When you spend so much time, money, and effort on your hair including, cutting, coloring, chemical treatments, and coloring, it only makes sense that you use the best, most expensive shampoo to take care of your mane. Right? But do you know that the best drugstore shampoo can also give you the same benefits of high-quality ingredients while keeping you safe from the effects of harsh and harmful chemicals? It is true; you don’t always have to splurge on expensive high-end shampoos to keep your hair healthy and nourished. There are plenty of good drugstore shampoos made with the best ingredients that offer the same benefits. They keep your hair shiny, healthy and nourished. And they don’t cost an arm or a leg. Here is our review of such drugstore brand shampoos that you can trust to work wonders for your crowning glory.
17 Best Drugstore Shampoos
1. Best Overall: Nizoral Ketoconazole Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Get your hair clean and dandruff-free with this powerful drugstore shampoo that prevents scaling, flaking, and itching caused by dandruff. This salon-tested shampoo is extremely gentle and contains ketoconazole 1%, which is known to be ten times more effective in removing dandruff than the active ingredients in other dandruff shampoos. Ideal for gray, chemically-treated, and colored hair, you need to use it just twice a week in between your regular shampoos. It has a rich, thick lather that leaves your hair smelling clean and fresh. This seven-ounce bottle starts showing results after the very first use, as it gets to the root of the problem and kills the fungus that causes dandruff. This video will provide you with added insights about Nizoral Ketoconazole Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Pros
Controls hair loss from dandruff Makes hair manageable Adds shine Suitable for men and women
Cons
Some may experience dry hair May not suit all hair types
2. Best Frizz Eliminates Shampoo: Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
This wonderful 8.5-ounce shampoo is one of the best drugstore shampoos that repairs, strengthens, and hydrates all hair types, and is highly moisturizing, leaving your hair shiny, manageable, and healthier with every use. This color-safe shampoo reduces breakage, maintains and repairs bonds within the hair, and eliminates flyaway and frizzy hair. Its active ingredient, bis-aminopropyl dimaleate, works on a molecular level to repair broken and damaged bonds caused by thermal, chemical, and mechanical damage. This safe drugstore shampoo contains no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, DEA, aldehydes, formaldehyde, or phosphates and is suitable for all hair types. Take a look at this review video to know more about the product and make an informed buying decision. Pros
Cruelty-free formula pH-balanced Vegan-friendly Reduces split ends Nut-free
Cons
May leave the hair dry Might leave residue on some hair types
3. Best anti-dandruff shampoo: Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
True to its name, this six-ounce bottle of one of the best drugstore shampoos heals your scalp of conditions like a flaky, itchy scalp and redness and gives lasting relief from chronic seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and common dandruff. This medicated, dermatologist-recommended shampoo contains Neutar technology with one-percent coal tar extract that heals your scalp for hours after use. Its extra-strong formula with added conditioners cleanses your hair gently and leaves it beautifully soft and manageable. Its effect is visible after just one use and can be used once a week. Here’s a review video summarizing the features of this product. Pros
Controls inflammatory scalp conditions Provides lasting relief Controls overproduction of scalp skin cells Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
Some may find the smell overpowering Might make the hair dry
4. Best anti-hair loss shampoo: Pura D’or Biotin Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Shampoo & Conditioner Set
Known to reduce the thinning of hair, this drugstore shampoo and conditioner with a plant-based formula are packed with 17 herbal DHT ingredients. You will notice that your hair will be fuller and thicker after just a few applications, along with less breakage and more volume. It’s a powerhouse of essential vitamins which hydrate the scalp and make your hair more manageable by reducing dryness and brittleness. Its active ingredients are biotin and argan oil which are infused with herbs like nettle extract, saw palmetto, red Korean seaweed, black cumin seed, aloe vera, and tea tree to name a few. These ingredients reduce damage caused by external factors, cleanse the scalp, strengthen the hair shaft, and improve the overall health of your hair. Pros
Vegan and cruelty-free formula Environment-friendly Free of parabens and SLS Hypoallergenic Zero artificial preservatives Suitable for men and women
Cons
Some may find the smell unpleasant Might not be suitable for curly hair
5. Best paraben-free shampoo: Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo
