Why Drugstore Shampoos Are Making a Big Comeback (2025)

“This is a good pick overall but especially for those with color-treated or heat-damaged hair,” says Michelle Cleveland, a celebrity stylist, extension artist, and owner of Hair Addict Salon & Extension Bar in Toms River, NJ. “The bonding technology can help repair weak strands and cleanse without stripping moisture.”

What a reviewer says: “I saw an immediate difference after my first use,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “I have continued to use with every other wash alongside other bonding products. My hair health is better, frizziness is less, and my ends are way healthier.”

Size: 6.8 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Citric acid bonding complex | Hair type: All, damaged | Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

For under $2, you can get 15 oz. of volume-inducing shampoo enriched with five vitamins (including vitamin E and provitamin B5) and oils that nourish the hair and add shine to strands. This formula also contains biotin and collagen, which may help strengthen the hair. Plus, this shampoo has an overall rating of 4.6 out of five stars on Amazon with reviewers raving about the effective cleanse it provides.

What a reviewer says: “I used to love V05 and used it for years, but you know how it is...we ladies are always chasing the next great thing in hair care...,” one reviewer on Amazon wrote. “Anyway, V05 is still the bomb! Smells great, leaves my hair shiny, and with more body than the latest and greatest $18 bottle of shampoo on which I most recently wasted my money! I love this shampoo!! I’m so glad to rediscover V05!!”

Size: 15 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, vitamin B5, biotin, collagen | Hair type: Fine, flat, oily | Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

Choosing a drugstore shampoo that provides and locks in hydration will be your best bet if you can’t seem to tame your frizz. “Dimethicone and silk proteins help to moisturize and seal in moisture,” says Rajani Katta, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and author of Glow: The Dermatologist’s Guide to a Whole Foods Younger Skin Diet. This translates to a shinier, sleeker look, regardless of your hair texture or thickness.

What a reviewer says: “I have dry frizzy hair and this shampoo eliminated the need to use conditioner after I shampoo,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “This is my go-to shampoo from now on! I love it!”

Size: 8.45 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Argan oil, coconut oil, dimethicone | Hair type: Dry, frizzy | Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

“This shampoo is formulated with antioxidants, vitamin C, and glycine to help clarify and remove buildup,” says Dr. Luke. “It is suitable for all hair types, is sulfate-free, and safe for color-treated hair.”

What we think: I don’t use many drugstore shampoos, but I’ve been using this clarifying shampoo for a few months now, and it has quickly become one of my go-to products. I had a difficult time finding a clarifying shampoo that would be safe for my color-treated hair, but this sulfate-free formula effectively gets rid of oils and product buildup and actually makes my blonde look brighter—likely thanks to how well it combats the hard water that comes out of my shower head.

Size: 6.8 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, glycine | Hair type: All | Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

For those with a “flaky, scaly scalp or dandruff,” Dr. Luke recommends this medicated, anti-dandruff shampoo from Dove that’s formulated with zinc pyrithione and almond oil.

What a reviewer says: “I have very dry scalp issues and get very flaky after showering,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I used this, and it reduced the flakes to almost nothing, and it doesn’t feel dry! I’ve found a shampoo that works and smells good!”

Size: 12 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Zinc pyrithione, almond oil | Hair type: All | Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

This shampoo from popular drugstore brand TRESemmé helps restore, replenish, and detangle hair with a hyaluronic acid-based formula that even provides heat protection that starts in the shower. Despite its hydrating and moisturizing formula, reviewers rave about how well it works on fine to medium hair without weighing down their tresses.

What we think: “This is my go-to affordable drugstore shampoo—I’ve been using it for many years, and it’s always super moisturizing on my long, fine hair and leaves it feeling hydrated, soft, and healthy,” says Associate Commerce Editor, Hannah Jeon.

Size: 39 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, biotin, niacinamide, glycerin | Hair type: All | Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

“This shampoo is specifically formulated for kinky/coily hair and is extremely moisturizing,” says Dr. Luke. “It is formulated with several key moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, and honey.”

What a reviewer says: “I am 66 years old and have naturally curly hair. I was experiencing breakage and dryness and found no helpful product until I found this shampoo,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “It can't take away every effect of aging but it has definitely improved the texture of my hair. It smells good and leaves my hair feeling soft. It has reduced the amount of frizz as well. ”

Size: 13 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Manuka honey, mafura oil, shea butter | Hair type: All | Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

Like the rest of the L’Oréal Paris EverPure line, this moisture-boosting iteration is formulated specifically for color-treated hair and is free of sulfates. This shampoo is full of glycerin to deeply hydrate strands and even boasts rosemary leaf extract, which may help with hair growth.

