Marie Claire

Hair

We Found the Holy-Grail Shampoos for Every Hair Type

 

13 formulas our editors swear by.

Fact: a good hair day starts with using the best shampoo for your hair type. The right formula can enhance your color, decrease excess oil, define curls, and boost volume; whatever your specific concern is, I guarantee there's a shampoo tailor-made for you.

Still, choosing a new shampoo can feel daunting, especially when so many options are available. Marie Claire staffers have already hunted down the best shampoos for hair growth, the best shampoos for natural hair, the best shampoos for fine hair, the best hair thickening shampoos, the best shampoos for oily hair, and the best drugstore shampoos, for example, so feel free to peruse those guides if you have specific hair goals.

For our all-time favorite shampoos, we're sharing the products we always keep stocked in our showers. We spoke to hair experts, tried and tested dozens of products, and narrowed down our must-have list to 13 high-performing shampoos. To shop our expertly vetted products, scroll on.

Best Shampoos for Dry Hair

As with finding moisturizer for your dry skin, finding the best shampoo and conditioner for dry hair is all about looking for hydration. “Dry hair is a sign of damage and can cause breakage so you should choose a shampoo that is moisturizing and has conditioning ingredients,” says Raven Hurtado, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. "Shampoos with oils like coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and aloe vera help hydrate hair. Emollient oils nourish the hair, so the more nourishing ingredients and vitamins will help dry hair.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR DRY HAIR OVERALL

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
 

If you have dry hair, try this shampoo from Pureology. The vegan and sulfate-free formula is a godsend for hair that feels like it's in need of repair. It provides softness and shine without weighing your hair down, and the concentrated formula averages 75 washes per bottle. Key ingredients like jojoba and green tea promote healthy, shiny hair that lasts (and doesn't get oily fast).

Is This Shampoo Sulfate Free?: Yes

Size: 9 fluid ounces

Scent Type: Minimal (less than 1 percent synthetic fragrance)

What We Love: Has over 3,000 five-star reviews at Ulta; doesn’t weigh down your hair. 

What We Don't: Shampoo and conditioner are sold separately; some reviewers said it has a strong smell. 

Marie Claire's Review: "I have hair that gets super dry on the ends while getting oilier at the roots, so it's been hard to find a shampoo that tackles both," she shares. "This shampoo from Pureology is perfect for my dry hair because it's deeply nourishing without adding weight to my roots. In fact, I find that my hair feels hydrated for days even after my roots get oily. It's a true game-changer if you have hair that looks dull." — Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor

Fashion E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla swears by Pureology's shampoo because it leaves her hair feeling shiny and not weighed-down.

BEST AMINO ACID SHAMPOO FOR DRY HAIR

Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo
 

This shampoo is a cult classic. As the name suggests, it's gentle on your strands and made with hydrating coconut oil and amino acids. Designed to boost your hair's natural body and add fullness to your strands, its lightweight formula is also deeply nourishing. Amino acids in the formula help boost hair's water retention, giving you moisturized hair overall.

Is This Shampoo Sulfate-Free?: No

Size: 33.8 fluid ounces

Scent Type: Fruity, coconut

What We Love: Gentle on hair; has a paraben-free formula

What We Don't: Some reviewers say the smell is too strong 

Marie Claire's Review: "I’m used to buying whatever shampoo is on sale, as I love experimenting and trying new things, but I discovered this shampoo when I was visiting family in my hometown. I needed to wash my 4C hair after a particularly hot and humid summer day and this was a perfect choice," she shares. "This shampoo is extremely moisturizing and still manages to be clarifying. It’s rich, smells great, and has the most satisfying lather. The coconut oil and amino acids help my hair feel healthy and not stripped. It provides the perfect base for the rest of my products." —Brittany Holloway-Brown, Art Director

Best Shampoos for Fine Hair

While styling products like mousse can help achieve volume in your hair, those with fine hair should start by adding volumizing products in the shower for maximum effect. "When someone has fine hair, you want to look for a shampoo that is gentle and gives a lift to the hair," says Adriana Papaleo, a Master Stylist at Rob Peetoom Salon in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR FINE HAIR OVERALL

Fekkai Full Blown Volume Shampoo
 

This longtime favorite shampoo from Fekkai is another of Marie Claire's top picks in the volume category. Consider picking it up if you have fine hair that doesn't tend to hold volume. The vegan, paraben, and sulfate-free formula is packed with amino acids to hydrate hair from the inside out. Plus, it's pH-balanced to keep hair looking (and feeling) its best.

