All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Plenty of products promise healthier, shinier hair—for a price tag of $40 or more. But we’re here to tell you that the best drugstore shampoos—especially the ones packed with dermatologist and hairstylist-approved ingredients—can make your strands just as strong and smooth as the fancier (ahem, more expensive) options out there.
To narrow down what’s on the shelves of your local Walgreens or CVS, we tested more than a dozen options, and narrowed it down to the 10 best for a variety of hair needs, types, textures, and scalp conditions. Our top overall pick was Aveeno’s Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Shampoo because it’s suitable for sensitive hair and scalp types, including oily hair; it smells incredible; and it feels both lightweight and nongreasy. We also found options for textured hair types, and hair prone to breakage and dandruff.
The best drugstore shampoos, at a glance
.png)
How we tested
We tested drugstore shampoos by evaluating ingredients, texture/lather, and how our hair felt after use. The best ones had ingredients like apple cider vinegar, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidants to help hydrate hair from the inside out and keep it protected, soft, and flyaway free. The best drugstore shampoos had thick and creamy lathers, and did a great job at clarifying and softening our strands. They also washed out relatively easily without leaving any residue, and made our strands look and feel nourished and strong post-wash.
Best Overall: Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Shampoo
.png)
.png)
- Pros: Smells amazing; gentle on all hair types
- Cons: A little product goes a long way; too much may leave some residue
By far our favorite drugstore shampoo of the bunch, this clarifying pick contains apple cider vinegar to help detox and clean hair. It’s oil-free and contains colloidal oat for a hydrated and smooth finish. It helps increase shine and is also sulfate-free, making it suitable for color-treated hair too. Did we mention that it’s under $10?
Testing notes: “My hair is sometimes oily and knotty, and the only ingredient that ever seems to help is apple cider vinegar. This shampoo is such a treat, and did just the trick in untangling my strands and leaving them looking healthy and soft,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best for Dry Hair: OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo
.png)
- Pros: Lightweight to the touch and non-goopy; makes hair soft
- Cons: It can leave hair a little greasy if you apply too much
If you have dry hair, you might need a shampoo that has moisturizing ingredients like coconut milk and shea butter. This pick taps both to keep hair hydrated and fresh, and help combat frizz. It’s lightweight to the touch and easy to lather, too, making it a dream to apply.
Testing notes: “Although I have oily roots, my fine hair gets excessively dry and straw-like during seasonal changes. This shampoo has been a godsend recently because it keeps my hair feeling silky and fresh, and majorly improved the texture in just two washes. I also love that it’s quick to re-up, as it’s available on Amazon,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Oily Hair: Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
- Pros: Great for sensitive, oily, and irritated scalps
- Cons: Pricey compared to other shampoos on this list
Oily hair types will appreciate this purifying shampoo, according to Rogerio Cavalcante, a hairstylist based in NYC. “This is perfect for people with oily scalps or those who prefer a refreshing, invigorating experience during their wash. The rosemary and mint provide an energizing cleanse that works well for individuals seeking to remove excess oil and buildup while leaving a cool, fresh sensation on the scalp,” he says.
Testing notes: “As someone with naturally curly hair, I’m very picky about what goes on my strands and scalp, and this one pleasantly surprised me. Right off the bat, the scent is so refreshing. That minty, herbal aroma isn’t just nice—it’s therapeutic. It feels like a mini spa moment every time I wash my hair. Performance-wise, it did everything I hoped for and more. My hair felt noticeably softer after each wash, and detangling was a breeze (which, let’s be real, is half the battle with curls). But the real win? My scalp. It felt clean, calm, and refreshed—not stripped or tight—and I saw a real improvement in my usual dry, flaky patches. That cooling mint tingle? Instant relief. Overall, this shampoo feels like a treat and a treatment. If you’ve got curls and struggle with a dry or irritated scalp, I’d definitely give this one a try. Aveda nailed it,” says Glamour senior analyst Loneeja Talukdar.
Best for Dandruff: CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo
- Pros: Easy to lather; washes out quickly; gets rid of flakes
- Cons: Formula can be a little drying
If you deal with dandruff, we highly recommend shopping this hydrating shampoo that contains pyrithione zinc (which has antibacterial and antifungal properties), plus ceramides and niacinamide, to help combat flakes and soothe irritation in just a few washes.
Testing notes: “This dandruff shampoo has a very lightweight, fragrance-free formula that lathers exceptionally well to get into every nook and corner of your hair roots. It washes out easily without making my hair look or feel dry (thanks to the hyaluronic acid and ceramides in the formula), and I definitely noticed a difference in my flakes after just two uses. I also find that my scalp tends to get itchy around my ears and at my headline, and noticed that this sensation faded quickly after using this one for a week. It stands out against others on this list because of its price (at less than $10), efficacy, and derm-recommended ingredients. 10/10 all around,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Curly Hair: Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
.png)
.png)
- Pros: Creamy and luxurious lather; makes hair feel really clean
- Cons: Pricey compared to some of the other picks on this list
Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, is a huge fan of this pick, which is great for all hair types, but especially those with curly and textured hair. “This cleansing cream is formulated with AHA fruit acids,” she says, which work quickly and effectively to eliminate unwanted residue and oil, leaving hair refreshed and shinier.
Testing notes: “This shampoo left my hair feeling clean but not stripped of all the moisture from my hair. It had a delightfully fruity smell, which I feel isn’t always common for products that really clean your hair. It lathers really well, and I could immediately tell a difference in how my hair felt after using it—it was much softer and hydrated. I didn’t feel the need to go back and add products to rehydrate it after the fact, which is a huge plus,” says Glamour senior manager of social media Jazmin Gathers.
