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The 16 Best Drugstore Shampoos That Rival the Fanciest Brands

Look like a million bucks, even if you're on a budget.

Three Drugstore Shampoos, Tea Tree, OGX and Aveeno

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

A great shampoo is a crucial component of any haircare routine. If you find yourself replenishing your supply frequently, it helps if your formula of choice is available at your local drugstore. That said, the right formula for you isn't necessarily what the next person should use. When choosing a shampoo, haircare expert Lindsay Holden says to "look for one that's specifically formulated for your hair type." Someone with thick, curly hair will want a moisturizing formula that also softens. On the other hand, those with oily roots or fine hair would benefit from a shampoo that clarifies without adding weight.

We conducted hours of research on the best drugstore shampoos, evaluating them on formula, benefits, and lather. We also considered our personal experience with some of the most well-known products. After consulting with haircare experts and exploring dozens of options, we landed on these stellar drugstore shampoos. 

What We Like
  • Luxurious lather

  • Gently cleanses

  • Hydrates and replenishes

What to Consider
  • Not as effective for those with a lot of product buildup

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Cocomide, vitamin B5 | Size: 12 oz | Scent: Jasmine | Cruelty-Free: No

Pantene is a tried-and-true drugstore brand with some stellar offerings. While new and noteworthy haircare products constantly emerge, we often fall back on this Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo. When massaged into the hair, this silky-smooth formula builds into a luxurious lather, gently cleansing and hydrating your strands and scalp.

This is a great all-rounder shampoo, winning points for its effective formula, easy pump dispenser, and fresh scent. True to its name, Pantene Pro-V leans on panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) to replenish your hair while promising to protect it from damage, making it a great choice for locks that need a moisture boost.

What We Like
  • Gentle formula

  • Fortifies and hydrates

  • Leaves hair silky

What to Consider
  • Not ideal for greasy roots

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Aloe, vitamin E, vitamin B3, vitamin B6 | Size: 12.5 oz | Scent: Fresh | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Drugstore shampoos are typically great budget picks, but if you want one of the most wallet-friendly, go with this pick from Garnier Fructis. Gentle enough for daily use, this simple yet effective shampoo vows to fortify and hydrate your hair while leaving it silky-soft. We love this shampoo because it contains vitamin B3, which aids moisture retention and is best for people whose hair could benefit from more intensive hydration and a shine boost. If your roots are prone to oiliness or product buildup, this may not be the right cleanser for you.

What We Like
  • Promotes thickness and body

  • Strengthens hair with biotin

  • Won't weigh down hair

What to Consider
  • Not as effective at removing buildup

Hair Type: Fine, flat | Key Ingredients: Biotin, collagen | Size: 24 oz | Scent: Clean | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Hoping to add volume to your hair without using too much styling cream or mousse? Dove's Volume & Fullness Shampoo is your best bet. The nourishing formula hydrates without weighing down your hair and then calls on biotin (a vitamin known to strengthen hair) and collagen (a protein that can help stimulate hair growth) to promote thickness and body. Slathering the roots and hair follicles with topical, nourishing ingredients like this may ultimately make the hair look healthier, but this one's not as clarifying as some others on this list.

What We Like
  • Sulfate-free is safer for naturally textured hair

  • Moisturizing

  • Lathers well

What to Consider
  • Can weigh down fine hair types

Hair Type: Dry, damaged, curly, coily | Key Ingredients: Aloe, sweet clover extract | Size: 12 oz | Scent: Vanilla | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This nourishing pick claims to moisturize and soften curl types 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4A. Despite being sulfate-free, the formula foams particularly well and has a yummy vanilla scent that'll turn your shower into a spa. When used with the curl-safe conditioner, it does a stellar job restoring shine, hydrating curls and coils, and reducing static.

What We Like
  • Has biotin and collagen to encourage hair growth

  • Volumizing

  • Smells lovely

What to Consider
  • Scent may be too strong for some

Hair Type: Fine, flat, damaged | Key Ingredients: Biotin, collagen | Size: 13 oz | Scent: Bergamot, vanilla, jasmine | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Finding a drugstore shampoo that cleanses without weighing down their fragile strands can be tricky for fine-haired folks. This formula, enriched with vitamins and proteins, does just that. "For drugstore-brand shampoo for fine hair, I definitely love OGX Biotin & Collagen Shampoo," says hairstylist Sky Kim of Jenna Perry Hair Studio in New York. It's formulated to transform fine locks into a thicker, fuller-looking mane. Biotin and collagen work to strengthen the hair over time, while wheat protein provides a more voluminous appearance from day one. While we love the scent, it may be a bit much if you're fragrance-sensitive.