What we think: “I have color-treated hair that gets dry and frizzy at the first dip in temperature, so my seasonal go-to is this sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo from L’oreal. My hair gets INSTANTLY softer after using it, and it doesn't weigh my strands down like other moisture-heavy shampoos,” says Prevention Senior Commerce Editor, Charlotte Lewis. “I also love the way it smells like a fancy spa, so I get an aromatherapy treatment in my steamy shower, too.”

Size: 8.5 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, citric acid, rosemary leaf oil | Hair type: All | Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

This nourishing shampoo from Redken effectively cleanses the hair while helping to increase manageability, softness, and shine.

What we think: “I’ve tried many shampoos (probably upwards of 100 in my time as an editor),” says Prevention Deputy Editor, Emily Goldman. “This line from Redken truly makes my hair feel so soft, and I’ve received so many compliments on how healthy my strands look after my first month of use. It boasts a light, not overpowering scent, super-hydrating ingredients, and a decent amount of product for the price. My tresses feel nourished and super soft after every wash day.”

Size: 10.1 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, amino acids, aloe, argan oil | Hair type: All | Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

If your skin is prone to irritation and allergic reactions to the cleansers and fragrances in many common shampoos, finding a gentle formula is so important. “This shampoo is free of the most common triggers of allergic skin reactions in shampoos, including fragrance additives, formaldehyde preservatives, and methylisothiazolinone (a common preservative),” says Dr. Katta.

What a reviewer says: “My skin is progressively becoming more sensitive as I get older, so I’ve recently switched to more products formulated for sensitive skin. I purchased this shampoo when my scalp was really irritated. It took a little getting used to because this shampoo doesn’t suds up a lot nor has a scent, but my hair and scalp feel healthy and calm since I started using this several months ago,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I am going to continue to use and purchase this shampoo probably forever. No more of those expensive salon products that I used to use. My hair and scalp feel healthier and happier using this shampoo.”

Size: 12 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, panthenol (vitamin B5) | Hair type: Sensitive, dry | Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

If you’re looking for a moisturizing, reparative shampoo that’s great for all hair types, look no further. Reviewers love how this product helps to tamp down on frizz, aids with detangling, and leads to more silky and hydrated strands.

What we think: “This sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo is creamy and rich, but it lathers up really well (unlike many other moisturizing or sulfate-free washes). A lot of sulfate-free moisturizing shampoos for curly hair leave my hair feeling weighed down and not really super clean—but this is intensely hydrating and gets my hair and scalp super clean without drying it out,” says Health News Room Senior Editor, Gina Way. “My fine, curly hair is especially dry in the winter, and I think perimenopause is making it even drier (I’m over 50). I noticed that my hair was softer, shinier, bouncier, and more manageable since using this.”

Size: 13 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed rice protein, glycerin | Hair type: All, dry | Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

If you have hard water, you should probably be using a hard water shampoo—especially if you find your hair is increasingly difficult to manage, dull, or brittle. Luckily, there are lots of great options available at affordable prices—like this one from Ion.

What we think: “Our house was built in 1825, and the well water is full of iron and minerals, even with a water softener installed. When we first moved in, I couldn’t get a comb through my hair after I washed it until I discovered Ion hard water shampoo,” says Prevention Research Director, Sonya Maynard. “With the first wash, my hair became soft and easy to style, and it smells great too!”

Size: 10.5 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, citric acid | Hair type: All | Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

“I recommend this one for my curly girls, as it’s an amazing sulfate-free, hydrating shampoo,” Cleveland says. “The blend of oils and protein strengthens hair and maintains moisture.”

What a reviewer says: “I absolutely love the SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut Shampoo! As someone with curly hair, finding a shampoo that hydrates without weighing my curls down has been a challenge, but this product delivers,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “The coconut and hibiscus formula not only smells amazing but also leaves my hair feeling soft, moisturized, and frizz-free.”

Size: 13 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Coconut oil, hibiscus, shea butter | Hair type: Curly, dry | Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

“CeraVe is well-known by dermatologists for its ceramide-based moisturizers, however they now have a moisturizing shampoo that is suitable for all hair types as well as color-treated hair,” says Dr. Luke. “It is formulated with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to help moisturize the scalp and hair. It is sulfate and fragrance-free and can help those with dry or sensitive scalps.”

