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For thin hair, curls, dandruff, and more.

collage of drugstore shampoos we recommend on a blue background

Photo:Real Simple

(Think, $10 per bottle.)

If youre sensitive to fragrance, you may want to skip this one.

You just cant beat the classics.

Herbal Essences Rose Hips Smooth Shampoo

PHOTO: Amazon

Herbal Essences Smooth Shampoo is instantly recognizable thanks to its retro-chic pink bottle reminiscent of the 90s original.

The scent may be too strong for sensitive noses.

This volumizing shampoo doesnt just boost body for extra oomphthough, it definitely does that.

OGX Thick Full Biotin Collagen Shampoo

PHOTO: Target

It may weigh down finer hair types.

Pantenes Illuminating Color Care Shampoo protects color-treated hair in a few different ways.

For starters, its sulfate-free, which means it gently cleanses hair without stripping away moisture and color.

Pantene Illuminating Color Care Shampoo

PHOTO: Target

It cleanses without heavy ingredients to preserve and protect your colorits as simple as that.

Its recommended for all hair types, from straight to coily, though it may weigh down finer hair.

The crisp citrus scent rivals even the most expensive brands.

Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo

PHOTO: Ulta

It can be drying, so ensure to use conditioner post-wash.

Enter, Kristin Esss Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo.

Because this is an intense, clarifying shampoo, definitely follow witha nourishing conditionerorhair mask.

Amazon Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Hydrating Shampoo

PHOTO: Amazon

Another perk of this translucent pink shampoo is that its both vegan and cruelty free.

Because its a sulfate-free formula, it doesnt lather like sulfated shampoos.

from your day, but youdontwant to wash out all of the moisture from your thirsty strands.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Beyond Smooth Frizz-Immunity Shampoo

PHOTO: Amazon

It also keeps the shampoo step simple, gentle, and hydrating.

That said, youll likely notice that this shampoo doesnt lather like sulfated shampoos.

We didnt find anything major to improve.

HASK Beauty Curl Care Shampoo

PHOTO: Walmart

Pair it with the conditioner and primer to reduce frizz up to 90%.

The thick formula may make dispensing difficult.

The fruity, coconut scent is an added bonus on top of the hydrated, happy, bouncy curls.

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo

PHOTO: Amazon

The shampoo is a bit thick for the pump dispenser.

Moisture is essential fortype 4 or coily hair, which can be dry and prone to breakage.

You get the best results with the three-step system, which adds to the price tag.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Shampoo

PHOTO: Target

LOreal is always at the cutting edge of hair care.

EverPure Sulfate Free Bond Repair Shampoo is part of a three-product routine that repairs hair with just one use.

The key ingredient is citric acid, which penetrates the hair to rebuild bonds.

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

PHOTO: Amazon

It has a higher price point than other dandruff shampoos.

Dealing withpersistent dandruffand want to say goodbye to those annoying white flakes forever?

Its time to call in a professional: Nizorals Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.

The shampoo is clinically proven to work, thanks to the antifungal ingredient ketoconazole.

(Its also the only over-the-counter shampoo with ketoconazole available.)

The shampoo has a clean, fresh scent and feels soothing and moisturizing on your hair and scalp.

Anything that says smoothing helps lock down frizz.

Sulfates are a polarizing ingredient in the beauty world, but you dont necessarilyhaveto stay away from them.

In shampoo, theyre used as the cleansing agent that gives you that big, fluffy, shampoo-commercial lather.

On a label, you will see sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and sodium laureth sulfate.

They efficiently remove dirt, oil, and buildup but can also wash away necessary moisture.

Questions You Might Ask

What are some of the best drugstore hair brands?

When in doubt, start with a brand name you recognize.

A few pro hairstylists have their own lines, like Kristin Ess, John Frieda, and Paul Mitchell.

Tresemme provides salon-quality products at affordable prices, targeting specific styling needs.

Garnier Fructis strengthens and smooths hair with its fortifying formulas enriched with active fruit proteins.

Are expensive shampoos better than drugstore shampoos?

This all depends on what youre looking for.

Generally, a more expensive shampoo may have higher-quality ingredients that explain the price tag.

Its more about the purity of ingredients that lead to a more concentrated formula, she says.

Youre also likely paying more for packaging, research and development, and marketing.

When is it a good idea to splurge on shampoo?

Sometimes the splurge is worth it, especially if you have very damaged or chemically processed hair.

If you have relatively healthy hair, however, you could definitely get by with a less-expensive formula.

Ask your hairstylist for their honest recommendation of when to splurge and when to save.