If you haven’t read Part One, here it is. I split this post into two parts because it became so l-o-n-g. For those who are interested in Japanese shampoo, this is a personal take on what a regular gal sees in a regular pharmacy, or kusuriya in Tokyo.

Japanese brands that are not by Shiseido

So, there are brands that thrive outside the omnipotent Shiseido umbrella.

On the left is H&S. This brand got rave reviews over at beauty ranking site, cosme. I gave it a go and liked it, but to be honest, it doesn’t give me gorgeous hair daily. It’s one of those shampoos which perform well but you wouldn’t use it before a special event.

On the right is Essential by Kao. I’ve not tried this simply because a Japanese friend said it was dame, which I think means, “Don’t try it. It’s cheap and nasty.” It’s probably one of the cheapest you will find in the shops here.

Ascience: A budget brand with a premium feel

I would rank Asience by Kao up there with Tsubaki as it smells good (floral scent with a slight musky edge) and has an excellent conditioner. I still prefer the brown one to the new light green bottle that is a lighter version. For the new range, the shampoo doesn’t clean that well and the conditioner is average. If you want heavy duty conditioning, I would absolutely recommend the brown Asience range.

Foreign shampoo brands

How do foreign brands hold up in Japan? I went straight for Dove when I first arrived and found it to be a poor sister to those in Singapore and Australia. I don’t know what they put in it but it sure left a lot of residue on my scalp after just a couple of washes.

Clairol Herbal Essences is not bad as a daily product but the scent doesn’t enamor me and the names seem to target the teen market. Would you like something called “Mermaid Moisture” or “Angel Smooth”?

Pantene is not great but the more expensive Clinicare range is by far the best in terms of performance and fragrance. The little tubes of treatment conditioner are phenomenal, considering their price.

Lux is pretty good until the residue build up rears its ugly head. I would recommend their serum treatment and leave-in conditioner, though, which I would use over and over again.

Not pictured here is L’Oreal’s Elseve for color-treated hair, which is an excellent daily shampoo. I love the treatment conditioner, which leaves my thick hair smooth and soft.

Are there anymore Japanese shampoos you love? Tell us about it here!

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