18 Best Drugstore Shampoos for All Hair Types and Concerns, According to Cosmo Editors

It's tricky to find a sulfate-free shampoo that *actually* leaves your hair feeling squeaky clean—but celeb hairstylist Kristin Ess managed to make that happen with this lightly clarifying formula. Deputy Beauty Director Lauren Balsamo loves how this shampoo makes her hair "feel super clean but not straw-like," and the rich sandalwood and amber scent is just the cherry on top.

• Size: 13 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed pea protein, sunflower seed oil, mango seed butter
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "One of the best shampoos on the market. Slight clarifier but non-stripping and cleans exceptionally well without the typical buildup that often comes with shampoo. Has become a go-to."

I'm obsessed with Monday hair products for the accessible prices and v aesthetic bottles, and this volumizing shampoo is no exception. Filled with lightweight hydrators for smoothing the hair shaft and ginger root extract to encourage new hair growth, this collagen-infused formula helps to noticeably improve the appearance of thin or fine hair, leaving it fuller-looking and more voluminous than ever.

• Size: 12 fl oz
• Key ingredients:
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "I have really fine hair and it always lays really flat. After nothing but this shampoo, my hair was noticeably bigger and more full of life. I used to live with my hair always tied up, but now that it looks so majestic, I can't find it in me to tie it down."

ICYDK, apple cider vinegar shampoos have incredible clarifying powers, and Senior Editor Lauren Fisher swears by this budget-friendly option for her extra oily hair. It uses sodium citrate (a chelating agent) and ACV to gently cleanse strands without leaving 'em feeling stripped—and, as a bonus, it contains colloidal oatmeal to soothe itchy scalps as well.

• Size: 12 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, sodium citrate, apple cider vinegar
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "This stuff is just excellent. All its claims have been, for me, 100% true! My curls have never been so defined, frizz-free, bouncy and shiny! Added bonus that it smells amazing. You don’t need much of either the shampoo or conditioner. Gives a deep clean while also adding back some moisture. 10/10."

Okay, the fact that this thickening shampoo is as cheap as it is truly blows my mind. Great for limp-haired folks in need of some TLC (hi, it me), OGX Thick & Full helps repair damaged hair with strengthening hydrolyzed wheat proteins, which help fill in all the lil cracks in your hair strands. This one also includes a dose of biotin and hydrolyzed collagen to gently moisturize and soften hair.

• Size: 13 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Biotin, hydrolyzed collagen, hydrolyzed wheat protein
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "I started using OGX Thick & Full Shampoo a few months ago and was surprised by its rich lather and scent. I have very fine fly-away hair, and using OGX makes it fuller and more manageable. I've tried similar shampoos, but none of them worked as well as this one."

This one isn't just a favorite of Associate Editor Chaise Sanders for her 4b/4c hair—it's also considered a holy grail hair product by the curl community. Great for clarifying curls, this one uses sulfate-free cleansers to break down product buildup, all while mitigating dryness with avocado and almond oils. And yep, it's fully Curly-Girl Method-approved (meaning it has no sulfates, silicones, waxes, or alcohols).

• Size: 12 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein, avocado oil, sweet almond oil
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "Moisturizes very well, but is not so heavy that it makes my hair greasy. This has worked very well for my curly hair, giving it the moisture it needs without weighing it down. The scent is light, clean, and very likable!"

FTR, there is *nothing* wrong with your frizz and flyaways. However! I suggest giving this hibiscus-scented formula a shot if you're looking to smooth your waves or curls. It's positively packed with frizz-fighting ingredients—such as aloe vera juice and watermelon extract, both of which contain cuticle-smoothing amino acids—and really works to keep flyaways at bay.

• Size: 13 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Aloe leaf extract, coconut water, watermelon fruit extract
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "I have dry, color-treated hair that curls under the right conditions and can be extremely frizzy. I've tried countless hair products, and Maui is my absolute favorite. Leaves my hair less frizzed out and more manageable. Perfect amount of moisture."

