15 Best Drugstore Shampoos To Buy In 2023 – Reviews And Buying Guide
Pamper your tresses with these nourishing and cleansing drugstore shampoo formulas.
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skincare coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, ... more
The best drugstore shampoos now have formulas as good as the high-end brands. So, gorgeous hair no longer requires you to go over budget anymore! Now you can get good quality shampoos just around your neighborhood. Drugstore brands offer shampoos for all hair types—curly, straight, wavy, chemical-treated, color-treated, etc. They are also enriched with the best ingredients for your scalp and hair. Here, in this article, we have listed some of our favorites for you to check out. So, go ahead and add them to your hair care routine now!
In This Article
Top 15 Drugstore Shampoos Available Right Now
1. Best Protein-Rich Formula:OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo
Breathe life back into your hair with this miraculous shampoo! This hydrating shampoo works like a miracle on dry and damaged hair. It contains a blend of protein-rich ingredients like organic coconut oil, the essence of Tiare flower, and vanilla bean extracts that hydrate your hair and makes it soft and smooth with every wash. These ingredients help in repairing and rejuvenating damaged hair follicles. It moisturizes each hair strand from within. The nourishing formula of this shampoo reduces frizz and tames flyaways. Here’s a video to help you know more about this product.
Pros
- Lathers well
- Long-lasting shine
- Sulfate-free
- Pleasant fragrance
- Improves elasticity
- Suitable for thick, coarse, delicate, and curly hair
Cons
- Dries out your hair initially
2. Best For Color-Treated Hair:Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo
Finding a shampoo that works well for blonde and silver hair does not have to be expensive. The protein-enriched formula of Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo decreases the brassiness of your blonde or silver hair like a pro. This shampoo is meant to treat dull and damaged hair, as it refreshes dull and faded highlights and makes them look like you have just walked out of the salon. This shampoo is also available in brunette and red formulas. This video takes you through this product’s details.
Pros
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Decreases brassiness
- Renews faded hair color
- Does not leave behind a residue
Cons
- Strong fragrance
3. Best For Taming Frizz:St. Botanica Ultimate Hair Repair Shampoo
This luxurious shampoo has both cleansing and moisturizing properties. It helps repair dry and damaged hair. It contains lavender extract, organic argan oil, virgin coconut oil, vitamin E, sweet almond oil, soy protein, and tea tree oil. These ingredients prevent frizz and restore moisture and shine. It also contains saw palmetto and nettle leaf extracts that prevent hair fall and keep your roots strong and healthy.
The nourishing combination of nutrients, vitamin B3, and pro-vitamin B5 strengthens your hair follicles and makes your hair smooth and manageable. The formula of the shampoo is gentle enough for regular use.
Pros
- Prevents frizz
- Controls hair fall
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Some users may not like the fragrance
4. Best For Split-Ends:Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo
Tired of having frizzy hair and flyaways? Well, your hair requires moisture every day. Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo that keeps your hair smooth and hydrated. Its formula is infused with aloe vera juice, coconut oil, and macadamia oil that deeply moisturize your hair. Pair this shampoo with the accompanying conditioner to get nourished and soft hair.
Pros
- Minimizes split-ends
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Moisturizes the hair
- Gives your hair a healthy glow
- Treats damaged hair
Cons
- Expensive
5. Best Hair Strengthening:Plum Olive & Macadamia Healthy Hydration Shampoo
Plum Olive & Macadamia Healthy Hydration Shampoo is the best sulfate-free shampoo for chemically-treated hair. This mild sulfate-free shampoo leaves your hair clean and soft. It is enriched with plant-based keratin that helps in strengthening your hair strands. The olive and macadamia oils in this shampoo aid scalp nourishment and tame frizz. The new-generation UV shield in it prevents your hair color from fading.
Pros
- Mild formula
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for chemically-treated hair
- Pleasant fragrance
- Nourishes the hair
- Strengthens the hair
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Dries out curly hair
6. Best Moisturizing:L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo
L’Oreal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo contains rosemary extracts that deeply replenish your dry and frizzy hair. Its sulfate-free formula is suitable for color-treated hair. Color-treated hair requires special care, and this shampoo is specially formulated to keep your hair color vibrant for up to 4 weeks. For a more detailed review of this product, here’s a video.
