You Don't Need A $50 Shampoo! These Drugstore Options Are As Good As The High-End Stuff

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If you're anything like me, you love a good drugstore beauty bargain. From retinols that smooth fine lines to eye creams for tackling puffiness to mascaras that lengthen and volumize, you can find amazing, effective products at value chains for far less than you may think you need to spend. Even dermatologists know that the drugstore is a beauty gold mine. And that goes for shampoos as well.

Sure, you could spend upward of fifty dollars for a wash that nourishes curls, helps your gray hair shine, or battles dandruff and scalp eczema—but you don't have to when we've found the best drugstore shampoos for you. "More expensive does not automatically mean better," insists Lauren Hollins, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Penn State University. "There are many great drugstore shampoos, but it is important to read the label and watch out for ingredients that can be harsh on hair and should be avoided." So what should you be looking for in a drugstore shampoo, according to Dr. Hollins: "The top things to consider really depends on what you are hoping to accomplish based on your hair type and texture."

That should come as no surprise, really. Tailoring your haircare routine to find the best hair products your texture is likely something you're already doing. So, isn't it great to know that you can do it for a whole lot less? Still, if you're unsure which drugstore shampoos are best for you, there's help on the way.

We talked to Dr. Hollins and several top hairstylists to get their favorite drugstore shampoos, from the ones that will help your curls pop to the ones that hydrate and nourishing...and everything in between. You're welcome.

Care & Protect Purify & Hydrate Shampoo

This shampoo really does it all—and for all hair types, too. It gently cleanses without over-stripping hair, with a micellar technology that removes dirt and buildup in a way that doesn't dry out your scalp. I'm a huge fan of this one because it lathers well, smells great, and leaves strands moisturized for up to twenty-four hours—honestly, what's not to love?

Because this shampoo does contain sulfate cleansers—sodium laureth sulfate to be exact—you'll definitely want to follow up with the corresponding conditioner to get the best results. And at this price, you can definitely afford to pick up the pair.

Rave review: "This shampoo did what was promised. I have curly hair and after washing with this shampoo, it was soft and easy to comb. I love the scent, and the price was reasonable. I bought two bottles and will buy it again."

Whole Blends Coconut Oil & Cocoa Butter Smoothing Shampoo

Got flyaways? Then this is the formula for you: Blended with smoothing coconut oil and nourishing cocoa butter, Garnier's wash fights frizz and humidity for less than five bucks. "I love Garnier products as a staple drugstore brand," says Dr. Hollins. This particular product provides smoothness and hydration, but amazingly does not weigh the hair down, making it perfect for most hair types. It’s also paraben-free, which is great for people with sensitive skin."

Other features about this one you may be interested in knowing: It's vegan, has a wonderful coconut aroma, contains no phthalates, mineral oils, or parabens, and has been certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny. It's a buy you—and your hair–can truly feel good about.

Rave review: "I bought the shampoo and its corresponding coconut blend hair conditioner. I've only used it twice so far, but I noticed my hair does feel smoother and much less frizzy."

Royal Oils Moisture Boost Shampoo

"I don’t think the scalp gets enough attention, but it's very essential to maintaining healthy hair," says hairstylist Adrienne Leak, owner of A. Leak Hair Studio in Powder Springs, Georgia. "If you’re dealing with any dandruff or scalp issues I love this shampoo from the Head & Shoulders Royal Oils collection." This 'poo uses a proven flake fighter, 1% zinc pyrithione, to battle dandruff and rebalance the scalp. And since that's where hair sprouts from, it's a good idea for anyone to prioritize if they're seeking longer, lusher locks.

The shampoo is also formulated with coconut oil to thoroughly nourish and moisturize textured and natural hair. It also has a rich, creamy lather that will leave your hair feeling extra clean after using it. It's been designed to specifically meet the needs kinky and coily strands.

Rave review: "I used this haircare line once and it got rid of my dandruff. My scalp has never looked or felt so clean—I now swear by this product. The scent is to die for, it does not dry out my scalp, and it’s just amazing. I love it and recommend one hundred percent."

Smoothing + Liquid Pearl Shampoo

You've heard of the glass hair trend, right? (Hint: It's all about cultivating locks that are as smooth and shiny as, well, glass.) This is basically that trend in a bottle. It's formulated with a unique blend of sea kelp and pearl extract to provide instant shine and luster to hair. Buh-bye, dullness. (And you can say sayonara to frizz and flyaways, too.)

