Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo Review: Is It Worth It?

If you have been hunting for a shampoo that balances deep cleansing with moisture without weighing your hair down, the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo is a solid contender you should buy. It is an absolute powerhouse for people who want a no-fuss, salon-quality daily wash that leaves hair feeling incredibly fresh and voluminous. This product is especially perfect for anyone who loves multipurpose products, as it doubles as a luxurious body wash, making it ideal for gym bags or travel. Let’s look at why this classic green bottle has remained a bestseller for decades.

My Experience With Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo

I remember walking into a high-end salon years ago and being immediately hit with a scent that I could only describe as “clean luxury.”

It wasn’t floral or overly sweet; it was crisp, like fresh cucumber water mixed with exotic ginger.

That was my first introduction to the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo, and I have had a bottle in my shower rotation ever since.

When I decided to revisit it for this review, I wanted to see if it still held up against the influx of modern “bond-building” and “sulfate-free” trends that dominate the shelves today.

The first thing you notice when you squeeze the bottle is the texture. It is a clear, gel-like liquid that feels substantial, not watery. I have medium-density hair that tends to get oily at the roots by day two, so I need something that cleans effectively. I poured a quarter-sized amount into my palm and worked it into my wet hair. The lather is arguably one of the best features of this product. It explodes into a rich, velvety foam almost instantly. You do not need to struggle to get it to spread across your scalp; it glides effortlessly, coating every strand.

As I massaged it in, the Hawaiian Awapuhi extract—essentially wild ginger—felt soothing on my scalp. It didn’t tingle like tea tree, but it felt refreshing. Rinsing it out was a breeze. Unlike some moisturizing shampoos that leave a film behind, this rinsed completely clean. My hair felt “squeaky” clean, which sometimes worries me, but once it dried, it wasn’t stripped. It was just light, airy, and incredibly shiny.

I also put its famous “multipurpose” claim to the test. I used it as a body wash during the same shower. It felt indulgent and left my skin feeling soft, not tight like bar soap would. This feature alone makes me love it for days when I am rushing after a workout. It simplifies my routine without making me feel like I am cutting corners on quality.

After blow-drying, my hair had a noticeable lift at the roots. It didn’t feel weighed down by heavy oils or silicones. It just looked healthy and vibrant. While I might reach for something heavier in the dead of winter when my ends are parched, for daily washing and reliable volume, this shampoo delivers a consistent, high-quality experience that is hard to beat.

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Pros Of Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo

• Incredible Versatility:One of the biggest selling points of this product is that it is not just a shampoo. The formula is gentle and hydrating enough to be used as a luxurious body wash. I have used it to shave my legs and wash my body when I ran out of my usual soap, and it worked perfectly. This makes it an excellent value for money because you are essentially getting two high-quality products in one bottle. It is a massive space-saver for travelers or minimalists who hate a cluttered shower ledge.
• Superior Lather and Cleansing:If you live in an area with hard water or simply struggle to get your hair feeling truly clean, this shampoo is a game-changer. The lather is rich, dense, and voluminous. A small dollop produces enough foam to cover your entire head, meaning a single bottle lasts a very long time. It cuts through hairspray, dry shampoo buildup, and excess sebum effortlessly. You do not have to wash, rinse, and repeat multiple times to get that fresh feeling; one thorough wash usually does the trick.
• Weightless Moisture and Volume:Many moisturizing shampoos have a tendency to make fine or medium hair look flat and greasy within a few hours. This formula strikes a rare balance. It uses Hawaiian Awapuhi to prevent moisture loss, but it doesn’t coat the hair in heavy waxes or oils. The result is hair that feels hydrated and soft but remains bouncy and full of volume. If you have limp hair that needs a moisture kick without the weight, this is fantastic.
• Iconic and Refreshing Scent:The fragrance of this shampoo is legendary in the beauty community. It features a crisp, aquatic scent with notes of cucumber, melon, and ginger. It is gender-neutral and smells universally pleasant—neither too feminine nor too masculine. It transforms a mundane morning shower into a spa-like experience. The scent lingers faintly on the hair after drying, leaving you smelling fresh and clean throughout the day without overpowering your perfume or cologne.
• Balances Scalp Health:While it is not a medicated shampoo, the Awapuhi extract helps to balance the moisture levels of the scalp. I have found that it doesn’t leave my scalp feeling dry and tight, nor does it encourage excess oil production. It maintains a healthy equilibrium, which is crucial for preventing dandruff and itchiness. The aloe and jojoba extracts included in the formula also contribute to soothing the skin, making it a comfortable choice for daily use.

