14 Best Drugstore Shampoos — Tested And Reviewed by Experts

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Mar 26, 2024
Best Drugstore Shampoo
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Cleaning and conditioning your hair is one of the most essential steps in your hair care routine. Irrespective of hair type or frequency of hair washing, you need effective formulas that get the job done. The best drugstore shampoos are as potent as luxury and expensive products. 

You can get the desired results without hurting your monthly budget. As these products are more economical and pocket-friendly, you can grab any of your choice. But don't get mistaken. Less price doesn't always mean less quality. In fact, some special drugstore shampoos beat the well-renowned products existing in the market. 

Based on our first-hand experience and product testing, we have mentioned some top shampoos and conditioners that are easy to avail and enhance your regular showers without drilling a hole in your pocket. Keep scrolling to discover your best pick. 

14 Best Drugstore Shampoos

Treat dull and damaged hair with L'Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 shampoo. This is one of the best drugstore shampoos available in the market and is specially created to fight 5 signs of damage and restore hair health. It's infused with hair-friendly ingredients like protein that add strength and volume. The formula makes hair more supple and silky. Featuring repair concentrate, the blend is a perfect combination of intense care and improves hair texture without weighing down.

Pros
  • Sophisticated floral scent
  • Creamy texture
  • Nourishes strands
  • Reinforces strength
  • Promotes healthy hair
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Some may find the scent strong
  • Best for Color-treated Hair

    Herbal Essences Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner Set

    Herbal Essences Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner Set
  • This best shampoo and conditioner by Herbal Essences boasts the goodness of argan oil. The combo provides thick and lustrous hair you would love to flaunt everywhere. This pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner set is safe for damaged and color-treated hair. It balances the natural hair ecosystem to repair damaged tresses. You can enjoy a lush showering experience that invigorates your senses, thanks to its multilayered fresh scent notes of frizzy citrus, luxe vanilla, and exotic spices.

    Pros
    • Balances pH
    • Soothing formula
    • Colorant-free
    • No paraben added
    • Convenient bottle design
    Cons
    • Little strong fragrance for some
  • Best Affordable Shampoo

    Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Purifying Shampoo

    Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Purifying Shampoo
  • When it comes to shampoos, Garnier is one of the well-renowned brands that doesn't need an introduction. Packed in a stunning and attractive transparent green bottle, this best shampoo for hair is made for the most unruly and frizzy tresses. Unlike regular shampoos, this new-age formula removes up to 100% of the residue and refreshes the scalp and strands. The added aloe extracts and vitamins (B3 and B6) make the cleanser gentle for daily use. It suits all hair types and provides healthy, clean hair.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Silicone-free
    • Purifies strands
    • Suitable for people with oily scalps
    • No weigh-down formula
    • Leaping bunny certified
    Cons
    • Might not suit an itchy scalp
  • L'oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner

    L'oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Picked from L'Oréal Paris's exclusive collection of haircare products, this best hair shampoo and conditioner is one of a kind. The duo set is enriched with rosemary extracts, cedar, bergamot, and musk — this amazing blend of ingredients helps replenish moisture in a dry scalp and promotes hair growth. The creamy concoction feels calming on the skin and retains 3X more moisture. For those who have recently gone for color treatment or have color-treated hair, the formula is a must-have, as it keeps color intact for up to 4 weeks. 

    Pros
    • Protects hair color
    • Delicate scent
    • Dye-free
    • Zero sulfate blend
    • Detangles hair
    Cons
    • Might feel a bit greasy

    Quick Tip:

    Apply the shampoo to wet hair and massage thoroughly to get rid of all the scalp build-up. Then use the conditioner and wait for around 3 minutes before rinsing it out with cold water.

  • Best for Dry Hair

    Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo

    Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo
  • Here comes the solution to managing your dry hair with ease. The Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo visibly repairs and rescues dry strands. Cancel your salon appointments and use this best shampoo for hair to transform rough tresses into silky and lustrous locks. The infused elastin protein and green caviar ensure you have smooth and voluminous tresses from morning to night. It revives dry hair without weighing it down and locks moisture for a naturally dewy look when used consistently.

    Pros
    • Silicone-free formula
    • Locks in moisture
    • Elevates hair shine
    • Makes hair manageable
    Cons
    • The pump nozzle doesn't pop up easily
  • Best Breakage Controller

    OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo

    OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo
  • Maintaining dry and coarse hair has never been easy. However, a few formulas like OGX Extra Strength Shampoo are no less than a blessing. Specially crafted for drenched and damaged dry coarse hair, the drugstore shampoo repairs and revives the strands simultaneously. You don't have to go for frequent hair treatments with this coconut oil-made formula at your side. The hydrating shampoo eliminates frizz and flyaways while perfectly managing your hair. What's unique is — it contains coconut oil, a powerful skincare ingredient that is known to penetrate deep into the hair and reduce hair breakage (study published in the NCBI).

