Buzz
Image: Mytour / Alli WaatajaShampoo is the cornerstone of any styling regimen, making it essential to begin with a high-quality formula for optimal hair health. The drugstore shampoo market has evolved dramatically in the last ten years, offering diverse solutions that nurture a healthy scalp and tackle issues such as damage, dryness, and dandruff. Nowadays, there’s a formula for every hair type and texture, with options that compete with pricier salon and department store brands.
These shampoos from Herbal Essences, Pantene, Kristin Ess, L’Oreal, and others not only effectively cleanse your hair and scalp of product residue, oil, and dead skin but also deliver salon-quality benefits at a fraction of the cost. (Think around $10 per bottle.)
To identify the best drugstore shampoos, we conducted thorough research at local drugstores, reviewed TikTok suggestions, and consulted with Leigh Hardges, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, and Jennifer Korab, a colorist and hair extension expert at Renaissance Salon + Spa in New Jersey.
Top Pick
Herbal Essences Rose Hips Smooth Shampoo
IMAGE: AmazonThe distinctive Herbal Essences scent is a delight, and the outcome is equally impressive: silky, soft, and glossy hair suitable for various hair textures.
Those with fragrance sensitivities might want to consider an alternative.
Classics never go out of style. The Herbal Essences Smooth Shampoo is easily identifiable by its vintage-inspired pink bottle, a nod to its ‘90s roots. Its signature floral scent adds a nostalgic touch, making it a favorite for those who cherish a bit of retro charm in their grooming regimen.
The shampoo’s formulation is equally remarkable, which explains its widespread popularity. Enriched with rose hips, jojoba, and vitamin E, it softens, smoothens, and enhances shine without leaving hair feeling heavy. Additionally, the formula is devoid of silicones and mineral oils. Suitable for a range of hair types, from fine to color-treated, this shampoo is a reliable choice for nearly everyone sharing your shower.
Available in two sizes, the larger option includes a pump top for effortless application during showers. Herbal Essences is Korab’s top pick for drugstore hair care due to its plant-based ingredients, pleasant fragrance, and commitment to sustainability.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, rose hips, jojoba oil | Hair Types: Fine, flat, straight, colored, oily | Size: 1 or 29.2 ounces
Top Choice for Volume
OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
IMAGE: TargetThis shampoo excels at strengthening hair, minimizing breakage, and effectively controlling frizz.
The fragrance might be overpowering for those with sensitive senses.
This shampoo not only adds volume for a fuller look—which it certainly delivers—but also works as a multifunctional product that promotes hair health by targeting thinness, damage, and frizz. It uses a blend of collagen and biotin, essential nutrients for hair strength, to fortify strands and prevent breakage.
The Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo is designed to provide over 72 hours of volume and fullness without making hair feel heavy. It features OGX’s Lipi Pro Shield technology to combat lipid and protein loss, which can cause frizz. While the scent is quite potent for some users, it remains an excellent choice for those with normal to thin hair.
Primary Ingredients: Collagen, biotin | Hair Types: Normal, thin | Size: 13 ounces
Ideal for Color-Treated Hair
Pantene Sulfate-Free Biotin Shampoo for Illuminating Hair
IMAGE: TargetThis mild shampoo is devoid of sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, dyes, silicones, and phthalates.
It might feel heavy on fine hair textures.
Professional hair coloring can be quite costly, and you wouldn’t want your hard-earned results to fade prematurely. Pantene’s Illuminating Color Care Shampoo safeguards color-treated hair in multiple ways. Firstly, it’s sulfate-free, ensuring a gentle cleanse that retains moisture and color vibrancy.
The Illuminating Color Care Shampoo includes biotin, a nutrient renowned for fortifying hair, which is particularly beneficial for chemically-treated or colored hair. What sets this shampoo apart is its exclusion of harsh additives like dyes, sulfates, parabens, silicones, and phthalates. It effectively cleanses while maintaining your hair’s color integrity—no compromises.
