Discover the transformative power of Japanese shampoos for hair loss. From Shiseido to NatureLab Tokyo, explore top brands and expert insights for healthier, fuller hair.
Key Takeaways
- Japanese shampoos are preferred to western shampoos by some people as they focus on natural ingredients and gentle formulas to clean scalp and hair.
- These shampoos contain traditional ingredients like camellia oil, horse oil, gingko biloba, ginseng and more that serve medicinal purposes. The shampoos are also mostly sulfate-free and paraben-free.
- Some of the top Japanese shampoos are the Shiseido Tsubaki Premium Repair Shampoo, which is good for breakage and damaged hair, Kaminomoto Shampoo which is good for inflames scalp and dandruff, and the Oshima Tsubaki Premium Shampoo which is great for dry hair.
Here are some best Japanese shampoos!
| Japanese Shampoos For Hair Loss | Best For |
| Shiseido Tsubaki Premium Repair Shampoo | Best Overall |
| NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Volume Shampoo | Oily Hair |
| Kaminomoto Medicated Shampoo | Dandruff |
| Oshima Tsubaki Premium Shampoo | Sulfate Free Shampoo |
| Milbon Plarmia Hair Growth Serum Shampoo | Dry Hair |
| rinRen Scalp Care Shampoo | Grey Hair |
| Moist Diane Extra Volume and Scalp Shampoo | Dry, Dull Scalp |
| Kunoma Horse Oil Shampoo | Detangling Shampoo |
| Ichikami Smooth And Sleek Shampoo | Best Smelling Shampoo |
| Shiseido Volume Touch Shampoo | Voluminous Hair |
| Cosmeist &Honey Deep Moist Shampoo | Damaged Hair |
| Angfa Scalp-D Shampoo | Medicated Shampoo |
| Komenuka Bijin Moisturizing Hair Shampoo | Color-treated Hair |
What are some of the Best Japanese Shampoo for Hair Loss?
There are many hair loss shampoos in the market today, but the Japanese are leading the market in top-quality shampoos for hair loss that actually work. And the Shiseido Tsubaki shampoo is the best among them. The top Japanese hair loss shampoo brands are Shiseido Tsubaki, Naturelab Tokyo, Ichikami, Angfa scalp care, and more.
Expert Opinion
I asked our Medical Reviewer Dr Bhavika, what why Japanese shampoos seem to be so much better. As an expert she says that "Ideally, the shampoo needs to have a good blend of conditioning agents, surfactants, shampoo pH adjuster, and solvent base. Sometimes preservatives and fragrances may be added however these can act as irritants."
According to Dr. Bhavika "These Japanese hair products are better than regular shampoos are they do not contain harsh chemicals. Japanese hair loss shampoo has herbal, all-natural ingredients like camellia extract, chamomile extract, seaweed, and many more."
Top Japanese Shampoo For Hair Loss 2024
Shiseido Tsubaki Premium Repair Shampoo
Best Shampoo For Hair Loss Overall
The first anti hair loss shampoo from Japan I tried out for my damaged hair was from Japan’s leading shampoo brand Tsubaki Premium Repair by Shiseido.
If you are experiencing hair loss due to hair coloring treatments and heat styling, this nourishing and repair shampoo is the one for you. I found that in a matter of 6 weeks of continued usage, it had reduced my hair fall significantly.
There's camellia oil which helps nourish hair and soya bean seed extract that replenishes the lost protein from your damaged tresses. One study shows that camellia oil has "antioxidant and antimicrobial activities" and can also inhibit the growth of bacteria such as e-coli. (Feás, Xesús et al. “Triacylglyceride, antioxidant and antimicrobial features of virgin Camellia oleifera, C. reticulata and C. sasanqua Oils.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 18,4 4573-87. 18 Apr. 2013, doi:10.3390/molecules18044573)
However, our Medical Reviewer Dr Bhavika (MBBS, MD in Dermatology), points out that "Products with camellia oil should preferably be used only once or twice a week because they contain intensely moisturizing omega fatty acids. This is also the main reason it helps the hair recover from dye-related damage."
Plus there's also amino acids and glycerin bring nourishment, moisture, and protection against external hair stressors.
I do suggest getting the Tsubaki Premium Repair Conditioner can complete the clean, strong, and healthy hair care that you are aiming for.
It's a sulfate-free shampoo that is on the more moisturizing side, so it should suit dry hair and color-treated hair well. However, the royal jelly and camellia oil-based formula can be too heavy for people with oily scalps.
So if you're main concern is oily hair, I suggest going for the Naturelab or rinRen shampoo or mqure shampoo instead.
