10 Best Shampoos for Every Hair Type

If you want to upgrade your hair care game, start by replacing your current shampoo with one specific to your hair type. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of the best shampoos, with both luxury brands and budget-friendly options, for every hair need and type. Our hope is that by the time you finish reading this article, you’ll know exactly which shampoo you need for soft, manageable, and healthy locks.

In this article:

• Our Picks for the Best Shampoos
• What to Look for in the Perfect Shampoo for You?
• Shampoo FAQ

Our Picks for the Best Shampoos

Key features:

• Size: 9 oz.
• Hair Type: All, including damaged
• Scent: Fruity
• Sulfate-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Vegan: Yes

This best-selling shampoo is our overall favorite option that works with almost all hair types. Made with a hair-fortifying formula that cleanses thoroughly, it also seals and protects the hair cuticle (which can help with hair color retention). It’s designed for damaged or dyed strands but also works well for normal and oily hair. Considering its high price, it’s probably only worth investing in if your hair needs some extra love and care. 

This shampoo is also sulfate-free, which is good news for anyone with brittle or dry hair as sulfates can dry out your locks. The formula is extra concentrated, so it also lathers up for a foamy, satisfying hair washing experience. The best part? Just a small amount is enough, which often isn’t the case for sulfate-free formulas. This Pureology product will make your hair and scalp feel clean but not dry, complete with a sweet, fruity smell. The scent is perfect for those with a sweet tooth, but some may find it overwhelming.  

Key features:

• Size: 12 oz.
• Hair type: All, non-colored 
• Scent: Apple
• Sulfate-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: No
• Vegan: No

Our favorite budget-friendly shampoo comes from Aveeno. This formula strikes a nice balance, removing hair product buildup and debris without drying out the hair. 

It contains apple cider vinegar, which keeps the pH at a scalp-friendly level and helps clarify the hair. This shampoo also contains colloidal oatmeal, which is known to be soothing, particularly for sensitive scalps.

We’d recommend this shampoo for those with sensitive scalps or who use hair products that leave a residue. Those with oily hair will likely benefit from it the most, but it’s also suitable for normal hair types. If you have dry hair, it’s a decent choice if you only shampoo once a week or if you’d like to clarify your hair occasionally. The clarifying effects might be a little too aggressive for dyed hair, so it’s best for those with virgin hair. 

It’s worth mentioning that while the brand Aveeno doesn’t directly test on animals, it does still sell its products in jurisdictions where governments or laws may require post-market animal testing in rare situations. 

Key features:

• Size: 8.5 oz.
• Hair type: Damaged
• Scent: Complex floral
• Sulfate-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Vegan: Yes

When it comes to luxury hair care, few brands offer as much as Oribe. This mild shampoo has several nourishing ingredients for the hair and scalp packed into a moisturizing formula. The ingredients include a wide range of plant proteins, a bio-restorative complex with biotin and niacinamide, and a touch of damage-repairing amodimethicone, which is normally present only in conditioners. 

Despite being sulfate-free, this shampoo lathers nicely and creates a creamy foam. It cleanses without stripping, which makes it a perfect choice if you like to wash your hair often. You might not find it cleansing enough if you have an oily scalp, but it’s ideal for color-damaged or brittle hair. 

While we do think you can find shampoos that perform similarly at a lower price point, some special touches make this one feel ultra luxurious. The product comes in a sleek ombre tone bottle that will look extra cool in your bathroom, and the scent is upscale with floral notes, citrus, and sandalwood. If you’re a fragrance or style geek, you’ll appreciate the amount of thought that went into Oribe’s Lust Repair & Restore product.

Key features:

• Size: 8.5 oz.
• Hair Type: Damaged, brittle
• Scent: Subtle fruit and citrus
• Sulfate-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Vegan: Yes

At this point, most hair enthusiasts are familiar with Olaplex. The brand has a patented technology that helps repair broken disulfide bonds which cause hair brittleness (following extreme bleach or heat damage). In other words, this shampoo is one of the best reparative technologies for extreme hair damage, and it’s remarkable for enhancing shine, too. While many other brands have followed suit with similar products, Olaplex was one of the first — and still is one of the best.

