These 10 Wallet-Friendly Shampoos Are so Good We Stopped Reaching for Luxe Bottles Altogether

Pros: Lathers well, lovely scent, salon-quality formula

Cons: None we could think of

Size: 10, 33.8 oz. | Hair type: All | Benefits: Color-safe, clarifying, free from common dehydrants | Fragrance: Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes

After polling a group of hair experts, it was obvious that one shampoo rose above the others in the drugstore department. Celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago praises this formula for its lightweight, sulfate-free formula (aka, none of the bad oil-stripping ingredients) that plays nicely with dyed hair. “It lathers like a luxury shampoo, smells incredible, and doesn’t strip the hair,” adds Ballance. “For under $15? Unreal.”

This formula not only contains a hair cuticle–sealing technology that repairs damaged strands and split ends, but it’s also lightly clarifying, which means that it effectively cleans the hair without overstripping it. Plus, it’s gentle enough to use on any hair type every day. We’ll take 14 of ’em!

Customer review: “I have thin, long, waist-length hair that's been damaged for a while now. After several uses of this shampoo, I noticed my hair has improved dramatically! The shampoo is really creamy, I've been applying a little over a quarter-sized amount, but it doesn't take much because it's concentrated and lathers up well. It feels especially lightweight, and it rinses out easily without leaving any residue buildup behind. My hair looks healthier, hydrated, shinier, and feels really soft and clean since using.”

Pros: Very nourishing, lathers well, hydrates dry hair

Cons: Some shoppers cite oily residue

Size: 13 oz. | Hair type: Curly | Benefits: Hydrates, detangles, and softens hair | Fragrance: Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes

Selected as one of the best shampoos for natural hair by our beauty editors, this ultra-nourishing formula is yet another sulfate-free option that you can snag for less than a Starbucks order. The coily hair-friendly shampoo is infused with manuka honey and manfura oil to deeply hydrate and nourish type-4 hair, detangling the strands as you go. “If you have curly hair, this will help with all the moisture and love your curls and waves need,” says Alissa DeLaTorre, hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. “This will leave your hair looking perfect and keep the curls alive!”

Customer review: “The dryness I used to struggle with has drastically reduced, and my hair feels healthy and manageable. But what really puts these products to the test is that my fiancée has permanently ‘borrowed' both of my bottles! She was so impressed with how well they worked for her hair that she prefers them over her usual name-brand products.”

Pros: Strengthens breakage-prone hair, improves appearance of thickness, reduces shedding

Cons: TBH, none!

Size: 8.5 oz. | Hair type: All | Benefits: Repairs split ends, adds density | Fragrance: Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes

A drugstore pick that experts lauded for thinning hair, this budget-friendly shampoo is like a weightlifting regimen for your mane. This reparative formula works hard to fortify thin strands and prevent breakage by treating the hair with rosemary extract and arginine to seal split ends while effectively cleansing the scalp of excess oil and buildup. Plus, it’s free from all the bad stuff—sulfates, salt, and surfactants, to name a few.

Customer review: “This is the best shampoo I have ever tried and I’ve tried a lot of “luxury” ones. My hair stylist of 9 years told me at our last appointment how much thicker my hair was and what I was doing differently. I’m on my third bottle of this and the conditioner and will probably never switch. My hair rarely sheds now and has never looked so good.”

Pros: Nourishing formula, long-lasting volume, encourages healthy growth

Cons: Might not work on thick hair types

Size: 13 oz. | Hair type: Fine | Benefits: 72 hours of volume, frizz-controlling| Fragrance: Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes

If you asked the WWW beauty team which shampoo would give you the best volume at the lowest price, we’d point you in the direction of this biotin- and collagen-infused formula from OGX. Though it totes a steal of a price tag, this nourishing formula offers a surprisingly strong lipid barrier that keeps individual hair strands hydrated and prevents frizz while imparting big, bold body for up to 72 hours after washing. Plus, its vitamin-enhanced formula encourages stronger, thicker hair with continued use.

Customer review: “I have thinner hair and have been looking for something volumizing without using heat. This shampoo definitely adds a bit of volume to my hair, especially after blow-drying it on low-heat. The smell is my favorite part, it smells very professional and expensive while only being $6. My hair hasn’t been oily at all, and it’s been more shiny and healthy-looking.”

Pros: Gently shapes curls, deeply hydrates, strengthens hair with use

Cons: People who aren't fans of coconut scents might find the fragrance too strong

Size: 13 oz. | Hair Type: Wavy to curly | Benefits: Frizz control, curl definition, detangling properties | Fragrance: Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes

When it comes to fighting frizz at a drugstore level, we’ve found ourselves turning to this strand-smoothing shampoo for years. Its formula is infused with pure aloe vera, coconut milk, and papaya extract to deeply nourish and smooth strands without overstripping—a task made possible thanks to its icky ingredient–free formula (think silicones, sulfates, parabens, and mineral oils). “[Maui Moisture] works great on all hair types, but I have wavy hair, and it allows my hair to dry naturally with way less frizz,” says DeLaTorre. Not to mention she and reviewers alike can’t get enough of its summery scent.

Customer review: “I have very frizzy hair due to the Florida humidity and I am amazed. I had noticed my daughter’s hair and curls were looking fabulous and asked what she was using, and she told me. I didn't try right away, but I wish I had as I could have saved so much money. This stuff is really good.”