There is nothing to beat the luxurious lather, refreshing scent, and pleasant moisturizing experience of this shampoo. It contains Hawaiian awapuhi in its formula, which helps to prevent moisture loss, thoroughly cleanses your hair, and removes dullness by removing residue build-up. The shampoo and conditioner have a lovely cucumber melon fragrance with subtle floral notes of water flower and violet. This 10.14-ounce bottle of shampoo is suitable for all hair types, including colored hair, fine hair, and static-prone hair, and its gentle cleansing makes it perfect for everyday use. It contains special conditioners and plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba, white ginger, rosemary, and algae extract that add volume to your hair. This versatile drugstore shampoo can also double up as a luxurious vegan body wash. Pros
Helps improve hair texture Makes hair manageable and soft Does not leave residue Paraben free Gluten-free
Cons
Might weigh down thin hair May not be sulfate-free
6. Best Paraben Free Shampoo : Avalon Organics Therapy Thickening Shampoo
Get ready to have lustrous tresses with this special formula drugstore shampoo for hair growth that has a perfect blend of biotin B-complex, quinoa protein, saw palmetto, and vitamin E. This 32-ounce bottle of shampoo not only cleanses your hair, it also nourishes it from root to tip and strengthens it. It adds volume and body to thinning hair— thanks to the essential oils and organic botanicals. It deeply conditions the entire hair shaft, leaving it thicker and softer. This EWG-certified shampoo contains non-GMO ingredients and has absolutely no parabens, synthetic colors, harsh preservatives, phthalates, or fragrances. Pros
pH-balanced formula Stimulates the scalp Promotes healthy hair growth Suitable for all hair types Vegan and cruelty-free formula
Cons
Hair may feel greasy for some May not suit overstyled hair
7. Best OI Shampoo For All Hair Types : Davines OI Shampoo
This incredible healthy drugstore shampoo is formulated to give you glossy, shiny hair which is soft, silky, and hydrated. Infused with roucou oil that is rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene, as well as sunflower seed oil and vitamin E, it makes your hair strong and healthy. This gentle and hydrating shampoo is made from naturally sourced ingredients and is free of parabens and sulfates, so it will not dry out or damage your hair but instead keeps it soft and detangled. This nourishing shampoo comes in a 9.47-ounce bottle and is suitable for all hair types, including colored hair. Pros
Controls hair frizz Adds volume to the hair Smoothes the cuticles Lathers well Does not weigh down the hair
Cons
Quantity may not be sufficient Some may find the smell unpleasant
8. Best shampoo for color-treated hair : Hempz Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon Herbal Volumizing Shampoo
This drugstore shampoo for hair loss is a powerhouse of herbal and natural ingredients like pure hemp seed oil and is efficient at revitalizing and volumizing colored, chemically treated, and thinning hair. Formulated without chemicals, hemp oil is blended along with shea butter, honey melon, and pineapple concentrates that repair your hair. The combination of antioxidants and the protein in hemp stimulates an anti-frizz and humidity barrier. Available in a 33.8-ounce bottle, this shampoo for thinning hair cleanses it gently and gives your hair more body, bounce, and fullness. It features a candied pineapple and melon scent that keeps your hair smelling fresh with a tropical fragrance. The volumizing shampoo can be used on all hair types and by both men and women. Pros
Stimulates hair growth Protects hair from heat Adds moisture Makes hair silky Easy to lather
Cons
May not deeply cleanse oily scalp Texture might be thicker than expected
9. Best anti-frizz shampoo: Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo
You can say goodbye to annoying frizziness forever with this anti-frizz drugstore shampoo that is extremely gentle on your hair and has a sodium chloride and sulfate-free formula. The unique one-percent smoothing complex of this shampoo features sustainably sourced babassu oil as its main ingredient, which offers all-day humidity protection and enhances smoothness and glossiness. It comes in a 1000 ml bottle and does a great job of taming your hair. Pros
Makes hair manageable Mild fragrance pH-balanced formula Suitable for all hair types Suitable for daily use
Cons
Some may find it weighing down May have to be used at least twice a week for results
10. Best shampoo for daily use: Amika Normcore Signature Shampoo
