Wasabi in a shampoo might sound weird, but this product has given me the best results of any shampoo I have used.
I’ve always struggled with dry hair, so last year I visited Lush, hopeful for some genuine advice. After my hair consultation in-store, one of the staff members recommended Wasabi Shan Kui shampoo and gave me a sample to try at home.
I’ll be honest, I was skeptical at first (wasabi in shampoo sounded intense), but after just a few washes, I noticed a real difference. My scalp felt less tight, and my hair felt fresher than usual. I pinpointed the difference and convinced myself to get the full-sized bottle.
Lush describes this shampoo as a stimulating blend of wasabi, horseradish and caffeine designed to ‘wake up hair follicles and refresh the scalp’. It also contains Epsom salt and sea salt to help thicken and volumise hair, while virgin olive oil ‘supports strength and moisture.’
The Wasabi Shan Kui shampoo is currently available in four different sized bottles, the 110g for £11.50, a 300g for £23, a 600g for £37 and a big 1100g for £59.
From my own experience, the shampoo really delivers on that scalp-stimulating promise, there’s a definite tingly, spicy sensation when you massage it in, which actually reassured me that it was doing something rather than just sitting on my hair. For my dry scalp, that sensation feels refreshing rather than harsh, and over time it’s helped my hair look stronger and far less dull.
What I love most is how healthy my hair has stayed since using it. My roots don’t feel dry or flaky, and my hair just looks generally more alive. While I can’t claim miracles, it definitely feels like it supports scalp health, which is key for encouraging healthier hair growth long-term.
Other shampoos that are highly rated and a staple to add to your hair care routine is the Kérastase Genesis, Fortifying Shampoo available in Boots for £30.50
For a more affordable alternative, the Faith in Nature Rosemary Shampoo is a great vegan shampoo available for £5.99. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here
As with most Lush products, this shampoo is vegan and made with fresh, organic-leaning ingredients, which makes it easy to trust. That said, it’s not perfect. The scent isn’t your typical “fresh shampoo” smell and can be a bit unusual at first. Personally, I don’t mind it too much, and once I pair it with the regular products I use, like the L’Oréal hair serum, the scent does not become an issue at all.
Reviews on the Lush webite of the product show many satisified shoppers that were pleased with their results: “This stuff is amazing. It feels amazing on my scalp. I suffer from dandruff, and this shampoo severely reduces that. The ingredient list is AMAZING for sensitive skin/scalps. Lush really popped off on this one. 10/10.”
Another happy reviewer says “I literally recommend this to everyone. It has made my postpartum hair loss a thing of the past. It feels so tingly and fresh on the scalp. I love the way this shampoo leaves my hair.”
The shampoo however is thick and some shoppers pointed out that it can get stuck when trying to squeeze the product out, one reviewer said, “I really enjoy the scent and the product works as advertised. I would love to use this product more, but the problem I’ve run into is that the “bits” in the shampoo gel get stuck in the flip-up lid, clogging it completely. The only way to dispense now is to unscrew the top and dump it out.”
Overall, Wasabi Shan Kui has become a staple in my routine. If you have dry hair or a dry scalp and want something that genuinely feels like it’s working, this is well worth trying, especially if you can get a tester first, as I did. It’s one of those products that surprised me in the best way and has earned a permanent spot in my shower.