Haircare

Shampoo and conditioner. Surfactant type, and whether refills exist, are the two live questions.

Choosing by surfactant

Shampoo is defined by its surfactant. Sulfate-based cleansers are strong and inexpensive; amino-acid based ones are milder and cost more; soap-based ones are alkaline and leave hair squeaky. This is a matter of hair type and preference, not a ranking.

Environmentally, the real difference is whether refills exist and what the bottle is made of. Solid shampoo bars remove most of the packaging.

What to check

The surfactant family
Silicones — a difference in finish, not in quality
Whether refill pouches are sold
Animal-derived ingredients: silk, keratin, honey