Best for Breakage: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo for Long, Damaged Hair
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo for Long, Damaged Hair
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo for Long, Damaged Hair
.png)
.jpg)
- Pros: Smells sweet; easy-to-lather texture; great for long hair types prone to frizz
- Cons: Not suitable for all hair types; can be a little drying on curly hair
If you have long or damaged hair, you’re likely no stranger to breakage and hair loss from flyaways and frizz. This sweet-smelling shampoo might just be the answer to your woes as it contains hydrating castor oil to promote hair growth and strength, as well as salicylic acid to gently exfoliate.
Testing notes: “This shampoo was a treat to apply. It has a really bouncy and lightweight texture that coats every strand once you put it in, and washes out quite easily too. The castor oil really made a difference in how shiny my hair was, and helped strengthen areas of breakage that I often deal with, particularly around the crown of my head. This was one of the easiest hair products to incorporate into my hair care routine, and it also smells so good,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Frizz: Being Bye Bye Frizz Smoothing Shampoo
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Being Bye Bye Frizz Smoothing Shampoo
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Being Bye Bye Frizz Smoothing Shampoo
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Being Bye Bye Frizz Smoothing Shampoo
.png)
.png)
.png)
- Pros: Easy to use; leaves hair shiny and soft
- Cons: Not suitable for hair types 3 and 4
Feel like you’re always combating frizz? Let us introduce you to this drugstore shampoo that’s chock-full of jojoba and almond oil to help keep all hair types sleek. It also comes in an easy-to-use squeeze bottle that makes it unique compared to other formulas on this list.
Testing notes: “I loved the packaging of this smoothing shampoo the first time I tried it, because it’s supereasy to use and helps you get out just the right amount of product needed. The formula itself is just as nice as its outer shell—it’s super silky, coats the hair nicely, and washes out pretty easily. My hair was very staticky and frizzy before I used this, and I almost immediately saw a difference post-wash. As I blow-dried, my hair was velvety soft and easy to run my brush through with no breakage in sight. At $7, this one is a real steal,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Scalp Buildup: Garnier Pure Clean Shampoo
- Pros: Smells amazing; makes hair and scalp feel clean and nonstripped
- Cons: Can leave residue if you use too much; formula is a little goopy
Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, recommends this shampoo because it removes residue and gently exfoliates with the help of salicylic acid, which is oil-soluble and can penetrate into pores to gently exfoliate and remove excess sebum. “It’s a nice choice for oily hair because it removes 100% of residue and is very lightweight, so it won’t weigh down strands,” says Dr. King. “And although there’s no residue, it won’t cause a dry scalp or strip the hair of moisture because it contains glycerin, aloe vera, and vitamins B3 and B6—these ingredients support scalp health.”
Testing notes: “I didn’t feel that I had to wash my hair every day like usual. Instead, I was able to go two whole days without feeling like a total greaseball. My hair was soft and shiny, and my scalp felt fresh,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best Scent: Native Moisturizing Shampoo, Coconut & Vanilla
.png)
- Pros: Smells great but not overpowering; makes hair tangle-free and soft
- Cons: Can make ends feel a little dry
Let’s be real, one of the qualities we look for in a great drugstore shampoo is how good it smells, and this formula from Native definitely checks that box. It also has plant-based oils to replenish moisture and kill dryness, and makes hair look shiny and frizz free.
Testing notes: “I was thoroughly impressed with how much I liked this shampoo,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It hydrates deeply and made my hair feel supersoft and healthy. It also smells glorious, but isn’t too cloying or overpowering, which I love.”
Best for Color-Treated Hair: L’Oreal Paris Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo
.png)
- Pros: Suitable for all hair types and hues; extremely affordable
- Cons: Might leave hair feeling dry
If you have color-treated hair or just want to avoid brassy orange and yellow tones, snag this drugstore pick that’s suitable for blondes, bleached hair, brunettes, and silver hair. It’s infused with hibiscus oil to tone out brassiness and lock in moisture. Plus, it’s formulated without sulfates or parabens.
Testing notes: “I felt that this shampoo did a great job of eliminating brassiness, and it also provided a nice, soothing lather. It really let my blonde shine through post-wash,” says Condé Nast executive account director Carolyn Frazier.
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for a drugstore shampoo?
“Besides being free of silicones and parabens, I’d look for shampoos that have hydrating ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil,” says Cavalcante. He also recommends looking for formulas that include aloe vera, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid because they attract and lock in moisture. “If you color your hair, also look for formulas that say ‘color-safe,’ or ‘sulfate-free,’ to ensure that they will keep your color vibrant for longer.”
What’s the difference between drugstore and high-end shampoos?
The biggest difference between drugstore and high-end shampoos is concentration and specialization, according to the stylists we interviewed. “Higher-end shampoos and conditioners may contain more concentrated active ingredients, while drugstore shampoos are often designed for broader use. That said, the drugstore market has really leveled up, and you can absolutely find formulas that rival salon brands if you know what to look for,” says Annagjid “Kee” Taylor, celebrity hairstylist. “With consistency and the right pick for your hair type, you can maintain healthy, beautiful hair without always having to splurge on luxury products,” she adds.
What should you avoid in a drugstore shampoo?
The stylists we spoke with also noted that there are some things to stay away from when shopping for a drugstore shampoo. “Avoid harsh sulfates, parabens, or drying alcohols, especially if your hair is textured, curly, or color-treated. These can strip the hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and fragile,” Taylor says. Sulfate-free formulas are a safe choice across all hair types.
Meet the experts
- Rogerio Cavalcante, hairstylist based in NYC
- Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC
- Annagjid “Kee” Taylor, celebrity hairstylist