And because the formula is also sulfate-free, it's even safe for color-treated hair that may be looking lackluster a few weeks post salon appointment. Reviewers also rave about the pleasant aroma.

Rave review: "I have a lot of very thick wavy hair, but I've never used something that makes it actually feel so silky and manageable the way this product does. I'm head over heels for this stuff!"

Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

Curly girls know that finding the best shampoo for curly hair can be a real challenge. Natural coils can easily dry out—scalp oils have trouble migrating down textured strands, leading to more brittle hair. That's why you need a deeply nourishing formula that can help to hydrate. This option—from the curl experts at SheaMoisture—fits the bill, and is a favorite of Dr. Hollins'. "For women who wear their hair naturally curly, kinky, or coily, SheaMoisture is always my go to drugstore product," she says. "This shampoo is made with coconut and hibiscus, which gently cleanse the hair and scalp without leaving it super squeaky clean. It also has silk protein added in, making hair easier to manage with less breakage."

Also important: SheaMoisture formulates with fair-trade shea butter and this product contains no silicones, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or mineral oils. "It also contains neem oil for extra moisture—it's an all-around winner for all the kinky-curly haired ladies," Dr. Hollins adds.

Rave review: "I've had my fair share of struggles with my curly hair, from frizz to lackluster curls. However, since incorporating this shampoo into my routine, those issues are a thing of the past. The infusion of coconut and hibiscus seems to work wonders, leaving my curls looking defined, shiny, and healthy."

Violet Crush Purple Shampoo

No one knows blonde like John! When I went through a bleached-hair phase, this rich purple shampoo was my go-to (and I tried them all to find the right one). Turns out, you don't need to spend a lot to get great results here—unlike many of the more expensive options, this purple shampoo never turned my hair an unpleasant shade of violet or made it too cool. It simply toned down brassiness and left my bleached locks moisturized and nourished. I also loved the scent: light and fresh and not at all chemical-y.

For the best results, you'll want to use this once a week (more than that and you'll veer into old lady purple territory). And for really stubborn brassiness, leave the product on your strands for two to three minutes before rinsing.

Rave review: "As a person with white hair for many years, I have tried about every 'purple' shampoo out there. I was surprised how good this was for the price: It was quite moisturizing."

EverPure Moisture Shampoo

Specifically designed for hair that's dyed, this formula contains rosemary botanicals to deeply nourish dry, color-treated hair without weighing it down. It's a tough balance to strike, which is why this shampoo earns high marks from Dr. Hollins. "First of all, this smells luxurious, thanks in part to ingredients like jasmine and juniper berry," she raves. "It feels rich on the hair and scalp, and because it’s geared towards those who color their hair, this product leaves out the harsh chemicals and salts that can strip the hair, and instead leaves the hair with a noticeable softness and shine."

So, yes, you won't notice any color stripping after using this product—a major win—and the vegan formula is also sulfate-free and paraben-free for the gentlest possible clean.

Rave review: "I have used this shampoo for about 5 years. It leaves my hair feeling clean. I sweat a lot so I use it every day. My hair does not dry out."

Hair Under There Detox Tea Shampoo

If you frequently wear your hair in a protective style like box braids, cornrows, or locs, this is the shampoo for you, says hairstylist Janelle Sands, founder of Secret Curl Society. "This is that deeper cleansing formula that some women may be looking for, as this shampoo was formulated for braid, wig, and weave wearers who tend to need a little deeper cleanse," Sands says.

But even if you're not a braid or wig wearer, you can still get plenty of benefit from a shampoo like this, as experts agree that unchecked product buildup can be a factor in female hair loss. "For natural hair wearers, you can use this every four months for a deep cleanse of the hair and especially the scalp," Sands recommends.

Rave review: "This cleans really well and removes buildup from braids and hair products. Your scalp feels minty during washing and super clean after. It worked well on my curly hair. I highly recommend it at such a great price."

Silver Expressions Purple Shampoo

If you're looking for a shampoo to complement your naturally silver strands or give your gray hair dye a little extra oomph, this formula proves that less (money) is more. For under $15 bucks, you can snag an advanced formula that neutralizes yellow tones and gives gray hair the boost of moisture it needs.

The formula is free of silicones and parabens and has a refreshing lotus flower aroma. Plus, it's powered by Pantene's classic Pro-V formula, an infusion of hair-strengthening vitamins that will leave locks looking and feeling great after using it.

