methyl Cocoyl Taurate from coconut palm.
4.Shiseido
Shiseido has been around for over 145 years and was founded by a pharmacist by the name of Arinobu Fukuhara. Not only do they go above and beyond industry standards when it comes to the quality of their product, testing, formulations, and natural ingredients.
The company believes in maintaining environmental consciousness and removal of animal testing. One of their most popular products is the Tsubaki shampoo made from Tsubaki flower extract that creates rich moisture in the hair.
5.Moist Diane
Moist Diane creates shampoo that’s designed to create silku, smooth hair with silicone-free ingredients. They were founded in 2013 and remain a top silicone-free hair care brand. They use Argan oil cleansing agents that maximize the functions of Argan oil to clean the scalp by removing impurities and excess sebum.
Their shampoo is ideal for those who are suffering from damaged hair that may be the result of hair styling.
6.Kracie
Karcie has been around since 1887 and was established as Tokyo Cotton trading Company. Not only do they manufacture shampoo, but they also have lines of bath salts, body washes, and other skin care products.
Their shampoos are highly moisturizing and suitable for dry and damaged hair. Dear Beaute HIMAWARI is one of their most popular shampoos. It’s made with the famous himawari oil that helps repair damaged hair with 4 kinds of amino acids. It also contains premium organic sunflower EX oil for dry scalps.
7.ViCREA Inc.
There isn’t much information regarding the ViCREA Inc. company, but they’re the creator of Beee8 Moist Shine shampoo, one of their most popular products. It’s a shampoo that contains raw honey to help repair dry and damaged hair. It has over 89% nourishing ingredients and 8 types of honey for ideal moisture balance. It’s targeted more towards women in their late teens to late 20’s, but it could probably suit older women and even men.
8.CLAYGE by TADA Inc.
TADA Inc. is a Japanese shampoo brand that created CLAYGE shampoo, one of their most popular products. It’s a lightweight, amino acid-based shampoo with a silicone-free formula that has natural sea clay to cleanse the scalp on a deeper level than other shampoos. The company believes in using herbal blends that can include grape seed, pomegranate, ginger, ginseng, tea tree, and camphor to help balance moisture levels while leaving the scalp refreshed and hair silky smooth.
9.ANGFA
ANGFA began in 1987 as an importer of aging care products. In 2005, they began production of SCALP-D Medical Shampoo. One of their most popular medical shampoos is the Scalp D Beaute Natuluster Organic Scalp Shampoo.
It contains organic oil extract with moisture balance and a fresh pair and lily fragrance. There are multiple scalp repairing ingredients that help moisturize your hair. It’s best for those who have itchy and dry roots, but individuals with all hair types or sensitive scalps may benefit from it.
10.Mixim POTION
Mixim POTION is a relatively new brand that specializes in the incorporation of science, medicine, and beauty within their hair care products that are formulated naturally. 90% of the formula is created from botanical oil/serums and damage repair ingredients. All of their products are free from additives. Their most popular repair shampoo contains Jojoba oil and baobab oil.
11.KAO
KAO has been around since 1887 and have always put their consumers at the heart of all of their creations. They have an ESG Strategy that is designed to serve people’s needs, behaviors and desire to live sustainable lifestyles.
They call it the Kirei Lifestyle. One of their most popular products is the MyKirei’s Moisturizing Shampoo. It features rice water and Tsubaki as well as other nutrients suitable for all hair types. This shampoo helps restore hair nourishment balance and is plant-based.
12.Mirai Clinical
Mirai Clinical believes in the idea of “Less is More”. They are known for creating simple, clean, and healthy products that are dedicated to welcoming aging in a positive way and natural odor eliminating methods.
Their most popular sulfate-free shampoo is one of the best available that helps moisturize and soften hair. It contains ingredients such as camellia oil, citric acid, hydrolyzed silk, and butylenes glycol. Since there are no harmful chemicals, it’s best for all hair types.
13.Tamanohada
Tamanohada has been in business since 1892 and is one of the oldest Japanese soap companies. It all started with a simple ball of white soap and has evolved into some of the most well-loved shampoo brands in Japan. The 004 Gardenia seems to be one of the best as it’s all natural. It’s a dandruff shampoo that cleanses the scalp while leaving behind a gentle perfume scent of Ylang-ylang oil and lemon oil.
14.Milbon
Milbon is a well-known brand that’s trusted at over 40,000 salons across the globe. They are they #1 professional hair care company in Japan and consistently collaborate with stylists that push the boundaries of the hair care industry.
A fan favorite is the Plarmia HairSerum. It contains keratin and jojoba oil and can be used for coarse hair to achieve smoothness. There are also soybean extracts for added antioxidants needed for damaged hair follicles.