Pros: Vitamin-packed formula, lifts hair from the root, soothes dry hair and scalp

Cons: Honestly, no notes

Size: 9.25 oz. | Hair Type: Claims thin, works on thick as well | Benefits: Effectively cleanses, offers scalpcare | Fragrance: Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes

It doesn’t get much more classic than Dove, and this deeply hydrating “hair therapy” proves why the brand will always be part of the drugstore starting lineup. Priced at just $10, this density-boosting, dermatologist-developed formula is packed with niacinamide, zinc, peptides, and glycerin for stronger strands and a hydrated, soothed scalp. Even if your hair falls into the coarse and dry categories, this product works hard to cleanse your head effectively without overstripping or leaving residue—scout’s honor.

Customer review: “I originally tried it when it first came out wasn't a big fan. It stripped my hair. Since the new formulation, it's so good. Leaves my hair clean and easy to rinse, no stripping and my scalp feels clean and refreshed. Way better than the expensive stuff I got. I have thick, coarse hair with [a] dry irritated scalp. Didn't realize till after I purchased it that it was only meant for thin fine hair, however, it works so well on my hair."

Pros: Softens hair, restores moisture, safe for color-dyed strands

Cons: Contains sulfates

Size: 28 oz. | Hair Type: All, especially damaged | Benefits: Revitalizes damaged hair, rebuilds strength | Fragrance: Yes | Sulfate-free: No

If you’ve already dropped buckets on dye jobs and damaging treatments, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t need to shell out to make reparations, too. This affordable shampoo from L’Oréal is packed with restorative proteins and ceramides to help soothe and repair strands from the root, with salicylic acid and arginine to care for the scalp and boost strand strength. “[It’s] great for damage control on heat-styled or colored hair,” says Ballance. He also lauds this formula for its lightweight feel that gets the job done without weighing things down. Our one note? It contains sulfates, which means that it may be drying—especially for those with dehydrated hair.

Customer review: “The first thing I noticed was the smell: absolutely amazing. It’s fresh, clean, and actually lasts all day, leaving me feeling like I just walked out of a salon. Both the shampoo and conditioner have a lovely, creamy texture that feels light but nourishing. Even after the first wash, I noticed a huge improvement in the dryness. My hair felt softer, smoother, and so much more manageable.”

Pros: Effectively cleanses, free from major irritants, safe for color-treated hair

Cons: Only safe for once-a-week use

Size: 13 oz. | Hair Type: All | Benefits: Cruelty-free, deep-cleaning, clean formula | Fragrance: Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes

Clarifying shampoos are a great option when your scalp feels overloaded with product (think your post-workout, overly dry-shampooed, day-three hair). While many can rack up charges in the $30-plus range, this drugstore option from Odele clocks in at just $12. This deep-clean formula works on all hair types, effectively removing product buildup, metal deposits (a byproduct of hard water), and chlorine (sweet summertime!) without damaging color-processed hair—just be sure to limit your use to once a week, as this formula might be too drying for repeat use.

Customer review: “Absolutely loved this shampoo! We have very hard water where we live, and I was starting to notice my hair getting dry, flat, and limp. I have type 2b/2c thick hair. After using the shampoo once, I noticed a difference in my hair. It felt a little lighter. After the second use within one week, it was noticeably more soft, fluffy (in the best of ways), and much more manageable. The shampoo lathers up beautifully and has a very soft and pleasant scent. Great value for the money!”

Pros: Safe for sensitive skin, works across all hair types, hydrates while effectively cleansing

Cons: Not ideal for deep cleansing

Size: 13 oz. | Hair Type: All | Benefits: Controls frizz, strengthens hair | Fragrance: Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes

“This is one of the best everyday shampoos across all hair types,” says Jeremy Pugh, professional hairstylist and content creator. “It’s sulfate-free, lightweight, and gentle on the scalp.” This daily cleanser is fortified with jojoba oil and aloe vera to hydrate and strengthen your scalp and strands, offering frizz-control properties while still effectively cleansing your hair. It’s free from a laundry list of unsatisfactory ingredients (sulfates, phthalates, parabens, silicones… you get the picture) and safe on color-dyed hair, as well. In short, it’s one of the best shampoos you can pick up at the drugstore if you’re an everyday hair washer.

Customer review: “I did not know that using cheap products made your hair feel gross and waxy. Hairitage changed the way my hair looks and feels. It is now shiny, and after the shampoo, it does not feel like I desperately need to put conditioner in it. I also love that is a shampoo that doesn’t cost $40 like other salon brands. I can [more easily] afford this every month. You need this product and you will not be disappointed!”

Pros: Safe for dyed hair, large size for price

Cons: Some shoppers cite artificial scent

Size: 14.9 oz. | Hair Type: All | Benefits: Controls frizz, color-safe | Fragrance: Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes

If you value a healthy lather, you’ll love the Pantene Miracle Moisture Boost Shampoo. This sudsy, sulfate-free formula works up a nice batch of bubbles in the shower, offering a deep clean while nourishing and smoothing your strands with its frizz-controlling properties. It’s infused with rose water, which helps control excess oil production, and yet shoppers laud its hydrating essence all the same. DeLaTorre also loves that this formula is silicone-free, so it won’t develop the dreaded “oily cast” over your strands.

Customer review: “This is my third re-purchase of this shampoo. You don't need much, and you get great lathering and cleansing. Plus, it's very easy to rinse out. Leaves hair soft and shiny.”