With so many shampoos available, finding the right one for your hair type—whether it’s curly hair types, different curl types, or styles that suit various hairstyles for women and men—can be overwhelming. The key is to choose a formula that matches your hair and scalp needs. If your hair gets greasy quickly, look for a shampoo that controls excess oil, while those with color-treated strands need a gentle, color-safe option. For those who want to keep moisture and maintain healthy, hydrated hair, choosing a nourishing formula is essential. To make your search easier, we’ve rounded up the best shampoos based on key factors like ingredients, scent, and hair hydration. Plus, expert insights helped us pinpoint what really works for different textures and hair concerns.

Best Overall

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Price at Amazon

Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate | Hair Types: All

For good reason, the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo has grown to be a favorite. It is an excellent option for people with split ends or anyone searching for a nourishing daily shampoo because it not only strengthens healthy strands of hair but also heals damaged hair. This product, which uses unique technology, strengthens each strand from the inside out, making hair healthier, more robust, and stronger.

This shampoo, which is free of phthalates, parabens, and sulfates, is suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair. Additionally, it lessens frizz, keeps moisture in, and makes hair feel smooth and soft. However, people with very fine hair can find its thick consistency a little burdensome. Other than that, it's a fantastic choice for a range of hair textures and kinds.

Best Drugstore

Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo

UP TO 21.82% OFF

Size: 12, 25, or 31 oz. | Key Ingredients: Sodium C12-13 pareth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine | Hair Types: All

Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo is designed to restore the natural hydration of hair and repair daily damage. After only one application, this shampoo's Bio-Restore Complex turns dry, brittle hair into silky, hydrated locks. Important components like soy protein, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid combine to provide deep nourishment while retaining moisture.

This shampoo is a fantastic option for fine or textured hair because it is lightweight even with its rich moisturizing qualities. It delivers soft, healthy-looking hair without making it feel heavy by striking the ideal balance between cleansing and hydration. It's also a reasonably priced choice that distinguishes itself from other drugstore buys.

Best for Curly Hair

Virtue Curl Shampoo

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Size: 8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, polymer | Hair Types: Wavy, curly, coily

A non-drying recipe is essential for a decent curl-enhancing shampoo, and this one does just that. It helps curls retain their natural body and structure without drying out the strands by keeping moisture locked in. Water-soluble jojoba oil offers hydration, detangles, and gives hair a glossy sheen, while a vegetable-derived polymer enhances curl definition and creation.

RELATED: Is Your Hair Too Dry? Try This Simple Test to Find Out!

This mixture also includes a protein that is exactly like the keratin that is naturally present in hair for a smooth, healthy appearance. This shampoo is ideal for wavy, curly, and coily hair since it accentuates natural curl patterns, even if your curls have lost some of their bounce. Just be aware that its rich fruity aroma might not be to everyone's taste.

RELATED: How to Identify Your Curl Type Easily

Best for Natural Hair

Curlsmith Core Strength Shampoo

Price at Amazon

Size: 12 or 32 oz. | Key Ingredients: Hemp seed and rice protein complex | Hair Types: All curl types

Every issue that natural hair may encounter is addressed by Curlsmith's vegan and cruelty-free products, and the Core Strength Shampoo is no different. This curl-enhancing shampoo, which is full of prickly pear, pumpkin seed oil, and wild rice protein, fortifies hair strands, increasing their resistance to damage and adding bounce and gloss.

The composition produces a mild lather and is devoid of colors and silicones that can irritate the scalp or weigh down textured hair. It has a faint, somewhat fruity smell, but it's not overbearing and enhances the revitalizing washing experience.

Best for Color-Treated Hair

Color Wow Color Security Shampoo

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Size: 8.4 oz. | Key Ingredients: Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium cocoyl glycinate | Hair Types: All

The Color Wow Color Security Shampoo will keep your hair looking brilliant and salon-fresh no matter what color you dye it. By producing a thick, gratifying foam that leaves your hair feeling clean and residue-free, its components derived from coconuts aid in cleansing your hair without removing color. This shampoo is ideal for cleaning your scalp and getting rid of debris without damaging your dyed hair.

It is perfect for anyone with Calico hair or other color-treated styles because it has been designed to improve shine and calm the scalp. Although it works well on all hair textures and kinds, including extensions, people with dry hair may find it excessively drying. Since this shampoo's recipe is designed to preserve and protect color-treated hair, you might not need it if your hair isn't dyed.

Best for Fine Hair

Verb Ghost Shampoo

Price at Amazon

Size: 12 and 32 oz. | Key Ingredients: Moringa oil, green tea extract, sunflower seed extract | Hair Types: All

It's preferable to use a lightweight shampoo because hefty hair care products can easily weigh down fine hair. A fantastic choice for smoothing and reducing frizz without adding weight is the Verb Ghost Shampoo, which is formulated with moringa oil. Sunflower seed extract and green tea extract, which are high in antioxidants, are also included to protect and nourish hair and give it a healthy sheen.

All hair types can use this shampoo, however it works particularly well for fine hair. In addition to leaving hair feeling lighter and glossier, it produces a thick lather. For smooth, manageable hair without the weight, combine it with the coordinating conditioner and hair oil for even better results.

Best Clarifying

K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo

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Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal, salicylic acid, K18PEPTIDE | Hair Types: All

Activated charcoal is used in K18's Peptide Prep Clarifying Detox Shampoo to absorb extra sebum and cleanse the scalp. This shampoo effectively cleanses hair without dehydrating it, which is a typical problem with many clarifying formulas. It also contains salicylic acid, which helps control oil.

The proprietary K18PEPTIDE, a protective coating that helps maintain vital proteins in hair strands and promotes healthier, more robust hair, is a crucial component. This solution is a wonderful complement to any hair care regimen because it is mild enough for color-treated hair.

Best for Thinning Hair

Kérastase Densifique Shampoo

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Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, gluco-peptide | Hair Types: All

A thickening shampoo like Kérastase Bain Densité is a fantastic choice if you have thinning hair, where the diameter of individual strands decreases. Your hair will appear thicker and fuller after using this shampoo to revive, strengthen, and restore it. It smoothes the surface of each strand and increases the overall thickness with hydrating substances like plumping gluco-peptides and hyaluronic acid.

Ceramides, which are also present in it, add shine, support healthy-looking hair, and help strengthen and lessen breakage. It's crucial to maintain consistency with your routine because it can take a few weeks or more to see any noticeable changes.

How to Shop for Shampoo Like a Pro

Hair Type

Which shampoo is best for you and how frequently you wash your hair depend on your hair type.

• Wash your hair every few days if it's thin to medium.
• Wash thick or textured hair no more than once every seven days.

Shampoos are designed to address various issues. Think about:

• Select a volumizing shampoo for flat hair.
• Choose a shampoo that preserves the color of your colored hair.

Think about the way you handle your hair:

• Select a moisturizing and healing shampoo if you frequently use heat tools.
• Look for one for your scalp if you exercise frequently.

Ingredients

Various hair issues are addressed by the ingredients.

• Look for jojoba oil, zinc, or salicylic acid to treat dandruff.
• To repair and shine damaged hair, use shampoos that contain protein or shea butter.
• If your hair is oily, sulfates are an effective way to remove oil and debris.
• Sulfates can deplete moisture and cause color fading in fine or color-treated hair, so stay away from them.

Fragrance

• Many shampoos, whether synthetic or natural, have scents.
• Always read the ingredient list if you have sensitive skin.
• Certain shampoos have a clear scent label.