So...exactly how do you use it? Lather up once a week and let the product sit on your strands for three to five minutes before rinsing.

Rave review: "This is the best blue shampoo I've ever used. My hair is shiny and soft and the color is so much brighter than with any other similar shampoo I've used in the past. It also has a great lather."

Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

Split ends, brittleness, dryness, breakage—no one wants to deal with any of those, especially if you're trying to grow out your hair. And thanks to this formula, you don't have to. Leak is a huge fan of this shampoo, and for good reason: Infused with biotin, coconut oil, and babassu seed oil, this intensely nourishing product cleanses and helps hair to grow.

One ingredient you may be familiar with that's also in this formula is rosemary oil. This common home remedy for length and strength has anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-infammatory properties, and it coats strands in a fortifying blend of nutrients that helps to keep them healthy and growing.

Rave review: "I'm normally very sensitive to shampoos, but this one cleans well and is very gentle. It has no real scent and works well with various conditioners. My hair always feels nourished and stronger after using it. Plus, it's shiny without any oil burden."

Magical Tresses Never a Knot Detangling Shampoo

Anyone who's the parent to a young girl—like me—knows how unpleasant the detangling process can be. My daughter's type 3 curls get knotted easily, and her fine texture means I sometimes find loads of her little hairs on the brush. So, I'm always on the lookout for a detangling shampoo that can make things easier. And I think I may have found one: Afro Unicorn's formula is rich and nourishing and has a fun superfruit smell that kids will go gaga for. But don't think this is just for the 10-and-under set: Adults with snarls can also get plenty of benefit from this shampoo.

For her part, Leak can't rave about it enough: "It's gentle formulation is especially perfect for our youngsters' tresses but this works amazing on our adult hair as well," she says. "It's tear-free, sulfate-free, and hydrating for all textures and types. It gently detangles, conditions, and moisturizes, while helping reduce knots, tangles and breakage. It also has a little shimmer to it! I mean who doesn’t like a little sparkle?" Take. My. Money.

Rave review: "This is perfect for my daughters hair. I struggle with shampoo and conditioner for her because she has very dry curly hair. This not only made brushing her hair easier, when I added in the curl refresher, her hair was so soft and smelled so good. This shampoo is definitely worth the money."

Miracle Moist Shampoo

This is an "oldie but a goodie," says Dr. Hollins—and at just $5 per bottle, you're getting a big bang for your buck. Infused with nourishing plant oils like avocado oil and jojoba oil, it coats thirsty strands with a dose of hydrating fatty acids, leaving them softer, shinier, and more manageable. "This is a great product for women with thicker hair that's on the dry side," says Dr. Hollins. "Aussie has their moisturizing shampoos down to a science, using hydrating ingredients that really soak into the hair strands."

What's also great about this shampoo is the luxurious citrus scent and the fact that it's free of parabens. Expect a nice lather as this formula does have sulfates. And even reviewers with hair that's on the thinner or finer side, found that this product nourishes and cleanses without weighing hair down. Boom!

Rave review: "I've tried so many expensive brands and this is as good—or maybe even better—than those. It hydrates and cleans so well, leaving my hair shiny and so smooth. I absolutely recommend this one."

Blue Ginger Clarifying Shampoo

For anyone who needs to remove product buildup, natural scalp oils, and more from there hair, there's this formula, which comes highly recommended by Leak. It's formulated with antioxidant-rich blue ginger to shield strands from damage as it effectively cleanses and hydrates. Even better, it works all this magic without the use of sulfates, silicones, or parabens. A win for anyone with compromised hair that is looking for a deep clean without the damage.

It's recommended that you lather up in the shower once weekly, working the 'poo into your scalp and along your lengths, rinsing with cold water afterward (cool H2O closes hairs outer cuticle layer helping to seal in moisture and increase shine). And users rave about the refreshing minty scent—another major plus.

Rave review: "With 4C hair, I've struggled to find a shampoo that effectively cleanses without leaving my hair feeling dry and brittle. This one strikes the perfect balance. It cleanses my hair thoroughly while maintaining its natural moisture."

Fructis Hair Filler Strength Repair Shampoo

If you've not heard of bond building technology yet, that's about to change. Once available as only professional treatments at a salon, these products, which promise to strengthen and fortify hair from the inside out, are now rolling out at drugstores, with some of the best-known players in the market getting in on the action. One such brand is Garnier, which recently introduced it's Hair Filler line—a collection of products, including this shampoo, which infuse hair with a vitamin repair complex that restores both the inner and outer layer of each strand.

