12 Best Drugstore Shampoos of 2025 for Every Hair Type and Concern
Explore the top-tested drugstore shampoos of 2025 for every hair texture, concern, and budget, according to beauty editors and real users.
12 Best Drugstore Shampoos of 2025, Tested and Reviewed
Shopping for shampoo need not break the bank. Drugstore shampoos have evolved with science-backed, ingredient-forward formulas that target every hair type and concern—often rivaling their pricier salon counterparts. Whether you want fuller, shinier, healthier, or more manageable hair, the best drugstore shampoos of 2025 offer salon-worthy results at a fraction of the cost.
Our Top Picks for the Best Drugstore Shampoos of 2025
The following shampoos were rigorously tested and reviewed by our team of editors with a wide variety of hair types and concerns, along with feedback from everyday users. Each recommendation includes key benefits, drawbacks, and a breakdown of star ingredients.
- Monday Haircare Volume Shampoo
- OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
- Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo
- Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Density Boost Clarifying Shampoo
- SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
- L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo
- Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo
- TRESemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo
- CeraVe Hydrating Shampoo
- Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Shampoo
- John Frieda ULTRAfiller+ Thickening Shampoo
- Vanicream Shampoo
1. Monday Haircare Volume Shampoo
Best Overall Drugstore Shampoo
This standout formula is designed to transform limp, fine, or thin hair into a fuller, voluminous look. The collagen-infused blend delivers body and bounce, while ginger root extract energizes strands and vitamin E supports scalp health.
- Pros:
- Boosts fine and limp hair visibly
- Leaves hair feeling soft and hydrated
- Convenient pump packaging
- 2025 Cosmo Readers’ Choice Beauty Award winner
- Cons:
- Might be too rich for very oily scalps
Editor Review: “Whenever I forget my hair products, Monday’s Volume Shampoo turns my dry, frizzy hair to shiny, soft strands with one wash.”
| Key Ingredients | Ginger extract, vitamin E, coconut oil, collagen |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-Free? | Yes |
| Size | 12 oz |
2. OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo
Best for Fuller-Looking Hair
Empowering fine hair with extra thickness, this shampoo combines biotin, hydrolyzed collagen, and wheat proteins to add volume and repair fragile strands. It’s a budget-friendly, award-winning pick for anyone seeking lift and resilience.
- Pros:
- Noticeably thickens hair with regular use
- Protein-rich to boost strand strength
- Readers’ Choice Award winner
- Cons:
- Packaging lid may detach easily
Reader Review: “This shampoo gives my fine, fly-away hair fullness and manageability—nothing else worked as well.”
| Key Ingredients | Biotin, hydrolyzed collagen, wheat protein |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-Free? | Yes |
| Size | 13 oz |
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3. Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo
Best for Everyday Moisture
Pantene’s iconic formula cleanses effectively without stripping away natural oils. It’s fortified with vitamins that restore softness and moisture, making it a perennial favorite for daily use and a hit on social media platforms for delivering consistently healthy, shiny hair.
- Pros:
- Cleanses gently and moisturizes
- Vitamin-enriched for scalp and hair health
- Trusted by generations
- Cons:
- May be too rich for very fine or oily hair types
| Key Ingredients | Pro-Vitamin B5, antioxidants |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-Free? | No |
| Size | 12 oz |
4. Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Density Boost Clarifying Shampoo
Best Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair
This lightweight cleansing shampoo with zinc effectively removes buildup and oil, helping to keep the scalp balanced and fresh. Designed for those who struggle with greasy roots or want a weekly reset for hair clarity.
- Pros:
- Great for oily or congested scalps
- Clarifying but not overly stripping
- Affordable for regular use
- Cons:
- Daily use may dry out brittle or curly hair
| Key Ingredients | Zinc, gentle cleansers |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-Free? | No |
| Size | 11 oz |
5. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
Best for Curly or Textured Hair
This sulfate-free shampoo enriched with shea butter, coconut oil, and silk proteins deeply moisturizes and defines curls. It fights frizz and delivers shiny, bouncy spirals without weighing them down.
- Pros:
- Strengthens and defines curls
- Sulfate-free and gentle
- Nourishing tropical ingredients
- Cons:
- Heavy for very fine hair types
| Key Ingredients | Coconut oil, hibiscus flower, silk proteins |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-Free? | Yes |
| Size | 13 oz |
6. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo
Best for Damaged Hair
Formulated to tackle the five signs of damage—weakness, dullness, split ends, dehydration, and rough texture—this restorative shampoo uses a blend of proteins and ceramides to rebuild and strengthen strands over time.
- Pros:
- Targets multiple signs of hair damage
- Affordable and widely available
- Leaves hair noticeably smoother
- Cons:
- Scent may be strong for some users
| Key Ingredients | Protein, ceramides |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-Free? | No |
| Size | 12.6 oz |
7. Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo
Best for Hydration
Packed with Australian macadamia nut oil and avocado, this shampoo delivers deep moisture, improving softness and shine from root to tip. A perfect daily pick for dry hair in need of a nourishing boost.
- Pros:
- Deeply hydrating and softening
- Light tropical scent
- Budget-friendly
- Cons:
- May be too rich for fine or oily scalp types
| Key Ingredients | Macadamia nut oil, avocado |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-Free? | No |
| Size | 13.5 oz |
8. TRESemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo
Best Budget Moisturizing Shampoo
Enriched with vitamin E, this formula gently cleanses while restoring essential moisture and providing soft, manageable hair at a wallet-friendly price point.
