Choosing the Right Shampoo, Conditioner & Treatments: A Stylist’s Advice

Why Choosing the Right Haircare Products Matters

Using the right products can help keep your hair in good condition between salon visits. A mismatched shampoo or conditioner can dry your hair out or leave it feeling heavy, while a well-suited product can improve softness, manageability, and shine.

We often say that home care is an extension of your salon service. Choosing a shampoo and conditioner that match your hair type helps maintain the results of your colour, cut, or treatment and gives you a better chance of styling your hair with ease day to day.

How to Choose the Right Shampoo Based on Your Needs

Shampoo is primarily for your scalp, so start by thinking about scalp condition first, then consider your hair lengths. Here are a few basic guidelines:

Oily Scalp or Fine Hair: Look for a shampoo that balances oil levels without being too harsh. Keune’s Derma Regulate Shampoo is designed to manage oil without drying your scalp. If you also want a bit of volume, Absolute Volume Shampoo adds light body without weighing hair down.

Dry or Damaged Hair: Moisture is key. Go for something gentle and hydrating, ideally with protein or bond-repair ingredients. Olaplex No.4 is one of our top choices for this — it helps reduce breakage and is safe on colour. Keune’s Vital Nutrition Shampoo is another option that supports dry hair with a blend of minerals and nourishing ingredients.

Frizzy or Curly Hair: Frizz often means the hair is dry or coarse. A shampoo with smoothing or curl-supporting ingredients will help. Keune Keratin Smooth Shampoo is designed to strengthen and reduce frizz, while Curl Control Shampoo is ideal for textured hair that needs moisture without being weighed down.

Colour-Treated Hair: It’s important to use a colour-safe shampoo to help your colour last longer. Keune Color Brillianz Shampoo includes UV protection and helps lock in pigment. Olaplex No.4 also supports colour-treated hair while helping strengthen it over time.

Scalp Issues (Dandruff or Sensitive Scalp): If you’re dealing with dandruff or irritation, a targeted shampoo can help. Keune Derma Exfoliate Shampoo is made to gently reduce flakes and soothe the scalp. Sensitive scalps benefit from fragrance-free or mild formulas — ask your stylist for a suitable option if unsure.

No matter what shampoo you choose, remember that quality matters. Professional shampoos (like the ones we carry at Madison Hair) might cost a bit more than supermarket brands, but they often use higher-grade ingredients that cleanse effectively without causing issues like build-up, dryness or irritation. If you’re unsure, ask your stylist for a recommendation – we’re happy to guide you to the right formula for your hair’s unique needs.

Choosing the Right Conditioner to Your Hair Type

Conditioner works on the mid-lengths and ends of the hair — it smooths the cuticle, adds hydration, and helps with detangling. Here’s how to pick one that supports your hair type:

For Fine, Limp, or Oily-Prone Hair: Choose a lightweight formula and avoid applying near the roots. A small amount through the ends is usually enough. If regular conditioner feels too heavy, try a light spray leave-in instead.

For Thick, Dry, or Frizz-Prone Hair: Rich conditioners with ingredients like oils or proteins help keep dry or textured hair soft and manageable. Olaplex No.5 complements No.4 by providing moisture and strengthening benefits, while Keune’s Vital Nutrition Conditioner is ideal for restoring elasticity and shine to brittle hair. For coarse or frizzy hair, Keratin Smooth Conditioner helps tame and smooth without flattening.

For Colour-Treated Hair: Match your conditioner to your shampoo — Keune’s Color Brillianz Conditioner supports colour retention and adds shine. These formulas are gentle and often include extra moisturising ingredients to help counter dryness from chemical processing.

For Normal Hair: If your hair is relatively balanced, look for a general-use conditioner that maintains moisture without being too rich or too light. You can also choose based on a preference like “shine-enhancing” or “strengthening”.

One more factor: For extra care, leave-in conditioners or masks can support dry or frizzy hair between washes. Olaplex No.6 is a leave-in styling cream that adds moisture, helps reduce frizz, and provides light hold. It’s useful for many hair types, especially during humid weather or when using hot tools.

Stylist Tip: When applying conditioner or masks, use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product evenly through damp hair. Start from the ends and work your way up. This helps reduce tangles and prevents product build-up at the roots.

Where to Get Advice or Shop Our Range

If you’re unsure about which products suit you best, we’re always happy to help.

• Ask your stylist during your next appointment 
• Visit our salons in Masterton or Greytown for personalised advice
• Browse our online store for salon-quality products we trust and use ourselves

We stock products from brands like Olaplex and Keune because they consistently deliver results for a wide range of hair types and concerns. Our stylists use them daily, so we’re confident in recommending them for at-home care too.

Madison’s Final Thoughts

The right haircare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you understand your hair type and what it needs, choosing the right shampoo, conditioner, or treatment becomes much easier. A few small changes to your routine can make a noticeable difference in how your hair feels and behaves day to day.

If you’re not sure where to begin, we’re always happy to help. You’re welcome to speak with one of our stylists in person or get in touch online. Whether you need advice on one product or want to build a full routine, we’ll guide you toward options that suit your hair and your lifestyle.

For detailed information on Madison Hair Studio’s nail services and expertise visit www.madisonhair.co.nz or call (06) 370 2488.