Pros:
- Sulfate-free formula makes it safe for color-treated hair
- Protein-rich formula helps reduce breakage by repairing hair damage
- Contains camellia oil and royal jelly that nourishes dry, dehydrated hair
Cons:
- Might be too rich and heavy for oily scalps and fine hair textures
My Ratings:
- Herbal ingredients - 4.5/5
- Hair growth power - 4.5/5
- Gentleness - 4.5/5
NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Volume Shampoo
Best Japanese Oily Hair Shampoo
I really liked the Tsubaki shampoo but this shampoo from Nature Lab Tokyo was more cleansing and less heavy. So I decided to try out this. And yes, I was very happy with the results!
I liked that it has soy protein that strengthens damaged hair and makes each strand thick enough to withstand breakage.
The rice protein, on the other hand, builds your hair volume and improves the appearance of thin hair.
So it helped my fine, thin hair look more thick, voluminous and less wispy in just a few washes.
There are also ingredients here such as the apple stem cells that help cleanse your scalp and keep the pH levels balanced. So it's a great product for oily scalps or people with inflammation.
Also, I really loved the feel fresh and light cherry blossom inspired scent.
However the downside is that it comes from added perfume which might not suit people with very sensitive scalps.
And yes, it is also safe to use even for color-treated hair as there are no sulfates here.
In fact, it is a vegan, cruelty-free formulation that is also free of parabens and pthalates.
Pros:
- Sulfate-free formula makes it safe for color-treated hair
- Contains apple stem cells and rice protein that repair damaged hair
- Contains natural Sakura extract that cleanse hair and add thickness and softness
Cons:
- Contains added perfume which might trigger very sensitive scalp
- Not suited for curly or dry hair types
My Ratings:
- Herbal ingredients - 4/5
- Hair growth power - 4.5/5
- Gentleness - 3.5/5
Moist Diane Extra Volume and Scalp Shampoo
Best Japanese Shampoo For Dull Damaged Hair
I loved how the Moist Diane Extra Volume and Scalp Shampoo hydrated my scalp and keeps it in a healthy condition.
The organic argan oil and keratin formula deeply penetrates the hair and nourishes it from within. But don't weigh it down as argan oil is very lightweight. It is also suitable for fine, oil-prone hair unlike Camellia oil.
What I loved most about this shampoo formula is that it allows your hair to be in moisturized and tangle-free conditions at any time of the day. There's also a natural conditioning polymer gives your hair the extra boost needed for hair growth.
But the most surprising part about it is that it has alp rose stem cell extract that gives scalp minerals and antioxidants that help protect your hair from damage caused by UV rays and pollution.
According to our Medical Reviewer Dr Bhavika (MBBS, MD in Dermatology), "Alp rose stem cell extract has regenerative functions which is how it promotes hair growth. It does not directly provide minerals to the scalp but it does prevent environmental damage."
So it not just helps stop hair loss today, but it also actively prevents things like UV damage from causing hair loss in the future.
I had thin, dull, and flat hair when I started using this shampoo but that was soon a thing of the past. It helped in moisturizing my hair from the roots, significantly reduced split ends and hair roughness and also controlled frizz.
It is also safe to use for colored hair as there are no sulfates here!
Pros:
- The sulfate-free formula makes it safe for color-treated hair
- It contains lightweight argan oil that moisturizes hair without making it greasy
- It contains alp rose stem cells that help prevent damage due to UV radiation and pollution
Cons:
- It contains heavy added perfumes which might inflame very sensitive scalp types
My Ratings:
- Herbal ingredients - 4/5
- Hair growth power - 4.5/5
- Gentleness - 3.5/5
Kaminomoto Shampoo
Best Japanese Medicated Shampoo For Hair Loss
I was very suprised to see this shampoo as most Japanese shampoos are herbal decoctions. This is a more of a medicated shampoo for hair growth.
I used the Kaminomoto Medicated Shampoo B&P once and the truth is I really liked it. I loved how this shampoo clears the scalp and deeply cleanse the pores from sebum, dirt, and other products build up.
It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects that keep my scalp from itchiness and redness. It also has natural plant extracts such as isodon roots and pea-flower extracts that wraps hair strands with moisture.
I also like how it is suitable for all hair types. But I definitely do not suggest using this shampoo for everyday use as it contains sodium laureth sulfate.
It contains menthol and fragrance (which I actually liked!). The menthol leaves a cool feeling on my scalp and the fragrance is amazing too. But it makes this shampoo not suitable for sensitive scalp.
