15 Best Drugstore Shampoos To Buy In 2024 – Reviews And Buying Guide
Pamper your tresses with these nourishing and cleansing drugstore shampoo formulas.
Alexandro VasquezHairdresser 
Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja. He special... more
oyendrila kanjilalMA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
anjali sayeeBTech Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
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, after analyzing multiple products based on formulations and reviews. 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. It hydrates 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 promotes frizz control and tames flyaways. Here’s a video of the tester’s experience to help you know more about this budget-friendly product.
Pros
- Lathers well
- Long-lasting shine
- Sulfate-free
- Pleasant, long-lasting fragrance
- Improves elasticity
- Suitable for thick, coarse, delicate, and curly hair
Cons
- Dries out your hair initially
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 456 rave reviews on Amazon.
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 damaged and lifeless 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 along with showing the reviewer’s experience, 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
Pro Tip3. 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 nourishing ingredients like 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. The shine-enhancing shampoo 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 gentle formula of the moisturizing shampoo is ideal 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
Pro TipOGX Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo Best Protein-Rich Formula | Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo Best For Color-Treated Hair | St. Botanica Ultimate Hair Repair Shampoo Best For Taming Frizz | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Coarse,Dry | Dull | Damaged,Dry,Frizz |
| Dimensions | 8 x 10 x 8 inches | 5.65 x 4.5 x 3.5 inches | 3.94 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches |
| Weight | 14.4 Ounces | 1 Pounds | 10.58 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 456 | 1,529 | 8 |
| Price | $7 | $1859.0 | $16.25 |
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 effective formula is infused with aloe vera juice, coconut oil, and macadamia oil that deeply hydrates dry 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
- Makes your hair look truly radiant
- Treats damaged hair
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 381 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
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 protection shield in the vegan formula 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. Colored hair requires special care, and this shampoo is specially formulated to keep your hair color intact for up to 4 weeks. For a more detailed review of this product here’s a review video.
Pros
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Sulfate-free
- Moisturizes the hair
- Vegan
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 316 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
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 brittle strands. The shampoo also promotes hair growth and enhances the natural texture of your tresses. Organic raw shea butter deeply moisturizes your scalp and protects your hair from breakage and external pollutants’ damage. This shampoo is not tested on animals, 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
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 1,445 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
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 promotes softening and makes your tresses bouncy and smooth. It is formulated with the Caffeine Vitality Complex that increases your hair volume by up to 40%. The breakthrough 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
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 670 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
9. Best Scalp-Cleansing Formula:PACIFICA Beauty Rosemary Purify Invigorating Shampoo
The PACIFICA Beauty Rosemary Purify Invigorating Shampoo supports thorough scalp cleansing and removes impurities and product buildup, which in return helps achieve a healthy mane. It aids in tackling congested scalps that often curb hair growth and lead to greasy, oily scalp and strands. It is enriched with purifying natural ingredients, namely, rosemary, spirulina, and mint that nourish the hair and help lock in moisture. The product is suitable for all hair types and not tested on animals.
Pros
- Cleans scalp buildup
- Non-greasy formula
- Moisturizing formula
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
10. Best Nourishing:Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Fortifying Shampoo
Looking for a shampoo to take care of your unmanageable curls or coily hair? 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 hair-thickening 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 improves manageability, maintains frizz-free curls, and can surely be your favorite 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 cause greasy hair texture
11. Best Dandruff Treatment:Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff Shampoo treats dandruff and flaky scalp. Its richly lathering formula delivers maximum protection to your scalp from flaking and itching. It is clinically proven to provide dandruff protection. This shampoo from a dermatologist-recommended brand contains active and nourishing 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
- Mesmerizing, light 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 cater to your hair concerns and 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 smooth 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 are natural hair detanglers that moisturize and soften your hair and tame frizz. It has an anti-breakage formula and is free of 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 Dull Hair:Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo
The Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo is here to solve your quest for a clarifying shampoo that not only offers deep cleaning but also provides endless volume. It is ideal for fine and thin hair, adding a boost of nourishment to successfully revive them. The product is infused with antioxidant ingredients like rosemary and peppermint that promote scalp health and hair growth, along with cucumber and oats that extensively soften the tresses. The shampoo works from roots to tips, promising complete rejuvenation of dull and ultra-thinning hair.
Pros
- Scalp-friendly ingredients
- Adds volume
- pH-balanced formula
- Sulfate-free
Cons
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 593 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
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 you have a dry, normal, or oily scalp. You get different shampoos for different scalp types. If you have an itchy scalp, go for a dermatologist-recommended shampoo with clinically-verified natural ingredients.
- Choose a lightweight formula that promotes moisture, hydration, and smoothening of your hair without weighing it down.
- Go for a shampoo made for curly, wavy, straight, or textured 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. Go for a balanced pH level 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 various formulas for hair and scalp care. 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
The Bottom Line
The best drugstore shampoos repair almost all hair types. They aim to nourish the scalp with all the nutrients they contain. The OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo help repair and rejuvenate damaged hair, while the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo promotes healthy hair growth. If you are looking for the best hydrating shampoo, then the Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo is a great option. 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. Alexandro Vasquez, a hairdresser, says, “Before you decide to buy shampoo is also important to take a time to identify which type of hair is yours, which problems you need to resolve, and what type of care your hair needs most. If you know everything then you’re good to buy your products. In case you feel not confident then I recommend you to have a quick chat with your hairdresser or dermatologist.” 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 hair and scalp 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 for oil control and a flake-free scalp. You can also use a detoxifying drugstore shampoo once a week to prevent product buildup.
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
