Paul Mitchell Shampoo One Review (The Original)
Written by Editorial Team
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The Paul Mitchell Shampoo One is an everyday hair cleanser that promises to deliver soft and moisturized locks with every wash.
Also known as the Paul Mitchell Original Wash shampoo, it has mild surfactants that gently cleanse the hair without stripping natural oils.
The shampoo also claims to improve hair texture, manageability, and shine.
We tried it to see if it was better than an average drugstore shampoo, and here’s our detailed review.
Paul Mitchell Shampoo One Review
The Originals Shampoo One
Product Summary
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types.
- Improves hair texture and appearance.
- Paraben-free and vegan.
- Long-lasting bottle.
Cons
- Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate.
- Contains Sodium Chloride.
Ingredients
Aqua (Water, Eau), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide MIPA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Panthenol, Hedychium Coronarium (White Ginger) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract (Rosemary), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Algae Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Glycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 Aminoethyl Pg-Propyl Dimethicone, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Polyquaternium-11, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Nitrate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Alcohol, Coumarin.
Paul Mitchell Shampoo One is a salon-quality shampoo with mild surfactants that remove dirt, oil, and buildup from the hair and scalp.
It was among the first products launched by the parent company John Paul Mitchell systems in 1980, known as the Originals line. Shampoo One is part of 3 keys products, including Shampoo Two, and Shampoo Three that are still among their top selling products to date.
What sets this shampoo apart from others is its unique formula, crafted with the needs of both hairstylists and customers in mind.
One of the key benefits of Paul Mitchell Shampoo One is its ability to gently cleanse the hair without stripping moisture.
It is formulated at pH 5.5 to maintain the natural pH of the hair and scalp, which helps prevent dryness and irritation. The formula is also infused with Panthenol and wheat proteins to improve hair texture and manageability.
Loved By Hair Salons
Paul Mitchell Original Shampoo One is a testament to the brand’s humble beginnings and unwavering commitment to providing quality hair care products for stylists and the professional salon industry.
The black and white design on this shampoo’s packaging was intended as a cost-saving measure when it was first launched, but it has been used for almost 40 years.
Compared to today’s brands, with more fancy packaging on the outside but poor quality on the inside, Paul Mitchell’s Original Wash shampoo remains old school, with its primary focus being what’s inside the bottle.
With a quality formula that has stood the test of time, it is no surprise that hairdressers continue to use and recommend Paul Mitchell shampoos to their clients.
Some of the salons that currently use Paul Mitchell shampoos include TNT Hair salons (Texas), Regis Salons (UK), Headmasters (UK), and of course, Paul Mitchell salons, among many others.
Who Is It For?
Paul Mitchell Original Shampoo One can be used by anyone. It suits every hair type. It is suitable for long and short hair, thick and fine hair, curly hair, and straight hair. It’s for both men and women. It is also considered safe for teenagers, according to SkinSafe Review.
Paul Mitchell Shampoo One is also vegan-friendly. The product does not contain animal-derived ingredients and is not tested on animals, making it a cruelty-free product.
If you’re vegan and into sustainable hair care products, Paul Mitchell Shampoo One is a good option to consider.
A quick note for people with colored hair:
I know the product clearly states it’s good for color-treated hair, which I fully agree with. It is extremely mild. But it does not state how often to use it on colored hair. So err on the side of caution and avoid using it daily because the shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which can cause color fade.
Who Is It Not For?
If you have known allergies to gluten, fragrances, and common preservatives used in cosmetics, please do a patch test or consult a professional before using this product.
Check the safety section below for allergens.
The Ingredients
- Activated Botanical Moisture Blend
- The Paul Mitchell Shampoo features an activated botanical moisture blend consisting of awapuhi, algae, chamomile, rosemary, aloe vera, and jojoba to provide gentle hydration and a mild cleansing experience.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
- One of the key ingredients in the shampoo is Panthenol (vitamin B5), known for its ability to provide long-lasting moisture to the hair and prevent dryness and split ends. It also contains wheat germ oil, vitamins, antioxidants, and emollients that can help minimize oxidative stress and frizz.
- Wheat-Derived Conditioner
- Wheat-derived conditioners improve the strength and texture of the hair. They are essentially hydrolyzed wheat proteins, broken down into smaller pieces called peptides, which can penetrate the hair shaft more easily to strengthen its structure.
- Citric Acid
- Citric acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid that is commonly used in shampoos and other cosmetic products. It is a natural, water-soluble acid derived from citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges.
Citric acid is added to help balance the pH level of the product. The natural pH of hair and scalp is slightly acidic, around 4.5-5.5, which helps to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and fungus on the skin. A healthy pH balance also keeps the hair cuticle layer smooth and sealed to prevent frizz and moisture loss.
Citric acid helps to maintain that balance by lowering the pH level of the shampoo, making it more acidic and closer to the natural pH of hair and scalp.
- Vegan and Paraben-Free
- Bonus points for its paraben-free and vegan formula, making it a great choice for those looking for a more natural approach to hair care.
