12 Great 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. A dime-sized dollop is enough to give your hair a refresh and leave it silky smooth. It also smells luxe with a rich sandalwood and amber scent.

Cosmo editor review: "This makes my hair feel super clean but not straw-like. In fact, the level of shine it gives my hair rivals that of shampoos that are literally five times the price." — LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

According to Alix Earle in a TikTok, Pantene makes her hair feel "softer than it's ever felt," further making the case for drugstore shampoo. While Pantene has a ton of different options to choose from based on your hair type and goals, there's a reason this O.G. formula is so beloved and has been a bestseller for decades. It's chock-full of panthenol to help hydrate hair, but doesn't feel too heavy. Not to mention, it smells amazing.Cosmo editor review: "This is the shampoo my mom keeps in her shower, and every time I go home, I'm in awe of how soft, smooth, and bouncy my hair is. Honestly, need to pick up a bottle for my apartment." — BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

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. The Cosmo team loves this so much, we named it the best shampoo for sensitive scalps in our 2024 Holy Grail Beauty Awards.

Cosmo editor review: “This shampoo smells divine and lathers beautifully. It made my hair feel clean and soft after washing. After a few weeks of use, I felt my hair becoming more voluminous." — EMILY ADAR, SENIOR VISUAL EDITOR

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's me), OGX Thick & Full helps repair damaged hair with strengthening hydrolyzed wheat proteins, which work to fill in all the little cracks in your hair strands. This one also includes a dose of biotin and hydrolyzed collagen to moisturize and soften hair gently.

Cosmo reader 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."

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. It's also won a Cosmo Readers' Choice Beauty Award for multiple years in a row.

Cosmo reader review: “It makes my hair feel clean without being stripped, which is pretty impressive with my EXTREMELY thick & coarse hair."

You may think you need to spend a ton of money on pricey growth serums and shampoos to thicken your hair. Newsflash: You don't (not to mention, the only over-the-counter product proven to actually work is minoxidil, not a hair-growth shampoo, unfortunately). Instead, opt for a volumizing shampoo like this to help create the illusion of thicker hair. A mix of biotin and hyaluronic acid plumps strands, making them look fuller, while also creating an ideal scalp environment to grow longer and thicker over time. TBH, it's no surprise it won a 2024 Holy Grail Beauty Award.

Cosmo editor review: “After having a baby last year, my already fine hair thinned so much. I haven’t been able to find any product that made my hair feel any fuller—and I’ve tried lots—until I started using this shampoo. It seriously makes my hair look like it’s doubled in volume.” — KRISTEN GIAMETTA, FORMER VISUAL DIRECTOR

Everyone has tried or owned a travel-sized version of this bb at some point. (I still do!) This affordable mini is perfect whether you're heading to the tropics or jet-setting to Europe because it will keep your hair smooth, soft, shiny, and flyaway-free, no matter what climate you're in. Plus, it smells freaking amazing.

Cosmo editor review: "This is the only shampoo I'll travel with. The teeny size is TSA-friendly, and the shampoo itself has never let me down. It keeps frizz at bay even when I go to high-humidity destinations." — MH

In case you weren't aware, apple cider vinegar shampoos have incredible clarifying powers, and former 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.

Cosmo reader review: "This stuff is just excellent. 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."

There's nothing 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).

Cosmo reader review: "One of the best shampoos 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."