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Best Korean Shampoos: Reviews & Buying Guide

by  Doris Harris -  Last Updated On 30th December 2020

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Looking to change up your hair routine and switch to a shampoo that really works for your hair? Or perhaps you love your Korean Beauty face washes and makeup and are wondering about Korean shampoos too.

Well, whatever your reason, a Korean shampoo might be the answer for your hair. They are perfect for targeting specific hair issues, from damage to hair loss, and can give your hair an overall health boost and extra shine.

Korean Beauty has really made a splash in recent years, and Korean skincare and makeup has become well known for its great results, innovative ingredients and exciting new products. And Korean shampoo isn’t far behind.

In fact, people are cottoning on to the great results Korean Beauty can also bring to hair, and there are a number of great products now available online that have amazing quality.

However, if you are looking for a Korean shampoo, you might have noticed that they can be harder to come across as they are not yet as widely talked about. Some do not even have the ingredients in English, making the whole shopping experience a little trickier.

But don’t worry, we have gathered up our top ten favourite Korean shampoos and reviewed them below so you don’t have to!

10 Best Korean Shampoos (2021 Update)

1. AmorePacific Ryeo Jayangyunmo Shampoo For Oily Hair

Number one on this list is a must-have for people who suffer with an oily scalp. This shampoo lifts flat and greasy hair and helps inject some volume. It cleans the hair of oil and removes build up without stripping the hair of natural oils or drying out the scalp.

It boosts hair from the root and is known to make it stronger. This shampoo is also designed to help reduce hair loss and hair breakage. This is reinforced by the inclusion of Ginseng in the formula which is known to encourage hair growth, stimulate the scalp and strengthen the hair.

Although people reported mixed results on how effective the hair loss reversal was for them. It does however leave your hair looking smooth and not frizzy once it dries! A great thing about this shampoo pack from Ryeo is that it comes with two bottles.

That means, although pricier than some other standard shampoo brands, you are getting a better deal and it will last you a lot longer.

Key Ingredients:

  • Lauric Acid
  • Caffeine
  • Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
  • Panax Ginseng Extract
  • Panax Ginseng Root Extract
  • Tocopherol

Pros:

  • Great for oily scalp
  • Strengthens hair
  • Double pack

Cons:

  • Not the best for colored hair
  • Some people thought the smell was too artificial

2. Daeng Gi Meo Ri Ki Gold Premium Shampoo

Calling anyone with damaged hair! This premium all-herbal shampoo from one of Korea’s leading brands, Daeng Gi Meo Ri, can help you target damage, as well as repair and fortify your hair. In fact it was voted as Korea’s number one Herbal shampoo by consumers!

The beauty of this product is that it uses natural ingredients to create a mild formula that doesn’t strip the hair of it’s natural oils or further damage it. In fact, the nourishing ingredients like Green Tea and Changpo anti-oxidize, protect the skin and even detoxify.

As this product is mild and herbal, it can be used on the whole family and on all hair types. You can even use this if you have colored hair without worrying. It will deeply hydrate and protect already damaged hair leaving it moisturized but not greasy. The herbal extracts then help the hair absorb and retain this moisture to keep it looking and feeling healthy and soft. It also keeps it protected from further breakage.

Key Ingredients:

  • Green Tea
  • Changpo

Pros:

  • Helps repair and protect from damage
  • Korea’s #1 voted herbal shampoo
  • Mild formulation for all hair types

Cons:

  • More expensive than some brands
  • Some people didn’t like the herbal scent

3. Kerasys Elegance & Sensual Perfumed Shampoo Set

Want that kind of hair that people can smell when you walk past them? Looking for a sensual, scented shampoo for the ultimate hair washing experience? Check out the fantastic floral fragrance of Kerasys Elegance shampoo and you won’t be disappointed.

This shampoo will leave your hair not only soft, nourished and cared for, but smelling like heaven. It uses hydrating Shea Butter to moisturize and hydrate the hair to leave it healthy, smooth and nourished. Olive is also majorly moisturizing and penetrates the hair shaft to maintain the hydration, even dry or colored hair.

Ultimately what really shines about this shampoo is the scent. It is carefully formulated with bottom notes of SandalWood, Rice Powder and Musk, middle notes of Tuberose, Ylang-Ylang, Violet and Hyacinth, and top notes of Apple Blossom, Orris and Aldehyde Peach.

It is no wonder that you will turn heads with the scent. Another great thing about Kerasys set, is that it comes with both the shampoo and conditioner together. Not only do they work together like a dream, but it works out at a reasonably affordable price.

Key Ingredients:

  • Shea Butter
  • Olive

Pros:

  • Amazing floral scent
  • Nourishing and soft
  • Comes with both shampoo and conditioner

Cons:

  • Some people thought the conditioner texture was too thick
  • Some found it was packaged poorly

4. Ryoe Korean Jinsaengbo Total Anti Aging Shampoo

No one likes the signs of aging. And we already get enough of that on our face and skin, we don’t need it on our hair too. If you feel like your hair is getting signs of aging such as thinning or dull hair, this Korean shampoo by Ryoe can turn that around.