What We Like
  • Improves elasticity and curl definition

  • Rich lather

  • Free from sulfates, silicones, parabens, and phthalates

What to Consider
  • May weigh down fine hair

Hair Type: Curly, natural | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, aloe, hydrolyzed silk | Size: 13 oz | Scent: Coconut, hibiscus | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Curly hair requires a different approach to washing than straight hair. Asymmetrical follicles and coiled strands make it harder for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft, making curly hair more prone to dryness and damage from heat styling and coloring. The TL;DR: Curly hair needs lots of moisture, so a hydrating shampoo is essential. This shampoo gently cleanses, moisturizes (thanks to coconut oil and shea butter), and protects to improve elasticity and keep static at bay. And even though it's sulfate-free, it boasts a notably rich lather. It may be a bit heavy for finer curls, though.

What We Like
  • Protects natural hair from hard water

  • Moisturizing with aloe and willow bark

  • Refreshes scalp

What to Consider
  • Scent may be too strong for some

Hair Type: Natural, textured, dry | Key Ingredients: Aloe, honey, willow bark extract | Size: 12 oz | Scent: Herbal honey | Cruelty-Free: Yes

TPH makes the best option for hair that needs moisture. The brand's Honey Fresh Shampoo flaunts a nondrying, sulfate-free gel formula with a honey-like consistency. A blend of—yes—honey, aloe, and willow bark delivers much-needed moisture while refreshing your scalp. The formula also removes hard water and product buildup without stripping the hair of natural oils. One thing to note: Although it claims to be vegan-friendly, the formula's moisturizing properties do come from honey. 

What We Like
  • Contains salt to enhance natural texture

  • Nondrying

  • Promotes healthy growth

What to Consider
  • May sting eyes

Hair Type: Wavy, curly, fine, thick | Key Ingredients: Salt, soy protein, marine extracts | Size: 12 oz | Scent: Coconut, banana | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Pacifica Salty Waves promises to enhance wavy hair, transforming flat strands into beachy mermaid locks. This nondrying shampoo contains salt to bring out your natural texture. At the same time, sea algae (which is rich in antioxidants and minerals for a strengthening effect) and soy protein promote healthy growth. After washing, reach for the brand's matching conditioner, a cruelty-free formula fortified with the same active ingredients as the shampoo. Then scrunch and twirl sections of your hair and let it air-dry for a beachy look. 

What We Like
  • Effectively prevents flakes

  • Helps clarify scalp

  • Reduces itchiness

What to Consider
  • May irritate sensitive scalps

Hair Type: Dandruff-prone | Key Ingredients: Zinc pyrithione | Size: 12.5 oz | Scent: Clean | Cruelty-Free: No

If you regularly deal with a dry, flaky scalp and/or dandruff, Head & Shoulders is our trusty standby. This might not be the sexiest shampoo on the drugstore shelf, but it works. The key ingredient is zinc pyrithione, which tackles flakes and an itchy scalp. Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo contains methylisothiazolinone, an antibacterial preservative that sensitive skin folks might find irritating.

What We Like
  • Fortifies hair with sea moss

  • Very hydrating

  • Detangles knots

What to Consider
  • Strong, chemically scent

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Sea moss | Size: 8 oz | Scent: Clean | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We know how frustrating it can be to experience hair shedding, which can be caused by anything from genetics to pregnancy or a vitamin deficiency. While eating a balanced diet, getting proper sleep, and avoiding tight hairstyles are some of the best ways to mitigate hair shedding, this shampoo from Mielle Organics can boost your efforts. With an ingredient list boasting several types of hydrating and nourishing oils, including avocado, coconut, and sweet almond oils, it aims to prevent breakage and tangles. Anti-inflammatory ingredients, including ​​burdock root, aloe, and chamomile, help soothe the scalp and strengthen the roots.

What We Like
  • Clarifies scalp with tea tree oil

  • Imparts shine

  • Invigorating for scalp

What to Consider
  • Not suitable for fine hair types

Hair Type: Oily, fine, dandruff-prone | Key Ingredients: Tea tree, peppermint, lavender | Size: 10.1, 16.9, 33.8 oz | Scent: Peppermint | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you're prone to an oily or flaky scalp, this formula includes tea tree oil, which works as an antimicrobial and antifungal agent, reducing grease and restoring balance. The zingy mint fragrance is invigorating and leaves the hair bouncy and refreshed. However, those with fine hair may find this product may weigh it down.

What We Like
  • Hydrating formula softens hair

  • Leaves hair shiny

  • Contains nourishing amino acids

What to Consider
  • Can irritate sensitive scalps

Hair Type: Dry, damaged | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, biotin, amino acids, vitamin B5 | Size: 28 oz | Scent: Almond | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Meanwhile, if your hair feels dry or brittle, this moisturizing shampoo from Tresemmé might be just the thing. It promises not only to hydrate but also nourish, soften, and restore healthy-looking shine using popular moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, biotin, amino acids, and vitamin B5 to improve the everyday look and feel of your hair. Don’t forget to use a heat protectant before you reach for the blow-dryer.

