The world of shampoo can be confusing, to say the least. What works for your hair? What kind of hair do you have in the first place? Is this brand I've been using for all these years not helping me? Have I been going about this all wrong?

Not to worry; in this buyer's guide, we'll go over shampoo options of all sorts to give you a few options and help you navigate and see what shampoo works best for you, whether you need a shampoo for color-treated hair or one for hair loss . Not only will this guide go through a good variety of formulas you might want to check out, but it'll also take a look at the lower end of the market. Between the quality, variety of types and good price points, this could be just the guide you needed to start yourself on a path to better hair care custom made to your needs!  

In this guide, we'll explore not only specialty shampoos as well as dry shampoos for people on the go, but we'll also take a look at some solid, healthy general use shampoos for your everyday needs. We've got it all just inside this guide, so dive right in and see our top picks! 

Pantene Pro-V has been a long-standing, reliable shampoo brand for decades, and this new iteration is no exception to the standard we've all come to expect from their name.

The vitamin-rich formula not only leaves your hair feeling clean and fresh but it helps hold moisture and strengthens even damaged hair.

The conditioner that comes with this shampoo helps maintain your hair's natural moisture and any that the nutrients the Pro-V formula provides with each and every wash. The combination of the shampoo and conditioner can be a powerful mix to make your hair as healthy as it can be.

The formula, while strong and potent, is surprisingly gentle on hair, even permed or color-treated hair.

The Pantene formula has been a favorite of customers all over for years and works well as a simple, meat-and-potatoes shampoo that can be used every day on hair of any type. While specialty shampoos certainly have their place, the Pantene has been a tried and true formula for many years and works well as a general wellness shampoo for even dry and damaged hair. Customers also really liked the light, fresh scent.

Some customers found the hair actually made hair dryness worse, which means it may not be for everyone. Those with thin hair may find their hair feeling a bit heavier after use and could potentially make it feel greasy or too moist.

Overall, with the value of the product, the value in the reliable nature of Pantene Pro-V's formula and the clean fresh smell to top it all off, Pantene is always a solid option to go with for a good, general purpose shampoo and conditioner.



Key Features
  • Locks in hydration from root to tip
  • Moisturizes to leave soft, manageable hair
  • Safe for color and chemically treated hair
  • Great for all hair types
Specifications
  • Package Size: 25.4 oz, 24 oz
  • Notable Ingredients: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Citrate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine
  • Paraben Free?: Yes
  • Brand: Pantene
Pros
  • Reliable, nutrient rich shampoo
  • Nice, light fragrance
  • Gentle for dry, damaged hair
Cons
  • May make hair drier
  • Could make thin hair feel greasy

Dry hair can be tough to treat, but this TRESemmé formula might be just the thing you need.

One of the first things you may notice about this TRESemmé package is the sheer volume of product you get for an unbelievably cheap price. Don't mistake the volume and price for a lack of quality, though; TRESemmé is a tried and true brand and this particular iteration is an excellent every day shampoo to keep your hair hydrated, volumized and shiny. The specialized formula containing vitamin E and biotin help retain and lock in moisture to help keep your hair hydrated and healthy. Just lather, rinse and repeat and you're well on your way to healthy, shiny hair. It's great paired with TRESemmé Moisture Rich Conditioner, but can work well on its own, too.

Customers raved about the cleansing attributes of this TRESemmé formula, flushing out grease and dirt while giving hair a long-lasting lustre that carries customers up to the 48 hour mark and possibly beyond, all packed in a gentle yet powerful formula.

Though a gentle formula, some customers with especially sensitive skin may have difficulties using too much of it at once or a few times per week might cause skin issues, so it's best to use a little at a time and keep the bottle on reserve. Some customers with especially dry hair may not get the moisturized results they are looking for, so a little experimentation is best here.

This shampoo is a great choice for an everyday shampoo. While not for everyone, this shampoo is great for most needs, you get plenty of bang for your buck and you get the benefit of the TRESemmé name.

