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18 Best Drugstore Shampoos and Conditioners That Actually Work
Salon hair for half the price.
The effectiveness of a product isn’t only determined by price, but by several factors, especially when we’re discussing the greatest—yet underrated—place to find beauty staples: drugstores.
Gone are the days when a quality shampoo or conditioner would cost you a pretty penny. Whether you’re in a bind and need an emergency solution or simply favor old faithful that have never steered you wrong, the best drugstore shampoos and conditioners have a range of formulas that cater to every hair woe and financial bracket. Of course, there are differences between high-end products and affordable drugstore ones, but according to celebrity hairstylist Tarryn Feldman, these days, the differences are very slim.
“So many smaller brands are getting rid of all the harsh chemicals that categorize them as drugstore brands. In other words, drugstore brands have stepped up their game to produce more [higher-end quality products],” Feldman tells ELLE.com. Customers should be paying attention to the ingredients, not the brand name. “What it comes down to is reading the ingredients on the labels to ensure the products you’re putting on your hair and scalp are derived from natural ingredients. The selection and quality of ingredients play a huge role in the outcome of your hair’s results, and your focus should be about maintaining healthy, strong hair, which starts with high-grade ingredients,” Jill Turnbull, founder of Jill Turnbull Beauty, adds.
Before you spend a fortune at your favorite beauty store, we consulted hair experts and dozens of customer feedback to find the 18 best drugstore shampoos and conditioners.
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner
Pros
- Tames frizz and protects against humidity
Cons
- Can be greasy for some
If you thought you couldn’t achieve volume without battling frizz, Nexxus is here to change your mind. The Ultralight Smooth pair tames frizz and humidity, so the focus is on your voluminous strands and not a puffy hot mess. The hair is coated in a nourishing blend of almond protein and jasmine to nourish as it treats.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
Our beauty expert said: “My favorite drugstore shampoo and conditioner combination is by Nexxus, which offers a variety of options for all hair types at an inexpensive price. I specifically love the Ultralight Smooth Weightless Protein shampoo and conditioner. It helps block out frizz and heavily moisturizes your hair while leaving your hair with a beautiful and shiny finish. The formula is sulfate free, which is great for color-treated hair and those who want a more chemical-free brand.” —Andrea DiSabatino, NY-based professional hairstylist
SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut and Hibiscus Shampoo for Curly Hair
SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut and Hibiscus Shampoo for Curly Hair
Pros
- Instantly softens hair
Cons
- Will need more product for thicker hair
A staple in every naturalista’s stash, Shea Moisture’s Curl & Shine line loves on your curls with a creamy formula made of coconut and hibiscus that cleanses away dirt without leaving a squeaky clean feeling. Mahogony Grace, NYC-based hairstylist and founder of Mahogony Grace Salon, loves Shea Moisture products because they offer “a wide variety of ultra-hydrating, strengthening, and restorative products for textured, curly, and coily hair.”
“I have naturally curly 4B hair. The Curl & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner always hydrates my hair and perks up my curls. This is a tried and true favorite that gets my hair clean while keeping it moisturized. The silk protein leaves my hair shiny and minimizes breakage. There's a reason this line is a curly girl favorite—it works well,” says Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director, ELLE.com.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and Shine Conditioner
Kristin Ess Hair The One Signature Shampoo
Pros
- Deeply nourishing formula
Cons
- Strong scent
Clarify your strands without leaving your hair a dried-out mess. Kristin Ess’s cult-favorite shampoo and conditioner is a gentle formula that imparts moisture and removes the gunk. “One of the only drugstore brands I know of that is vegan, color-safe, sulfate, and paraben-free is Kristin Ess. This brand is carried at Target and is very accessible to any consumer,” hairstylist Kasey Bertucci of Salon 120 West says.
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “This product removed all of the product residue and leaves my waves bouncy and without frizz. Love this shampoo!”
| Blob | Lightly clarifying, gently cleanses without stripping the hair of its natural oils; Replenishes moisture + enhances shine; High lathering; Safe for daily use; For all hair types; Contains Zip-Up Technology: Proprietary strengthening complex designed to "zip-up" split ends while targeting weak areas of the hair, smoothing the appearance of damaged cuticles, and helping protect hair from environmental stressors + color fade; Cruelty Free; Color Safe; Vegan |
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Kristin Ess Hair The One Signature Conditioner
Kristin Ess Hair The One Signature Conditioner
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
Pros
- Restores curls after a few washes
Cons
- May not be suited for fine hair
Shea butter, peppermint, and apple cider vinegar are the holy trinity that combats damage brought on by overly-processed hair. Built around the main ingredient, Jamaican black castor oil, this concoction restores balance and nourishes dry hair.
“Back in the day, when I regularly put heat on my hair, my 4b curls would be so limp. This shampoo and conditioner combo brings them back to life and helps minimize breakage. I also like to use this right before I put in a protective style,” shares Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director, ELLE.com.
Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars
| Blob | Organic Shea Butter: Deeply moisturizes while conditioning hair and scalp.; Jamaican Black Castor Oil: Loaded with reparative omegas that reduce breakage and promote healthy hair.; Peppermint Oil: Invigorates the scalp for a stimulating experience. |
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SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Rinse-Out Conditioner
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Rinse-Out Conditioner
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
Pros
- Stimulates the scalp
Cons
- Tingling sensation can be strong for some
Buy for the gorgeous forest green packaging, and keep it for the tingling, spa-like sensation it gives your scalp with each lather. The shampoo and conditioner stimulate your scalp to soothe and refresh it while cleansing away impurities.
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “My daughters have very oily hair and wash it almost every day. This shampoo works well on oily hair. My daughters now can go 2-3 days between shampooing.”
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Conditioner
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Conditioner
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner
Pros
- Doesn’t disrupt color
Cons
- Product runs out fast
Formulated with color-treated hair in mind, L’Oreal’s EverPure collection is a mainstay in Grace’s collection thanks to its replenishing, sulfate-free, and color-safe formula. The pleasant scent isn’t overpowering and doesn’t take away from the real work of the star ingredient, rosemary. Your hair will feel soft, refreshed, and most important, revived.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “Love the feel & scent, but mostly love its gentleness on my extensions, preserving the integrity of keratin adhesive. 5 stars.”
Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Pros
- Nourishing formula
Cons
- Strong scent
Fine hair needs the most TLC, and Carol’s Daughter packaged everything you need in a bottle. Monoi oil, hibiscus extract, and coconut strengthen the hair to prevent further breakage or damage.
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “My new favorite addiction! Lathered, rinsed, and didn’t need to repeat. My hair was literally squeaky clean. I haven’t felt that in awhile. Will add this to my staple hair products!”
Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner
Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Conditioner
Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo
Pros
- Great for thicky, curly textures
Cons
- Can weigh down thin hair
Speaking of moisture, Aussie Miracle Moist is the OG. YouTube beauty gurus help popularize the drugstore icon but its nourishing ingredients—avocado and Australian jojoba seed oil—and amazing slip have proved its staying power.
Target rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Target reviewer said: “It’s been so dry lately and this has been a great product to add moisture into my hair! My daughter also hates when her curls get dry, frizzy and tangly and we’ve had no issues using this shampoo and conditioner!”
| Size | 12.1 |
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Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner
Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo
Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo
Pros
- Leaves hair hydrated and bouncy
Cons
- Pricey
If you want an intense burst of moisture, look no further than Joico’s Moisture Recovery. Silk press season is almost upon us, and giving your hair enough hydration will allow your post-silk press hair to live a bouncy, healthy life.
Ulta rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “I love this shampoo. I have natural hair (curly African American texture), and this gets the job done without stripping or drying it out.”
| Blob | 24-hour moisture replenishment*; Double the softness**; 3X less prone to breakage***; Hair looks instantly replenished, shiny, and healthy; Gently cleanses hair without stripping vital moisture; Helps replenish lost moisture; *When using Moisture Recovery Shampoo and Treatment Balm; **When using Moisture Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner vs. a non-conditioning shampoo; ***When using Moisture Recovery Shampoo and Treatment Balm; against combing breakage on damaged hair vs. a non-conditioning shampoo |
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Joico Moisture Recovery Conditioner
Joico Moisture Recovery Conditioner
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo Deep Moisture
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo Deep Moisture
Pros
- Softens and revives dry hair
Cons
- Can weigh down thin hair
Herbal Essence’s Herbal Hydration line is what love in a bottle feels like. It’s as if you sent your hair to a spa on a tropical oasis, from the creamy coconut scent to the soft, supple feel your hair has when wash day is complete.
Walmart rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Walmart reviewer said: “I love this shampoo and conditioner. It really makes my hair feel soft and clean.”
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner, Deep Moisture
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner, Deep Moisture
Meet the experts
Andrea DiSabatino is a NYC-based professional hairstylist.
Mahogany Grace is a professional hairstylist and founder of Mahogony Grace Salon.
What should you look for when buying drugstore shampoo and conditioner?
Like skincare, you should always pay close attention to the ingredients in shampoos and conditioners, regardless of price. “Key ingredients and your hair type play a significant role regardless of drug store bought vs. salon grade. For best results, be sure to choose a shampoo & conditioner that includes ingredients that will benefit your hair type,” NYC-based hairstylist Andrea Disabatino explains. “If you’re interested in ‘health conscious’ products, look for products including ingredients such as argon oil, hemp, and aloe vera. For a deep cleansing formula, helpful ingredients include apple cider vinegar and tea tree. For colored hair, avoid heavy sulfates and sodium, as these ingredients could easily strip your color,” she says.
Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.
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