It is the perfect treatment to brighten and soften hair, especially for anyone with particularly dry hair or if you have developed a sensitive scalp with age. The formulation is packed with 5 types of Ginseng. These are bursting with benefits that encourage hair growth, protect the scalp and clear bacteria and build up to avoid any infections or irritation.

This shampoo is ideal for people with a normal or dry scalp, as the hydrating formula moisturizes and softens. It contains Smoked Dry Plum which can calm and soothe the scalp, as well as Sesame Oil to strengthen and add shine. It targets weak hair at the root, repairing and fortifying it.

Key Ingredients:

  • 5 types of Ginseng
  • Smoked Dry Plum
  • Sesame Oil

Pros:

  • Helps to stop the signs of aging in hair
  • Gives glossy finish
  • Dual pack

Cons:

  • Not as well suited to those with oily scalp
  • Not FDA evaluated

5. The Trust TS Shampoo, Korean Shampoo for Treatment of Damaged Hair

Looking for a Korean shampoo to actively repair damaged hair? The Trust TS Korean shampoo is packed full of 18 key active ingredients that stop thinning in its tracks and promote thicker growth.

It is packed with Biotin, Panthenol, Vitamin B3 as well as Essential Oils that strengthen, fortify and care for the scalp. It includes natural botanical oils to nourish and moisturize as well as breakthrough complexes, like ‘H Plus Complex’ to condition and smooth the hair.

We love the scent which is a mixture of citrus and flowery and gives your hair a fresh burst of scent wherever you go. It is great for all hair types, the formula scientifically formulated to work for thick, normal and fine hair including curly, straight or wavy.

It has no artificial colors or perfumes and is silicone free. As it targets damage it is particularly good for people with thin, weak hair, damaged hair or breakage, dull and brittle hair, dyed or permed hair, hair loss, or oily hair.

Key Ingredients:

  • Biotin
  • Panthenol
  • Vitamin B3
  • Essential Oils

Pros:

  • Targets damaged hair
  • 18 nature-derived key active ingredients
  • Good for all hair types

Cons:

  • Some people had the pump broken
  • Smaller bottle than some

6. LG Reen Yungo Hair Cleansing Treatment Shampoo

This shampoo is perfect for anyone looking to refresh their scalp and is a great option if you are looking for a natural treatment for dandruff. The herbal formulation contains a mix of traditional Korean herb essences, using an ancient extraction method of steaming.

This along with the use of Red Ginseng Saponin helps generate a light but rich foam which can clarify the scalp, remove build up and clear away dandruff. It is a totally mild and non-irritating formulation too.

Another great benefit of the LG Reen Yungo Hair Cleansing Treatment Shampoo is the power it has to strengthen hair and prevent it from falling. It included ingredients like Sophora, Asarum and Morus Alba which target the hair directly at the root to fortify, smooth and add shine.

To use simply lather up on wet hair, gently massage and rinse with warm water. You can repeat for a deeper and more clarifying clean.

Key Ingredients:

  • Red Ginseng Saponin
  • Sophora
  • Asarum
  • Morus Alba

Pros:

  • Great for fine, limp hair
  • Clears dandruff
  • Mild, herbal remedy

Cons:

  • Does contain sulfates
  • The ingredients and texts are in Korean

7. RGIII Hair Loss Shampoo RG3 Shampoo

Looking for a shampoo made with natural ingredients that includes no parabens, gluten and was cruelty free to produce? Well then you may want to check out the Hair Loss Shampoo by Korean hair brand RGIII.

The shampoo is a certified and patented formula, specially designed to target hair loss. It has clinically advanced ingredients that work to reduce the thinning of your hair and restore it back to its natural, shiny self. It stimulates regrowth to help you get a healthy head of hair using Red Ginseng Saponin.

This is a common ingredient in Korean shampoos that targets the hair follicles to strengthen hair at the root and encourage growth.

RGIII is a trusted Korean brand and they are totally food, drug and safety approved. We love their ethos of creating natural and safe formulas and not testing on animals. It is safe and effective for all hair types, including if you have colored hair that needs extra care.

The shampoo has a pleasant fruity, floral and woody musk and will leave your hair smelling amazing.

Key Ingredients:

  • Red Ginseng Saponin (1000mg)

Pros:

  • Encourages hair regrowth
  • Makes hair look thicker and shinier
  • Paraben and cruelty free

Cons:

  • Just one bottle included
  • Some people thought the size wasn’t best value for money

8. Legitime Scalp Care Deep Cleansing Shampoo

Legitime Korean Hair Loss brings you the next shampoo which is a wonderful, high quality shampoo, packed with natural botanical ingredients. This shampoo is totally unisex and deep cleans your hair while also soothing and refreshing your scalp.

