Best Japanese shampoos in 2025: Top 7+ picks for strong, shiny hair

Best Japanese shampoo options are known for delivering strong, silky, and shiny hair. In this blog, Japan With Love introduces 7 top-rated Japanese shampoos and explains why these haircare essentials are loved worldwide. Discover what sets them apart and find your perfect match!

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1. Top 7+ best Japanese shampoos to elevate your haircare routine

Let’s dive into the top 8 best Japanese shampoo options that can truly elevate your haircare routine. These carefully selected shampoos are known for their high-quality ingredients and proven results. 

1.1. Kumano Yushi Horse Oil Shampoo - Best Japanese shampoo overall  

This is a moisturizing shampoo that cleanses well while being gentle to the scalp and hair. Its key ingredient is horse oil, which encourages hair growth, minimizes split ends, boosts hair shine, and volumizes. 

In other words, it is the holy grail shampoo for damaged hair. Naturally curly hair that needs a lot of moisture and thin hair that could use some thickening will also benefit from it.

This is a silicone-free shampoo, so while using it, you will never have to worry about building up residue or leaving the shower with weighed-down hair. Plus, it contains camellia oil. Your hair (and nose!) will be blessed with a fresh and flowery scent. 

This Japanese shampoo comes in a large bottle with a long-nose nozzle, making it super easy to use and cost-effective. However, it is not very travel-friendly. If you want to take it on trips and similar getaways, you will have to transfer it into a separate container.

Pros 

• Gentle but effective performance 
• 4-in-1 benefits for healthy hair 
• Suitable for several hair types 
• Free of silicones 

Cons 

• Not travel-friendly 

👉 Get Kumano Yushi Horse Oil Shampoo 600ml - Nourishing Treatment for Damaged Hair yourself

1.2. Kaminomoto Medicated Shampoo - Good Japanese shampoo for dandruff treatment 

This is one of the best shampoos in Japan for scalp care. It treats dandruff and promotes hair growth, and here’s the best part: it delivers results in just a few months! 

Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Piroctone Olamine are the two ingredients that get the job done. 

• The former tackles dandruff, suppresses inflammation, and reduces itchiness. 
• The latter prevents hair loss by stopping bacterial growth on the scalp. 

Another great thing about this shampoo is that despite its antiseptic effects, it does not leave uncomfortable tingling sensations! It also moisturizes, so your scalp and hair will always feel happy. 

However, it is necessary to note that this is not recommended for daily showering. Be sure to alternate it with other best Japanese shampoos. You should use a moderate amount of it twice or thrice a week. 

Pros 

• Gets rid of dandruff and helps prevent hair fall 
• No uncomfortably tingling sensations 
• Provides simultaneous moisturizing 

Cons 

• Cannot be used daily 
• Requires alternation with another shampoo 

👉 Get Kaminomoto Medicated B&P Scalp Care Shampoo 300ml - Hair Health yourself

1.3. Shiseido Tsubaki (Premium Moist) Shampoo - Best Japanese shampoo for dry hair  

As suggested in the name, this shampoo is treasured by people of all ages and genders for its moisturizing effects. It is packed with natural components like royal jelly-, chamomile-, and soya bean seed extracts that intensively nourish hair, inside out. 

Consequently, your hair becomes stronger and less susceptible to drying out, dulling, as well as tangling. You will observe fewer split ends and improved elasticity, too. Soft and silky hair radiating a healthy shine — who wouldn’t want that, right? 

An added perk is its long-lasting floral and fruity scent. The fragrance is elegant, but it is still light on the nose. If you are especially sensitive to smells, this shampoo is ideal. 

The only potential complaint is that it carries a higher price tag than similar shampoos in the market.

Pros

• Blends many natural components 
• Nourishes hair intensively 
• Has a long-lasting fragrance 

Cons 

• Slightly expensive 

👉 Get Tsubaki Shampoo Premium Moist by Shiseido 490ml - Deep Hydration yourself

1.4. Kao Merit Shampoo - Best Japanese hair shampoo for oily hair 

This is one of the best budget shampoos in Japan. It is the foam type with exceptional lather. The special capability of this shampoo is that no scrubbing is needed. The foam will do all the hard work! It lifts the impurities from your scalp, cleansing thoroughly from the roots to the ends. 

With chamomile extract, eucalyptus extract, and fruit acid blends in the formula, it will also provide moisturizing effects. It is fitting for daily use because you only need half a pump for really clean hair. 

Like some of the other best Japanese shampoos on this list, it is free of silicones. You can rest assured it will not add weight to your hair or make it feel squeaky. Its charming, natural fragrance is a plus! If you test it for yourself, you will come back begging for more! 

Pros 

• Works without scrubbing 
• Lifts impurities from the scalp 
• Has hydrating ingredients 
• Silicone-free 
• Natural scent 

Cons 

• Not suitable for those who are skeptical about merit shampoos 

👉 Get Kao Merit Efficient Hair Care Shampoo Pump Bottle 480ml yourself 

1.5. Mucota Adllura Aire 01 Shampoo - Japanese shampoo brands for stiff hair 

This is one of the best Japanese shampoos, and not without good reasons. First, it works wonderfully for all types of hair — thin, thicky, curly, straight, you name it! Its formula contains emollient CMC amino components, which is a mouthful to say, but fulfills a simple purpose: make your hair smooth and soft. 

Many customers even claim you do not need to follow up with a conditioner if you wash your hair with this! The consistency is not very creamy, but you should see a noticeable difference after every shower. 