However, as with other Olaplex products, this shampoo isn’t for everyone. Those with naturally strong, non-porous hair won’t benefit from its unique properties — it might even make their hair feel too rigid. On the other hand, if you’re nursing your hair back to health after some significant damage, this shampoo can help add the strength it needs. 

Key features:

• Size: 14.5 oz.
• Hair Type: Sensitive, normal
• Scent: Fragrance-free
• Sulfate-free: No
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Vegan: Yes

It can be difficult to find a fragrance-free shampoo, but if you have a sensitive scalp, the effort that goes into finding one is worthwhile. Fragrances can irritate the skin, and for some, they can cause headaches.

That’s why we enjoy Paula’s Choice products. This brand’s offerings are gentle, fragrance-free, and formulated with an evidence-based approach. While the shampoo isn’t sulfate-free, the sodium laureth sulfate is blended with enough gentle surfactants to mitigate potential issues.

The formula includes hydrating panthenol and soy protein to help nourish and strengthen hair. Together, these ingredients make for a shampoo that lathers nicely and leaves hair and body feeling clean, moisturized, and soothed. However, if your hair is typically dry, it might be too stripping — at least for frequent use. The same applies if you use it on dry skin as a body wash. If you decide to give it a try, be careful when dispensing since the bottle often squeezes out too much product at once.

Key features:

• Size: 7 oz.
• Hair Type: Dandruff-prone
• Scent: Clean
• Sulfate-free: No (but low-sulfate)
• Cruelty-free: No
• Vegan: No

Dandruff is a complex condition, but it can be treated and controlled with the right shampoo. The best ingredient for the job is ketoconazole, a potent anti-fungal ingredient that helps to clear away flakes quickly and efficiently.

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo cleanses the hair thoroughly, but it can also dry out hair. We don’t recommend using it often or long-term, but if you’re dealing with dandruff, give it a try for a couple of weeks. It’ll likely clear away your flakiness, and then you’ll be able to return to your regular shampoo — like one of the other ones on this list. 

Key features:

• Size: 12 oz.
• Hair Type: Curly or damaged
• Scent: Tropical
• Sulfate-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Vegan: Yes

While many of the gentle, sulfate-free shampoos on this list work for curly hair, this one was specifically designed with curls in mind. This ultra-mild hair cleanser is curly girl-approved since it’s free from silicones and sulfates. However, it may be too light to tackle oily or especially dirty hair. 

This new addition to the brand’s product line will help you re-coil your curls in the shower, thanks to the amino acid complex in the formula that helps repair hair bonds, leading to overall stronger strands. But, if your hair is naturally strong and non-porous, this shampoo may make your locks feel dry. 

Key features:

• Size: 8.4 oz.
• Hair Type: Fine or thin
• Scent: Clean
• Sulfate-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Vegan: Yes

If your hair needs more “oomph,” this shampoo is for you. Though it’s technically designed for hair that’s become thinner with age, it’s a fantastic option for anyone with fine hair who wants more volume.

The sulfate-free formula is made with decyl glucoside, so it still foams up, complete with a nourishing cleanse and a final lift. Just note that the lifting effect sometimes coincides with some frizz, so follow it up with a smoothing conditioner.  

Aside from cleansing agents, this shampoo also includes extracts like burdock and sage that help soothe and nourish the scalp. Finally, there’s caffeine in the formula, which may help stimulate the scalp to prevent thinning. The only drawback is the pump, which is prone to malfunctioning.

Key features:

• Size: 10 oz.
• Hair Type: Oily and normal 
• Scent: Floral
• Sulfate-free: Yes
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Vegan: Yes

This shampoo takes clarifying to the next level — perfect for those dealing with oily scalps, product buildup, or mineral buildup from hard water. It’s designed to remove mineral buildup from the hair, so it contains powerful chelating agents. Since it’s sulfate-free, it’s still gentle on your mane despite the deep-cleansing effects. 