To keep her color from fading too fast, former Beauty Editor Ruby Buddemeyer likes cleansing with this plant-based shampoo from Love Beauty and Planet. What makes it a good choice for color-treated hair, you ask? In addition to being free from harsh sulfates, this one adds shine and protection with the help of rich emollients, like coconut oil and murumuru butter.

• Size: 32.3 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Coconut oil, glycerin, murumuru butter
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "I absolutely LOVE this shampoo! First of all, it smells great. The shampoo leaves my hair feeling very light, and it gives great bounce to my hair. I wash my hair just about every day, and it does not dull my color treated hair at all, nor does it damage my hair in any way."

Looking to banish buildup without stripping your hair of its natural oils? Give this rice water shampoo a shot. Ideal for curls and coils (though really, anyone could benefit from this gentle formula), this bb uses ceramides to moisturize strands, while phytosterols and saw palmetto extract help to strengthen follicles. Plus, the twist-nozzle tip makes it easy to target your roots, whether you've got dense curls or a protective style.

• Size: 8 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Rice extract, ceramides, biotin
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "The rice water shampoo is the best. Easy to apply to scalp because of the nozzle on it, which I personally love. Makes my hair really soft and definitely sets my hair for a good blow out. It lathers pretty good, so a little does go a long way."

If you're someone with either natural or color-treated blonde hair, you know how tough it can be to keep brassy tones at bay. Luckily, this affordable purple shampoo is here to save the day. This formula from Sun Bum (which uses a blend of blue spirulina and violet extract) is a favorite of Beauty Editor Beth Gillette, who credits it for making her hair look "majorly shiny and smooth" while brightening and toning blonde strands.

• Size: 10 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Banana extract, sunflower seed oil, violet extract
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "My strawberry-blonde hair was looking especially brassy after a summer of swimming with chlorine buildup and sun damage. I used this a few times, and my hair looks much better. As an added bonus, this smells wonderful, too."

Whenever my fine, low-porosity hair looks flat and limp, I suds up with this weightless formula, which includes only the lightest of oils (including follicle-stimulating rosemary oil!) to hydrate my hair. In addition to moisturizing strands without weighing 'em down, this one includes calendula for nourishing damaged hair fibers and quinoa protein for locking in moisture.

• Size: 11 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, calendula extract, quinoa protein
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "I have fine, medium-density hair and this product makes it look so thick, soft, and almost fluffy (in a good way)! It makes my scalp squeaky clean so you definitely need to use a conditioner...but wow does it do a great job of cleaning your hair! The scent is not overpowering and smells natural."

Fact: Your hair needs to be clarified from time to time (no matter your hair type). Also fact: Sulfate shampoos aren't always a no-no—especially if you're someone with oily hair that's prone to buildup. Called the ultimate "reset" shampoo by several Cosmo editors, this clarifying formula from Suave is great for stripping away waxes and silicones without leaving your hair feeling like it's made of straw.

• Size: 12 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Cocamidopropyl betaine, citric acid, vitamin E
• Sulfate-free? No

Glowing Customer Review: "This stuff is legit! And it’s so affordable! I use it a few times a month when I really want a good cleaning. It does exactly what the bottle says: removes oil and residue. Also love the smell and shine of my hair after I use it, and I feel like my hair will stay clean for a week!!"

Dry, brittle strands are no match for this shampoo for damaged hair from Acure. Lightweight yet effective, this one uses cuticle-smoothing coconut oil and marula oil to deliver fresh-from-the-salon results, all while soothing calendula extract works to encourage new hair growth. Plus, this one only uses sulfate-free surfactants to avoid stripping your poor lil strands.

• Size: 8 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, coconut oil, marula oil
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "I've been using this smoothing shampoo for a few weeks now, and I'm impressed with the results. My hair feels incredibly soft and smooth after each wash, without feeling weighed down. The formula is gentle and leaves my hair with a healthy shine. It works wonderfully for keeping my hair looking polished and sleek, even on days when I just let it air dry."

