The 15 Best Drugstore Shampoos for Every Hair Routine

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

On your next trip to restock product empties, make sure to take a gander down your local hair care aisle for one of the best drugstore shampoos. While Bazaar editors are among the first to indulge in bestsellers from luxury brands, budget-friendly hair cleansers from Tresemmé, Aveeno, Mielle Organics, and others work just as well to remove excess dirt and oil.

According to professional stylist Greg Starkman, cofounder and CEO of Innersense Organic Beauty, salon-worthy results are achieved not only because of a stylist’s skills, but also because of their products of choice, which typically “use rich ingredients, offering a greater result,” he tells Bazaar.

Starkman recommends keeping an eye out for drugstore shampoos that suit your specific hair needs, as products are typically made to work in synergy with individual hair types. For example, opt for a hydrating, color-safe option if your hair is color-treated, or pick up a hair growth shampoo that will help repair and strengthen your strands.

With so many excellent options available, maintaining a well-rounded hair care routine doesn’t need to break the bank. To help you find a new holy-grail favorite, we’ve rounded up some of the best drugstore shampoos that balance oily scalps, nourish dry and damaged hair, and do even more.

Natural Hydrating Hairbath Shampoo

Thick, coarse hair can often be on the dryer side, which is why it’s best to avoid over-stripping shampoos and instead opt for this gentler version. Packed with natural and hydrating ingredients, this is a fan-favorite.

One satisfied customer writes: “This shampoo cleans thoroughly, but super gently so it’s safe for color treated, or over-worked hair. The best part is how my hair is clean and light, but still manageable and the curl keeps its nice shape without frizzy or flying away. Would highly recommend also if you’re sensitive to fragrance, or have issues like thyroid that make your hair dry and brittle.”

Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

Heat styling, bleach, and other chemical treatments can all create the perfect environment for brittle, breaking hair. If you’re looking to add some strength to your strands, this rosemary- and biotin-infused shampoo makes it its mission to give you the long, healthy hair you want.

One satisfied customer writes: “I read about this shampoo online and was skeptical in the beginning, but I am a believer now! It smells great, it has a good consistency, when you put it on it almost feels like a conditioner, that’s how smooth and creamy it is. I have been using every time I wash my hair and I love it! I can already see a difference in the thickness of hair and the silkiness of it. Highly recommend!”

Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo

If all the products in the world aren’t helping you achieve your hair goals, the problem may lie with your scalp health. This shampoo prioritizes giving your scalp the nutrients it needs to encourage hair growth, with healthy oils, zinc, and aloe vera.

One satisfied customer writes: “Oh boy, where do I even begin with the Pura d’Or Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo? This stuff is nothing short of miraculous. As someone who has battled with thinning hair for years, I was on the hunt for a hair thickening product that actually worked. And let me tell you, this shampoo delivered in spades!”

EverStrong Sulfate-Free Thickening Shampoo (2-Pack)

If your hair is naturally on the thin side or has thinned out due to breakage, this drugstore shampoo will help it retain moisture and get some of that volume back without a trip to the salon, thanks to rosemary leaf. Plus, this shampoo can be used daily if that’s what your wash routine looks like.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have fine thin hair. Soon after receiving a color treatment, my hair became brittle. Switched to EverStrong and noticed difference immediately. Using daily and my hair texture is smoother, feels thicker and I have much less tangling and breakage when styling.”

Caribbean Coconut Milk Shampoo

Some shampoos can strip hair of its natural oils, but the coconut oil, coconut milk, and nettle in this shampoo help put that moisture back in. It’s also great for dry or dull hair and works to prevent split ends and breakage.

One satisfied customer writes: “I use this shampoo once a week in my daily hair wash schedule, and it brightens and smooths texture that results in a noticeable improvement in the overall look of my hair. The scent is refreshing, and the price is a good value.”

Color Mate Shampoo

Color-treated hair tends to need a little extra nourishment. Starkman recommends looking for “a product that is free of sulfates and silicones, offering rich plant extracts to add hydration,” like this option from Aussie.

One satisfied customer writes: “I love the Aussie line of hair products. I’m scent sensitive and this smells awesome and not too strong. Leaves my hair shiny!”

Smooth Shampoo

This hydrating shampoo combines argan and avocado oils for ultimate hair nourishment, and also happens to be sulfate- and paraben-free. Its rich, creamy formula is especially ideal for dry and damaged hair types.

Curl & Shine Shampoo

Thicker, coily, and curly hair textures often require regular detangling that can be time-consuming. This shampoo aims to simplify that part of your wash-day routine. Think of it as a dry-hair treatment for natural hair textures.

One satisfied customer writes: “I’ve been on a journey of using low tox products for my hair and skin, and this stuff doesn’t disappoint! I can actually read all the ingredients in it, and leave my hair super soft after using! I’ve paired it with the conditioner and the mousse! Love it! And it smells delicious!”

Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo

Aloe extract and vitamin E are the stars of this silicone-free shampoo. For hair that is thin and easily gets that greasy look, this pick works to keep the oiliness at bay while leaving hair with a light, airy feel.

One satisfied customer writes: “This shampoo is a great price for its value. It is hard to find a shampoo that’s good for oily hair. This works. My hair is shiny, looks great and feels great, and just flows beautifully after I use this shampoo. I say, try it! It is a good shampoo that is [easy] to find at a reasonable price.”

Clarifying Shampoo and Purifying Conditioner

"A clarifying shampoo or treatment removes buildup on the hair shaft," Starkman says. While shampoos are meant to cleanse, some, like clarifying shampoos, are formulated to go that extra mile to tackle debris without stripping the hair.

Gentle Shampoo

If you have a finicky scalp, choosing the right shampoo isn’t always the easiest task. This formula is made with those scalps in mind and includes coconut oil to soften hair, while vitamin E supports scalp health.

Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl-Defining Anti-Frizz Shampoo

This shampoo is ideal for hair that always needs an extra dose of moisture. It’s a rich, creamy formula with standout hair nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and papaya extract.

One satisfied customer writes: “We went from spending over an hour doing our 10 year old’s hair to less than 3 minutes! Her curls are beautiful, springy, healthy, shiny and she loves her curls now. This product smells so good and it is giving her curls the exact formula they need to be amazingly soft, beautiful, and manageable. It doesn’t take a lot of this product to get these results and we are super happy.”

Dandruff Shampoo with Almond Oil

If you struggle with both dandruff and a dry scalp, it can be hard to find the right combination of hair products that adequately tackles both concerns. This classic pick is clinically proven to help moisturize the scalp and offers a flake-free guarantee.

Fresh Greens Blend Refresh & Thicken Shampoo (2-Pack)

Not only is this a clarifying shampoo, but ingredients like rosemary and peppermint also help add some volume to thinner hair. Plus, it’s also safe for color-treated hair.

One satisfied customer writes: “I’m trying to stop washing my hair every day but it’s so oily–probably from over-washing. After using this shampoo and conditioner, I can go a day or two without washing it. I like the fragrance. It’s nice and not overpowering. Combined with my texturing product it gives my flat, fine hair a little volume.”

Ultra Intensive Repair Concentrate Shampoo

If you’ve put your hair through a lot of intense styling or treatments, a restorative hair routine is essential. A shampoo like this one was meant for the job: It’s formulated to penetrate strands to deliver an extra dose of nourishment to damaged hair.

One satisfied customer writes: “Dove Ultra Intensive Repair Shampoo is by far the best shower product! It’s concentrated and really helps my hair feel moisturized, silky, but not heavy. And of course it smells amazing! Thats the reason why I started using it to begin with!”

Anti-Breakage Keratin Oil Shampoo

When you have brittle hair, things like styling or even brushing can easily cause mechanical damage—leaving a wake of split ends and breakage. This fortifying anti-frizz shampoo helps hair resist that damage and increases elasticity.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have frizzy, curly long hair and have tried everything to tame the frizz. After one use of this conditioner, there was a noticeable difference in how soft and not frizzy my hair was. Will definitely work this conditioner into my routine all the time and will be buying it over and over again. I am going to tell my hair dresser about this too!”

Rich Moisture Shampoo (3-Pack)

For dry or damaged hair in need of moisture, the name of this popular shampoo from Tresemmé says it all. Its plumping, hyaluronic formula adds a much-needed dose of hydration, and contains biotin and vitamin E to soften hair without making it feel weighed down.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have longer, thick curly hair and I need a fairly good shampoo that is not too expensive. I found this and tried it and I love it. I have tried a lot of things from the stores and never found one I really like. My hair is so thick that I need a lot of shampoo to wash it and get through the tangle. I normally have to do 2 washes. But with this I used only a small amount and I only used it once and it worked great. Very smoothing and it untangles hair quickly and very nicely. I will buy this over and over.”

How often should you wash your hair?

How often you should wash your hair really depends on hair type, texture, and preference. If your hair builds up residue easily, you would ideally wash it more often than someone who doesn’t have buildup, or someone with drier hair. Starkman generally recommends washing hair up to three times a week.

Should you choose shampoo based on hair texture?

While there are many factors that can come into play when searching for the right hair products, Starkman notes that hair type and texture are key. “Someone with dry hair requires a product that offers rich hydration, while someone with fine hair needs a cleanser that won't weigh hair down,” he says.

What should those with color-treated hair look for in a shampoo?

Often, processed hair tends to dry out more easily. Therefore, getting the right shampoo is key for keeping strands healthy. In addition to using sulfate-free shampoos that won’t overdry hair, Starkman recommends looking for nourishing formulas that are “rich in plant extracts.”

Meet the Experts

• Greg Starkman is a professional hair stylist, and co-founder and CEO of Innersense Organic Beauty.

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in home by working with the world’s leading authorities in interior and architectural design, textiles, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

You Might Also Like

• 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora

• The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine