How often should you use drugstore shampoos and conditioners?

“It’s really up to you, your hair type, your lifestyle, and what you have time for,” explains Lindsay. “That being said, there is such a thing as over-cleansing and under-cleansing. Pay attention to your scalp; you want it to look and feel clean and clear. If your scalp is dry, itchy, or tight, you may be over-cleansing. If your scalp feels like it has oily build-up or dandruff you may be under-cleansing. That’s followed by understanding your hair type. Generally speaking, the curlier/coarser your hair, the less often you need to wash it. Straight, fine hair tends to get oily faster since it’s easier for sebum to travel down your strands. People with straight hair could try shampooing every other day; wavy to loose curls a few times a week; curls to coils, no more than once a week to retain moisture. As if that’s not enough to consider, here are some additional considerations… is your hair color-treated? Braided? Do you swim? Do you sweat a lot? Do you have hard water? Depending on how you answer those questions, you may be in a place to wash more or less frequently,” she adds.

Do drugstore shampoos and conditioners expire?

As with all beauty products, drugstore shampoo and conditioners certainly do expire. 12 to 18 months is a pretty standard time frame from the date opened, but be sure to check your product packaging. And a great general rule is to bin anything that has changed significantly color, texture, or scent (or started growing mold).

The 18 Best Drugstore Shampoos and Conditioners of 2023

No matter your hair type or how often you get it wet, washing and conditioning your mane is a critical part of your routine. Some of the best shampoos and hair conditioners are not only affordable but also widely available online and at drugstores.

That said, the right formula for you isn't necessarily what the next person should choose. When choosing a shampoo, haircare expert Lindsay Holden says to "look for one that's specifically formulated to your hair type."

As our expert notes, hair type can dictate the best formula to use. Someone with thick, textured hair will want something that moisturizes and softens. On the other hand, those with oily roots or flat, limp hair need a shampoo that clarifies without adding weight. Pair it with a complementing cream rinse, and you're good to go.

We conducted hours of research on the best drugstore shampoos and conditions, evaluating them on formula, benefits, and lather. We also noted whether or not a formula contains sulfates—which are responsible for determining the lather type. After consulting with haircare experts and considering dozens of options, we landed on these best in show.

Check out the best drugstore shampoos and conditioners for all hair types.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Pantene Pro-V Moisture Renewal Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Volumizing:

Dove Volume & Fullness Shampoo at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best Strengthening:

Climaplex Strength & Volume Shampoo at Target

Jump to Review

Best for Damaged Hair:

Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Fine Hair:

OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Thick Hair:

Klorane Nourishing Shampoo with Mango Butter at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Curly Hair:

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Natural Hair:

TPH by Taraji Honey Fresh Clarifying Shampoo at Target

Jump to Review

Best for Wavy Hair:

Pacifica Salty Waves Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Luxurious lather
Gently cleanses
Hydrates and replenishes

What We Don't Like

Contains sulfates

Pantene is a tried-and-true drugstore brand with some really stellar offerings. While new and noteworthy haircare products are constantly coming out, we often fall back on Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo. The silky-smooth formula massages into a luxurious lather, gently cleansing and removing buildup on your strands and scalp.

True to its name, Pantene Pro-V leans on panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) to hydrate and replenish your hair while promising to protect it from damage. Just a heads up, this shampoo contains sulfates. Not everyone is a fan, but it's where the rich lather comes from.

Pair it with Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $6

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Cocomide, vitamin B5 | Size: 12 ounces | Scent: Jasmine | Cruelty-Free: No

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Purifying Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Gentle formula
Fortifies and hydrates
Leaves hair silky

What We Don't Like

Contains PEGs

For something even more wallet-friendly, go with Garnier Pure Clean. Gentle enough for daily use, this simple yet effective shampoo vows to fortify and hydrate your hair and leave it silky-soft.

Follow with Garnier Pure Clean Hydrating Conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $5

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Aloe, vitamin E, vitamin B3, vitamin B6 | Size: 12.5 ounces | Scent: Fresh | Cruelty-Free: Yes

CVS

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What We Like

Nourishing
Promotes thickness and body
Won't weigh down hair

What We Don't Like

Contains sulfates

Limp, lifeless hair? Dove's Volume & Fullness Shampoo is your best bet. The nourishing formula hydrates without weighing down your hair and then calls on biotin and collagen to promote thickness and body.