Suitable for all hair types, from straight to coily, it may feel too rich for fine hair. Its refreshing citrus fragrance competes with high-end luxury brands.
Main Ingredients: Biotin | Hair Types: Straight, wavy, curly, coily, color-treated | Size: 9.6 ounces
Top Choice for Oily Hair
Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo
IMAGE: UltaThe invigorating floral fragrance and rich, foamy lather leave your hair feeling exceptionally clean and rejuvenated.
It may cause dryness, so pairing it with a conditioner is recommended.
For those with oily hair, frequent washing is often necessary—so finding a shampoo that turns your shower routine into a spa-like experience is key. Kristin Ess’s Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo fits the bill perfectly. It not only thoroughly cleanses your hair and scalp but also adds a touch of luxury to your shower with its sleek design and delightful scent of apple, pink pepper, gardenia, and palo santo.
The rich, foamy lather ensures your hair feels deeply cleansed, leaving it refreshed and voluminous. Even if your hair isn’t oily, this shampoo is an excellent choice for occasional use to remove buildup, mineral residues, and silicones from regular styling.
As a potent clarifying shampoo, it’s essential to follow up with a hydrating conditioner or hair mask to maintain moisture. Plus, this translucent pink formula is vegan and cruelty-free, adding to its appeal.
Main Ingredients: None specified | Hair Types: Oily, normal (for clarifying) | Size: 10 ounces
Ideal for Dry Hair
Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Hydrating Shampoo
IMAGE: AmazonThis mild shampoo effectively cleanses your scalp while retaining essential moisture in your hair.
As a sulfate-free formula, it doesn’t produce the same lather as traditional shampoos.
Dove’s hydrating shampoo not only revitalizes dry, brittle hair but also soothes and cleanses a dry, tight scalp, making it a dual-action solution for both hair and scalp care.
For dry hair, you need a product that removes dirt, product buildup, and dry shampoo residue without stripping away essential moisture. Dove’s shampoo is sulfate-free, ensuring it doesn’t deplete your hair’s natural oils, which can lead to frizz.
It simplifies the shampooing process, offering a gentle and hydrating cleanse. However, unlike sulfate-based shampoos, it doesn’t produce a rich lather.
Main Ingredients: Vitamins B3 & E, peptides, zinc | Hair Types: Dry | Size: 9.25 ounces
Top Choice for Frizzy Hair
John Frieda Frizz Ease Beyond Smooth Shampoo
IMAGE: AmazonIt leaves hair feeling lightweight and free from greasiness.
No significant drawbacks were noted.
Finding a shampoo that tames frizz without making hair feel weighed down or oily is a challenge, but this product strikes the perfect balance. John Frieda has been a pioneer in frizz control since the launch of their Frizz Ease serum in the ‘90s, and this shampoo takes it a step further by preventing frizz at its source.
Frizz is a common issue for wavy and curly hair types, often signaling underlying damage. This shampoo works within the hair fiber to soften and smooth it, creating a barrier against frizz. Enriched with coconut oil, it repairs and hydrates damaged strands, leaving hair softer and more manageable, even in humid conditions.
Whether your hair is styled naturally or straightened, this anti-frizz shampoo ensures long-lasting smoothness. For optimal results, combine it with the matching conditioner and primer to reduce frizz by up to 90%.
Main Ingredients: Frizz Immunity Complex, coconut oil | Hair Types: Frizzy, medium-to-thick, wavy, curly | Size: 8.45 ounces
Top Choice for Curly Hair
HASK Beauty Curl Care Shampoo
IMAGE: WalmartThis nourishing curl shampoo is vegan, cruelty-free, and designed to strengthen and hydrate curls.
The dense texture might make it challenging to dispense.
While HASK may not be as widely recognized as other drugstore brands, it’s a hidden gem worth exploring. “HASK has been addressing hair concerns for decades, dating back to 1946, and many are unaware of its effectiveness,” says Hardges.
She praises its clean formulations, free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and silicones, particularly the Curl Care Shampoo. “It includes a curl-enhancing complex that hydrates, protects, and defines curls while controlling frizz,” she explains.
Curly hair often struggles with breakage and frizz, but this shampoo combats those issues with a blend of coconut oil, argan oil, and vitamin E to moisturize, strengthen, and define curls. The delightful fruity-coconut scent is an added perk, leaving curls hydrated, vibrant, and full of bounce.
Main Ingredients: Coconut oil, argan oil, vitamin E oil | Hair Types: Curly | Size: 12 ounces
Top Choice for Coily Hair
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Shampoo
IMAGE: AmazonIt provides deep hydration without heaviness and simplifies detangling.
The thick consistency can be challenging to dispense through the pump.
For type 4 or coily hair, maintaining moisture is crucial to combat dryness and breakage. Hardges recommends Mielle Organics’ Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo for its exceptional “slip and detangling” properties.
This sulfate-free shampoo has a luxurious texture and a delightful fragrance. It pre-detangles thick hair while infusing it with nourishing ingredients like babassu oil and honey, which Hardges notes are “excellent for locking in moisture.”
The shampoo cleanses gently yet effectively, producing a rich, sulfate-free lather that preserves essential moisture. Its slippery texture makes finger-combing effortless, setting the stage for the rest of your wash-day regimen.
Main Ingredients: Pomegranate, babassu oil, honey | Hair Types: Coily, type 4 | Size: 12 or 32 ounces
Top Choice for Damaged Hair
L’Oréal Paris Sulfate-Free Repair Shampoo
IMAGE: TargetThis advanced formula actively repairs hair and maintains color vibrancy, offering more than just surface-level smoothing.
Optimal results require the three-step system, which increases the overall cost.
L’Oreal consistently leads the way in hair care innovation. With a portfolio spanning drugstore and luxury brands, their drugstore offerings are dependable choices for all hair types. The sulfate-free EverPure line is a standout, addressing various hair needs, and the Bond Repair collection elevates damaged hair care to new heights.
For those unfamiliar, bond-repair products go beyond surface-level fixes—they actively repair broken keratin bonds caused by heat styling, chemical treatments, or bleaching. The EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Shampoo is part of a three-step system that delivers noticeable repair in just one use.
Citric acid, the star ingredient, works deep within the hair to restore bonds. While the full system (shampoo, conditioner, and concentrate) yields the best results, this shampoo alone is a gentle yet powerful option for daily use, strengthening damaged hair and maintaining color vibrancy.
Main Ingredients: Citric acid | Hair Types: Damaged, bleached, color-treated | Size: 6.8 ounces
Top Choice for Dandruff
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
IMAGE: AmazonThis clinically proven formula is safe for chemically treated hair and targets the root cause of dandruff.
It is priced higher compared to other dandruff shampoos.
Struggling with stubborn dandruff and ready to banish those pesky flakes for good? Nizoral’s Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is your solution. It doesn’t just alleviate itching and flaking—it eliminates the fungus responsible for dandruff, addressing the issue at its source.
While the packaging may appear clinical and sterile, it’s a positive in this context. The shampoo is clinically effective, thanks to the antifungal agent ketoconazole, which is exclusive to this over-the-counter product.
To combat flakes, Nizoral recommends using the shampoo twice weekly, even on chemically treated hair. It has a refreshing scent and leaves your hair and scalp feeling hydrated and calm.
Main Ingredients: Ketoconazole | Hair Types: Itchy, flaky, dandruff-prone | Size: 7 or 14 ounces
Final Verdict
For a dependable daily shampoo suitable for the whole family, the classic Herbal Essences Rose Hips Smooth Shampoo is a top pick, offering a beloved fragrance and a cruelty-free formula. For coily hair, Hardges suggests Mielle Organics’s Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo, and for dandruff, Nizoral’s Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is highly recommended.
How to Choose Drugstore Shampoo Like an Expert
Think About Your Hair Type
Fortunately, drugstore hair care has become much more inclusive in recent years, offering products tailored to every hair type and texture.
- Thin or fine hair benefits from lightweight, volumizing shampoos that enhance body and bounce.