15.Kaminomoto
Kaminomoto was founded in 1908 and is one of the most experienced manufacturers of cosmetics in Japan. Most of their hair care products revolve around medicated features to help with scalp issues.
Their most popular shampoo is the Charge Medicated Shampoo. This helps prevent hair loss and adds nutrition and moisture to the hair by using active ingredients like piroctone and glycyrrhetinic acid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Best Japanese Shampoos?
There are plenty of good Japanese shampoo brands, but some of the best we’ve come across are:
- &Honey
- Moist Diane
- Shiseido
- Milbon
- KAO
- Minon
- ViCREA
- Botanist
- MIXIM Potion
- ANGFA
- TADA Inc.
- Kracie
- Mirai Clinical
- Tamanohada
- Kaminomoto
Are Japanese Shampoos Really Good For Your Hair?
Yes. Japanese shampoos are some of the best hair care products for your hair. They are generally loaded with natural ingredients that are known for their effectiveness. They use natural ingredients such as Argan oil, tea tree, Tsubaki flower extract, and more.
Where Can Japanese Shampoos Be Purchased?
You can buy most Japanese shampoos at local convenience stores and supermarkets. Medicated shampoos may need to be purchased at the pharmacy. However, if you are more inclined to purchase your products online, Amazon always has Japanese shampoo brands and products.
Why Should I Use Sulfate-Free Shampoos?
Sulfate-free shampoos are popular with Japanese shampoo brands. Sulfate-free shampoo is a great way to retain natural moisture in your hair. It also helps extend the life of your hair color. If you suffer from an easily irritated scalp, sulfate-free is the way to go because sulfates can cause more dryness and itching.
What’s The Difference Between Japanese and Western Shampoo?
Because of biological, environmental, and organic issues, Asian hair needs special care compared to Western hair. Both types of products have different and predetermined targets for their products depending on the hair types and problems. Oriental hair has the most cuticle layers and Western hair has the smallest.
Japanese hair care products rely on the application of natural plant essences as well as pure, mild, hair-breaking, and oil-repellent formulations whereas Western products have heavy and creamy compositions that are aimed at thick and frizzy hair.
What Ingredients Should I Avoid?
Here are some common ingredients that should be avoided:
- Sulfate: Sulfates help remove dirt and oil from your hair, but they can wash away your natural oils and irritate your scalp. If you have sensitive skin and weak hair, avoid sulfates at all costs.
- Parabens: Parabens are preservatives that are used a lot because they cost so little. Parabens have been known to disrupt your body’s hormone cycle and can cause allergies in children. Additionally, they’re easily absorbed by your skin and can spread its effects to other parts of your body.
- Artificial Fragrance: Artificial fragrances can cause negative side effects to your health. It’s not always clear as to which chemicals are used to make the artificial fragrances, but some are known to cause cancer, organ failure, and asthma.
What Ingredients Should I Look For?
The best Japanese shampoos will be plant based and organic. They won’t contain chemicals for cleaning agents and scents. If the bottle says “fragrance” try to avoid it. You want to look for fruit oils such as apple, olive, and coconut.
What Kind Of Japanese Shampoo Is Best For Hair Loss?
Hair loss is a common issue among aging adults. It’s been shown that one of the most effective Japanese brands for hair loss is Shiseido. It helps promote hair growth and protects your hair with Vitamin E and antioxidants.
Why Should I Use Japanese Shampoo?
There are quite a few reasons why you should use Japanese shampoo. Here are some common reasons why people choose to:
- Fragrance: Many people complain that generic shampoos have strong scents that are unpleasant to the nose. Japanese shampoos have more of a mild scent due to their all natural fragrances from oils such as coconut, olive, and apple. They seem to linger long after you’ve washed and many people say they don’t even need to wear perfume afterwards.
- Components: People seem to be more cautious as to what goes in their hair. Studies have shown that the effects of certain chemicals can be harsh on the hair and scalp. Japanese shampoos promise to be gentle on skin and hair. They are generally mineral-rich and don’t weigh the hair down.
- Hair Management: Japanese shampoos use natural oils that work to moisturize and soften the hair, making it more manageable. These shampoos result in a fine lather that’s easy to work with and the result is silky and soft hair.
Final Thoughts
Soft and luxurious hair is one of the main goals of women and even men, regardless of where they live. Most individuals see their hair as a sign of care for their image and can be a form of personal expression. Not only that, but it can also be a religious requirement. It’s important to take care of your hair and Japanese shampoos certainly do the best job when it comes to Western or Eastern areas.