What We Like
  • Nostalgic floral scent

  • Gently cleanses

  • Formula tested by dermatologists

What to Consider
  • Could be more hydrating

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, jojoba oil | Size: 13.5, 29.2 oz | Scent: Rose | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Shampoo should work for your hair type, but we'd be lying if we said the fragrance wasn't nearly as important. To enhance your showering experience, look no further than Herbal Essences. Rose Hips is one of the brand's classic scents. Whether it makes you feel nostalgic for the '90s or is a brand-new sensation, you won't be disappointed. The rose fragrance is aromatic without being overpowering. Expect anyone near you that day to remark on how great you smell.

What We Like
  • Protects colored hair

  • Strengthening formula

  • Enhances shine

What to Consider
  • Can leave a residue

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal extract, quinoa protein | Size: 12 oz | Scent: Blackberry | Cruelty-Free: No

Color-treated hair—especially bleached or lightened hair—is generally more delicate and dry than virgin hair. In other words, it needs a little extra love. Using a gentle, moisturizing formula like this one can help restore softness and hydration while also keeping your color shiny and vibrant for longer. We recommend a sulfate-free formula like Aveeno's Blackberry Quinoa Shampoo. It gently cleanses without stripping or drying your strands, while quinoa protein strengthens and prevents fading. The blackberry scent is pretty great, too.

What We Like
  • Cancels yellow, brassy tones

  • Preserves color

  • Adds shine

What to Consider
  • Not ideal for daily use

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Purple dye, hibiscus extract | Size: 6.8 oz | Scent: Violet, fig, coconut, thyme | Cruelty-Free: No

Blondes who want to keep their color cool without another trip to the salon should reach for this. If you bleach your hair on the regular, lathering up with a purple shampoo a few times a week can help preserve the color. This one from L'Oreal contains violet pigments that counteract any yellowish, brassy tones. Just a heads up, daily use isn't recommended, as the toner in the formula can dry out your hair.

What We Like
  • Repairs damage

  • Prevents breakage

  • Adds volume

What to Consider
  • Scent may be too strong for some

Hair Type: Dry, damaged | Key Ingredients: Wheat and vegetable protein, vitamin B5, amino acids | Size: 13.5 oz | Scent: Floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This strengthening shampoo can help restore volume and strength to brittle strands and fortify the hair from the root. The formula blends proteins, amino acids, and vitamin B5 to repair damage and protect against future breakage. Ingredients such as grape skin extract—a powerful antioxidant—help protect the hair from UV rays and pollution, preventing further damage. However, some folks may not love the scent.

What to Look for When Buying Drugstore Shampoo

  • Hair Type: The first thing to consider when buying drugstore shampoo is your hair type. According to Holden, the best formulas for curly, coily, and textured hair are moisturizing and often non-lathering (which likely means they don't contain sulfates). Fine hair should stick to lighter-weight formulas.
  • Cleansing Ingredients: Shampoos often contain sulfates—usually sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)—which clean the hair and create a lathering effect. But since they can be harsh on dyed, chemically straightened, and curly hair, you'll find many sulfate-free formulas call on other cleansing agents.
  • Fortifying Ingredients: Holden recommends drugstore shampoos "high in protein to promote strength and shine, as well as amino acids, which help keep hair strong and even encourage growth." Biotin and vitamin B5 are also excellent hair fortifiers.
FAQ
  • How often should you use drugstore shampoos?

    “It’s really up to you, your hair type, your lifestyle, and what you have time for,” explains Holden. “That being said, there is such a thing as over-cleansing and under-cleansing. If your scalp is dry, itchy, or tight, you may be over-cleansing. If your scalp feels like it has oily buildup or dandruff, you may be under-cleansing. Generally speaking, the coarser your hair, the less often you need to wash it. Straight, fine hair tends to get oily faster since it’s easier for sebum to travel down your strands. People with straight hair could try shampooing every other day, wavy to loose curls a few times a week, curls to coils—no more than once a week to retain moisture," she says.

  • Do drugstore shampoos expire?

    As with all beauty products, drugstore shampoos certainly do expire. A pretty standard time frame is 12 to 18 months from the date opened, but be sure to check your product packaging. And a great general rule is to bin anything that has changed significantly in color, texture, or scent (or started growing mold).

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a writer specializing in beauty and lifestyle. For this roundup, she compiled expert buying tips and researched today's best drugstore shampoos and conditioners for every hair type and concern. She has been covering haircare, skincare, and makeup at Byrdie since 2020.

Esme Benjamin (a lifelong user of drugstore shampoos) helped update this article, ensuring all the products selected truly deserved a place on Byrdie’s list. 

Team Byrdie consulted two hair experts for this article, including:

  • Lindsay Holden, a haircare expert and founder of the clean beauty brand Odele.
  • Sky Kim, a hairstylist at Jenna Perry Hair Studio in New York.
Edited by Ally Hirschlag
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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