Is This Shampoo Sulfate-Free?: Yes

Size: 8.5 fluid ounces

Scent Type: Fresh

What We Love: Vegan formula; cruelty-free; adds volume; has a paraben-free formula. 

What We Don't: Some reviewers claimed it dried out their hair. 

Marie Claire's Review: "As someone with relatively flat and what I'd describe as, at times, boring hair, I need all the help I can get in the volumizing department. That's where Fekkai's Full Blown Volume Shampoo comes in. Its fortifying formula offers a thickening, from-the-root lift that makes my hair appear fuller than it actually is, and the product gets bonus points, too, because its volumizing effect lasts me in between washes (I'm a wash-every-three-days-or-so kind of gal). Oh, and it's vegan and cruelty-free, so it's also a guiltless shampoo I'm happy to have in my rotation." — Emma Childs, Fashion Features Editor

Emma Childs poses after washing her hair with Fekkai Full Blown Volume.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR SUPER-FINE HAIR

Living Proof Full Shampoo
 

If you have super fine hair, consider this pick from Living Proof. Not only is it celebrity-adored (Lily Collins is a fan!) , but it actually works at giving thin stands new life. This is thanks to ingredients like amaranth peptides, which plump individual strands. The vegan formula is free of harmful additives like sulfates and silicone, too. A touch of shine and hydration means that your hair will look fuller after one wash.

Is This Shampoo Sulfate-Free?: Yes

Size: 8 fluid ounces

Scent Type: Fresh, fruity

What We Love: Adds volume; vegan formula; sulfate-free formula; silicone-free formula. 

What We Don't: Some reviewers said it wasn't as hydrating as others on the market.  

Marie Claire's Review: "As someone with insanely fine hair, I've tried every volumizing product under the sun. While texturizers and mousses come in handy, this shampoo and conditioner are my (and Lily Collin's) holy grail—they genuinely give my hair a lift at the root. I notice a little extra volume when I first step out of the shower, but it only gets bigger (and better) when I start the styling process. Once I whip out the blow dryer, my hair becomes unbelievably shiny, bouncy, and feels ridiculously soft." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor

Best Shampoos for Oily Hair

If your hair gets oily quickly, finding a shampoo that will remove that oil without stripping your strands of much-needed moisture is the name of the game. Papaelo recommends shampoos that balance the hair. However, she also says that "clarifying shampoo can help as well but if there is color on the hair you want to avoid clarifying shampoos because they are not color safe."

BEST SHAMPOO FOR OILY SCALPS & DRY ENDS

Leonor Greyl Bain TS Shampooing Balancing Shampoo
 

You may not have heard of Leonor Greyl's Bain TS Shampooing Balancing Shampoo, but don't overlook it—it has a cult following for its oil-controlling powers. Hair is so often oily at the roots and dry at the ends, requiring a perfected balance of hydration that won't leave one looking fabulous while the other is looking less than ideal one day after washing. The ultra-lightweight formula (which is sulfate-free!) absorbs excess sebum without stripping your strands.

Is This Shampoo Sulfate-Free?: Yes

Size: 7 fluid ounces

Scent Type: Sweet, honey

What We Love: Good for oily hair; good for dry ends; non-drying.

What We Don't: Some reviewers said the formula can be stripping if you use too much

Marie Claire's Review: "My hair normally used to go from being freshly-washed to overly-oily in a day or two, but now I can go up to four or even five days without needing to wash it thanks to this shampoo from Leonor Greyl. I use this as the first of two shampoos in my double-cleanse hair routine, or on its own with a heavier leave-in conditioner if I'm in a rush. It gets rid of dirt, oil, and product build-up just as well as a typical clarifying shampoo but without making my ends feel stripped." — Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor

Best Shampoo for Oily Hair Overall

Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Volumizing Shampoo

Briogeo’s ginseng shampoo smells amazing, and the formula also contains biotin, which helps grow hair. It cleans hair thoroughly and is safe and gentle enough for babies. The formula is paraben and sulfate-free, giving hair a glossy, shiny finish. The floral scent isn't overpowering, either, and it works wonders on oily hair without being too drying.

