Here are 8 of the best drugstore shampoos, curated for different hair types, as recommended by experts.

Haircare can be a challenge no matter how you approach it—especially when it comes to choosing a shampoo. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Should you splurge on the designer brand your salon pushes at the end of your appointments, or is a drugstore option just as effective? Do the fancy ingredients these brands tout actually make a difference for your hair?

To help you navigate the overwhelming number of shampoo formulas available, we spoke to professionals—stylists and trichologists—who truly understand hair and its needs. After all, you wouldn’t want to waste money on a product designed to combat oil if your hair has been parched and dry!

If your hair needs some extra TLC, here are the key ingredients to look for in drugstore shampoos and the top brands that offer them, according to experts.

The Best Shampoo Ingredients: Essential Components to Seek and Avoid

The good news is that all hair types share the same basic needs: hydration and moisture. The shampoo—and conditioner—you select serves as the cornerstone of your haircare regimen. According to Carissa Clearwater, owner of Rat’s Nest salon in Worcester, Massachusetts, you should choose a product that opens the hair cuticle, removes product buildup, and rehydrates your strands. Once you’ve laid a solid foundation, you can address any remaining issues with additional products, Clearwater advises.

Kerry Yates, founder of Colour Collective and a trichologist (an expert in the science of hair, including its structure, function, and the conditions that affect both human hair and scalps), highlights some “emerging super ingredients” worth considering when caring for your hair. She recommends the following:

Equally important as finding the right ingredients is ensuring you avoid the wrong ones. Clearwater advises that no matter your hair type, these should be excluded from your haircare routine:

• non-water-soluble silicones
• heavy/raw oils that don’t absorb into the hair (like coconut oil)
• waxes
• paraffins
• sulfates

Clearwater explains that heavy oils, waxes, silicones, and paraffins create a barrier on your hair, sealing the cuticle. As the water evaporates, this seal prevents moisture from re-entering, leading to dry, brittle hair. Since these ingredients are not water-soluble, they are difficult to remove and will accumulate, causing further damage.

Sulfates can be especially harsh on the scalp, causing dryness and irritation. If you color your hair, sulfates will “absolutely strip [the dye] out,” says Clearwater. Note that sulfate-free shampoos may still contain other harmful ingredients to watch out for, such as cocamide DEA (a known carcinogen from coconuts linked to cancer), cocamide MEA (which can contain traces of cocamide DEA), and propylene glycol (a petroleum-derived alcohol that may irritate or dry out sensitive scalps).

Drugstore Shampoos vs. Designer Shampoos: Which One is Better?

Now that you have an understanding of what to look for in a new shampoo, the next step is deciding whether to go with a drugstore brand or a designer one.

Drugstore brands—like Herbal Essences or Aussie—may seem appealing due to their lower price tag compared to high-end brands, while designer shampoos are often perceived as better formulated. But according to Allyson Carter, a hairstylist and editor-in-chief at Hair Spies, drugstore brands might actually be the better choice. “Many drugstore shampoos contain more natural ingredients than their designer counterparts, which is clearly better for your hair,” she explains.

Stylist Katelyn Ellsworth, founder of The Roslyn, one of San Diego's top salons, notes that drugstore brands have been steadily incorporating cleaner ingredients over the years, improving their overall hair health benefits. Carter also points out that drugstore shampoos often offer a greater variety of formulations compared to designer brands, making it easier to find the perfect one for your needs. She particularly appreciates that “many drugstore brands now offer sulfate-free options.”

The Best Drugstore Shampoos for Every Hair Type

1. Best Drugstore Shampoo for Curly Hair: SheaMoisture All Day Frizz Control Shampoo; Starting at $12

Carter suggests that people with curly hair should choose shampoos that are specifically formulated to care for both the appearance and health of curls. “Curly hair typically has a more raised cuticle compared to straight or wavy hair, which results in less shine,” she explains. Additionally, curly hair tends to be more prone to tangles, knots, and breakage. It is also often drier because the natural oils from the scalp struggle to travel down the kinkier strands.

Although heavy oils (like coconut oil) may not be ideal for all hair types, Carter believes that some oils and butters can be beneficial for curly hair due to its unique needs. “Shea butter and jojoba oil are excellent ingredients for curly hair to keep it hydrated and shiny,” she adds.

Yates emphasizes that papaya is another key ingredient for curly hair. Rich in vitamins A and C, this natural antioxidant helps maintain moisture balance and fight frizz.

She recommends SheaMoisture’s All Day Frizz Control Shampoo and Conditioner, which contains not only papaya but also neroli, elderflower, and fair-trade shea butter. Both products are paraben and sulfate-free.

2. & 3. Best Drugstore Shampoos for Natural Hair: Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Sulfate-Free Shampoo for $9; Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo for $9

Natural hair tends to have thicker strands compared to other hair types. While it is often defined by its coarseness, density, and kinkiness, natural hair can vary from tight curls to being completely straight, according to Carter. “Natural hair also tends to be very dry and brittle, which can make styling and managing it challenging,” she explains.