Key Features
  • Formulated for daily use to hydrate dry hair
  • Contains biotin and vitamin E for vibrancy and softness
  • Deep conditioning, salon-quality formula
Specifications
  • Package Size: 28 oz.
  • Notable Ingredients: vitamin E, biotin, Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Dimethiconol, Fragrance (Parfum)
  • Paraben Free?: Yes
  • Brand: TRESemmé
Pros
  • Long-lasting, cleansing effect
  • Pleasing scent
  • Excellent value for money spent
Cons
  • May not be suitable for sensitive skin
  • May not be great for overly dry hair

This Suave shampoo has the replenishing, cleansing formula packed with natural almond and shea butter, sure to leave your hair not only smelling amazing but looking beautiful as well. 

Suave's shampoo and conditioner, with a simple lather and rinse, leaves your hair re-hydrated, revived and touchably soft. 

The almond and shea butter formula works so well on the skin and with the way Suave specialists have put together this shampoo and conditioner set, the same can be said for your hair as well. This shampoo and conditioner combination will treat dry, damaged hair especially well, breathing new life into hair that has seen better days to give you a smooth, moisturized and healthy glow back to your hair. Top it all with a refreshing, long-lasting scent thanks to the all-natural ingredients infused throughout, your newly revived hair will also smell fantastic throughout the day.

This shampoo is the clear winner of the best value award given the sheer amount of product you get for your money. 

Customers who have had some issues with knots in their hair have found this shampoo helps smooth them out and prevent it from happening again.

Customers have also raved on and on about the mild yet long-lasting scent; it's the perfect balance between sustained and not overpowering. Some may find it too strong, but overall reviews are good.

Other customers would have liked a better moisturizing component but were overall satisfied with the way it helped prevent knots.

Key Features
  • Infused with 100 percent natural almond and shea butter
  • Long-lasting fragrance
  • Great for dry, damaged hair
  • Helps smooth and moisturize hair
Specifications
  • Package Size: 36 oz.
  • Notable Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, bitter almond oil, shea butter
  • Paraben Free?: Yes
  • Brand: Suave
Pros
  • Huge volume for the money spent
  • Helps prevent knots
  • Customer-approved fresh scent
  • Leaves hair with clean, fresh feeling
Cons
  • Scent may be overpowering
  • Could act as better moisturizer

When there's not enough time to give your hair a full wash, the Dove Refresh + Care dry shampoo is a great way to look your best when you're running late. The special formula helps boost your hair's volume while absorbing oils and preventing that greasy look unwashed hair gets from time to time. The Dove Refresh + Care dry shampoo leaves your hair feeling clean and fresh. With a feq quick sprays and massaging into the hair, your hair can be good to go in under a minute! 

Dove has been a trusted brand for more than 60 years, and this dry shampoo is right on par with the reliable standards we've come to know and love from the brand. 

Customers have enjoyed the fresh scent from this dry shampoo; some brands have been known to be somewhat overwhelming when it comes to heavy scents after just a few sprays, but it seems Dove has found a nice, mild balance.

On the other hand, some customers have reported while the shampoo does a good job absorbing some of the oil that comes from hair that may not have been otherwise wished, it can leave a different kind of residue behind.  

Overall, while texture can leave a little something to be desired, this is a good option for those washing their hair on the go. 

Key Features
  • Volumizing dry shampoo perfect for on-the-go days
  • Absorbs oil
  • Quick, easy use
  • Light scent
Specifications
  • Package Size: 5 oz.
  • Notable Ingredients: Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Silica
  • Paraben Free?: Yes
  • Brand: Dove
Pros
  • Nice scent
  • Absorbs oil nicely
  • Quick, convenient option for people on the go
Cons
  • Can leave some texture behind
  • Scent can be overbearing for some

A good dry shampoo is hard to find, but Batiste certainly has a contender on the market. 

This dry shampoo has a subtle scent, which makes this product a standout already since overpowering scent can definitely be a problem in the dry shampoo sector. Scents include lavender and musk. There's no water required to use the dry shampoo, which makes it perfect for anyone on the go. 

Dry shampoos are a bit notorious for leaving behind white residue or a greasy, sticky texture in the hair once you're done with it. Not so much with Batiste. No, the waterless formula helps clean up your hair by absorbing dirt and grime and gives your hair a light, fresh feel. 

Customers with dark hair might find some residue when using the product; a  little bit of white residue can be bothersome particularly against darker shades. Using a bit less spray and relying more on massaging it into the scalp may be a good workaround; this requires some experimentation, but some customers report that brushing the product through could get rid of any lingering whiteness.

Customers really appreciated the way the shampoo dries quickly, which can be unusual - ironically - with certain other brands of dry shampoo. The shampoo does clean as well as advertised without weighing the hair down with that product-saturated feel. 

All in all, Batiste presents a solid option when it comes to dry shampoos. It's great if you're in a hurry and want a fast way to clean up your hair. 

Key Features
  • Classic, light fragrance
  • Removes oils to add texture and volume
  • Absorbs dirt and grease without water
  • Vegan friendly
Specifications
  • Package Size: 10.10 oz.
  • Notable Ingredients: Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Limonene, Linalool
  • Paraben Free?: Yes
  • Brand: Batiste
Pros
  • Leaves hair feeling light and fresh
  • Cleans well
  • Convenient for people on the go
  • Especially effective with oily hair
Cons
  • May leave white residue behind
  • Scent can be overpowering for some

Everpure is an excellent formula for those with lighter hair, be it natural or treated, to help bring out the absolute best color possible. Infused with purple pigments, this shampoo helps dull out the unsightly brass yellow and orange undertones that can tarnish or dull your light color; it's designed to bring out the lighter tones in your hair to really make your color pop.

This shampoo is designed to only use one to three times per week. It should be lathered into the hair and left for up to two minutes in your hair; the amount of time depends on how much toning you want for your hair. Bleached, damaged or color treated hair should only be used once a week at first for best results.

If used as directed, the results have been great for those battling dull or brassy shades in their hair. In addition to delivering on promises of standout tones, a light pleasant scent is the icing on the proverbial cake.

While some toning shampoos can be pricey, this shampoo falls well within most anyone price point.

Be careful when rinsing it out as it can leave purple residue behind; as long as it's thoroughly rinsed, it'll be just fine. Some people find the scent to be a bit much, but this ends up being a matter of taste in the end.

Overall, if you're struggling with some off colors in your lighter hair, this is an excellent toning, balancing option for you.

Key Features
  • Sulfate free and vegan friendly
  • Best suited for blonde, bleached, highlighted and silver hair
  • Brightens hair by getting rid of brass and orange tones
  • Moisturizing formula
Specifications
  • Package Size: 6.8 oz
  • Notable Ingredients: COCO-BETAINE, DISODIUM LAURETH, SULFOSUCCINATE, SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE, SODIUM LAURYL SULFOACETATE
  • Paraben Free?: Yes
  • Brand: L'Oreal Paris
Pros
  • Light, pleasant scent
  • Promises of darker, more natural tones delivered
  • Excellent price point
Cons
  • Leaves purple residue
  • Scent can be overpowering

Long hair can be difficult to maintain; it's not easy being beautiful, after all! The Elvive Dream Lengths shampoo helps repair damaged hair and split ends without needing to cut or trim your hair. Used together with L'Oreal's Elvive Super Detangler Conditioner and No Haircult Cream Leave In Treatment can give you a manageable, tangle-free, shiny, healthy hairstyle like never before.

The key ingredients of vitamins B3 and B5 and fine castor oil are proven to strengthen and help heal damaged and weakened hair.

The shampoo is easy enough to use, just the standard rinse, lather and repeat as desired routine. However, from L'Oreal itself, it's a good idea to rinse your hair with cold water to give your hair a little bit of an extra shine.

Customers love the way this shampoo smells; though there have been a few reports here and there that the smell can be overpowering, those reviews are few and far between. Customers have reported improved hair health – repairing split ends and other damage, particularly when used with the other associated products – in addition to a clean feel and a very pleasant scent left behind.

Some customers found that the shampoo has the potential to dry their hair too much. The majority, however, find their hair feels much softer after using the shampoo.

Between the reasonable price point, the proven formula and top it off with a fantastic smell, this shampoo comes highly recommended especially for those who have long hair.