If you have dry or damaged curly hair (think: types 3a to 4c), this coconut-based cleanser is a must-try. A go-to for Cosmo beauty contributor Shammara Lawrence, the ultra-moisturizing formula is packed with coconut oil, shea butter, and neem seed oil that'll leave hair feeling silky and soft—plus, you don't have to worry about damage, thanks to the sulfate- and silicone-free formula.

• Size: 13 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, neem seed oil
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "This shampoo is my absolute fave! It smells great, makes my hair feel SO soft and clean, and it moisturizes my curls so well. if you are looking for a shampoo that checks all the boxes, SheaMoisture has you covered!"

I keep this shampoo in my guest bathroom, and legit, everyone who stays the night is obsessed. The reason: It's made with over 90 percent natural ingredients (including coconut water, avocado oil, and sunflower seed oil) and provides a gentle, sudsy cleanse to just about any hair type. Oh, and the coconut and sandalwood scent is just perfection, IMO.

• Size: 16.5 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Coconut water, avocado oil, sunflower seed oil
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "This natural shampoo has great ingredients, mainly botanical extracts/oils. It has a very light, pleasant fragrance. This is a clear shampoo that makes a rich lather and cleans hair really well without stripping it. It is a very good shampoo to use if you have sensitive skin, as none of the ingredients are irritating. "

Alaffia has developed a cult following for its incredibly clean and effective shampoos—mostly because you get so much great product for so little price! The all-star ingredient: unrefined shea butter, which helps to smooth hair and lock in moisture, while shea leaf and coconut oil give it a major dose of moisture. And while it comes in a few scent options, this unscented version is great for sensitive noses and scalps.

• Size: 32 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Shea leaf extract, shea butter, coconut oil
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "I can’t believe it took me this long! I’ve struggled with an itchy, irritated scalp and it never occurred to me to find fragrance-free hair products. I didn’t even know there was such a thing! My scalp is calm and happy and so am I."

Healthy hair starts with a clean, balanced scalp, and this bb is here to get right to the root of the issue. Skincare superstar niacinamide is used in this one to soothe skin and curb oil production, while hydrolyzed yeast protein and zinc help encourage the growth of stronger, fuller-looking strands. According to Senior Visual Editor Emily Adar, this one gave her "thicker, more voluminous" hair after just a few weeks of use.

• Size: 9.25 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hydrolyzed yeast protein, zinc
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "The zinc in this shampoo has been great for my scalp. I struggle with buildup and flakes occasionally, but this has helped. I don’t use clarifying shampoos every day, but definitely toss this into my routine once a week or so. It smells amazing and leaves my hair feeling revitalized."

There a few things worse than suffering from a dry, itchy, inflamed scalp—and tbh, the last thing you want to do is add iffy ingredients and fragrances to an already-sensitive area. Enter: this mild, non-medicated formula from Vanicream, which is free of legit every irritating and potentially questionable ingredient there is, so you're only left with a cleaner, happier scalp (and no lingering scents).

• Size: 12 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Glycerin, panthenol
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "Some of the best shampoo on the market. Your hair will feel more amazing than ever. Scent-free, so shouldn’t have any allergic reaction. Very good for dry/sensitive scalps when you want to lay off the heavy-duty stuff."

Okay, listen. I know this bottle ain't cute. But according to Associate Editor Siena Gagliano, this stuff really delivers if you're someone with dandruff, psoriasis, or another itchy scalp condition. Made with 3 percent salicylic acid, this no-frills shampoo from Neutrogena works to detoxify the scalp without leaving it stripped—and since it's free from silicones, sulfates, or added fragrance, reviewers say it's a safe choice for folks with sensitive skin.

• Size: 4.5 fl oz
• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium citrate
• Sulfate-free? Yes

Glowing Customer Review: "I've used so many shampoos, and this is the best one so far. This shampoo has really helped with my oily hair, and it has decreased the amount of dandruff in my hair significantly. The smell is a little funny, but it's not unbearable."