Pros
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Sulfate-free
- Moisturizes the hair
- Vegan
Cons
- Strong fragrance
7. Best For Brittle Hair:Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
This drugstore shampoo from Shea Moisture helps in taming static and frizzy hair. The reparative omega fatty acids of Jamaican black castor oil and peppermint refresh your hair and promote its healthy growth. Organic raw shea butter deeply moisturizes your scalp and protects your hair from breakage and external pollutants’ damage. This shampoo gently cleanses your hair and seals open hair cuticles to make your curls look bouncy and smooth.
Pros
- Tames frizz
- Moisturizes the hair
- Prevents hair breakage
- Suitable for coarse and curly hair
Cons
- Leaves your hair greasy
8. Best Volumizing:John Frieda Volume Lift Weightless Shampoo
There are times when you want your hair to look voluminous, but it doesn’t have long-lasting results. On those days, enhance the volume of your hair in one wash with the John Frieda Volume Lift Weightless Shampoo. It softens your hair and makes it bouncy and smooth. It is formulated with the Caffeine Vitality Complex that increases your hair volume by up to 40%. The formula of this shampoo is gentle enough for regular use.
Pros
- Adds volume
- Softens the hair
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Creamy formula
Cons
- Maymake your hair greasy
9. Best Deep Cleansing:Suave Professionals Moisturizing Shampoo
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Suave Professionals Moisturizing Shampoo is one of the best drugstore shampoos for dry scalp. It is infused with 100% natural almond and shea butters that are proven to moisturize your hair from root to tip. Its luxurious, long-lasting fragrance leaves your hair with an evergreen impression. Use this shampoo along with Suave Almond + Shea Conditioner for stunningly smooth and moisturized hair.
Pros
- Suitable for dull and damaged hair
- Moisturizes the hair
- Deeply cleanses the hair
- Long-lasting fragrance
Cons
- May cause tangles in the hair
10. Best Nourishing:Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Fortifying Shampoo
Looking for a shampoo to take care of your unmanageable curls? Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Fortifying Shampoo gives you weightless and thicker-looking curls. Styling your hair using different styling tools may damage your hair, but this shampoo offers it protection. It is infused with coconut oil and glycerin that provide intense nourishment to your hair. This paraben- and sulfate-free shampoo maintains frizz-free curls and is the best drugstore shampoo for thick hair.
Pros
- Gives you frizz-resistant curls
- Prevents hair damage
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Works in areas with high humidity
Cons
- May make your hair greasy
11. Best Dandruff Treatment:Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo treats dandruff and flakiness on your scalp. Its richly lathering formula delivers maximum protection to your scalp from flaking and itching. It contains active ingredients like almond oil, tea tree oil, lemon extract, and peppermint that prevent dryness and all the other issues related to dandruff.
Pros
- Reduces flakiness and itchiness
- Treats dandruff
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Mild fragrance
Cons
None
12. Best Deep Conditioning:Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Shampoo
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Shampoo gives your hair the proteins it needs to make it stronger and healthier. It is formulated with active fruit proteins and sustainably sourced argan oil that immediately transform your frizzy and dry hair into finely moisturized strands. Its paraben-free formula is an exclusive combination of citrus protein, vitamins B3 and B6, and other plant-derived extracts that impart deep nourishment to your hair.
Pros
- Lathers well
- Long-lasting results
- Deeply conditions the hair
- Tames unruly hair
Cons
- May make your hair greasy
13. Best Clarifying:Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo
This hydrating daily shampoo features the Pro-Moisture Complex that forms a protective layer around your hair follicles to protect them from damage and breakage. It is formulated to clear the residues left behind by product build-up and environmental pollutants. It contains essential proteins that strengthen your hair and makes it 5 times smoother while improving its texture. It claims to leave your hair feeling soft and silky after just one wash.
Pros
- Makes your hair more manageable
- Adds shine
- Protects the hair from daily damage.
- Prevents split ends
- Controls frizz
Cons
- Weighs your hair down
14. Best For All Hair Types:Hair Food Avocado & Argan Oil Shampoo
Image: Hair Food
Hair Food Avocado & Argan Oil Shampoo is a quick solution to dry and frizzy hair. As the name suggests, it contains avocado and argan oils that moisturize and soften your hair and tame frizz. It is free from harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Prevents hair breakage
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Might feel a little sticky
15. Best For Shine Boosting:Herbal Essences Color-Safe Ignite My Colour Shampoo
Herbal Essences Color-Safe Ignite My Colour Shampoo is enriched with Moroccan rose extract and passion fruit nectar that replenish your hair and keep your hair color intact. It protects your locks with conditioners that keep your hair healthy and truly radiant. This shampoo makes your hair look truly radiant, soft, and shiny and infuses them with a mesmerizing light fragrance.