The natural ingredients are all imported from South Korea and work to remove dandruff, fungal infections, build up and other dirt. Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT) and Climbazole work to prevent dandruff while Chamomile Essential Oil has antibacterial properties and leaves your scalp feeling fresh. The ingredients also deeply hydrate and moisturize to add shine to your hair.

For the best results you can also use this alongside the Legitime Scalp tonic which helps your hair stay thick and shiny and stops it from falling out.

Key Ingredients:

  • Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT)
  • Climbazole
  • Chamomile Essential Oil

Pros:

  • Made with natural botanical ingredients
  • Anti-dandruff properties
  • Great for both men and women

Cons:

  • As it is a herbal shampoo it can take longer to see the results
  • Fairly expensive compared with other options

9. AMOS Professional The Green Tea Shampoo

If you love a cup of green tea to feel fresh in the morning, then why not apply the same logic to your hair? This professional shampoo from Korean hair salon brand AMOS, harnesses the power of green tea to target an oily scalp.

The targeted formula removes sebum, excess oil and build up, and it also has mint leaves to leave your scalp feeling clean and totally refreshed. This shampoo uses Green Tea direct from the Korean Island of Jeju, with clean fields that grow premium ingredients.

If your hair has been looking worse for wear, has been weakened by stress or in general by external factors, this shampoo can help. The silicone oil-free formula strengthens the hair and encourages growth.

The tea contains amino acids that are a make up protein and are important for hair regrowth. The White Leaf Green Tea, or Matcha, has three times more amino acids in it that standard varieties and boost hair growth to combat thinning or even baldness.

We love the AMOS brand which was created by researchers and hairdressers for Korean salons.

Key Ingredients:

  • Green Tea
  • White Leaf green Tea
  • Mint
  • Lavender
  • Rosemary
  • Cedarwood

Pros:

  • Rich with Amino Acids
  • Salon grade
  • Good for oily scalp

Cons:

  • Best for very oily hair types only
  • May mildly irritate very sensitive skin

10. Village 11 Factory Korean Shampoo, Sulfate & Silicone Free Natural Hair Treatment

Last but not least we have the Perfect Day Anti Hair Loss Shampoo by Village 11. This is a great hair loss shampoo that includes botanical extracts to nourish your hair and scalp. It helps to prevent hair loss while stimulating more hair growth so that soon you will have a much fuller, more healthy looking main.

It has a special patented formula with seven amazing natural ingredients; Iris Root, Mulberry Root, Licorice, Pine Needles. Shrubby Sophora, Cnidium, Angelica Rot. These nourish the hair, make it stronger and add shine. The shampoo also includes Menthol, Salicylic Acid and Panthenol which are active ingredients approved by the Drug Administration to help against hair loss.

This is a non-silicone shampoo and does not leave any residue or build up on the hair. In fact it leaves your scalp looking and feeling totally refreshed. We love the brand Village 11 which began from a group of passionate researchers.

They love making fun and effective cosmetics that really work but are affordable. The product can be used on all hair types from curly to straight, dry and damaged to fine, colored to oily. Say hello to a gentle formula that brings volume.

Key Ingredients:

  • Iris Root
  • Mulberry Root
  • Licorice
  • Pine Needles
  • Shrubby Sophora
  • Cnidium
  • Angelica Rot
  • Menthol
  • Salicylic Acid
  • Panthenol

Pros:

  • Reduces hair loss
  • Gentle formula
  • Includes natural ingredients

Cons:

  • Pricier than some
  • Some people didn’t like the scent

Things to consider when buying

Which shampoo is best to grow hair faster?

If you are looking to grow your hair faster or perhaps you have noticed it thinning, you can choose shampoos specially targeted to encourage growth. Many Korean shampoos include natural ingredients like Ginseng that stop hair falling, and stimulate the follicles to encourage growth.

What is the best Korean shampoo?

A great thing about Korean Shampoos is that they are often specially designed to target specific hair types and particular hair problems. Whether you suffer with thinning hair, dull hair, oily scalp or dandruff, you will find a highly targeted Korean product perfect for targeting that issue. Check out the list above for the best one for you.

How can I get Korean hair?

If you admire the lustre of Korean hair then you may consider changing up your hair care routine to include Korean products. These often have amazing natural ingredients, especially harvested from Korea, that work to thicken hair, encourage hair growth and add shine and strength.

Conclusion

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to add an amazing Korean shampoo into your routine and get ready to see the difference. Oily, dull, thin hair will be transformed into sleek, shiny and voluminous locks in no time. Wave goodbye to dandruff and an itchy scalp and say hello to a healthy head of hair. Get ahead of the haircare curve and reap the results!

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