Aside from hair that feels and smells like cotton candy, you can count on this made-in-Japan shampoo to degunk, degrease, and detoxify. Any impurities, from dirt to dead skin cells, are things of the past once you incorporate this shampoo into your hair care regime. 

The only minor drawback is that it is packaged with a twist cap rather than a pump. It can be inconvenient to use, but you can always replace it with a separate pump if you want.

Pros 

• Works for all types of hair, but especially ideal for stiff hair 
• Cleanses your hair and makes it soft and sweet-smelling at the same time 

Cons 

• Has a twist cap and not a pump

👉 Get Mucota Adllura Aire 01 Emollient CMC Lithe Shampoo 250ml yourself 

1.6. Lux Rich Shine Damage Repair Shampoo - Best Japanese shampoo for damaged hair 

If you like getting perms or coloring your hair, Lux is one of the best Japanese shampoos you should try. It combines argan oil, hyaluronic acid oil, and shea butter to provide users who intensive damage repair. This means that while it does the typical job of cleansing hair, it also nourishes the roots and strands.

In addition, as implied in the name, this shampoo promises a rich shine. After using it, your hair will be lustrous and glossy. 

It has a slightly creamy consistency that lathers well but does not cause the hair to feel heavy. You can work this into your scalp with just an ample amount, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. 

You can find it in a big bottle with a convenient pump. Although it can be slightly bulky if you are traveling with it or placing it in a small bathroom, the pros will still outweigh the cons. 

Pros 

• Offers intensive damage repair and a healthy shine 
• Great for those who like perming and coloring their hair 
• Requires only a small amount to get the job done 

Cons 

• Slight bulky container for traveling or small bathrooms 

👉 Get Lux Super Rich Damage Repair Shampoo 400G for Shiny Hair yourself 

1.7. Tamanohada Gardenia 004 Shampoo - Top Japanese shampoo for multiple hair concerns 

This sweet-smelling, plant-based shampoo is one of best Japanese shampoos. It is highly sought-after for stiff and damaged hair. Two notable ingredients in its formula are lemon oil and ylang ylang oil. 

• Lemon oil has anti-fungal properties, so your scalp stays infection-free. Additionally, it is anti-inflammatory, providing scalp-soothing sensations. Its citric acid content is also excellent at protecting your hair follicles from loosening and shedding. 
• Ylang Ylang oil is naturally conditioning, so your hair is always hydrated. It also helps with hair growth and health by imparting nutrients to the scalp. Stronger hair means less breakage, tangling, and frizz. 

Hence, you can tackle all sorts of hair problems! Another thing to love about this shampoo is its beautifully designed packaging. It is minimally elegant and offers a luxe, resort-like vibe. 

Unfortunately, it can be a bit of a hassle to uncap it every time you want to dispense shampoo into your palms. It is particularly frustrating when you are in a rush. So, you might want to replace it with a separate pump cap.

Pros 

• Plant-based formula 
• Counters many different hair concerns 
• Packaged beautifully 

Cons 

• Does not have a pump 

👉 Get Tamanohada Gardenia 004 Shampoo Natural Cleansing 540ml yourself

2. How to choose the best Japanese hair shampoo for your hair

For hair problems to be thoroughly treated, you need to choose  the best Japanese shampoos products that are suitable for your hair.

• For normal hair: Choosing shampoo to help clean your hair is the right thing to do, and don't forget to combine the use of conditioners to condition and protect your hair from damage.
• For oily hair: Use Japanese shampoo with a balanced (pH>6) for the scalp, containing zinc, natural ingredients, and little moisturizers or fragrance. You should also prioritize washing your hair with cold water and scratching your head thoroughly but gently to avoid damaging the scalp.
• For damaged hair: Best Japanese shampoo helps restore damaged hair caused by styling tools, dye, or product buildup. Choose formulas with dimethicone, cyclomethicone, and a pH of 4.5–6 for protection and repair. Wash 2–3 times a week, let hair dry naturally, and pair with conditioner or treatment cream for healthy, smooth strands.

• For dyed hair: Dyed hair is very prone to dandruff, you should choose shampoo containing zinc pyrithione to overcome this situation. Japanese shampoo that is rich in moisturizers and proteins, or ones with antioxidants like vitamin E, and UV-blocking ingredients is also a good choice.

3. FAQs - People also ask about the best Japanese shampoos usage

Curious about what makes Japanese shampoos stand out? This section answers the most frequently asked questions to help you choose the best product for your hair type and goals.

3.1. Are Japanese shampoos better?

Yes, Japanese shampoos are often praised for their gentle formulas, natural ingredients, and effectiveness. They're designed to suit various hair types while maintaining scalp health, making them ideal for sensitive skin or damage-prone hair.

3.2. What do Japanese people use for shampoo?

Japanese people commonly use shampoos from trusted local brands like Shiseido, Kracie, &honey, and Tsubaki. These products often feature natural extracts such as camellia oil, rice protein, or horse oil to gently cleanse while nourishing the hair and scalp.

3.3. Which shampoo is best for hair growth and thickness in Japan?

For promoting hair growth and thickness, many recommend Kaminomoto Medicated Shampoo or Shiseido Adenovital. These shampoos contain active ingredients like salicylic acid or adenosine, which improve scalp circulation and strengthen hair roots over time.

Which of the 7 best Japanese shampoos we have listed above sounds like the best for you? Shop one from the Japanese online store Japan with Love, then share your experience with readers in the comments below. Also, share this with others to help them get gorgeous hair too! 

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