System 4 shampoos 1, 2, 3, 4: which one for your scalp

"The number 1 shampoo" – that is how most people ask for it: nobody remembers the name, everyone remembers the number. The Finnish System 4 range by Sim Sensitive has four numbered shampoos, and each number stands for a scalp type, not for how "strong" the shampoo is. It is easy to get wrong: your hair can be dry while your scalp is oily. Here is how we pick one at our salon, and how to use it properly.

How we pick a number at our salon

We look at the scalp, not the hair. When a client asks which number to take, we ask four questions:

1. How soon after washing does your scalp get oily – by the evening, the next day, or later?
2. Any dandruff, and what kind: oily flakes clinging to the roots, or fine dry flakes falling on your shoulders?
3. Does your scalp itch, feel irritated or tight?
4. Do you colour your hair?

The answers usually settle it. During a cut your barber sees your scalp first-hand, so if unsure, just ask.

Cheat sheet: number → scalp → what to pair it with

• No. 1 Special Shampoo → oily, dandruff-prone scalp → pair with T Scalp Tonic; No. 3 after the intensive period.
• No. 2 Balancing Shampoo → dry, dandruff-prone scalp, coloured hair → O Oil Cure Scalp Treatment mask, H Hydro Care Conditioner, M Moisture Scalp Lotion.
• No. 3 Mild Shampoo → mild, for every day, and for keeping your results after No. 1, 2 or 4.
• No. 4 Shale Oil Shampoo → excessively oily, sensitive scalp → pair with T Scalp Tonic; No. 3 afterwards.

One rule for all four: 2–5 minutes

The most common mistake is rinsing System 4 straight off like any other shampoo. The maker is clear: lather it thoroughly into your hair and scalp, leave it on for 2–5 minutes, then rinse. That is longer than you are used to. Most people rinse too early – set a timer, or lather up at the start of your shower and rinse at the end.

If dandruff, itching or oiliness is pronounced, the maker recommends an intensive period: wash your scalp every day for 2–4 weeks with whichever of No. 1, 2 or 4 suits your scalp. After that you can wash less often and switch to No. 3 to maintain the result. The maker does not recommend Nos. 1, 2 and 3 for children under three.

Number by number

No. 1 Special Shampoo – oily scalp and dandruff

This is the "number 1 shampoo" people ask about. The maker describes it as a shampoo for oily, dandruff-prone scalp: it clears dandruff and helps prevent it from coming back, balances scalp oiliness and soothes itching. It contains salicylic acid, which exfoliates, and climbazole, which prevents dandruff. Suitable for daily use. Our pick when the scalp is no longer fresh by evening and oily flakes show at the roots.

System 4 Special Shampoo 1 — shampoo — from 7,90 €

No. 2 Balancing Shampoo – dry scalp and dandruff

For dry, dandruff-prone scalp. According to the maker, it removes dry dandruff and helps prevent it from recurring, soothes itching and irritation, and supports the natural moisture balance of scalp and hair. A bonus if you colour your hair: it protects hair colour from fading. If your scalp feels tight after washing and the flakes are fine and dry, we start with No. 2.

System 4 Balancing Shampoo 2 — shampoo — from 7,90 €

No. 3 Mild Shampoo – gentle, for every day

A mild daily shampoo "for scalp well-being", as the maker puts it. It prevents dandruff, soothes itching and washes effectively yet gently, leaving hair clean and shiny. Its main job is to maintain the results you achieved with No. 1, 2 or 4. It also suits anyone who just wants a mild daily shampoo.

System 4 Mild Shampoo 3 — shampoo — from 7,90 €

No. 4 Shale Oil Shampoo – excessively oily, sensitive scalp

For a scalp that gets oily very fast and irritates easily. In the maker's description, shale oil balances excessive sebum secretion and calms an itchy, irritated scalp, while menthol refreshes. The shampoo supports the scalp's natural moisture balance without leaving a greasy feel.

Worth knowing in advance: at the start of the intensive period the shale oil cleanses the sebaceous glands of accumulated oil, so after the first 2–3 washes your scalp may seem to get oily even faster. The maker says this passes once the glands are cleansed – so do not give up on day three.

System 4 SHALE OIL SHAMPOO 4 — shampoo — from 7,90 €

When to add the tonic and the mask

T Scalp Tonic is a leave-in treatment for oily scalp, and the maker pairs it with No. 1 and No. 4. It dissolves crystallised sebum, helps prevent scalp oiliness and soothes itching. Apply it straight to the scalp, massage gently with your fingertips and do not rinse. Use it daily, even between washes on dry hair – handy on an evening when there is no time to wash.

O Oil Cure Scalp Treatment is an exfoliating scalp mask, and the maker recommends using it regularly with No. 2. It gently exfoliates the scalp, removing dandruff, sebum and styling residue, moisturises and soothes itching. Apply it to a washed scalp through the nozzle along partings, massage in small circles and leave on for 5–30 minutes. Heat boosts the effect: the maker suggests wrapping your head in a towel and, for example, heading to the sauna – advice nobody in Estonia needs explained.

For a dry, tight scalp the maker adds M Moisture Scalp Lotion to No. 2 – a leave-in moisturiser for the whole scalp or just the dry patches. It also suits the skin of the face and neck, for example to soothe irritation after shaving.

If your hair is thinning: Bio Botanical

Besides the numbers, System 4 has the Bio Botanical line, which the maker describes as care "for thinning hair and well-being of the scalp". It includes a shampoo, the Vital Cure conditioner and Bio Botanical Serum. They contain soothing and gently exfoliating ingredients, plant extracts that stimulate scalp microcirculation, and refreshing menthol. The maker's promise is worded honestly: regular use creates conditions for healthy hair growth.

The serum goes straight onto the scalp, massaged in with circular motions and left in – daily or between washes. Vital Cure also works as a treatment mask: apply it generously to hair and scalp and leave on for 15–30 minutes; heat enhances the effect. What we will not tell you is that it "stops hair loss". If hair comes out in clumps or you see bald patches, see a dermatologist first.

Not sure which number is yours? Ask your barber during a cut at our salon at Mardi 1, Tallinn. The whole range is in the System 4 section, and the rest of our hair care is under Hair care.