- Curly and coily hair thrives with added moisture and hydration to aid detangling and definition.
Many leading drugstore hair care brands cater to a wide range of hair types, while others focus on specific needs, such as curl care.
Think About Your Hair Concerns
When selecting a drugstore shampoo, Hardges advises carefully reading the label to identify a formula that addresses your specific hair needs.
For damaged hair, she suggests opting for shampoos labeled “strengthening” or “fortifying,” as these often include beneficial ingredients like protein and amino acids.
For dry hair, prioritize terms like “hydration” and “moisturizing,” while oily hair benefits from “clarifying” formulas that provide a deep cleanse. Products labeled “smoothing” are ideal for taming frizz.
Examine the Ingredients
Hardges prioritizes ingredients when evaluating a new product or brand. “I focus on the first five ingredients, as they are listed in order of concentration by volume,” she explains, noting her preference for sulfate- and paraben-free formulas.
Sulfates are a debated ingredient in beauty products, but avoiding them isn’t always necessary. In shampoos, they act as cleansing agents, creating that rich, foamy lather. Common sulfates include sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and sodium laureth sulfate. While they effectively remove dirt, oil, and buildup, they can also strip away essential moisture.
For those with dry, coarse, or color-treated hair, or a sensitive scalp, sulfates may be overly drying. However, if you prefer a lightweight, clean feel and have oily or normal hair, sulfated shampoos might be a good fit.
Common Questions
What are some top drugstore hair brands?
With countless drugstore hair care brands available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. Popular names include L’Oreal Paris, Clairol, Garnier, Mielle, Pantene, Dove, and Tresemmé. When unsure, opt for a familiar brand. Some professional hairstylists, like Kristin Ess, John Frieda, and Paul Mitchell, also have their own lines.
Korab frequently suggests OGX, Pantene, Herbal Essences, Garnier, Tresemmé, and L’Oreal Paris to clients for their “effectiveness, affordability, and variety.” For instance, “OGX’s sulfate-free shampoos with natural ingredients cater to diverse hair types and needs,” she explains.
“Tresemmé delivers salon-quality products at budget-friendly prices, addressing specific styling needs. Garnier Fructis strengthens and smooths hair with formulas enriched with fruit proteins. L'Oréal Paris Elvive offers a broad range of shampoos targeting issues like color protection, damage repair, and volume,” she adds.
Are expensive shampoos superior to drugstore shampoos?
This depends on your needs. Typically, pricier shampoos may contain higher-quality ingredients, justifying the cost. “It’s often about the purity of ingredients, resulting in a more concentrated formula,” she notes. You’re also paying for packaging, research, development, and marketing.
When Should You Invest in Expensive Shampoo?
Splurging on shampoo can be worthwhile, particularly for those with severely damaged or chemically treated hair. “These treatments often harm hair, so using high-quality products to repair that damage is valuable,” Hardges explains.
Higher-end “prestige” shampoos, often found in salons or department stores, may contain richer, more concentrated, or naturally derived ingredients compared to drugstore options. “Investing in pricier shampoos makes sense for specific concerns like color-treated or damaged hair, persistent scalp issues, or the desire for premium ingredients,” Korab says. “It’s ideal for managing unique textures, enhancing long-term hair health, and enjoying luxurious scents and a spa-like experience.”
If your hair is relatively healthy, a budget-friendly shampoo will suffice. Still unsure? Consult your hairstylist for personalized advice on when to splurge and when to save.
Trust Our Expertise
This article was authored by Kara Nesvig, a beauty writer whose first drugstore shampoo was a bottle of Pantene, which she convinced her mom to buy when she was just 6 years old. While her hair care choices have evolved over the years, she always keeps a bottle of classic Herbal Essences in her shower.
Alongside thorough research on the best drugstore shampoos based on ingredients, hair types, and concerns, she consulted Leigh Hardges, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, and Jennifer Korab, a colorist and hair extension specialist at Renaissance Salon + Spa in New Jersey, for expert insights.