This sulfate-free option works best when paired with the entire four-piece collection, but you can certainly use it on its own if your hair is feeling dry, coarse, and damaged. Its special altered form of vitamin C is concentrated and potent, reaching seven layers deep into each hair strand to boost the health of your hair.

Rave review: "I've been using this product for a week now and I'm seeing results. I use it every time i wash my hair. It’s not sticky and it’s working to make my hair soft and repaired."

Extra-Body Shampoo

Those with fine hair need a little extra oomph—not a formula that will weigh strands down. For that, you can turn to this classic formula. It's vegan, color-safe, and paraben-free, and uses panthenol to give locks a boost from the root and wheat-derived ingredients for protection from environmental aggressors.

The formula does contain sulfate surfactants, but for those whose hair gets easily weighed down by product buildup and scalp oils, that's not necessarily a bad thing. And if you're looking for a sensorial experience, this one really delivers, with a beautiful, frothy lather and a crisp apple-like smell.

Rave review: "I have the world's most limp, baby fine hair you'll ever see. This is the Holy Grail of shampoo for those of us who have fine or thin hair. It doesn't have an offensive smell—thank God because I'm a chronic migraine sufferer. It suds up very well and you can feel your hair getting thicker as you work it in and rinse."

The One Signature Shampoo

The suds are the thing with this all-around crowd pleaser—it's got a richy frothy lather that leaves hair feeling clean (not stripped) without the use of potentially harsh sulfate cleansers. Dr. Hollins is a huge fan: "This is a great mildly clarifying shampoo, which is strong enough to work well for women whose hair is more oily or who have a lot of product buildup," she says. "But because it’s sulfate-free, it is gentle enough for regular use. It leaves the hair feeling super clean but not stripped of all moisture."

It's also part of Ulta Beauty's conscious beauty program, meaning it's cruelty-free and vegan. It also contains the brands patented "Zip-Up" technology, which targets weak parts of the hair strand to smooth damage and protect hair from environmental stressors. And though pricier than some of its drugstore counterparts, you're getting a lot of technology for your dollar with this one.

Rave review: "I absolutely love this shampoo. It smells so good and really does the job getting my scalp super clean after using a lot of product."

Vanicream Shampoo

If you're looking for a shampoo that's suited to eczema or have scalp skin that's easily inflammed, this no-muss, no-fuss formula is a good bet. It's free of many common irritants, such as sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, lanolin, and fragrance. The formula has been tested by dermatologists to be uber-gentle and to gently cleanse and remove excess oil without completely drying out your scalp. It's also been awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, so you can be confident this one will get the job done sans irritation.

Rave review: "Some of the best shampoo on the market. Your hair will feel more amazing than ever. It's scent-free, so it shouldn’t cause any allergic reactions. It's very good for dry or sensitive scalps when you want to lay off the heavy duty stuff."

Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Wash

I've used this sulfate-free shampoo on my daughter's fine 2C/3A curls and the results were fantastic. I found that it leaves curly types clean (but not dry) with soft definition—truthfully, the Holy Grail for spirals. And the scent is amazing: Fruity, but not too overpowering, it strikes a delicate balance that I've always loved (and you will to).

It's also a favorite of Sands': "This creamy, moisturizing formula is always a winner, and the best part is that it effectively cleanses but is gentle enough for curls and color-treated hair," she says. "Furthermore, it's formulated to strengthen the strands, which covers all the needs for regular textured hair cleansing."

Rave review: "This is the most moisturizing shampoo I've ever used and even after my bleached hair has grown out, it still works well for my hair. If you need moisture, this shampoo is the one."

T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

When you're dealing with hardcore flakes, you need a formula that's really going to deliver—and with this classic product, beloved by dermatologists and consumers, you can't go wrong. With 3% salicylic acid, Neutrogena's shampoo works to fight dandruff, scalp build up, dermatitis, and scalp psoriasis after just one use.

Because the formula was designed not to irritate and already inflammed scalp, it contains no dyes, fragrances or preservatives, so it's not the most luxurious experience, but it gets the job done handily. Relief is here!

Rave review: "This is an effective shampoo to control dandruff and relieve an itchy scalp, plus it's a very reasonably priced item compared to other brands."