Cons Of Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo

• Contains Sulfates (SLES):For those who strictly follow the Curly Girl Method or avoid sulfates entirely, this shampoo might be a dealbreaker. It uses Sodium Laureth Sulfate as its primary cleansing agent. While SLES is gentler than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), it is still a sulfate that can strip natural oils if you have extremely dry or fragile hair. If your hair is chemically processed to the point of breaking or if you have a keratin treatment that requires sulfate-free care, you might want to look at the “Wild Ginger” line instead.
• Can Be Drying Without Conditioner:Because it is such a thorough cleanser, it exposes the hair cuticle more than a conditioning cowash would. If you skip conditioner after using this, you might find your hair feeling a bit tangled or “squeaky,” which translates to friction and potential breakage when combing. It is absolutely designed to be part of a two-step system. You cannot expect it to provide enough slip and detangling power on its own, especially if you have long or textured hair that is prone to knots.
• Scent Might Be Too Strong for Sensitive Noses:While I listed the scent as a pro, fragrance is subjective. The cucumber-melon aroma is distinct and potent. If you are sensitive to synthetic fragrances or prefer completely unscented products, you might find the smell overwhelming in a hot, steamy shower. It is a very specific scent profile that screams “1990s salon,” and while many find it nostalgic and fresh, others might find it a bit dated or cloying if they prefer modern, subtle herbal scents.
• Not Ideal for Keeping Vivid Colors Bright:Although the bottle claims to be color-safe, my analytical perspective suggests caution for semi-permanent fashion colors (like pinks, blues, or silvers). The deep cleansing nature of the formula, combined with sulfates, can cause these delicate pigments to fade faster than they would with a specialized color-depositing or sulfate-free shampoo. It is perfectly fine for permanent dyes and highlights, but if you just spent hundreds on a vivid fashion shade, this might wash your money down the drain a bit too quickly.
• Potential for Static in Winter:Since this shampoo removes buildup so effectively and is lightweight, it can sometimes leave fine hair prone to static electricity, particularly in dry winter months. Without the heavy silicones that weigh hair down, your strands might fly away more easily after blow-drying. You will almost certainly need to follow up with a leave-in conditioner or a styling serum to ground the hair and neutralize static if you live in a dry climate.

Maintenance Tips For Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo

• Dilute for Gentler Cleansing:Since this shampoo is highly concentrated, you do not need to apply it directly to your scalp in a large glob. A great tip for maintenance, especially if you have finer hair or a sensitive scalp, is to emulsify the shampoo in your hands with a little water before applying it. Rub your palms together until you create a foam, then apply that foam to your roots. This ensures even distribution and prevents you from using too much product in one spot, which makes rinsing easier and extends the life of the bottle.
• Pair with the Correct Conditioner:To get the most out of this shampoo, you must pair it with a conditioner that matches your hair’s specific needs. The shampoo cleans the canvas, but the conditioner paints the picture. If you have fine hair, use “The Conditioner” (the blue leave-in) for lightweight hydration. If your hair is dry or damaged, rinse this shampoo out and immediately apply a heavier mask or the “Detangler.” Do not rely on the shampoo alone to provide moisture; its job is to balance and cleanse, not to deep condition.
• Use as a Weekly Reset:If you usually use heavy creams, oils, or dry shampoo throughout the week, your regular sulfate-free shampoo might not be removing all the residue. You can incorporate the Awapuhi shampoo into your routine as a “maintenance wash” once or twice a week. It acts as a gentle reset button, clearing away the silicone buildup from styling products so that your hair can actually breathe and absorb treatments better. It is less harsh than a clarifier but more effective than a cowash.
• Protect Your Ends:When washing with this product, focus the lather primarily on your scalp where the oil and dirt accumulate. As you rinse, let the suds flow down over the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Do not scrub your ends vigorously with the shampoo. The ends of your hair are the oldest and driest parts; the runoff suds are sufficient to clean them without stripping away necessary moisture. This technique preserves the integrity of your ends while keeping your scalp fresh.
• Store Properly to Prevent Separation:While rare, natural extracts like Awapuhi can sometimes react to extreme temperature changes. Keep the bottle away from direct sunlight in your shower window or extreme heat. If you buy the large liter styling bottles, make sure the pump is sealed tightly to prevent water from getting in and diluting the formula. A pump that lets in water can introduce bacteria and ruin the preservatives, so always check that your dispenser is secure.