What a reviewer says: “This shampoo seems almost too good to be true,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “It ticks all of my boxes: It’s gentle and fragrance-free, so kind to my eye allergies. It’s exceptionally hydrating with hyaluronic acid as an ingredient. It’s CeraVe, one of my favorite trusted brands!”

Size: 12 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Hair type: All | Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

Thanks to “hydrating and soothing” ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera that are “light enough for everyday use,” Cleveland says this is a great option “if you feel you need to cleanse on a daily basis.”

What a reviewer says: “This product is excellent. It super moisturizes, softens, and leaves hair smelling fresh and like coconut,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “It’s all-natural/vegan and free of all unnatural ingredients.”

Size: 13 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera | Hair type: All | Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

Think of cleansing conditioners (a.k.a. a co-wash) as something in between a shampoo and conditioner. These can be great when you need to refresh your hair but want to avoid drying out your strands with a traditional shampoo. “I love that this cleansing conditioner also helps detangle which is important when managing curly hair,” says Dr. Luke. “This product also contains shea butter and almond oil to help soften and smooth hair and fight frizz.”

What a reviewer says: “I have 4c natural hair, and I can’t stop telling people about this product. It works so great on my hair,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “It leaves it clean and soft, I could basically detangle my hair with just this if I wanted. It smells great and is super thick and creamy. I use it with the tgin hair mask and it’s the best combo ever.”

Size: 13 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Shea butter, sweet almond oil | Hair type: Curly, dry | Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

Blonde maintenance can be tricky, especially when your hair color tends to turn orange or brassy. The answer? Purple shampoo. “This is a purple shampoo that is sulfate-free and neutralizes brassy tones without being too harsh,” says Cleveland.

What a reviewer says: “If you have blonde highlights, this is for you,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “Keeps hair looking beautiful blonde color and no brassiness or dull color!”

Size: 8 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Amino acids, panthenol (vitamin B5) l | Hair type: Blonde, gray | Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

“This is an oil-based cleanser and can be helpful for those with extremely dry hair. It is sulfate-free, so it’s less likely to strip the hair of its natural oils but also doesn’t leave the hair feeling oily after use,” says Dr. Luke. It includes a CR-4 complex, which, according to their website, is a coating of concentrated fatty acids that nourishes hair and scalp and may help protect curls from brittleness or breakage.

What a reviewer says: “This shampoo is so rich, delicious smelling, and luxurious, I can’t even believe it! And it cleans your hair wonderfully,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “My hair has not shined like this in a long time. It is extremely clean without drying out either my hair or my scalp.”

Size: 8.5 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, mafura butter, meadowfoam seed oil l | Hair type: Dry | Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

“If you’ve noticed your hair getting flat and lifeless, you may be dealing with the effects of product residue,” says Dr. Katta. “Some of us use so many styling products during the week, whether that’s leave-in conditioner, anti-frizz serum, or hairstyling products, and regular shampoos may not remove all of that product residue. You may need an occasional clarifying shampoo, which makes use of stronger cleansers such as certain sulfates to help remove that residue.” This pick from Neutrogena gently buffs away buildup without irritation.

What a reviewer says: “This shampoo is particularly effective for those with oily hair and scalp. After each wash, my hair feels incredibly clean and refreshed, with a noticeable reduction in oiliness,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “The shampoo does a great job of clarifying the scalp, leaving it feeling balanced and free from excess oil. Additionally, it doesn’t strip the hair of its natural moisture, which is a common issue with other clarifying shampoos.”

Size: 12 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Grapefruit extract, glycerin, citric acid | Hair type: Oily, fine | Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

“This is a great pick for those with sensitive scalps,” says Cleveland. “Formulated with almond oil and oat milk, this shampoo is gentle and soothes the scalp.”

What a reviewer says: “I tried several other shampoos, but none were as perfect for me as this Aveeno shampoo. My hair is no longer dry and brittle, and my scalp is clear,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I love it!!! And I finally love my hair, too! It feels soft and light and has volume without anything to weigh it down. It also feels strong! I also like that it is free of allergens. The value for money is amazing!”

Size: 12 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Collodial oatmeal, hydrolyzed milk protein, sweet almond oil | Hair type: All | Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars