Shampooing is a daily ritual for most, which is all the more reason why you should be going in with a safe, quality formula every time you wash your hair. Of course, the best shampoo formulas aren't just limited to the luxury items marketed by dozens of indie beauty brands — we love a good drugstore find when it comes to shampoos, and some of the best ones we've come across in our day have been hanging out in the drugstore aisle at price points under $20.
The type of shampoo you should purchase is dependent on your needs. Plenty of people search for non-stripping, sulfate-free formulas to use when it's time to cleanse their hair while others looks for those that are best to use on blond, brunette, or color-treated hair — that's to say that the possibilities really are endless when it comes to shampoos, and if you're looking for a new one to add to your beauty routine, there's no better place to look than the drugstore.
Whether you're looking for color protection, a dry shampoo, volume, or even something to soothe an itchy or flaky scalp, there's an affordable option out there. Keep reading to see some of our favorite wallet-friendly picks.
Blondes shouldn't get to have all the fun. In the same way that color-correcting purple shampoo exists to eliminate brassy tones from blond hair, blue shampoos like the new John Frieda Blue Crush Shampoo ($10) are meant to knock out stubborn orange tones in brown hair that's been lightened or highlighted in the past.
For anyone with a dry scalp and color-treated hair, look no further than the Head & Shoulders Supreme Color Protect Shampoo ($9). It uses a color-safe formula with Manuka honey extract to hydrate while keeping your dye job (and the time and money you spent on it) from sliding down the drain.
You can never go wrong with a classic, and that's why we're obsessing over the Herbal Essences Shine Collection Shampoo ($8). From the "vintage" packaging to the original scent, we're having a totally organic experience.
Sometimes a multitasking product is all you need to save yourself some shower time and water. With the Garnier Fructis Daily Care 2-in-1 Fortifying Shampoo & Conditioner ($5), you get clean and conditioned hair in just one step.
the OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo ($10) uses a sulfate-free formula with coconut milk and coconut oil to clean the hair without ever feeling too drying or harsh.
Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Sulfate-Free Shampoo ($20) is a gentle but effective formula that uses monoi and coconut oil to nourish and moisturize that hair while cleansing.
The Miss Jessie's Honey Harmless Gentle Wash ($14) is one of the brand's newest products featured in its Honey lineup, and it's made to gently cleanse the hair — hence the word "harmless" in the name — using honey and humectants, while not tangling or knotting up the hair in the process.
Let's face it: split ends and breakage are both inevitable. But TRESemme Anti Breakage Defense Shampoo ($4) helps to bind and repair breakage-prone hair, so you can wear your length with confidence.
Blonds know better than anyone that maintaining their color is a tough job, but the John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo ($10) makes it less of a hassle with its supreme color protection that keeps brassy tones far away from your dye job.
If an itchy scalp is your problem, then let the Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo ($7) and its super soothing formula be your solution.
The Yes to Naturals Tea Tree & Sage Oil Scalp Relief Shampoo ($8) is formulated to relieve any itchy and/or irritated scalp while bringing body and bounce to even the finest, flattest hair.
The Batiste Dry Shampoo ($9) is a bestselling dry shampoo formula known for its clean scent and ability to refresh dirty hair way past the second, third, and even fourth day.
The Aveeno Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo ($6) is great for gently cleansing your hair in between washes. The seaweed extract in the formula works to refresh your hair and scalp without the need for water.
This Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Argan Oil of Morocco Repairing Shampoo ($6) repairs hair with argan oil for a shinier, smoother appearance.
Whether you have color-treated hair, damaged hair, or perfectly healthy hair, you could benefit from a sulfate-free shampoo formula, like the Love Beauty & Planet Murumuru Butter & Rose Blooming Color Shampoo ($7).
Nexxus Hydra Light Weightless Moisture Rebalancing Shampoo ($12) is enriched with deep-sea minerals and specifically crafted for fine hair. It lightly cleanses without weighing hair down, helping avoid that flat, greasy look common in oily hair.
If you've got curly hair, you need to check out the Nexxus Curl Define Shampoo ($15) and Conditioner ($15). While you're at it, the entire Curl Define collection, including a pre-wash and leave-in conditioner, has everything you need to treat your curls with the care they deserve.
Give yourself the gift of smooth, shiny hair with these Suave Smooth Performer Sulfate-Free Shampoo ($5) and Conditioner ($5).