Lathering Quality and Scent
Besides its gentle formula, the Paul Mitchell everyday shampoo has a creamy tropical coconut scent of Pina Colada with a luxuriously-rich lather.
How Safe Is It?
According to the SkinSafe review, the Paul Mitchell Original Shampoo One is in the top 82% of Allergen-free cosmetics products.
The shampoo is also:
- Topical Antibiotic Free.
- Talc Free.
- Nickel Free.
- Paraben Free.
- Soy Free.
- Lanolin Free.
- Dye Free.
However, it may contain traces of these ingredients:
- Common preservatives.
- Gluten.
- SLES.
- Fragrance.
- Propylene Glycol.
- Balsam of Peru.
- Oils.
- MCI (Methylisothiazolinone)
How to Use It
- Apply a small amount of the shampoo to wet hair.
- Massage it gently to lather.
- Leave it for 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse.
- Follow up with a conditioner.
As with any shampoo, avoid contact with the eyes.
You can use the shampoo everyday if you don’t have color-treated hair.
Packaging
While the packaging is simple and functional, the bottle doesn’t have a pump dispenser, which some users may find inconvenient.
Availability:
Paul Mitchell Original Shampoo is available in the following sizes:
- 100 ml.
- 300 ml.
- 500 ml.
- 1000 ml.
You can also buy the set with the Original Wash conditioner.
Price
The price ranges from around $6 for the smallest bottle to around $27 for the biggest bottle. The set with the conditioner may cost up to $60, depending on where you buy it from.
How Does It Compare to Other Daily Shampoos?
I have selected 2 similar shampoos in this range to compare with the Paul Mitchell Shampoo One and here’s a quick overview:
Vs. Sebamed Everyday Shampoo
| Feature | Paul Mitchell Everyday Shampoo | Sebamed Everyday Shampoo |
|---|---|---|
| Brand origin | USA | Germany |
| Hair type | All | All |
| Key ingredients | Panthenol, Hydrolyzed wheat | Moisturizing complex, Citric acid |
| pH balance | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Sulfate-free | Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate | Yes |
| Paraben-free | Yes | Yes |
| Silicone-free | Yes | Yes |
| Cruelty-free | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for Allergy sufferers | Patch test required | Dematologically-tested and Hypoallergenic |
| Packaging | Plastic bottle with cap | Plastic bottle with cap / dispenser |
| Fragrance | Pina Colada | Unscented |
| Price (approximate) | $25-$27 for 33.8 fl. oz | $40-$44for 33.8 fl. oz |
| Availability | Widely available | Limited availability |
Both Paul Mitchell Original Everyday Shampoo and Sebamed Everyday Shampoo are similar in that they are paraben-free, cruelty-free, silicone-free, and pH balanced. They are also both designed for all hair types. However, there are some differences to note:
- Sebamed Everyday Shampoo is more expensive per fluid ounce.
- Paul Mitchell daily shampoo is scented. Sebamed is unscented.
- Sebamed is Hypoallergenic and Paul Mitchell is not.
Vs. Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo
| Feature | Paul Mitchell Daily Shampoo | Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Shampoo |
|---|---|---|
| Brand origin | USA | UK |
| Hair type | All hair types | Dry and brittle hair |
| Key ingredients | Panthenol, Hydrolyzed wheat | Moisturizing agents |
| pH balance | 5.5 | 5 |
| Sulfate-free | Contains SLES | Contains SLES |
| Paraben-free | Yes | Yes |
| Silicone-free | Yes | No |
| Cruelty-free | Yes | Dove is certified cruelty-free by PETA |
| Packaging | Plastic bottle with flip cap | Plastic bottle with flip cap / Recycled |
| Fragrance | Coconut – Pina Colada | Fresh peach |
| Price (approximate) | $25-$30 for 33.8 fl. oz | $10-$14 for 20.4 fl. oz |
| Availability | Widely available | Widely available |
In terms of packaging, the Paul Mitchell shampoo comes in a larger 33.8 fl oz bottle, while the Dove Nutritive Daily Shampoo comes in 20.4 fl oz bottles.
While both brands are cruelty-free, the Dove shampoo is not silicone-free.
What’s the Difference Between the Paul Mitchell Shampoo One and the Awapuhi Shampoo?
The only difference between Paul Mitchell Original One and the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi shampoo is that the former is a gentle cleanser while the latter is a thorough cleanser with extra nourishing properties.
Both are designed for all hair types, including color-treated hair and they both contain similar base ingredients. The only extra in the Awapuhi line is Hawaiian Awapuhi extracts (wild ginger), which helps prevent moisture loss in the hair.
Where to Buy
You can buy it from Amazon, Target, Ulta, Sephora and the Paul Mitchell official website.
Conclusion
Compared to most daily shampoos, the Paul Mitchell Original One shampoo may be slightly pricier, but it comes with some extra value. It cleanses and balances moisture in the hair and scalp with a pH-balanced formula. It also gets the approval from many pro hairdressers, making it a salon-grade shampoo suitable for all hair types and those who follow a vegan lifestyle.
Paul Mitchell Original One Shampoo
About the Author
Editorial Team Articles researched, written, and edited in collaboration by Salon-Worthy Hair team members.