Key Features
  • Revives long, damaged hair with castor oil, vitamins B3 and B5
  • Seals off split ends
  • Adds shine and won't weigh down
Specifications
  • Package Size: 12.6 oz.
  • Notable Ingredients: Vitamins B3 and B5, Fine castor oil
  • Paraben Free?: Yes
  • Brand: L'Oreal
Pros
  • Reasonable price point
  • Leaves hair feeling soft, healthy and clean
  • Helps repair common hair damage and tangles
Cons
  • Can make hair too dry
  • Smell is too strong for some

An itchy, flaky scalp is literally and figuratively a pain to deal with. Thankfully, Neutrogena comes through again with their T-Gel formula, designed to fight scalp itching and redness thanks to its coal tar extract formula.

The coal tar extract, making up 1 percent of the shampoo's composition, is noted by the National Psoriasis Foundation as an ingredient to help foster a healthy, comfortable scalp. Though the formula is specialized, it's still gentle enough for daily use and Neutrogena says you should start to see improvements in dandruff treatments right away, lasting one week if only used once.

This shampoo also works well as a standard shampoo, gently cleaning the hair and leaving the hair feeling soft and flexible, as it should.

Since this is a specialized shampoo, it's usually best to contact your doctor or even talk to your pharmacist to help you figure out of this shampoo would be right for you. They may recommend you use the shampoo twice per week or as directed. It works like any standard shampoo in terms of rinse, lather, repeat as desired. However, if you have gray, blonde, bleached or tinted hair, you may experience some discoloration.

Customers dealing with these scalp conditions said the formula works wonderfully even when compared to expensive, steroid-based shampoo using it twice per week or more. Some customers indicated the shampoo has a rather strong smell, but the effectiveness of the formula seems to outweigh this shortcoming when it comes to public opinion.

Overall, this is an excellent, very budget friendly option if you're suffering from dandruff or itchy scalp.

Key Features
  • Formulated for treating itchy scalp and dandruff
  • Gentle yet powerful formula
  • Dermatologist recommended
Specifications
  • Package Size: 6 oz.
  • Notable Ingredients: Active: 4% Neutar(R) Solubilized Coal Tar Extract (Coal Tar 1%)...Purpose: Anti-Dandruff, Anti-Seborrheic Dermatitis, Anti-Psoriasis.
  • Paraben Free?: Yes
  • Brand: Neutrogena
Pros
  • Excellent price point
  • Works very well with itchy scalp and dandruff
  • Effective even with only a few uses
Cons
  • Shouldn't be used as regular shampoo outside of conditions it treats
  • Strong smell

Some of the more budget-friendly shampoos and dry shampoos out there have a tendency to leave a residue behind, but not so with the Neutrogena Anti-Residue shampoo.

Residue from some shampoos can really do a number on your hair over time, but this Neutrogena shampoo can help your formerly flat and lifeless hair get its life and volume back, refreshing and resetting it for a new, clean, shiny look.

This shampoo is gentle and great for any type of hair, even if you've treated it with color or if the hair is particularly thin. The clarifying formula has no artificial dyes or colorants to give you the purest, most clarifying shampoo Neutrogena can offer.

Using this clarifying shampoo only once a week can make your hair go from dirty and dull to shiny, clean and fresh! Customers who used this shampoo reported their hair feeling so much better after carrying residue and product unwittingly in their hair for months or even years. It's a good idea to refrain from using the shampoo more than twice a week as it has the potential to dry your hair out.

Some people with naturally oily hair may not get the results they're looking for with this particular product. It's been reported that, yes, it does make their hair feel cleaner and lighter, but not for as long as customers may have preferred.

While it takes some experimentation to figure out if this particular shampoo is right for you, it's definitely worth a try if you're having difficulties with other hair products making your hair feel unpleasant.