Pros
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Imparts shine
- Softens the hair
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Leaves behind a residue
Now that you are up to date with all the great drugstore shampoos available right now, let’s check out how you can choose the best one for your hair.
How To Choose The Best Drugstore Shampoo For Your Hair
There are innumerable options when it comes to the right shampoo for your specific hair type. Yet, choosing the right shampoo for your hair can be a difficult task. There are many drugstore brands that make sulfate-free shampoos at an affordable price these days. Before choosing the right one for your hair, you need to keep the following things in mind:
- Figure out if your scalp is oily, dry, or normal. You get different shampoos for different scalp types. If you have an itchy scalp, go for a dermatologist-recommended shampoo.
- Choose a shampoo that promotes moisture, hydration, and smoothening of your hair.
- Go for a shampoo made for curly, wavy, or straight hair according to your hair type.
- Check the pH level of the shampoo as it has a great impact on the moisture retention of your scalp. It should be somewhere between 5.5 and 7.
- Try to pick sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoos as much as possible as they don’t damage your hair.
Infographic: Shampoos For Your Hair Type: A Complete Guide
Your shampoo is the first factor to consider in your hair care routine. The cosmetics industry has come a long way in providing formulas for different hair and scalp requirements. However, the trick is to sieve through the lot and choose one that works best for your hair. Also, sometimes even after getting the product right, we don’t see much difference. This could be because you are not shampooing quite right. Check out the infographic given below to find out if you are doing it right or need to tweak your products and ways. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The best drugstore shampoos repair almost all hair types. They aim to nourish the scalp with all the nutrients they contain. Most of these products are paraben-free, vegan, and suitable for color-treated hair. They work efficiently towards controlling frizz and treating damaged ends. However, many users may not appreciate them for their fragrance. Therefore, focus on choosing a shampoo based on the ingredients used to understand what suits your hair type. Experts advise that you must opt for hydrating shampoos that help retain moisture.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach and has a keen interest in hair care. She thoroughly researched multiple products and consulted many user reviews on trusted online forums to compile this list of the best drugstore shampoos. The shortlisted shampoos are enriched with ingredients that promote hair health and are suitable for various hair types. They also soften the hair and control frizz and dryness effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best drugstore shampoo?
According to our research, OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo is the best drugstore shampoo.
What is the healthiest drugstore shampoo?
L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo, OGX Miracle Oil Shampoo, and St. Botanica Ultimate Hair Repair Shampoo are some of the healthiest drugstore shampoos.
Is drugstore shampoo bad?
Drugstore shampoos are affordable and convenient. They contain many high-grade ingredients that are found in salon products. But, these ingredients are present in tiny amounts. Some drugstore shampoos also include chemicals in them that might rinse off the natural oils from your hair. Fortunately, many drugstore brands are working on these issues and making their shampoos free of harsh chemicals to prevent hair damage.
What is the least damaging drugstore shampoo?
The Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo is the least damaging to your tresses. It deeply moisturizes your hair and keeps it smooth.
How often should you use drugstore shampoos?
If your hair is too oily or your scalp itches frequently, it is better to use drugstore shampoos 2-3 times a week to prevent oiliness and flaking.
Do drugstore shampoos expire?
Yes. Drugstore shampoos expire anywhere from 12 to 18 months from their date of manufacture.
Should you choose drugstore shampoo based on hair texture?
Yes. Choose drugstore shampoos according to your hair texture to avoid hair damage.
What should those with color-treated hair look for in a shampoo?
Choose a color-safe and sulfate-free shampoo for your color-treated hair. Such shampoos are gentle on dyed hair and prevent the color from fading away.
Recommended:
- Best Shampoos For Dry Scalp
- Best Sulfate And Paraben-Free Shampoos And Conditioners
- Best Shampoos To Tame Frizz And Flyaways
- Best Medicated Shampoos For A Dry Scalp