    Pros
    • Calming cleanser
    • Suitable for thick and coarse hair
    • Smells good
    • Lathers quickly
    • Enhances shine
    • Adds bounce
    Cons
    • Slightly less quantity for the price
  • Best for Brittle Curls

    Maui Moisture Hair Care Shampoo

    Maui Moisture Hair Care Shampoo
  • Get beautiful and bouncy curls with Maui Moisture shampoo. Made with 100% natural ingredients, including aloe vera, coconut water, castor oil, bamboo fibers, and neem oil, the shampoo brings back life to dull and brittle curls and densifies them to achieve the supreme bounce. This best over-the-counter shampoo comes with restorative benefits and strengthens weak strands. Furthermore, it's ideal for natural hair types with fine to normal texture and low to high porosity. It fortifies the hair follicles to boost hair health. 

    Pros
    • Color-safe formula
    • Sulfate-free formula
    • Rejuvenates locks
    • Nourishes hair strands
    Cons
    • Flimsy packaging
  • Best Volumizing Pick

    Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo

    Moroccanoil Extra Volume Shampoo
  • As the name indicates, the Moroccanoil shampoo is meant to give you healthy and volumized hair. Crafted with lush argan oil and linden bud extracts, the Extra Volume shampoo fortifies the scalp and plumps the hair. Our haircare experts loved how this product turns flat fine strands into thick and bouncy manes. This best shampoo for your hair is an ideal alternative to heavy formulas as it feels lightweight and provides optimum fullness without weighing down the hair. Look no further for a manageable formula, as the volume shampoo is here to keep haircare woes at bay.

    Pros
    • No overpowering smell
    • Offers long-lasting hydration
    • Boosts manageability
    • Paraben-free
    • Makes hair strong
    • Travel size
    Cons
    • Requires more water to create lather
    • Expensive
  • Best Anti-color Fade Formula

    Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo

    Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo
  • Protect your hair color with this anti-color fade shampoo by Garnier. The new technology cleanser is infused with acai berry extracts and UV filters that defend hair from sun damage and environmental stressors to control fading. This color-protecting system boosts color vibrancy for up to 8 weeks when used with Garnier Color Shield Conditioner and keeps hair looking fresh and healthy throughout the day. Our analysis of the product shows that it helps hair resist dryness and wash out to improve hair texture and feel.

    Pros
    • Doesn’t contain silicones and phthalates
    • Perfect for colored hair
    • Boosts radiance
    • Suitable for all hair types
    • 100% recyclable bottle
    Cons
    • Less amount for the price
  • Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo

    Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo
  • This shampoo from Herbal Essences lets you indulge in a sweet and luxe showering experience. This good shampoo for hair is specially formulated for dehydrated tresses. It deeply moisturizes dry hair while gently cleaning residue. You'll like how well it slathers and forms a rich lather, thanks to its creamy texture. This deep moisturizing shampoo leaves hair super soft and clean. Also, it helps balance pH and protects color from fading. The creamy notes of coconut revitalize your senses and transport you to a tropical island. 

    Pros
    • Dermatologically tested
    • Paraben-free
    • PETA certified
    • Mineral-oil free
    • Smells nice
    • Recyclable bottle
    Cons
    • Less quantity
  • MyKirei By Kao Nourishing Shampoo

    MyKirei By Kao Nourishing Shampoo
  • Inspired by Japanese natural ingredients, the MyKirei By Kao nourishes follicles and soothes all hair types. The added Japanese Tsubaki extract and rice water remove buildup, dirt, and dust while moisturizing and restoring the natural skin barrier. This hydrating shampoo offers shiny, sleek, and strong hair. It's one of the most potent shampoos that is good for your hair as the formula adds the required nutrients to the undernourished scalp.

    Pros
    • Refreshing fragrance
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Suitable for sensitive scalps
    • Gentle cleanser
    • Restores balance to all hair types
    • Artificial dye-free
    Cons
    • The bottle might collapse
  • Most Delicate Scent

    Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo

    Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo
  • From dry to coarse and stressed tresses, the Monday Haircare Moisture shampoo suits different hair types. The liquid concoction is fused with all-natural stuff, including coconut oil and hydrolyzed rice protein — a perfect blend of ingredients to lock moisture into the scalp, restore its balance, and volumize hair. This heavenly fusion treats frizzy hair with love. What caught the attention of our hair experts is that this dermatologically-tested shampoo works on curly and coily hair as well.

    Pros
    • Delicate scent
    • Tames frizz
    • Offers intense hydration
    • Makes hair soft
    • Leaping bunny certified
    • Doesn’t contain SLS and parabens
    Cons
    • Difficult to use the pump
  • Saints & Sinners Velvet Divine Moisture Shampoo

    Saints & Sinners Velvet Divine Moisture Shampoo
  • Filled in a purple, elegant bottle, the Divine Moisture shampoo by Saints & Sinners treats the most frizzy, damaged, coarse, and unruly hair types. It's perfect for hair with less moisture and hydration levels. The key ingredients — keratin amino acids, avocado oil, glycerin, and hydrolyzed soy protein make the formula calming and non-irritating. Since this drugstore shampoo is free from nasty stuff, it provides moisture, nourishment, and strength to every hair type, from thermally damaged to chemically treated hair.