Key Features
  • Helps remove residue that dulls and weighs hair down
  • Gentle cleanser that helps boost volume
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Suitable for once-weekly treatment
Specifications
  • Package Size: 6 oz.
  • Notable Ingredients: cocamidopropyl betaine, glycerin, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil
  • Paraben Free?: Yes
  • Brand: Neutrogena
Pros
  • Really cleans hair product residue
  • Great pre-dye option
  • Light, pure, simple formula
Cons
  • Could dry out hair if used too much
  • May not work well with oily hair

The Garnier Fructis line of paraben-free, silicone-free shampoos has been a mainstay in the everyday shampoo world for many years – and for good reason!

The shampoo is infused with aloe extract and Vitamin E to not only keep your hair clean and fresh, but to actively improve the health and strength of your hair with every wash.

While strong, this Garnier shampoo is gentle enough for use every day to clean and strengthen your hair. Additionally, this formula is vegan – no animal-derived ingredients or by-products added.

This shampoo comes from a long line of quality products we've all come to expect from Garnier, who have been in the business since 1904.

Customers appreciate the lower price point of this Garnier shampoo, and its gentle formula is good even with thin, fine or damaged hair while promoting health and strength with every wash. Those with oily hair have reported using the shampoo even a few times a week makes their hair look noticeably lighter and less greasy.

Keep in mind there are reports that those with colored hair have had some difficulties keeping their full color while using this shampoo. While the scent is pleasant and well-reviewed for the most part, it can become overwhelming for a few people.

This is a solid choice for an everyday shampoo – it cleanses, hydrates, strengthens and smells fantastic. There are a few complaints about the scent and the stress on artificial hair colors, but for the most part, this is an excellent option.




Key Features
  • Paraben and silicone free
  • Fortified with aloe extract and vitamin E
  • Gentle enough for everyday use
  • Vegan formula
Specifications
  • Package Size: 12.5 oz.
  • Notable Ingredients: ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, LINALOOL, NIACINAMIDE, PYRIDOXINE HCL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, CITRIC ACID,
  • Paraben Free?: Yes
  • Brand: Garnier
Pros
  • Budget friendly
  • Excellent everday shampoo option
  • Hydrates and strengthens hair
  • Great for oily and stressed hair
Cons
  • Scent could be overpowering
  • Not suitable for some colored hair

Looking good means feeling good, and you want to step up your game in any way you can. Hair can be tricky. There are any number of styles for just as many face and body shapes, not to mention countless colors you could potentially choose depending on your mood, means and the look you're going for.

While all of these can be addressed in other posts, in this one, we will talk about ways you can use your shampoo to keep your hair looking its absolute finest. Let's rinse, lather and move right along, shall we?

Oh, no, my hair is greasy!

Not to worry; this happens even to the best of us. We find very few people are completely exempt from oily hair at some point in their lives. Oily hair can be a problem as it tends to get dirtier faster than other types of hair, but if you were to wash your hair twice with shampoo, this helps ensure your hair is clean and could help your hair come out looking more voluminous and healthier!

Help! I have frizz!

Frizz can be so annoying and completely ruin a good hair day. The good news is if you're not anywhere near a shower, there are ways to wrangle in the frizz. Use a small amount of hand lotion and use it to tame your frizzy spots. It's not the best idea to use this as a go-to treatment, but in a pinch, it can be surprisingly effective.

How do I keep my curls?

Good question. Sometimes shampoo has a tendency to straighten curls, but if you were to wash your hair with conditioner and no shampoo, it could help maintain the shape of the curls and keep your hair bouncy and shiny.

Out of conditioner? Hit the fridge.

No, really. If you have mayonnaise on hand, it is a shockingly good moisturizer and conditioner for your hair. If you have long hair, apply a little bit of mayo on your hair and tie it up in a bun (if you have short hair, you can obviously skip the bun part). Cover your hair in a plastic bag or some sort of wrap to keep the moisture in. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and rinse.

White residue! Ahh!

Yes, dry shampoo can cause white residue, as convenient as it might be to use. However, to avoid this, you may want to give this a try. Spray your hair down with dry shampoo and sleep on it overnight. This would help the shampoo to soak up any oils or dirt in your hair and leave it clean and fresh for the morning. This saves you time and the potential embarrassment of undue white streaks in your hair!

Resources— InyMiny, Luxy Hair

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