How we chose the best drugstore shampoos

Women's Health beauty director Brian Underwood tapped leading hair experts, including a top hair-focused dermatologist and two hairstylists, to get their recommendations for the best formulas at a great price. We then compared user reviews, scanned ingredient labels, and cross-checked price to find the best drugstore shampoos across a variety of categories and hair types.

Meet the experts

Lauren Hollins, MD, is an assistant professor of dermatology at Penn State University, Adrienne Leak is a hairstylist and owner of A. Leak Hair Studio in Powder Springs, Georgia, Janelle Sands, founder of Secret Curl Society

How often should you use shampoo?

That really depends upon your hair, says Dr. Hollins. "One size does not fill all when it comes to shampoo frequency," she insists. But, generally speaking, it usually comes down to your texture. "In all people, the scalp produces natural oils that moisturize and protect the scalp and hair strands," Dr. Hollins continues. "The straighter your hair is, the more likely the natural oils in your scalp slip down the straight hair strand throughout the day. That oil then attracts dirt, leading to the need for more frequent cleansing, especially in women with thinner hair."

When it comes to someone curly to coily hair, however, that advice changes. "The natural scalp oil does not slip down the hair strand so easily, mainly because the oil has to navigate the twists and turns of the curls," says Dr. Hollins. "Therefore, using a shampoo that removes oil becomes a hindrance if used daily, as the natural oil is already working hard to nourish the strands root to tip." That's why she tends to recommend that women with curlier hair wash only once or twice weekly. Very curly or kinky hair texture can likely wash their hair once a week without sacrificing cleanliness.

But don't forgo shampooing for much longer than that: "Washing any less frequently can lead to scalp buildup, irritation and itching, which can lead to scalp damage and hair breakage," Dr. Hollins says.

What's the difference between drugstore shampoo and more expensive ones?

Price is the most obvious difference, but ingredients are another huge factor. "Drugstore shampoos stand out for being very affordable and accessible, while their luxury or professional counterparts often focus on premium ingredients and advanced formulations, reflecting in higher prices and exclusive accessibility," Leak explains.

But that doesn't mean you can't get quality formulations at a lower price—hardly! "Both retailers and brands have worked really hard over the years to make luxury more accessible," says Sands. "In today's market, it is possible to find some hidden gems on the drugstore shelf that are luxurious, especially for textured hair."

What should you look for in a drugstore shampoo?

There are so many things to consider when shopping for any shampoo, including the varieties that you may encounter at a drugstore, says Leak. Those include your hair type, texture, density, and your hair's porosity. (Don't know your hair's porosity? Take this quick quiz to find out.)

You should also factor in things such as "the specific needs of your hair like moisture, strength, smoothing, definition, protection and scalp health," Leak adds. "You want to look for shampoos that address your individual concerns and needs."

For those with textured hair, Sands wants you to ask the following questions:

1. Is this for my curl type? "Look at the bottle of the product to see if it is directly speaking to your hair," she says. (If it's a product for loose wavy hair and you have tight coils, the shampoo is not for you.)
   

2. Is this for my texture? "People of African descent tend to have lower hair density, and the smallest diameter of strands compared to other cultural groups," says Sands. "Therefore, if you are a highly textured individual of African descent, a gentle cleanser is best."

3. Is this for color-treated hair? Color-treated hair needs to be protected so the color lasts longer and it is not compromised due to chemical service. "A gentle cleanser is your curl bestie here too," says Sands.

Are sulfates in shampoo really bad for your hair?

That's not a yes or no answer, really. Sulfates such as sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate "are staples in shampoos across the cost spectrum for many reasons," says Dr. Hollins. "They work by attracting and locking away oil, dirt, and scalp buildup, which makes for excellent cleansing properties. They also provide that fun, soapy lather that makes you feel like you’re really getting your hair clean."

But there's a flip side—these powerhouse cleansers may do their job a little too well, especially for those with generally dry or textured hair. "They can strip away the scalp’s natural oils, leaving hair already prone to dryness even more dry, especially without following up with a good conditioner after shampooing," Dr. Hollins adds. "In addition, while sulfates are safe to our overall health, they can cause scalp irritation in some people with sensitive skin, which is something to keep in mind for those who wash their hair daily."

Bottom line: If your hair is very curly or dry or your scalp is sensitive, it may be worth avoiding these ingredients altogether. If your hair is fine and can get weighed down by product buildup, these ingredients may give you the volume you're after—and rarely get.

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