Is This Shampoo Sulfate-Free?: Yes

Size: 8 fluid ounces

Scent Type: Floral

What We Love: Good for volume; vegan, paraben, and sulfate-free formula; adds shine; good if you have oilier hair. 

What We Don't: Some reviewers said it made their hair dry.

Marie Claire's Review: "My hair can get pretty dry in the winter, but during the summer, I do everything I can to control oil. My hair is pretty fine and flat, so I'll try any product promising to preserve volume in the humidity. This shampoo did not disappoint—I instantly felt the lift at my roots. I can get a whole extra day out of my blowout when this is by my side." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor

Best Shampoos for Natural and Textured Hair

“When you have naturally textured hair you should aim for products that will offer extra moisturizing benefits as well as a product that emphasizes its ability to strengthen hair from within,” says Lacy Redway, Unilever Global Stylist. “Other benefits to look out for are products that define your texture and get rid of any unwanted frizz.”

BEST SHAMPOO FOR NATURAL AND TEXTURED HAIR OVERALL

Oribe Cleansing Cream for Moisture & Control
 

This frizz-fighting shampoo from Oribe gently cleans with a vegan, sulfate formula. The cleansing cream-formula means that it won't be too harsh on thicker, curlier textures, either. With a luxe scent that includes notes of jasmine, sandalwood, and bergamot, it offers UV protection to your strands; a must no matter the season.

Is This Shampoo Sulfate-Free?: Yes

Size: 8.5 fluid ounces

Scent Type: Floral, bergamot, jasmine, sandalwood

What We Love: Fights frizz; sulfate-free and vegan formula; offers UV protection.

What We. Don't: Some reviewers said the scent was too strong

Marie Claire's Review: “Shampoos can be very drying for my thick curls, so sometimes I’ll use a cleansing cream instead. The lemon and orange blossom extracts in this cleansing cream work as astringents so my hair isn’t stripped of its natural oils.” — Deena Campbell, Beauty Director

Beauty Director Deena Campbell shows off her hair after washing it with Oribe's Cleansing Cream.

THE BEST DRUGSTORE SHAMPOO FOR NATURAL AND TEXTURED HAIR

Mielle Organics Avocado & Tamanu Anti-Frizz Shampoo
 

If you want a shampoo that removes dirt and oil but still leaves it soft and moisturized, this is for you. Mielle, the brand behind that viral hair growth oil, formulated this shampoo specifically for textured hair to fight frizz, hydrate strands, and add shine. It effectively removes buildup without over-drying your hair, and preps it for your next style.

Is This Shampoo Sulfate-Free?: Yes

Size: 12 fluid ounces

Scent Type: Fresh

What We Love: Hydrating; Smells great; Adds shine; Fights frizz

What We Don't: Some reviewers said it left a film on their hair

Marie Claire's Review: "This Mielle Avocado and Tamanu shampoo is the one, not the two. First off, it smells so good. Saying it smells good is an understatement. Additionally, it leaves my hair shiny and hydrated. I am a big protective styles type of girl, so shampooing is a must to remove all the product buildup. When I use this shampoo, I always look forward to the results in prepping my hair for the next up-do." — Ashlyn Delaney, Associate Social Media Editor

Ashlyn Delaney loves using Mielle's Anti-Frizz shampoo.

Best Shampoos for Curly Hair

If you're someone with curly hair who is looking for hydration, look no further. Redway says that “someone with curly hair should look out for products that will help moisturize and define curls without weighing them down, reduce unwanted frizz, and repel humidity.”

