I will never stop waxing lyrical about the power of quality haircare, particularly when it comes to the best shampoos. As someone who's colour-treated my hair more times than I'd care to admit, I can assure you that picking the right shampoo makes all the difference. Let's not forget: if your shampoo formula doesn't pair well with your scalp and hair type, it may result in issues like flaking, excess sebum production, and dehydrated hair cuticles.
Whether you're after a shampoo for hair growth, a nourishing formula for damaged hair, or something specifically designed with curls in mind, the good news is that there are lots of options.
To save you the trouble of browsing all the different retailer websites for hours on end, the GLAMOUR editors have curated a definitive edit of the best shampoos around – all based on our decades of expertise and testing experience. We made sure to consider all the various hair types, colours, and textures, as well as budgets and even fragrances, to bring you the crème de la crème of shampoos that have our seal of approval. Here's everything you need to know.
Meet the experts:
- Celebrity Hairdresser and Founder of Hi’Demand Hair, Heather Dapaah.
Best shampoo brands at a glance 2024 – our top picks:
- Best Shampoo For All Hair Types: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo
- Best Shampoo & Conditioner Set: Coco & Eve Super Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner Set
- Best Shampoo For Blondes: TIGI Catwalk Fashionista Violet Shampoo
- Best Clarifying Shampoo: OUAI Detox Shampoo
- Best Budget Shampoo: Bed Head by TIGI Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo
Super Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner Set
TIGI Catwalk Fashionista Violet Shampoo
OUAI Detox Shampoo
How we test shampoo:
All of our editors who have reviewed the shampoos in this edit have different hair types and preferences. Put most simply, these are the shampoos we find ourselves reaching for time and time again – but there are a few things we look out for. Sulphates being one of them. A divisive ingredient often compared to strong detergent, but they're not always the enemy. If you have dandruff, dry hair or sensitive skin, opt for a sulphate-free option – just bear in mind that sulphate-free shampoo won't give you the satisfying lather you're used to. You'll find both options in this edit.
Elsewhere, we looked out for how quickly our hair felt greasy after washing – shampoos whose benefits only last for a day or two should absolutely be avoided. And fragrance. The way shampoo smells is super important, so we've noted down the scents below and mentioned when we particularly love them.
What is the best shampoo for you?
- For hair that's dry, look out for shampoos that contain ingredients like keratin, Argan oil, shea butter, almond oil, peptides, hyaluronic acid, avocado oil or coconut milk — as these can really help soften and hydrate your hair. Alternatively, if excess oil is your issue, you'll be pleased to learn that there are plenty of specially formulatedshampoos for greasy hair. These will typically steer clear of heavy ingredients like coconut and argan oils, and instead make a beeline for formulas containing balancing ingredients like tea tree oil, , peppermint, mint and charcoal.
- If you've been blessed with coils or curls, Celebrity Hairdresser and Founder of Hi’Demand Hair, Heather Dapaah, says that hydrating and natural ingredients like aloe vera are definitely a great bet. "Also, look out for natural carrier oils such as almond oil, jojoba oil, and castor oil. The chemical composition of carrier oils is similar to the fatty acids naturally found in the hair so using them boosts hair health almost immediately,” she adds.
- Keen to keep your salon colour vibrant for as long as possible? The best shampoos for coloured hair — and conditioners too — will contain lower levels of cleansers, but higher levels of conditioning agents, to help you avoid any premature fading.
What is the best shampoo for daily use?
It's up for debate about whether you should actually wash your hair every day — but if you're someone intent on doing so, look out for a shampoo that's mild and gentle enough to properly cleanse your hair — without completely stripping it of natural oils.
Found a formula that works for you? Whatever your hair type, it's definitely worth buying the matching hair conditioner for your shampoo when you can. Traditionally developed and formulated as a pair, they typically really complement each other — so your results may be less effective if you mix brands. You've been warned.
After something more specific? Discover more shampoo content:
- Best shampoos for coloured hair
- Best purple shampoos
- Best shampoos for hair growth
- Best shampoos for dry hair
- Best clarifying shampoos
- Best sulphate-free shampoos
- Best shampoos for greasy hair
- Best soothing shampoos
- Best natural shampoos