Pros:
- The shampoo contains menthol that refreshes scalp
- The Β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid in the formula is antibacterial, antiviral and reduces inflammation
- It cleanses scalp and removes buildup easily
Cons:
- It contains heavy added perfumes which might inflame very sensitive scalp types
- It contains SLES which is very strong surfactant
- It can strip hair dye and moisture from hair
My Ratings:
- Herbal ingredients - 4/5
- Hair growth power - 4/5
- Gentleness - 3.5/5
Oshima Tsubaki Premium Shampoo
Best Sulfate Free Shampoo Japan/ Best Smelling Japanese Shampoo
Did you know that camellia extracts help stimulate hair growth? And I love how the Oshima Tsubaki Premium Shampoo cleanses the hair and scalp using camellia oil and three other camellia-derived products.
It uses the camellia flower as a blended moisturizing agent, camellia ceramide as a hair repair tool, and camellia leaf extract as an anti-inflammatory agent.
When I used this shampoo, the colorant and mineral oil-free formula build on a fine lather and washed away dirt, oil, and other impurities on my scalp.
I like how it makes hair smooth, manageable, and shiny. Its organic formula makes it suitable for all scalp types.
Pros:
- The shampoo contains camellia oil that promotes hair growth
- No sulfates here, so it's good for colored hair
- The formula is very moisturizing and helps reduce frizz
- Shampoo is colorant and mineral oil-free so it's good for sensitive scalp
Cons:
- Contains added fragrances that won't suit ultra sensitive scalps
My Ratings:
- Herbal ingredients - 4.5/5
- Hair growth power - 4.5/5
- Gentleness - 4.5/5
Milbon Plarmia Hair Growth Serum Shampoo
Best Shampoo In Japan For Dry Hair
If you find yourself having dry and coarse hair, then try Milbon Plarmia Hairserum Shampoo. This product developed by the #1 professional hair care in Japan can restore ad rejuvenates your hair structure.
They use hydrolyzed soybean extracts, jojoba oil, evening primrose shampoo, and their CMADK technology to reinforce the resilience of each of your hair strands.
Milbon Plarmia Hairserum Shampoo helps strengthen and fortify your hair natural barrier against external damages from different factors such as heat styling, pollution, UV rays, and harmful chemicals from bleach and other coloring products.
This shampoo helps make your hair always salon-ready and age-proof.
Being a shampoo and serum itself, it does not only cleanses your hair but also gives you the moisture and protection needed to keep healthy hair and scalp without splurging for another hair product.
rinRen Scalp Care Shampoo ( Best Japanese Shampoo For Grey Hair)
Best Japanese Shampoo For Grey Hair
Maintaining a healthy scalp is one of the surest ways of keeping all your hair healthy and intact. This shampoo from rinRen specializes in keeping you from having itchy scalp, dandruff, and bad odor.
To ensure proper hair growth this shampoo formula has mint and lemon extracts to eliminate pore build-up. Without using synthetic fragrance, these ingredients allow you to enjoy a cool and fresh scent throughout the day.
It can also be a natural remedy for hair and scalp damage and greying caused by stress and aging. Aside from plant derived ingredients, it also contains natural bentonite clay that absorbs and removes sebum from the scalp. Its natural components make this shampoo safe to use during pregnancy and for those who have a sensitive scalp.
Kunoma Horse Oil Shampoo
Best Japanese Detangling Shampoo
Okay, at first glance, you might find the ingredients in it strange. But what makes this shampoo the best for hair loss is the horse oil formulation. This ingredient is a staple in many Japanese haircare and skincare products.
Horse oil is said to very closely resemble sebum produced by human skin and scalp. So using this Kunoma Horse Oil shampoo leaves your tresses soft and silky.
This product greatly reduces tangles and knots and leaves hair manageable. As breakage due to tangles is one of the top reasons for hair loss, it helps your mane grow longer and stronger.
Ichikami Smooth And Sleek Shampoo
Best Smelling Shampoo
When it comes to Japanese shampoos, Ichikami is one of the more popular brands. People love it for a reason too. This sulfate-free formulation is super gentle on your scalp.
The shampoo contains nourishing ingredients such as rice bran extracts, rice germ oil, Japonica seed extracts, and more. They add moisture and strength to your hair strands and helps prevent breakage.
Regular use of this shampoo can leave your tresses soft and silky. The gentle foam formula gives an unbelievable sheen, and that too without the use of any silicones.
According to Dr Bhavika, "Silicone-free shampoos are a better option as several Japanese shampoos have oil extracts such as chamomile and camellia. Silicones help give the hair a soft and shiny feel but over time can make the scalp greasy and increase buildup."