BEST SHAMPOOO FOR CURLY HAIR OVERALL

Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Shampoo for Thinning Hair
 

If you have curly hair, you need to try Vegamour's GRO Revitalizing Shampoo for Thinning Hair. Its sulfate-free, vegan formula helps with shedding by keeping your scalp healthy. It effectively removes buildup without stripping hair of its much-needed natural oils. In fact, the clinically tested formula helps to make your individual hair strands stronger over time.

Is This Shampoo Sulfate-Free?: Yes

Size: 8 fluid ounces

Scent Type: Fruity, grapefruit

What We Love: Helps with shedding; cleanses without stripping; vegan formula.

What We Don't: Some reviews say it takes weeks to show results. 

Marie Claire's Review: "I love the entire Vegamour GRO line for how effective it is in thickening hair, supporting a healthy scalp, and fostering hair growth—something that's been a personal journey of mine for the last year. This vegan formula incorporates natural oils so that you can expect a thorough cleanse without feeling like your hair or scalp are stripped of moisture. Plus, it’s infused with protein in order to strengthen existent strands from within, preventing breakage and enhancing overall hair health and shine." — Gabrielle Ulubay, Beauty Writer

Gabrielle Ulubay shows off her curly hair after washing it with Vegamour.

BEST CLARIFYING SHAMPOO FOR CURLY HAIR

Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
 

Cult-favorite brand Ouidad makes the perfect non-stripping clarifying shampoo for curly hair. The sulfate-free formula is enriched with ingredients like cleansing fruit acids to do away with hard water buildup and lingering product residue. However, it's still great for color-treated hair and won't be over-stripping.

Is This Shampoo Sulfate-Free?: Yes

Size: 8.5 fluid ounces

Scent Type: Fresh

What We Love: Cleanses without stripping; good for color-treated hair; cruelty-free.

What We Don't: Not for everyday use.

Marie Claire's Review: "For a curly-haired person, Ouidad might be a familiar name—it's designed specifically with us in mind. But if you're not familiar with their clarifying shampoo, it's worth the investment. You only want to use this when your hair has buildup on it (so for me, that's once a week at max). It strips my hair of things like product residue and grease. Yes, my hair might feel a little dry after, but it's exactly what I need to reset my hair for the week." — Katherine J. Igoe, Contributing Editor

Marie Claire's Contributing Editor Katherine J. Igoe swears by the Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR FRIZZ-PRONE, CURLY HAIR

Davines LOVE Smoothing Shampoo
 

The entire Marie Claire team loves Davines—and their Smoothing Shampoo is the MVP for curly, damaged, frizzy hair. The cruelty-free formula is packed with vitamin E and oils to smooth hair over and leave you with a shiny, bouncy finished result. The formula is thicker than other shampoos on this list, but don't let that scare you off—damaged strands need the most care!

Is This Shampoo Sulfate-Free?: Yes

Size: 8.45 fluid ounces

Scent Type: Sweet

What We Love: Fights frizz; good for damaged hair; adds shine. 

What We Don't: Some reviewers said the scent was too strong. 

Marie Claire's Review: "As someone with fine, frizz-prone, wavy (what a trifecta!), my biggest challenge has been finding a product that keeps my flyaways at bay, while also accentuating my natural curls. Davines LOVE smoothing shampoo, and the matching conditioner is lighter than other similar products but still fights against frizz and leaves my hair soft and bouncy. Because of the thickness of the product, you'll want to use a smaller amount than usual, which, in my opinion, is a total plus. I even tend not to fully wash out the conditioner, letting it dry with my hair and function as a leave-in product." — Lucia Tonelli, Associate Social Media Director

Best Shampoos for Color-Treated Hair

"For colored hair you want to focus on a sulfate-free shampoo that helps prolong your color," says Papaleo. She recommends that those who love to color or highlight their hair "stay away from anything that says clarifying as that will shorten the longevity of your color service." Purple shampoos are also great for blondes looking to keep their hair from looking brassy over time.

BEST-SMELLING SHAMPOO FOR COLOR-TREATED HAIR

BIOLAGE Color Last Shampoo
 

This sulfate-free, vegan, and cruelty-free formula has more than a thousand glowing five-star reviews under its belt, and for good reason. It has a low pH, which is important for maintaining color-treated hair's vibrancy over time. It's also paraben-free and has a gentle formula that's non-stripping and is designed to maintain salon color for up to 20 washes.