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Comparison With Other Brands

• Paul Mitchell Original vs. Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger:It is crucial not to confuse the “Original” Awapuhi shampoo (the green/white bottle I am reviewing) with the “Awapuhi Wild Ginger” line (the black bottle). The Original is a daily, sulfate-based cleanser that focuses on volume and balancing moisture for all hair types. The Wild Ginger line is a premium, sulfate-free repair system designed specifically for chemically damaged and brittle hair. If your hair is breaking off or feels like straw, the Wild Ginger line is the better choice despite the higher price tag. If you just want clean, healthy, shiny hair for everyday life, the Original is superior and more affordable.
• Paul Mitchell Awapuhi vs. Redken All Soft:Redken All Soft is another titan in the salon industry, but it serves a different purpose. Redken All Soft utilizes Argan oil and a protein complex to intensely soften dry, brittle hair. It feels much creamier and heavier than the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi. If you have coarse, wiry, or extremely dry hair, Redken All Soft will likely give you better results because it deposits more lipids. However, if you have fine to medium hair, Redken can make your hair go flat. Paul Mitchell Awapuhi is the better option for those who want moisture without the weight and a cleaner, fresher feel rather than a creamy, coated feel.
• Paul Mitchell Awapuhi vs. Biolage Hydrasource:Biolage Hydrasource (formerly Matrix Biolage) is probably the closest direct competitor in terms of “classic salon moisturizing shampoos.” Both use botanical extracts—Awapuhi uses ginger, while Biolage uses aloe. Biolage tends to be slightly more conditioning and has a floral scent, whereas Paul Mitchell has that crisp cucumber scent. In my analysis, Paul Mitchell provides a better lather and a deeper clean, making it better for oily scalps. Biolage is slightly better for detangling in the shower but can be heavier. If you want volume and a “squeaky clean” sensation, stick with Paul Mitchell.
• Paul Mitchell Awapuhi vs. Drugstore Brands (Pantene/Tresemmé):When you compare this to standard drugstore options like Pantene or Tresemmé, the difference lies in the quality of the ingredients and the rinse-ability. Drugstore brands often rely heavily on insoluble silicones (like dimethicone) to create a fake shine, which leads to heavy buildup over time. Paul Mitchell Awapuhi uses higher-grade, water-soluble ingredients that rinse out completely. While you might pay $5 for Tresemmé and $15+ for Paul Mitchell, the Paul Mitchell bottle will likely last longer because it is more concentrated, and it won’t force you to buy a clarifying shampoo to fix the buildup later.
• Paul Mitchell Awapuhi vs. Aveda Shampure:Aveda Shampure is a favorite for those who love natural aromas, featuring a very earthy, herbal scent. Both shampoos are excellent for daily use and balancing. However, Aveda is significantly more expensive per ounce. Paul Mitchell Awapuhi offers a similar “botanical” experience and gentle cleansing but at a much more accessible price point. Additionally, the Paul Mitchell lather is much more satisfying for people who feel that Aveda products sometimes struggle to foam up enough to feel like they are working.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

To wrap this up, the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo is a timeless classic for a reason. It delivers a perfect blend of deep cleansing and lightweight hydration that suits a massive variety of hair types. If you want a product that smells fresh, creates a rich lather, and can even save you space by doubling as a body wash, this is the one to get. It offers professional results at a reasonable price point, proving that sometimes the original formulas really are the best. You should definitely give it a try for your next bottle.