If you have been pining for soft, shiny, and hydrated hair, this everyday drugstore shampoo is just the answer to your prayers with its formula infused with vitamins and antioxidants. Its foamy lather cleanses and hydrates your hair, leaving it fresh, light, and enriched with vitamins and antioxidants. This shampoo contains coconut acid that offers excellent lathering and conditioning, as well as sea buckthorn berry that hydrates, nourishes, and protects your hair, and leaves it with a wonderful fragrance. It is also packed with 190 biologically active compounds that include vitamins A, C, and E, and high concentrations of omega 7 that comes from the superfruit sea buckthorn berry. This shampoo is extremely safe for keratin-treated, and brazilian-treated hair, and is free of artificial colorants, mineral oil, MIT/MCIT, and petrochemicals. Pros
Safe for color-treated hair Prevents hair breakage Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates Silicone- and gluten-free Mineral oil-free
Cons
Some may find it greasy Might not work for fine hair
11. Baebody Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
If you are suffering from dry hair, dandruff, and an itchy scalp, this shampoo is exactly what you need. This 16-ounce bottle of shampoo removes impurities from the hair and scalp and revives its natural gloss. Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has a soothing and healing effect on your scalp and removes dandruff. The restorative formula of this shampoo contains natural ingredients like argan oil, almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, camellia seed oil, avocado oil, hyaluronic acid, retinol, activated charcoal, and botanical keratin. This drugstore shampoo is also paraben-free, sulfate-free, and suitable for most hair types. Pros
Helps remove product buildup Provides a deep cleansing effect Does not weigh down Vegan-friendly Cruelty-free formula
Cons
May find the smell unpleasant Might leave the hair dry for some
12. Batiste Dry Shampoo
This innovative, safe drugstore shampoo comes in a pack of three bottles, each containing 6.73 ounces, and rejuvenates your hair, leaving it fresh and clean. This multi-award-winning dry shampoo ensures that you always have a great hair day and gets rid of the excess oil in your hair between regular shampoo days. You no longer have to worry about whether you have time to wash your hair or not, as the innovative formula of this dry shampoo ensures that your hair always looks clean and freshly shampooed with added texture and body. Pros
Does not make the hair stiff Pleasant smell Does not weigh down the hair Stays effective all-day
Cons
May leave a white cast on brown hair Quantity may not be enough
13. LivSo Moisturizing Shampoo
The dermatologist-created product is one of the best drugstore shampoos infused with naturally derived ingredients, moisturizing your scalp and hair. It is specially formulated for damaged and dry hair, textured or curly hair, and an itchy and flaky scalp. Packed with nutrients, it contains coconut oil that reduces follicle breakage and gives natural, protective hydration to the hair and scalp, as well as glycolic acid and alpha-hydroxy acid that are exfoliating agents and help to unclog pores and improve a dry, flaky scalp. It also contains xylitol which has natural anti-yeast and anti-fungal properties. Its fresh-smelling lather has subtle hints of lemongrass which leaves you with a moisturized and cleansed feeling. Pros
Non-drying formula Makes hair manageable Sulfate-free formula Free from heavy additives
Cons
May leave residue on some hair types Might not promote hair growth
14. Nexxus Aloe Rid Gentle Clarifying Shampoo With Zydot Ultra Clean Shampoo
This is a good drugstore shampoo if you’re looking for a gentle one that removes impurities which tend to make your hair look dull, dirty, and unhealthy. Advanced microsphere technology causes the gradual release of antioxidants in the shampoo, which cancel the effect of damaging free radicals caused by harsh chemicals. The formula contains soothing and hydrating aloe vera that conditions the scalp and hair. These two shampoos together can be used every day to clean the oils and toxins from the scalp. This five-ounce bottle of clarifying shampoo contains propylene glycol in its formula, which is an effective humectant, and keeps your hair manageable. Pros
Removes harsh chemical, residue, and pollutant buildup Internal hair-purifying treatment Suitable for all hair types Detoxifies the follicles
Cons
Might leave the hair dry May take a long time to cleanse thoroughly
15. Phillip Adam Shampoo
The natural drugstore shampoo contains no harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, silicones, harsh preservatives, phthalates, and dyes. Infused with pea protein and nourishing botanical ingredients, it ensures that you have healthy, beautiful, and shiny hair. You will have squeaky clean hair as this shampoo effectively cleanses your scalp and hair of all residue and toxins. The apple cider vinegar in its formula reduces frizz, controls static electricity in hair, and gives you shiny, smooth hair. This fragrance-free shampoo also prevents dandruff and balances the pH of your scalp and hair. It’s suitable for all hair types, including colored hair and sensitive skin. Pros
Gentle formula Biodegradable Vegan and cruelty-free Gluten- and GMO-free
Cons
Might leave residue on some hair types May not be suitable for allergy-prone people
16. Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo
You can say goodbye to all your hair woes with this thoughtfully formulated shampoo for dry and damaged hair, which gently cleanses, nourishes, and soothes your hair. It doesn’t matter whether your hair is colored, chemically, or thermally treated, it ensures that your hair stays smooth and glossy. It’s enriched with coconut oil that is packed with nutritious fatty acids and prevents protein loss, as well as hydrolyzed rice gluten-free protein that boosts collagen production. This dermatologically-tested, 887 ml drugstore shampoo is completely vegan and cruelty-free and is also free of damaging parabens and SLS. It comes packed in a pretty pink recyclable plastic bottle and uses minimal recyclable paper and cardboard. Pros
Weightless formula Reinforces hair follicles Increases moisture retention Strengthens hair
Cons
Might make hair oily Might leave residue on some hair types
17. Jupiter Balancing Shampoo
One of the best sulfate-free drugstore shampoos that you can hope for, it contains zinc pyrithione as its active ingredient and is rated by Vogue as the Best Dandruff Shampoo. This soothing and calming shampoo gets to the root of the problem and instantly alleviates symptoms like flaking, dry scalp, irritation, and itchy scalp. This medicated scalp cleanser also contains decylene glycol, coconut oil, and algae extract and is devoid of harmful substances like parabens, phthalates, and dyes. This safe and clean drugstore shampoo will prevent embarrassing white flakes from falling on your head and shoulders and soothe the scalp. This vegan and cruelty-free shampoo have a natural fragrance with a hint of vanilla, mint, sage rosemary, lavender, and tangerine. It is safe for all hair types, including chemically treated and colored hair, and is known to reduce hair breakage by 30%. Pros
Helps reduce excess sebum production Removes residue buildup Hydrates and softens the hair Free of synthetic fragrances
Cons
Some may find the smell unpleasant May not lather well
Now that you have been through our review of the 17 best drugstore shampoos, let us go through a few guidelines to keep in mind while choosing one so that you have beautiful and lustrous tresses.
How To Choose The Right Drugstore Shampoos
Ingredients
This is the very first thing you need to check when choosing a good drugstore shampoo. It should be enriched with strengthening and nourishing ingredients like proteins, wheat germ, shea butter, coconut or jojoba oils, glycerin, cyclomethicone, dimethicone, and avocado oil to name a few. Ingredients to avoid are sulfates, sodium chloride, surfactants, alcohol, and parabens, especially so if your hair is damaged or colored. Sulfates cause the shampoo to lather but should be completely avoided with colored hair as they cause the color to fade. UV filters also contribute to keeping your hair vibrant between your visits to the salon. It’s a good idea to check the pH level of the shampoo, which should be between 5.5 and 7, as it affects the moisture retention of your scalp. A lower pH, which is acidic, helps to seal the cuticle, which results in shinier, softer, and less damaged hair.
Hair type
Opt for a shampoo that is especially formulated for wavy, curly, or straight hair as the moisturizer levels will be more appropriate depending on your hair type. A volumizing shampoo is what you need if you have fine, wispy hair, while a protein-rich shampoo is perfect to restore damaged hair. Curly hair and textured hair do well with softening pre-wash treatments, leave-in conditioners, and co-washing options. Also, you need to get a different shampoo depending on whether your scalp is dry, oily, or normal. If you have dandruff or an itchy scalp, you should opt for a dermatologist-recommended shampoo. Any shampoo that you choose should boost hydration, moisture, and smoothening of your hair.
Shampoo for colored hair
If you are sporting colored hair, opt for a shampoo that’s specifically designed for such hair, as their ingredients are gentle and preserve color. The hair shaft can get weakened as a result of coloring or chemical treatment, and protein-based shampoos with ingredients like silk amino acids, soy extracts, and wheat extracts. Hair that has undergone frequent treatments tends to have oily roots and dry ends, so the best shampoo to use would be for normal hair.
Other options
You should always keep dry shampoo handy for times that you can’t wash your hair to create different hairstyles and texture. Also, keep switching the formula of your shampoo— a good clarifying shampoo can be used every now and then for a deep cleanse, and change in routine.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a hair and skincare enthusiast who conducts extensive research on the products she recommends by analyzing their user reviews and specifications. She has compiled this list of the best drugstore shampoos for all hair types based on factors such as ingredients and moisturization. She has also created a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