For those with oily hair, you can use this shampoo a few times a week, while those with normal or dry hair should use it on a monthly basis to clarify hair. The formula includes a touch of hydrolyzed keratin, an ingredient that keeps hair moisturized. 

A small amount goes a long way with this shampoo, so be careful not to overuse it, or you may struggle to rinse it out. 

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How to pick the right shampoo for you

There’s no universal shampoo that works for everyone, which is why it’s essential to choose one that’s best for your hair’s unique needs. We’ve broken it down for you to make your selection process easier: 

Hair type

• Dry. For those with dry scalps, choose gentle, non-stripping shampoos that won’t remove too much oil. Remember, natural oil is important for maintaining healthy hair. Opt for creamy, low-lather formulas that include nourishing oils like our pick from Moroccanoil. 
• Oily. If your hair gets oily within just a day or two of washing, choose a shampoo that cleans your hair and scalp thoroughly without causing irritation. If you want to reduce the number of times you wash your hair per week, a sulfate-based shampoo like our pick from Paula’s Choice might be helpful. For cleansing your hair multiple times a week, a foaming, sulfate-free shampoo like our selection from Ouai will work. Check out our complete list of the best shampoos for oily hair for more suggestions. 
• Fine or thin. Look for a shampoo free of heavy, oily ingredients that might leave behind a residue that can weigh down your hair. A formula that cleanses well and adds a bit of a lift to your hair works best. Our pick from Better Not Younger is a solid option for limp locks.
• Thick. If you have naturally thick hair, look for a shampoo that reduces frizz while still easy to rub through your hair without causing tangles. Our pick from Aveeno is ideal for thicker strands.
• Curly. Curly hair can be needy, so the average shampoo likely won’t cut it. Curly hair is often more prone to dryness, and the “curly girl method” even calls for curly-haired beauties to avoid shampoo altogether. But if you want a shampoo that works well, try one that’s mild, gentle, and sulfate-free, like our choice from DevaCurl.

Color-treated hair

• Bleached. Bleaching your hair can be damaging because it breaks the hair’s disulfide bonds, which leads to protein loss and brittleness. Anyone with bleached tresses should use a gentle shampoo that cleanses lightly and contains ingredients designed to repair bonds. Our pick from Olaplex is best since it contains highly effective bond-rebuilding ingredients.
• Brightly colored. Bright hair dyes can look incredible, but they often don’t like to stick around. To find a shampoo that won’t strip the color out of your hair, look for mild, moisturizing formulas that don’t get too foamy. A color-depositing shampoo can also be a great option to refresh your color. 
• Natural-looking color. Natural hair colors that don’t require bleaching are less damaging. You’ll want to keep using the same shampoo your hair has always liked based on your hair type — just avoid extra clarifying formulas since they can remove hair color. 

Scalp conditions

• Dandruff. Dandruff is a complex condition that many specialists blame on a fungus called Malassezia. It can also be caused by irritation, overproduction of oil, or even dryness. If you can’t figure out what’s causing it, it’s best to treat it as though it were fungal. The best shampoo on our list for dandruff-prone hair is the Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo since it’s made with an anti-dandruff medication.
• Hair loss or alopecia. If you’re dealing with hair loss, a hair growth shampoo may help prevent some breakage and hair loss while stimulating your scalp and supporting the health of your hair follicles. However, it also depends on the reason for your hair loss. Autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, for instance, can’t be cured with shampoo. 

FAQs

Which shampoo is best for all types of hair?

It’s hard to find a shampoo that’s truly one-size-fits-all since each hair type has its own unique needs. When in doubt, it’s best to choose a middle-of-the-road shampoo that cleanses well but doesn’t strip the scalp of oils, like our top pick from Pureology. 

Are there any shampoos that are actually good for your hair?

If you select the right shampoo for your hair type, you should see visible results. The key to preventing hair damage is to choose a gentle yet moisturizing formula and avoid shampooing every single day. 

Which shampoos are best for daily use?

We don’t recommend using shampoo every day, but sometimes it’s necessary, especially if you have oily hair, an itchy scalp, or you exercise daily. Gentle, sulfate-free shampoos are usually best for more frequent use, like our choices from Pureology and Oribe.