Is This Shampoo Sulfate-Free?: Yes

Size: 13.5 fluid ounces

Scent Type: Fruity

What We Love: Vegan formula; cruelty-free; has over 1,200 five-star reviews at Ulta. 

What We Don't: Some reviewers said it was too harsh on their hair. 

Marie Claire's Review: ""I've been using the Biolage Color Last shampoo for years now and I don't think I'll ever switch it up. I typically can only get to the hair salon for a dye job about twice a year so this shampoo has been a godsend for extending the life of my color. It leaves my hair feeling clean, never stripped, and nourished. What I really love about this shampoo, though, is the amazing smell. I seriously can't get over this shampoo's fresh scent and how long it lingers." — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor

BEST SHAMPOO FOR BLEACHED HAIR

Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Shampoo
 

Two-in-one shampoo and conditioner hybrids are great if you're short on time. This one from EVA NYC has a sulfate and paraben-free and has a sweet scent that isn't too strong. If you have bleached hair in desperate need of at-home repair, this one is perfect thanks to ingredients like argan oil and vitamins A, C, and E. It boasts a whole hosts of effects (10, to be exact) which include hair that looks strengthened, softened, moisturized, less damaged, and more.

Is This Shampoo Sulfate-Free?: Yes

Size: 8.8 fluid ounces

Scent Type: Sweet

What We Love: Good for dry hair; has a sulfate-free formula; has a paraben-free formula. 

What We Don't: Some reviewers wished it lathered more.

Marie Claire's Review: "EVA NYC has been my go-to for years, but this specific line is a lifesaver for anyone who will impulsively bleach their own hair at home. My hair became very dry and coarse after bleaching. After a few washes, my hair’s texture was repaired. The argan oil and plant protein are super moisturizing and it doesn’t leave my hair feeling greasy or heavy. It also works on color-treated hair, so you can keep your hair healthy when you decide it’s time for a new color." — Jonelle Afurong, Junior Designer.

How We Chose The Best Shampoos and Conditioners

The shampoos on this list have been tested, reviewed, and selected by Marie Claire's Fashion E-Commerce Editor, Julia Marzovilla (aka yours truly), Associate Commerce Editor, Brooke Knappenberger, Beauty Editor Samantha Holender, or at least one current or former member of Marie Claire’s award-winning team of editors. Our list is broken down by hair type and texture, so you can easily skip right to what you’re looking for. While the *best* shampoo for you will vary based on your hair type and desired style, you can't go wrong with one of the items on this list. For a more personalized recommendation, or if you have any concerns, check with your hair stylist.

What to Look For in a Shampoo

What exactly separates the best shampoos from just good shampoos? Ahead, our experts broke down everything you should be looking for when you make your next purchase.

• Ingredients: ”Generally speaking, you want to avoid sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, and hexachlorophene as these are known to dry out the hair causing it to become brittle and weak," says Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Andrew Fitzsimons Hair. (Be sure to check out our guide to the best organic shampoos if you want more information about that, by the way.) “I like to recommend products with caffeine as this stimulates the follicle and lifts from the root," he adds. "If your hair is in need of some serious TLC, look for shampoos with moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, and ceramides to bring your strands back to life.”
• Hair Type: Your hair type and the thickness of your hair matters. The best shampoo for thick hair might weigh down thin hair, for example, so make sure to learn about your hair type before you shop. “There are different formulas for different hair types and they definitely work differently for each hair type,” says celebrity stylist Bobby Eliot, who has worked with Julia Garner, Kaia Gerber, and Sydney Sweeney. “For example, a shampoo for curly hair is generally heavier and would weigh down someone with finer hair. A shampoo for shine wouldn’t be great for someone who is oily naturally because it would be too heavy. For thicker hair, you would want something with shine or smoothing.”
• Sulfates and Sulfate-Free Shampoos: There are plenty of buzzwords in the beauty industry, but none are as commonly found as sulfates, a type of cleanser often present in shampoo. While Marie Claire has a full guide to the best sulfate-free shampoos already, here’s a quick refresher. “Sulfates are powerful little compounds commonly used in shampoos to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup on your scalp and hair,” says Frédéric Fekkai, Founder of FEKKAI. “They work by breaking down the surface tension of water, which helps to loosen and lift away all that gunk that can weigh your hair down—and can be more aggressive than needed.” Sulfates can be especially harmful if you have color-treated hair, Fekkai tells me. “It can cause your color to fade faster or alter your hue over time,” he says.