    Pros
    • Repairing shampoo
    • Reduces friction
    • Increases manageability
    • Suits chemically-treated hair
    • Free from nut ingredients
    Cons
    • Might not suit the scalp with skin disorders
  • Best for Frizzy Hair

    Naturavis Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner

    Naturavis Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner
  • The Naturavis gel shampoo is a cult classic for several reasons. Developed by professionals, this is a good drugstore shampoo and conditioner duo set to achieve stronger, bouncier, and resilient hair. You'll applaud this set for its multipurpose feature. After all, it manages dry, frizzy, and damaged hair while reducing the associated problems. For dry hair, it acts as a humectant and traps moisture. The finest ingredients, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, wheat protein, tea tree oil, etc., work synergistically to reduce frizz, split ends, and damage.

    Pros
    • Tames frizzy hair
    • Relaxing scent
    • Increases strength
    • Makes hair shiny
    • Gives more hair control
    Cons
    • A bit expensive

    Now that you have reviewed our top recommendations for the best drugstore shampoos. Let's dive into our buying guide that will assist you in finding the most suitable option. 

    How to Choose the Best Drugstore Shampoos?

    Consider the below-listed points to discover the ideal shampoo. 

    Ingredients 

    Pick a shampoo infused with natural and organic components, including argan oil, coconut extracts, proteins, bamboo fibers, etc. Such formulas are gentle on the scalp and hair and reduce the chances of discomfort and irritation. 

    Sensitivity 

    Ensure the formula you choose is soothing and doesn't provoke allergic signs. Avoid ingredients you're allergic to as well as harsh chemicals such as paraben, sulfates, etc. You may also try hypoallergenic options that are gentle and non-irritating. 

    Scalp And Hair Type 

    Knowing your scalp and hair type is crucial in finding a shampoo that matches your needs. For instance, hydrating formulas are perfect for dull, dehydrated, and coarse hair. Shampoos with an anti-itch feature work great for itchy and flaky scalps. Those with oily hair and scalps may try concoctions that remove excess sebum without stripping off natural oils. While hypoallergenic blends are ideal for sensitive skin.

    With this, you may have got an idea of how to choose a drugstore shampoo. So here are a few steps you can try to apply it accurately.

    How to Use the Best Drugstore Shampoo?

    Follow the given steps to use a drugstore shampoo effectively.

    1. Wet your thoroughly with normal water. 
    2. Pour your favorite shampoo on your palms and add a few water droplets. 
    3. Rub your palms in a circular motion and create a lather. 
    4. Apply it on the scalp and hair. 
    5. Massage the scalp gently. 
    6. Cover the strands with lather and cleanse them properly. 
    7. Use normal water to rinse your hair. 
    8. Repeat the process if required.

    Conclusion

    Availing the best drugstore shampoos and conditioners is super easy. Since they are readily available, you can explore a variety of options. The shampoos and conditioners help remove the scalp buildup, dust, grease, and other impurities easily. The above-listed hair products enhance your hair care routine and solve your hair problems. Be it frizz, dryness, flyaways, or anything else, the formulas treat all.

    Not only that, but they hydrate and moisturize hair and restore its overall health. When you're shopping for a formula, consider a few factors like ingredients, sensitivity, scalp, and hair type to discover the most relevant option. If you’re still confused about which product to buy, here are a few suggestions: Herbal Essences Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner Set is the perfect due for color-treated hair whereas Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo is great for dry and damaged hair.

    FAQ's

    Are drugstore shampoos good for hair?
    Drugstore shampoos are affordable and convenient to avail. Most shampoos that are gentle on the scalp and made with essential ingredients in the right quantity deserve trying. However, it's better to avoid some formulas with toxins and irritating ingredients.
    Does it matter what shampoo you use?
    Those who are looking for more than just a cleansing shampoo may prefer formulas with additional features that cater to their needs. They may try multipurpose and multifunctional shampoos and conditioners depending on the hair problems they're suffering from.
    Do you need to use expensive shampoo?
    Well, it's a matter of personal choice. Some may like using expensive shampoos, while others may prefer more affordable options that don't compromise on quality.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Alvira, our haircare expert, advocates using drugstore shampoos as they are easily available, manage hair properly, and are pocket-friendly, too. She tested and reviewed various best-selling products to bring forth this list of the best drugstore shampoos that don’t strip the scalp of its natural oils and keep hair healthy and strong. All these products have a gentle formulation and work great in boosting your hair health. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More