Carter recommends Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Sulfate-Free Shampoo, calling it a “super hydrating and moisturizing shampoo that is particularly beneficial for those with thick, curly, natural Black hair.” It contains ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and rosemary, which Carter explains are excellent for “revitalizing and nourishing dry, damaged hair.”

There are other beneficial ingredients to consider. Ellsworth suggests black onion seed and castor oil, while Yates recommends looking for products with babassu oil. “[It’s a] nourishing, conditioning oil [that] deeply conditions the delicate curls of coily hair,” she notes. Mielle Organic’s Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo, which Yates recommends, includes babassu oil and biotin to help strengthen the hair. It's also from a women-owned brand and formulated for curl types 3A to 4C, but does contain propylene glycol, which may be something to consider before trying it.

4. Best Drugstore Shampoo for Colored Hair: L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Shampoo; Starting at $8

Colored hair refers to any hair that has been dyed, bleached, or chemically treated in any way to alter its natural color. Carter notes that this hair type is especially prone to damage and breakage because the chemicals used to change its color are often harsh on the strands. “For this reason, it's crucial to use gentle shampoo and conditioner formulas, and to limit heat styling when possible,” she advises.

For colored hair, Ellsworth stresses the importance of choosing products that are not only sulfate- and paraffin-free, but also free of sodium chloride. Yates recommends looking for shampoos containing argan oil, a “natural oil [that] enhances shine and improves the overall look of color-treated hair.”

She recommends L’Oreal’s EverPure sulfate-free glossing shampoo, which is free of parabens, suitable for all types and textures of colored hair, and leaves the strands with a glossy shine. (However, it does contain trace amounts of propylene glycol, so you might want to consider that before making a purchase.)

If you’re exploring other options, Clearwater advises using only shampoos recommended by your stylist for colored hair. “The shampoo and conditioner your stylist suggests are likely designed to help maintain your color and ensure the best results,” she says.

5. & 6. Best Drugstore Shampoos for Oily Hair: Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo from $3; G+H CLEAR+ Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse for $13

Carter explains that oily hair is typically caused by an overproduction of sebum, which can lead to a greasy or sometimes even wet appearance. Factors such as genetics, hormones, diet, and certain medical conditions can contribute to this. While you can't completely eliminate oily hair, there are treatments that can help reduce its appearance.

For those dealing with oily or greasy hair, Yates suggests looking for shampoos that contain aloe vera as a key ingredient. “Natural enzymes help balance sebum production, easing the ‘greasy’ scalp without stripping the hair,” she says.

Yates recommends Garnier Fructis Pure Clean shampoo, which is infused with aloe extract and free from parabens. (However, it’s important to note that both the shampoo and the corresponding conditioner are not sulfate-free and contain sodium chloride, so some may prefer to look for other options.)

Carter, on the other hand, advocates for tea tree oil for oily scalps, claiming that it helps provide “a fresher look.” Additionally, she mentions that clays like kaolinite and bentonite can benefit people with oily hair, as they help “reduce scalp oil production.” Ellsworth recommends incorporating dry shampoos and apple cider vinegar rinses to cut down on oil.

7. Best Drugstore Shampoo for Dry Hair: Not Your Mother’s Activated Bamboo Charcoal & Purple Moonstone Shampoo; From $18

Dry hair, according to Carter, results from insufficient natural oil production and moisture. “The texture tends to be rough, brittle, or frizzy,” she explains. This hair type is often prone to breakage, so to prevent further damage, Carter advises using mild, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, along with regular trims to avoid split ends. She also recommends “avoiding heat styling when possible and using a leave-in conditioner or serum to protect the hair from damage.”

Carter also points out that natural oils like argan oil or avocado oil can help hydrate dry hair, giving it a healthier appearance. For those struggling with dandruff or a dry scalp, tea tree oil is another beneficial ingredient that can reduce dryness, according to the stylist.

Carter recommends Not Your Mother's activated bamboo charcoal and purple moonstone shampoo to her clients “all the time.” She explains that this blend is free from harmful ingredients like silicones, parabens, sulfates, and dyes, making it perfect for achieving “super soft” hair. While it works for all hair types, it’s especially beneficial for dry, damaged, or colored hair—particularly bleached hair. “It’s excellent for freshly dyed hair that tends to yellow and helps prevent that discoloration,” she says.

8. Best Drugstore Shampoo for Damaged Hair: Native Vegan Strengthening Shampoo with Almond & Shea Butter; $10

If you frequently over-process your hair, use heat-styling tools, or expose it to harsh environmental conditions, it’s likely suffering from some form of damage. Carter describes this hair type as dry, brittle, and straw-like, making it hard to manage and style. “For damaged hair, try deep conditioning treatments or protein treatments to restore moisture and strength. Avoid heat styling when possible and protect your hair from sun and wind,” she advises.

Ellsworth suggests incorporating vitamin C and manuka honey into your routine, as both are great for dry and damaged hair. Yates also recommends almond or shea butter to nourish damaged strands. For those struggling with this hair type, she advises trying Native’s vegan strengthening shampoo with almond and shea butter, which is free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones.