The best drugstore shampoos and conditioners
Want to shake up your hair routine? These products can help bring shine, body and wave to many hair types and styles.
For any hair care routine, shampoo and conditioner are your foundation. That means you’ll want to choose products that do everything they can for your ultimate hair goals, whether that’s body, luster or control.
But where to start? The sheer quantity of options can get overwhelming fast.
Fortunately, many top-performing shampoos and conditioners can be found at your local drugstore — at well below salon prices. Whether you’re looking to add a new product or a top-to-bottom revamp, these tips and tricks can help your tresses be their absolute best.
In this article:
Best drugstore shampoo
When shopping for the best drugstore shampoo, “I always recommend a formula that is paraben- and sulfate-free,” says celebrity hairstylist Alex Brown, the founder of SPACE by Alex Brown in Chicago who also spent several years as the right hand to world-renowned celebrity hair stylist Jen Atkin. “They are typically safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair.”
Next, seek out a formula that works for your hair type and addresses any specific concerns. “If your hair feels dry, you probably need moisture,” says Shelly Aguirre, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. “If your hair is limp, you need volume, and so on.” Doing this first can help you narrow down your choices.
Some popular shampoos on CVS.com® for various hair types include:
Nexxus Clean & Pure Shampoo: Formulated without sulfates and silicones, this hydrating shampoo helps gently cleanse hair without stripping it of moisture, making it great for dry hair.
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Volume Filler Thickening Shampoo: Help boost volume and fullness while you wash with this shampoo, which is ideal for fine or thinning hair.
John Frieda Replenish & Repair Shampoo: This nourishing formula is infused with argan, coconut and moringa oils that may help repair and protect damaged hair.
Best drugstore conditioner
Conditioners are responsible for restoring moisture after shampooing, but they can come with other perks, too. As with shampoo, “look at the packaging and choose a conditioner that speaks to what you’re looking for in a product — whether it’s color protection, frizz control, volume or moisture,” Brown says. She recommends only using treatment-based products every so often, because they can be overkill for daily maintenance. If used too often, she explains, they can build up, weighing hair down and leaving it dry and brittle.
Some popular conditioners on CVS.com include:
Dove Nutritive Solutions Conditioner Daily Moisture: Get a smoother, softer texture without the weight with this hydrating formula, which even helps defend against breakage.
Pantene Pro-V Curl Perfection Conditioner: Waves, curls and coils merit special care, like the antioxidants and pro-vitamin B5 in this curl-defining conditioner.
OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Conditioner: Infused with biotin and collagen (two key proteins for healthier-looking hair), this product leaves strands feeling thicker and full of body.
Best drugstore leave-in conditioner
Swapping your rinse-out conditioner for a leave-in conditioner comes with several benefits.
“If hair tends to be drier, or is color-treated or damaged, using a leave-in formula before brushing hair can help with detangling and smoothing,” says Brown. “A leave-in can also help prevent additional damage while making hair softer, whereas an in-shower product doesn’t help prevent damage when brushing wet hair.”
Some popular leave-in conditioners on CVS.com include:
SheaMoisture Leave In Conditioner for Damaged Hair: Ideal for curly, kinky and wavy textures, this shea-butter-based conditioner helps nourish hair sans silicones.
It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product: This multitasker works to help repair damage, boost shine, detangle, fight frizz and defend against heat.
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine 10 in 1 Spray: This “is a great product to try if you’re new to the leave-in game,” says Aguirre. Infused with keratin and argan oil, it can help provide high shine and frizz control in a single spritz.
Best drugstore shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair
A dedicated shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair can help extend the lifespan of your hair color and keep it looking vibrant. That’s essential because “color-treated hair is more compromised and prone to dryness or damage,” Brown says. As a result, it requires additional maintenance in the form of color-protective formulas.
Some popular options for color-treated hair on CVS.com include:
Nexxus Blonde Assure Purple Shampoo and Conditioner: Purple shampoos and conditioners such as this duo, help counteract brassiness in blonde and gray hair, leaving it looking shiny and bright.
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner: This pair uses antioxidants and UV filters to defend hair color from sun-induced fading, making it a winner for summer.
TRESemmé Revitalize Color Shampoo and Conditioner: This shampoo and conditioner lineup repairs color-damaged hair with a combo of amino acids and ceramides.
Best two-in-one shampoo and conditioner
While separate shampoos and conditioners are often best to reach your specific hair goals, hybrids can still be incredibly helpful. “If you skip a conditioner or leave-in altogether due to convenience, this could be an option,” says Brown. “Or, if you use it in a pinch for a quick, post-workout cleanse, it could also work.” But she recommends pairing it with a leave-in product to get extra moisture.
Some popular two-in-one options on CVS.com include:
Dove Men+Care 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner, Fresh and Clean: It might be geared towards men, but this caffeine-infused, two-in-one shampoo and conditioner helps refresh and strengthen hair for all.
Pert Plus Happy Medium 2 In 1 Shampoo Plus Conditioner: Do you have color-treated hair? Consider this color-safe formula, which helps cleanse and condition without residue or weight.
Harry’s 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner: If the goal is clean, hydrated hair, this sulfate-free formula can help. Plus, the fresh scent is invigorating.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.