How Often to Wash Your Hair

Yes, over-washing your hair is a thing. But how can you find the right cadence for your hair? Fitzsimons says that hair-washing schedules “change from person to person and has to do with what hair type you have, but generally, I recommend every two to three days, depending on how oily your hair is.”

However, Fitzsimons notes that “If your hair is dry or on the curlier side, I would recommend shampooing less, roughly every five to seven days.” And, just like your skincare routine, consistency is key. “I also recommend that once you have a hair washing schedule, sticking to the same routine is important to maintaining healthy hair. There is no golden rule when it comes to how often you should shampoo, just keep an eye on your hair needs, find a schedule that works for you, and keep it up!”

MEET THE EXPERTS

Adriana Papaleo
Master Stylist, Rob Peetom Salon Williamsburg

Adriana Papaleo is a New York City based freelance hair stylist, session artist and educator. She has been in the industry for 17 years. Working at the TIGI Advanced Academy in SoHo, behind the chair, on set, and in global Fashion Weeks, she has pushed for a continuously progressive approach to hair styling. A deep love of the human experience and interconnectivity drives her storytelling approach to the medium.

Lacy Redway 
Unilever Global Stylist

Lacy Redway is a New York-based hairstylist. After studying at The Aveda Institute in Manhattan and assisting many of the legendary hairstylists of our time, her career quickly took off. A combination of Lacy’s proficiency with all hair textures as well as her magnetic personality has earned her an esteemed roster of clients including Tessa Thompson, Anne Hathaway, Zazie Beetz, Laura Harrier, Hunter Schafer, Sadie Sink, Amanda Gorman, Simone Biles, Yara Shahidi, Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams, among many others. Lacy has collaborated with respected photographers like Annie Leibovitz, Inez and Vinoodh, Juergen Teller, Rankin, Cass Bird, Ben Hassett, and Ellen von Unwerth. Lacy is focusing on changing the narrative for women and people of color in the beauty industry.

Raven Hurtado
Stylist, Maxine Salon

Stylist Raven Hurtado began her career at Maxine Salon in 2009. After working as an Assistant for three years, Raven was inspired by the talent and passion of the stylists and colorists and enrolled in cosmetology school. Now celebrating ten years as part of the Maxine team, Raven pulls creative inspiration from magazines and social media. She specializes in working with her clients to create a long-term plan for achieving healthy hair. Raven enjoys working with long hair to create tousled, beachy styles.

Bobby Eliot 
Celebrity Hair Stylist

Bobby Eliot is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist. As one of the industry’s most sought-after artists, Eliot has worked alongside top photographers including Collier Schorr, Quentin De Briey, Richard Burbridge, Alexei Hay, Rankin, Yu Tsai, Elias Tahan, and Daria Kobayashi Ritch. Drawing inspiration from iconic models, classic Hollywood glamour, fashion, music and film, his work has been featured in Vogue Brazil, Vogue Russia, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Puss Puss, and more.

Frédéric Fekkai
Founder, FEKKAI

Provence-born and Paris-trained, Frédéric Fekkai opened his first ground-breaking namesake salon atop New York’s Bergdorf Goodman department store in 1989 and today has the most recognized and luxurious hair salons in New York.

Andrew Fitzsimons 
Founder, Andrew Fitzsimons Hair

Before he was known as Hollywood’s top hair stylist, Andrew Fitzsimons has been obsessed with fashion, beauty and form for more than two decades. His passion led him from humble roots in Ireland to cultivate his talent in the fashion industry in Dublin, then to Paris and New York and LA where he counts Bella Hadid, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Megan Fox, Joan Smalls, and Shay Mitchell as his regular clientele.