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Shampoo is one of those products that we simply cannot live without. The “wash, rinse and repeat” routine is as old as time. The only thing that changes is how often we feel like we need it.  Some people do it daily, some others every other day, some only twice a week —  If you strictly follow professional advice.

There was a time when shopping for a shampoo was as simple as that. You wouldn’t put too much time or thought into it. You would just go to the store and maybe grab the first bottle you would see in front of you. Yes, those were simpler times. But, nowadays everything is more customizable — thankfully. We even have an option to” clean” the hair without actually washing it, you know, for those times when you just don’t want to. Yes, I’m talking about our beloved dry shampoos.

That’s why it’s so hard to choose the right one. Finding a shampoo brand we like, in many ways, is like dating. While it seems like we have unlimited options, when we do find one we like, we tend to stick with it, for a long time. Be it the drugstore brand or the salon brand.

But we all have different needs when it comes to that. Needs that are based on different types of hair, different stages of life, and different problems we want to address.

There’s also a matter of affordability. While some don’t mind paying extra for name brands, others, prefer to stick to budget-friendly ones.  

With so many things to consider, it’s hard to pick the “best” because as you can see, it’s not a “one size fits all” solution. But I managed to put together a list of the best for every hair type, for every issue, and every budget. Sort of like a “shopping guide” of shampoos, if you will. 

These picks are a combination of my personal preferences (what worked for me) and the ones reviewed by experts. So, without further delay, here they are:

For Damaged Hair:

Olaplex No4

I honestly think both — the shampoo and conditioner – when used together are amazing. But I find that even if your hair is not damaged but just in need of some TLC, it works wonders. Especially if you’ve been coloring it for a long time or it’s overly processed. It makes your hair healthy again, and you can notice the difference with just one wash. I also love the smell of this shampoo.

For Dull Hair:

Morrocanoil

We’ve all been there. Sometimes your hair just feels heavy and loses its glow for no reason. If your hair needs a little pick me up, this shampoo will do the job. I think everyone at this point knows the benefits of Moroccan oil so no introductions are needed.  

But if you find that your hair needs help Asap, the Intense Hydrating Mask will inject some life into it with one single use.

 

Kerastase Nutritive

Kerastase Nutritive is a classic. It has been a salon favorite for years now because it consistently performs so well. It also happens to be one of my personal favorites. The quality of this shampoo is unsurpassed, and the brand has a product line that includes everything your hair needs from styling sprays, hydrating oils to masks.  

If you’re looking to give your hair a boost, the hydrating masks from this brand are also amazing.

For Blonde Hair:

 

Redken Color Extend Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo

This is the best Purple Shampoo for blondes, hands down. I was once a blonde — in case you didn’t know — and I tried pretty much everything under the sun during this period. From the most affordable to the most expensive salon brands, but the one that stood the test of time for me was Redken. This shampoo gets rid of brassiness better than anything else I tried.

For Colored Hair:

 

Living Proof Color Care Shampoo

This shampoo gently cleans colored hair with a sulfate-free and silicone-free formula that nourishes and protects against UV, hard water, and damage. It makes the color last longer than any others I’ve tried.

For Curly Hair:

Aveda Be Curly Shampoo Co-wash

Co-Washing is important for curly hair because not only do you want something that will wash it clean but also keep it hydrated.

This Co-Wash Shampoo will remove build-up from the curls and cleanse your scalp with a sulfate-free formula that will keep your hair hydrated for up to 3 days.

For Thinning Hair:

Alterna Hair Care Caviar Anti-Aging Clinical Densifying Shampoo

It’s inevitable. It happens when you get older (due to hormonal changes) or after you have a child. Whatever the reason, if you find yourself in a situation where your hair is thinning, this product will make it stronger and thicker. It cleans effectively without leaving any residue.

For Frizzy Hair:

Davines Love Shampoo

Davines is a sustainable beauty company that has been featured in places like Vogue, Glamour, Allure, and Instyle magazines.

The Love Shampoo is great for frizzy or unruly thicker hair. It has equal parts cream and foam and will take care of the frizz unlike any other.

For Fine Hair:

Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng + Biotin

I have fine hair, and although it’s not the worst problem a person can have, it comes with its own challenges. Not only does it get naturally oilier than most but it’s also pretty flat — aside from the day I wash it.

That’s why it’s so important to choose a product that will clean it without weighing it down.

This shampoo from Briogeo is the best I’ve tried so far. It cleans effectively without leaving any residue behind and I love the volume it creates as soon as I step out of the shower. Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Ginseng is also made with 98% natural ingredients so you can feel even better about supporting this brand.

Best Splurge:

Aesop Classic Shampoo

If you’ve ever tried Aesop products before you know how good these are. If you’re not familiar, Aesop is an Australian brand that offers sharp products with a no-nonsense approach. Their ethos revolves around combining plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients of the finest quality.

This Classic Shampoo is a favorite among salon and professional stylists alike.

Best Dry Shampoo:

Batiste Original Fragrance

I tried all kinds of dry shampoos out there, but I always come back to Batiste Dry Shampoo. I feel like other brands keep trying to reinvent the wheel when a perfect formula already exists in this one.

In my opinion, it’s the best dry shampoo that also happens to be great for all hair types. It checks all the boxes for me: it refreshes my hair instantly, it gives it texture, it doesn’t live residue, absorbs oil, and gives it volume. And bonus points for being so affordable.

Best Clean Shampoo:

Verb Ghost Shampoo

This is a bit of a splurge, but it’s a clean product, which means is free of parabens, gluten, sulfates, and all the bad toxic chemicals that are bad for your health — not to mention to the environment.

Verb Ghost Shampoo is infused with moringa oil in a lightweight formula that won’t weigh your hair down. It’s recommended for all hair types.

Christina Moss Naturals Original Shampoo

This is a more affordable option if you’re looking for a clean shampoo. Christina Moss Naturals Original has a hydrating and clarifying formula that is recommended for all hair types. It’s especially beneficial if you have dry hair and a dry scalp.

Best Drugstore:

TRESemme Keratin Pro Collection

If you have frizzy hair and you’re looking for a more affordable option, this keratin-infused shampoo will smooth every single strand of your hair. It works great for all hair types.

I hope you found this information helpful. If you did, don’t forget to share it with your friends.

Xo

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