Its soft, floral scent and color-safe formula make it one of the best Japanese shampoo for hair loss.
Shiseido Volume Shampoo (best japanese clarifying shampoo)
Best Shampoo For Hair Loss And Volume
Excess hair loss can leave your tresses thin and lifeless. So if you're looking to add some bounce and volume to your hair, the Shiseido Volume Touch Shampoo is the perfect choice for you.
The product contains a host of nourishing ingredients like Tsubaki and camellia extracts that help with hair fall. They also leave your hair soft, silky, and voluminous.
The Shiseido shampoos have a wide range of products for every hair type. So if you want something more hydrating you can check out the Shiseido Tsubaki Moist shampoo as well.
Cosmeist &Honey Deep Moist Shampoo
Best Japanese Shampoo For Dull, Damaged Hair
If you have really dull, damaged hair then this can lead to breakage and hair loss. Why not try this &Honey Deep Moist Shampoo to give your tresses some care and nourishment?
The shampoo contains Japanese honey (20 percent), Manuka honey from New Zealand (50 percent), and Acacia honey from Hungary (30 percent). Together, this super-moisturizing blend leaves your hair silky soft and smooth.
Apart from the honey, this product also contains argan oil and royal jelly. So it is one of the best Japanese &honey shampoo for hair loss if you have damaged, straw-like hair.
Angfa Scalp D Shampoo
Best Medicated Japanese Hair Loss Shampoo
The Angfa Scalp-D shampoo is the best Japanese shampoo for hair loss in men. If you're experiencing male pattern baldness, hair thinning, and excess oiliness, this shampoo is your best friend.
It contains elderberries, guava extracts, and garden balsam extracts that help treat hair loss naturally. There is also royal jelly that prevents your tresses from getting too dry.
Coconut oil, keratin, and omega-3 fatty acids are some other nourishing ingredients in this shampoo that boost scalp health.
Komenuka Bijin Moisturizing Hair Shampoo
This shampoo has been created with colored hair and sensitive skin in mind. The ultra-mild shampoo doesn't contain any sulfates or parabens.
In fact, this product is great for sensitive skin types as it's completely biodegradable and contains natural ingredients only. The active ingredient in this shampoo is the antioxidant-rich rice bran.
This helps with dry scalp and itchiness and even helps relieve dandruff flakes. It gives your tresses a smooth texture and leave them full of volume.
How To Choose The Best Japanese Shampoo For Hair Loss
Hair Type and Hair Quality
It is best to identify whether you have oily or dry hair. Certain shampoos have ingredients intended to remove excess oil while some are for adding moisture.
You do not want to get a shampoo that may worsen your hair condition is it not? You must also bear in mind your hair’s quality; shampoos intended for normal straight hair may not work for curly hair.
Cause of Hair Loss
Are you currently taking any medications? Pregnant? Dermatologists and other hair experts say that losing fifty to a hundred strands per day is normal but if you are starting on noticing bald spots, clumps of hair falling out, patchiness it is time to seek medical help.
Hair coloring chemicals, weak hair roots, oiliness, and dandruff can also cause hair loss. Knowing what causes your hair shedding can let you identify what shampoo ingredients are suitable for your hair and scalp.
Ingredients
If your target is hair growth some ingredients that you need to look for are glycerin for hair growth and thickening and biotin for giving your strands a shiny and healthy look.
Don't forget vitamin E for regeneration and keratin for strengthening hair strands. Most importantly, look for DHT blockers, these ingredients help dihydrotestosterone or DHT from damaging your hair follicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Japanese people use conditioner?
Yes, of course. There are several brands of conditioner available in Japan. The shampoos listed above also come with a conditioner counterpart you can use after washing hair with the shampoo.
Do Japanese people wash hair everyday?
Yes. Most Japanese people do wash their hair daily. There is a lot of emphasis on cleanliness in Japanese culture which makes bathing a ritual habit of sorts. Also, Japanese hair textures can be straight, making daily washing necessary as straight hair is more prone to getting oily.
How do Japanese girls keep hair straight?
Japanese girls (and East Asians in general) often genetically have thick, straight hair. However, those who don't have straight hair use hair straighteners and chemically change hair texture to straight using keratin, etc. Straight hair is a beauty standard in Japan so many women keep hair textures smooth and silky.
Conclusion
For both men and women, hair shedding, bald spots, and patchiness can cause too much anxiety and embarrassment.
But these Japanese shampoos dedicated to hair loss will surely be beneficial as first line of treatment.
Many of these Japanese shampoo brands not only prevent hair fall, but also target other hair problems such as dandruff, oily scalp, and dryness.