Pair it with Dove Volume & Fullness Conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $6

Hair Type: Fine, flat | Key Ingredients: Biotin, collagen | Size: 24 ounces | Scent: Clean | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Target

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What We Like

Repairs damage
Prevents breakage

What We Don't Like

Strong scent

For brittle strands, we recommend Climaplex. This strengthening shampoo blends proteins, amino acids, and vitamin B5 to repair damage and protect from future breakage.

After lathering and rinsing, follow with Climaplex Strength & Volume Conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $10

Hair Type: Dry, damaged | Key Ingredients: Wheat and vegetable protein, vitamin B5, amino acids | Size: 13.5 ounces | Scent: Floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Carolâs Daughter Black Vanilla Sulfate Free Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Sulfate-free
Moisturizing
Lathers well

What We Don't Like

Weighs down fine hair

This nourishing pick claims to moisturize and soften dry, damaged, and curly hair. The sulfate-free formula foams particularly well and has a yummy vanilla scent that'll turn your shower into a spa. When used with the conditioner, it does a stellar job restoring shine and hydrating curls to reduce frizz.

Pair it with Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Luscious Moisture Conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $13

Hair Type: Dry, damaged, curly, coily | Key Ingredients: Aloe, sweet clover extract | Size: 12 ounces | Scent: Vanilla | Cruelty-Free: Yes

OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo

Walgreens

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What We Like

Strengthening
Volumizing
Expert-recommended

What We Don't Like

Contains PEGs

"For drugstore-brand shampoo for fine hair, I definitely love OGX Biotin & Collagen Shampoo," says hairstylist Sky Kim of Serge Normant at John Frieda in New York. It's formulated to transform flat locks into a thicker, fuller-looking mane.

Pair it with OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $14

Hair Type: Fine, flat, damaged | Key Ingredients: Biotin, collagen | Size: 13 ounces | Scent: Bergamot/vanilla/jasmine | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Klorane Nourishing Shampoo with Mango Butter

Amazon

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What We Like

Smells great
Moisturizing

What We Don't Like

Pricey for drugstore

This French favorite is packed with mango seed butter, an occlusive rich in fatty acids, and thus can protect and replenish dry hair and scalps. The shampoo and matching conditioner are rich and nourishing and do an excellent job of taming thicker hair. The tropical mango scent doesn't hurt, either. For best results, follow with Klorane Nourishing Conditioner with Mango.

Price at time of publish: $22

Hair Type: Medium to thick | Key Ingredients: Mango seed butter | Size: 13.5 ounces | Scent: Mango | Cruelty-Free: Yes

SheaMoisture Shampoo Curl and Shine for Curly Hair Coconut and Hibiscus Paraben Free Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Sulfate-free
Rich lather
Improves elasticity

What We Don't Like

May weigh down fine hair

For our curly-haired friends, we recommend SheaMoisture. This shampoo gently cleanses, moisturizes, and protects to improve elasticity and keep frizz at bay. And even though it's sulfate-free, it boasts a notably rich lather.

Follow with SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $12

Hair Type: Curly, natural | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, aloe, hydrolyzed silk | Size: 13 ounces | Scent: Coconut/hibiscus | Cruelty-Free: Yes

TPH by Taraji Honey Fresh Clarifying Shampoo

Walmart

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What We Like

Sulfate-free
Moisturizing
Refreshes scalp

What We Don't Like

Contains PEGs

TPH makes the best option for natural hair. The brand's Honey Fresh Shampoo flaunts a sulfate-free gel formula with a honey-like consistency. A blend of—yes—honey, aloe, and willow bark deliver much-needed moisture while refreshing your scalp.

Pair it with TPH By Taraji Make It Rain Hydration-Rich Conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $10

Hair Type: Natural, textured, dry | Key Ingredients: Aloe, honey, willow bark extract | Size: 12 ounces | Scent: Herbal honey | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Pacifica Salty Waves Texturizing Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Sulfate-free
Non-drying
Promotes healthy growth

What We Don't Like

May sting eyes

Wavy hair? Pacifica Salty Waves has your name on it. This sulfate-free, non-drying shampoo contains salt to bring out your natural texture, while marine extracts and soy protein promote healthy growth.

