15 Of The Best Japanese Scalp Shampoos And Conditioners For Strong And Healthy Hair

Unlock the key to healthier hair and scalp as we take a look at the best Japanese scalp shampoos and treatments designed for various needs. Whether you're in pursuit of relief for a dry scalp, seeking the best solution for an itchy sensation, or aiming to address specific conditions such as thinning hair, our list of recommended haircare products will serve as a useful guide on your hair care journey.

Scalp care is important for several reasons, as the health of the scalp directly impacts the overall health and appearance of the hair. Here are some key reasons why scalp care is crucial:

• Promotes healthy hair growth – a well-nourished scalp provides optimal conditions for hair follicles to thrive and helps to promote healthy hair growth by removing dead skin cells and excess oil.
• Prevents dryness and dandruff – good scalp care can help to prevent issues like dandruff and dry scalp, helping to maintain the balance of oil production and moisture levels. Regular scalp care can also help manage conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
• Reduces hair loss – taking good care of your scalp helps to ensure that hair follicles are not clogged, preventing conditions that can contribute to hair thinning.

Read on to learn more about the best Japanese scalp shampoos and conditioners for strong and healthy hair.

Best Shampoo For Sensitive Scalp

Kao Curel Scalp Care Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp 420ml

The Kao Curel Scalp Care shampoo is formulated for consumers with dry and sensitive skin and contains ceramide to keep your scalp hydrated even after washing your hair. It creates a fine foam allowing you to cleanse your head and scalp without causing dryness and can also be used on children and babies.

Best Conditioner For Sensitive Scalp

Kao Curel Scalp Care Hair Conditioner for Sensitive Scalp 420ml

As a companion to the scalp care shampoo mentioned above, the Kao Curel Scalp Hair Conditioner is ideally suited for consumers with sensitive scalps.

This product is designed to hydrate your hair without causing irritation using plant-based ingredients to moisturize hair to the tips, leaving it feeling silky smooth and tangle-free. This deeply moisturizing yet lightweight hair conditioner is easy to rinse off without leaving any residue on your hair and scalp.

Best Conditioner For Dandruff Prevention

Kaminomoto Hydrating Scalp Care Conditioner B&P 300ml

The Kaminomoto Conditioner B&P is suitable for men and women and helps to moisturize your hair and scalp while preventing dandruff, itchiness, and odor. Its moisturizing effect protects hair from heat damage when using hairdryers and it helps to prevent split ends. Additionally, by moisturizing the scalp, it helps to promote better hair growth. For best results use this conditioner alongside the Kaminomoto Hydrating Scalp Care Shampoo B&P.

Best Scalp Treatments For Thinning Hair

Shiseido Professional Adenovital Scalp Treatment for Thinning Hair 1000ml

Shiseido Professional Adenovital series has been developed in conjunction with professional stylists and beauty creators to give consumers more voluminous hair.

This treatment has been specifically designed to improve thinning hair by moisturizing your scalp to stimulate hair growth. Shiseido's exclusive formula includes a blend of ingredients that strongly support hair growth from the roots. 

For maximum results use this product in conjunction with Shiseido’s scalp essence (see below).

Shiseido Professional Adenovital Advanced Scalp Essence 180g

This premium hair treatment from Shiseido is designed for consumers who want to improve their thinning hair. The Japanese scalp essence energizes your scalp and nurtures your hair to improve you overall scalp condition, promoting hair growth, and minimizing hair loss.

It features ingredients such as apricot-originated AP complex for improved scalp health, spiny restharrow (a flowering plant) to repair damage and improve resilience, 

whilst moisturization agent AG Complex II focuses on improving the scalp condition, which is essential for effective hair growth.

Best Scalp Care Shampoo For Aging & Stiff Hair

Milbon Aujua Gentle Aging Spa Shampoo Scalp Care Shampoo 500ml 

For consumers with stiff or aging hair, the Aujua Aging Spa series is a great option. The Milbon Aujua lineup of products is specifically targeted towards consumers who are experiencing hair stiffness, a common problem with aging hair, and consumers who often dye or perm their hair.

This shampoo is packed full of ingredients to gently cleanse and moisturize the scalp and hair including Glucosamine, Moisture Veil and Sodium Hyaluronate. 

Best Scalp Care Treatment For Aging & Stiff Hair

Milbon Aujua Scalp Care Aging Spa Moisturizing Hair Mask Treatment 250g

Within the same series of Milbon products as the shampoo mentioned above, this moisturizing hair mask treatment is also ideal for consumers concerned with aging or stiff hair.

This particular hair mask contains glucosamine and sodium hyaluronate to add an extra layer of moisture to your scalp and hair, keeping the hair protected and moisturized at the same time. 