- Pros:
- Cost-effective for families
- Leaves hair soft and manageable
- Gentle enough for frequent washes
- Cons:
- Contains sulfates, so not suitable for color-treated hair
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin E, sunflower seed oil |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-Free? | No |
| Size | 22 oz |
9. CeraVe Hydrating Shampoo
Best for Sensitive Scalps
This dermatologist-developed formula uses ceramides and hyaluronic acid to replenish and hydrate the scalp, while gentle surfactants cleanse without irritation. Excellent for fragile, chemically treated, or sensitive scalps.
- Pros:
- Non-stripping and mild
- Soothes sensitive or reactive skin
- Sulfate and paraben-free
- Cons:
- May not deeply cleanse oily or heavy-styled hair
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-Free? | Yes |
| Size | 12 oz |
10. Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Shampoo
Best Strengthening Shampoo
Infused with apple extract and strengthening ceramides, this affordable formula helps reduce breakage and restores a healthy, vibrant shine to weak hair.
- Pros:
- Fortifies hair and reduces split ends
- Fruity scent is energizing
- Accessible price and size options
- Cons:
- Scent may be too sweet for some
| Key Ingredients | Apple extract, ceramides |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-Free? | No |
| Size | 12.5 oz |
11. John Frieda ULTRAfiller+ Thickening Shampoo
Best Volumizing Pick for Fine Hair
Specially made for fine or flat hair, this shampoo uses lightweight polymers to lift the root and thicken each strand, instantly upping the volume and bounce.
- Pros:
- Visibly increases hair fullness
- Does not leave hair heavy or greasy
- Lightweight feel, even after multiple washes
- Cons:
- Might dry hair if overused or paired without conditioner
| Key Ingredients | Polymer complex, protein blend |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-Free? | No |
| Size | 8.45 oz |
12. Vanicream Shampoo
Best for Ultra-Sensitive or Allergy-Prone Scalps
This gentle, fragrance-free formula omits common irritants, making it the go-to for those with allergies, eczema, or severely sensitive skin. It cleanses thoroughly without stripping, suitable for the most delicate needs.
- Pros:
- Fragrance- and dye-free
- Non-irritating for sensitive or medically impacted scalps
- Sulfate-free
- Cons:
- Bare-bones formula may not address all hair concerns
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, mild cleansers |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-Free? | Yes |
| Size | 12 oz |
How We Selected the Best Drugstore Shampoos
Beauty editors drew on years of firsthand testing, consulting professional stylists, and gathering real-world user reviews. Products were evaluated based on:
- Performance: Cleansing, hydration, and overall improvement in hair look and feel
- Ingredients: Presence of hair-nourishing, science-backed components
- Suitability: How well the product supports specific hair types and concerns
- Packaging: Ease of use and product longevity
- Value: Sizing, price, and effectiveness compared to salon alternatives
Many of these shampoos have also been awarded in Cosmo Holy Grail Awards and Readers’ Choice Awards, affirming their tried-and-true status.
Salon vs. Drugstore Shampoo: Which is Better?
Drugstore shampoos historically had a reputation for being harsher but that gap is closing. Modern brands craft formulas using high-quality ingredients often found in higher-end lines at significantly lower prices. The bottom line is:
- Salon shampoos may offer greater luxury and ingredient customization, often with more gentle cleansers and fewer fillers.
- Drugstore shampoos today deliver targeted performance for most hair needs—when you select the right formula for your hair type and goals, there’s no reason to pay more.
Expert advice: Always prioritize your hair’s unique needs—hydration, repair, volume, or scalp balance—over price or hype, to see the best results.
“You want to make sure the shampoo you’re using, regardless of the price, is tailored to your hair’s specific needs,” notes celebrity stylist Giovanni Vaccaro.
How to Choose the Healthiest Drugstore Shampoo for Your Hair
There’s no universally “healthiest” shampoo—what counts as healthy depends on your hair:
- Dry, brittle hair: Seek hydrating or nourishing shampoos (look for coconut oil, ceramides, or shea butter)
- Flat, fine hair: Choose thickening or volumizing formulas packed with proteins and polymers
- Sensitive scalp: Opt for gentle, fragrance- and sulfate-free solutions
- Curly and textured hair: Go for moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoos with oils and proteins for definition
An easy approach: Identify your biggest hair or scalp challenge, and use that as your starting point for selecting shampoo ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are drugstore shampoos as good as salon brands?
Many drugstore shampoos now contain high-quality ingredients and can deliver similar results to salon formulas if matched to your hair needs. The main difference is often in packaging and luxury extras rather than core effectiveness.
How often should I use drugstore shampoo?
For most hair types, two to three times a week is sufficient to maintain scalp health and cleanliness while avoiding dryness. Curly or textured hair may benefit from less frequent washing and more co-washing.
Is sulfate-free always better?
Sulfate-free shampoos are preferred for color-treated, curly, or sensitive hair, but for oily scalps, occasional use of sulfate-based cleansers can effectively remove stubborn buildup.
Can I rotate between different drugstore shampoos?
Yes—alternating shampoos depending on your hair’s current state (dryness, oil, product buildup) ensures it gets exactly what it needs year-round.
What ingredients should I look for in a drugstore shampoo?
Focus on nourishing oils (argan, coconut, macadamia), proteins (collagen, keratin), and scalp-soothing agents (zinc, niacinamide, ceramides), depending on your requirements.
Choosing the right drugstore shampoo can transform your haircare routine, offering salon-quality results without the salon price. Consider your hair’s needs, experiment with editor-backed picks, and enjoy healthy, beautiful hair—all with the convenience of your favorite local shop.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g61829497/best-drugstore-shampoo/
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a65010722/drugstore-shampoo-vs-expensive/
- https://cosmocosmetics.in/blogs/news/cosmo-shampoo-the-best-shampoo-for-your-hair-care
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a65321822/readers-choice-beauty-awards-2025/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ2ld93c50k
- https://www.haircosmopolitan.com/collections/best-selling-products?page=4
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