After washing, reach for Pacifica Salty Waves Texturizing Conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $10

Hair Type: Wavy, curly, fine, thick | Key Ingredients: Salt, soy protein, marine extracts | Size: 12 ounces | Scent: Coconut/banana | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Effective formula
Prevents flakes
Reduces itchiness

What We Don't Like

Contains methylisothiazolinone

If you're dealing with dandruff, Head & Shoulders is your new best friend. We realize this might not be the sexiest shampoo on the drugstore shelf, but it works. The key ingredient is pyrithione zinc, which tackles both flakes and an itchy scalp.

Consider using Head & Shoulders Daily Scalp Care Dandruff Conditioner too.

Price at time of publish: $7

Hair Type: Dandruff-prone | Key Ingredients: Pyrithione zinc | Size: 13–32 ounces | Scent: Clean | Cruelty-Free: No

Mielle Organics Sea Moss Anti-Shedding Shampoo

Target

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What We Like

Fortifying
Very hydrating
Detangles knots

What We Don't Like

Strong scent

We know how frustrating it can be to experience hair shedding, which can be caused by anything from genetics to pregnancy or a vitamin deficiency. While eating a balanced diet, getting proper sleep, and avoiding tight hairstyles are some of the best ways to cut back on hair fallout, this shampoo from Mielle Organics is designed to help. Not only does the formula intensely hydrate and help detangle knots, but it also has anti-shedding properties that help fortify the hair.

Pair it with Mielle Organics Sea Moss Anti-Shedding Conditioner for best results.

Price at time of publish: $12

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Sea moss | Size: 8 ounces | Scent: Clean | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.4

John Paul Mitchell Systems Tea Tree Special Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Deeply cleanses
Imparts shine

What We Don't Like

Pricey for drugstore
Not ideal for dry hair

If you're prone to an oily or flaky scalp, this formula includes tea tree oil, which works as an antimicrobial and antifungal agent, reducing grease and restoring balance. The zingy mint fragrance is invigorating and leaves the hair all bouncy and refreshed.

Pair it with the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Conditioner for best results.

Price at time of publish: $42

Hair Type: Oily, fine, dandruff-prone | Key Ingredients: Tea tree, peppermint, lavender | Size: 10–34 ounces | Scent: Peppermint | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Target

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What We Like

Nourishes and softens
Leaves hair shiny

What We Don't Like

Contains PEGs

If your hair feels dry or brittle, this moisturizing shampoo from Tresemmé might be just the thing. It promises to not only hydrate but also nourish, soften, and restore healthy-looking shine.

Follow with Tresemmé Rich Moisture Conditioner to lock in the moisture.

Price at time of publish: $7

Hair Type: Dry, damaged | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, biotin, amino acids, vitamin B5 | Size: 28 ounces | Scent: Almond | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Herbal Essences Rose Hips Smooth Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Nostalgic floral scent
Gently cleanses

What We Don't Like

Contains sulfates and PEGs

Shampoo should work for your hair type, but we'd be lying if we said the fragrance wasn't nearly as important. To enhance your showering experience, look no further than Herbal Essences. Rose Hips is one of the brand's classic scents. But whether it makes you feel nostalgic for the 90s or is a brand-new sensation, you won't be disappointed.

Follow with Herbal Essences Rose Hips Smooth Conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $11

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, jojoba oil | Size: 13.5–29 ounces | Scent: Rose | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Aveeno Blackberry Quinoa Protein Blend Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Sulfate-free
Moisturizing

What We Don't Like

Contains PEGs

For colored hair, we recommend a sulfate-free formula like Aveeno's Blackberry Quinoa Shampoo. It gently cleanses without stripping your strands or drying them out, while quinoa protein strengthens and prevents fading. The blackberry scent is pretty great too.

Pair it with Aveeno Blackberry Quinoa Protein Blend Conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $9

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal extract, quinoa protein | Size: 12 ounces | Scent: Blackberry | Cruelty-Free: No

L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo

Amazon

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What We Like

Cancels yellow, brassy tones
Preserves color

What We Don't Like

Contains PEGs and methylchloroisothiazolinone
Not ideal for daily use

If you bleach your hair, lathering up with a purple shampoo a few times a week can help preserve the color. This one from L'Oreal contains violet pigments that counteract any yellowish, brassy tones. Just a heads up, daily use isn't recommended, as it can dry out your hair.

Pair this shampoo with L'Oreal EverPure Purple Conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $8

Hair Type: All | Key Ingredients: Purple dye, hibiscus extract | Size: 6.8 ounces | Scent: Violet, fig, coconut, thyme | Cruelty-Free: No

Pantene Gold Series Deep Hydrating Co-Wash

Amazon

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What We Like

Sulfate-free
Low-foam formula

What We Don't Like

Pricey for drugstore
Contains methylisothiazolinone

If you prefer low-sud shampoo formulas or co-washing (either between normal shampoo days or in place of), this luxe pick from Pantene feels less like a drugstore find and more like a salon-quality product. Enriched with argan oil and vitamin B5, it has all the right ingredients to nourish and soften without stripping your hair of its natural oils.

Price at time of publish: $9

Hair Type: Curly, coily, frizzy, dry | Key Ingredients: Vitamin B5, argan oil | Size: 15 ounces | Scent: Clean/floral | Cruelty-Free: No

Final Verdict

Our favorite drugstore duo is Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner. The formulas gently cleanse, replenish, and hydrate your hair, leaving it silky-smooth and soft. But if you have colored hair, natural curls, or just aren't a fan of sulfates, go with Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Luscious Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner.

Meet the Expert

Lindsay Holden is a haircare expert and founder of the clean beauty brand Odele.

What to Look For When Buying Drugstore Shampoo and Conditioner

Hair Type

The first thing to consider when buying drugstore shampoo and conditioner is your hair type. According to haircare expert Lindsay Holden, the best formulas for curly, coily, and textured hair are moisturizing and often non-lathering (which likely means they don't contain sulfates).

"For fine hair that tends to get greasy, I recommend a stronger (but still gentle) surfactant system—something that helps open the cuticle to deliver hydration without weighing the hair down," she says.

For all other hair types, Holden says a balance of surfactants and moisturizing ingredients is best. And if you're dealing with a specific concern like dandruff or shedding, you'll want to look for a shampoo formulated to address the issue.

Cleansing Ingredients

Shampoos often contain sulfates—usually sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)—which clean the hair and create a lathering effect. But since they can be harsh on dyed, chemically straightened, and curly hair, you'll find many sulfate-free formulas that call on other cleansing agents.

Gentler cleansers include glycerin, cocomides, coconut oil, and sodium olefin sulfonate. "Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate is a great one," Holden adds. "It's from coconuts and makes for a great alternative to harsh sulfates." She says that while some of these ingredients sound scary, they're actually safe and effective.

Fortifying Ingredients

Holden recommends drugstore shampoos and conditioners "high in protein to promote strength and shine, as well as amino acids, which help keep hair strong and even encourage hair growth." Biotin and vitamin B5 are excellent hair fortifiers too.

FAQ

How often should you use drugstore shampoos and conditioners?

“It’s really up to you, your hair type, your lifestyle, and what you have time for,” explains Lindsay. “That being said, there is such a thing as over-cleansing and under-cleansing. Pay attention to your scalp; you want it to look and feel clean and clear. If your scalp is dry, itchy, or tight, you may be over-cleansing. If your scalp feels like it has oily build-up or dandruff you may be under-cleansing. That’s followed by understanding your hair type. Generally speaking, the curlier/coarser your hair, the less often you need to wash it. Straight, fine hair tends to get oily faster since it’s easier for sebum to travel down your strands. People with straight hair could try shampooing every other day; wavy to loose curls a few times a week; curls to coils, no more than once a week to retain moisture. As if that’s not enough to consider, here are some additional considerations… is your hair color-treated? Braided? Do you swim? Do you sweat a lot? Do you have hard water? Depending on how you answer those questions, you may be in a place to wash more or less frequently,” she adds.
Do drugstore shampoos and conditioners expire?

As with all beauty products, drugstore shampoo and conditioners certainly do expire. 12 to 18 months is a pretty standard time frame from the date opened, but be sure to check your product packaging. And a great general rule is to bin anything that has changed significantly color, texture, or scent (or started growing mold).

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in beauty and lifestyle. For this roundup, she compiled expert buying tips and researched today's best drugstore shampoos and conditioners for every hair type and concern. She has been covering haircare, skincare, and makeup at Byrdie since 2020.

The 12 Best Drugstore Conditioners of 2023

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

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