Best Shampoos & Conditioners For Itchy Scalp

Lion Oct Serapie Skin Care Shampoo 230ml

Lion Oct Serapie Skin Care Shampoo is formulated for consumers prone to itchy, dry scalps and dandruff. This shampoo contains an effective component called Octopirox which restrains bacteria from increasing and at the same time protects the scalp from itchiness and dandruff.

It also contains a blend of natural moisturizing components such as fermented soybean extract and sorbitol for hydrating your scalp, is free from parabens, and is allergy tested. It is recommended to use this product with the Lion Oct Serapie Scalp Conditioner for Itchiness & Dandruff (see below).

Lion Oct Serapie Scalp Conditioner for Itchiness & Dandruff 230ml

Lion Oct Serapie Skin Care Conditioner is a hair conditioner that can also be applied directly to the scalp. It is intended for people who want to protect their scalps from dryness, itchiness, and dandruff. 

Like the shampoo mentioned above, the conditioner also contains Octopirox to prevent unwanted bacteria from forming on the scalp and protect against itchiness and dandruff.

Kao Merit Shampoo Cool Pump Bottle 480ml

Merit Shampoo Cool is ideally suited for consumers with an itchy scalp because it has an immediate soothing and refreshing menthol effect on your scalp to relieve any irritation and cleanse your scalp. 

The rich gentle lather of this Japanese shampoo effectively cleanses impurities from your scalp and hair and helps to prevent dandruff. It also contains plant-derived licorice, eucalyptus, and chamomile to moisturize and refresh your scalp.

Another variation of this product is the Kao Merit Shampoo Pump Bottle which contains many of the same ingredients and performs the same functions minus the cooling menthol effect. 

Best Shampoo For Scalp Care & Damaged Hair

Kumano Yushi Horse Oil Shampoo 600ml

Kumano Yushi Horse Oil Shampoo contains natural oil from horses, which has the closest composition to human sebum. This shampoo is ideally suited for people who want to improve their hair quality and scalp health condition and can help relieve itchy scalps, tame unruly hair, and repair damage.

This silicone-free shampoo is formulated with the same pH as skin resulting in a soft finish after washing. Because it does not contain silicone, the product is gentle to your hair and scalp, leading to shinier, glossier hair.

Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

ULOS Anti-Dandruff Scalp Shampoo 300ml

ULOS Scalp Shampoo keeps your hair and scalp healthy by preventing dandruff, itching, and bacteria that cause scalp odor. This shampoo can help you to achieve smoother hair without the use of conditioner and has fine mild foam that contains essential oils and menthol for a refreshing and soothing sensation. 

Best Luxury Scalp Care Shampoo

Koh Gen Do Scalp Aging Repair Japanese Shampoo 200ml

This premium scalp care shampoo produced by Japanese cosmetics brand Koh Gen Do contains plant-based ingredients and collagen to cleanse the hair and scalp whilst having a moisturizing effect at the same time. This product is free from aromatics, colorants, mineral oils, paraben, alcohol, sulfate, and silicon, making it kind to your hair and scalp.

This shampoo is so effective at making your hair soft and shiny that you won’t need to use conditioner or other treatments. With regular use you can expect voluminous, glossier hair. 

Best Shampoo For Dry Scalp

Milbon Plarmia Balancing Scalp Soap Shampoo 500ml

Formulated especially for dry, sensitive scalps, this gentle shampoo will effectively cleanse the scalp and hair without stripping essential moisture and lipids.

Milbon Plarmia Balanacing Scalp Soap comes in a generous-sized 500ml bottle and is packed with a blend of natural minerals to gently cleanse the scalp and hair and replenish the skin's moisture.

Tailored to address the unique needs of dry and sensitive scalps, it goes beyond cleansing to normalize the skin's barrier function, effectively countering the effects of aging that can lead to dryness.

Best Shampoo For Smoother Hair

Botanist Smooth Botanical Shampoo for Sleek Hair Green Apple & Rose 460ml

Botanist Green Apple & Rose Hair Shampoo provides consumers with a naturally beautiful, silky, and moisturized hair experience. This Japanese shampoo is crafted with a selection of botanical ingredients such as jojoba seed oil and macadamia nut oil, leaving your hair feeling sleek and smooth.

Ingredients such as birch water provide moisture for your hair and scalp, whilst sugarcane molasses and nanosized rice ceramide also work to keep your hair hydrated. Additionally, this shampoo has a revitalizing aroma of green apple and rose.

If you’re looking for more Japanese hair products, check out the full range of shampoos and conditioners, hair and scalp treatments, or read out article on the best shampoos for dry and damaged hair.