Top 10 Shampoos
An Official Ranking Of The 10 Best Shampoos For Every Hair Type And Concern
For many, choosing a shampoo boils down to what's available at the drugstore. While there's nothing wrong with this method, it’s certainly not the only one. A couple of clicks on the phone or laptop prove that a whole world of shampoo formulas exists far beyond physical shelves.
But searching for the perfect shampoo can be long and daunting. The good news is that finding a holy-grail formula that goes beyond the typical cleansing is totally worth it. That's why we've compiled a Top 10 list to help you find the perfect shampoo.
Shopping For A New Shampoo
As shopping experts, we know what people look for when picking out a new shampoo. First and foremost, you want a shampoo that caters to your specific hair type, whether that means something that controls curls, smooths frizz, protects color, or even minimizes the signs of aging. In addition to hair type, you should also consider your hair goals. For instance, if you're dealing with postpartum hair thinning, you may be looking for the best shampoo for hair loss. Others may need a formula that's color-safe or provides strengthening benefits. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the many options out there, but our guide to the best shampoos takes into account every hair type, concern, and budget, so you can quickly find a shampoo that works for you and that you'll want to buy again and again.
How We Found The Best Shampoos
New here? Let us give you the rundown of how things work at Rank & Style. Instead of using our team’s personal opinions, we use a data-backed algorithm that factors in rave reviews, editorial mentions, social media buzz, and more to rank and discover the products we feature, making our recommendations that more more trustworthy. Keep scrolling to discover the shampoos reviewers can’t stop talking about.
May 29, 2024
Written By:Meredith Rimmer
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Kevin Murphy Hydrate-Me.Wash
Overall Score
4.7
10
Kevin Murphy Hydrate-Me.Wash
4.69
1830 User Reviews
6.2
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Shampoo For Dry Hair
WHAT IT DOES
This shampoo is specially crafted for dry, damaged, and dehydrated hair. It infuses your locks with a surge of moisture, helping to restore and maintain optimal hydration levels.
MORE REASONS TO LOVE
Say goodbye to dull and lackluster hair. Hydrate-Me.Wash contains ingredients that promote healthy shine and a natural radiance, leaving your hair looking vibrant and glossy.
Cruelty Free
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
Overall Score
4.85
09
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo
4.69
57274 User Reviews
6.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Shampoo For Itchy Scalps
WHAT IT DOES
Although this one works for a range of hair types, it's not your average shampoo. It uses a botanical-infused formula to wash away impurities and replenish the hair’s natural moisture.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Itchy scalps can be caused by anything from product build-up to dryness. This tea tree oil shampoo stops irritation at the source with peppermint and lavender oil, leaving the scalp with a squeaky-clean, tingly feeling after every wash.
Cruelty Free
Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Joia Strengthening + Smoothing Shampoo
Overall Score
4.85
08
Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Joia Strengthening + Smoothing Shampoo
4.7
9315 User Reviews
6.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Smoothing Shampoo
WHAT IT DOES
This formula is fortified with a blend of natural proteins and nourishing ingredients. It works to strengthen your hair from the roots, reducing breakage, and promoting overall hair resilience and silky-smooth strands.
PROMISING REVIEW
"As someone who struggles with dry skin on my scalp (not dandruff), finding the right shampoo has always been a bit of a challenge. From the very first use, I noticed a significant improvement in the moisture levels of my scalp. Unlike other shampoos that can exacerbate dryness, Sol de Janeiro's formula seemed to soothe and nourish my scalp, leaving it feeling comfortable and hydrated. This product has completely exceeded my expectations and is now an indispensable part of my haircare routine."
Cruelty Free
Necessaire The Shampoo
Overall Score
4.85
07
Necessaire The Shampoo
4.4
820 User Reviews
6
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Shampoo For Thinning Hair
WHAT IT DOES
Thinning hair can be a source of frustration, but this shampoo is here to provide you with the care and nourishment your hair deserves. Enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, this shampoo's formula provides the nutrients your hair needs to strengthen and support optimal hair growth by nourishing your scalp.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I have only been using the shampoo for a few washes so far but I have loved how it has made my hair and scalp feel after using. My scalp feels clean and like it has been great with taking the product buildup away. I also feel like my hair got oily slower than when using previous shampoos!"
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo
Overall Score
4.85
06
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo
4.45
1840 User Reviews
6.2
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Shampoo For Damaged Hair
WHAT IT DOES
Broken strands, be gone. With hydrating ingredients like algae extract and rose oil, this shampoo stops breakage by merging the cleansing action of a shampoo with the moisture of a deep conditioning mask. Even better? It does all this without weighing down hair or stripping color.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Reviewers say that just a little bit goes a long way, so one bottle should last you quite some time.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo
Overall Score
4.9
05
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo
4.8
8373 User Reviews
6.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Luxury Shampoo For Dry, Damaged Hair
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This shampoo from Oribe is infused with powerful ingredients like biotin, plant collagen, caffeine, and niacinamide to fortify, nourish, and strengthen hair. The $53 price tag might seem steep for a shampoo, but think of how much you’ve spent on the wrong shampoos.
WHAT IT DOES
This shampoo is formulated with centuries-old healing oils (cypress, argan, and maracuja) plus Oribe's Bio-Restorative Complex, which restores moisture while strengthening cuticles from the inside out.
Cruelty Free
Ouai Detox Shampoo
Overall Score
4.9
04
Ouai Detox Shampoo
4.56
5903 User Reviews
6.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Clarifying Shampoo
WHAT IT DOES
Along with apple cider vinegar for major cleansing and exfoliating benefits, this shampoo is also formulated with keratin to help strengthen the hair (and make it color-safe). Bonus: just like all of Ouai's products, it smells incredible.
PROMISING REVIEW
“The apple cider vinegar gives your scalp a complete detox, helps with dandruff, and leaves your hair happier than ever! I love the texture as well—it’s thick like honey, not watery, and has the perfect amount of lather!”
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo
Overall Score
4.9
03
Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo
4.59
29057 User Reviews
6.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Shampoo For Weak Hair
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Shoppers suffering from lackluster locks don’t need to look further. With a blend of fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E, and—the star ingredient—argan oil, this shampoo adds shine and deeply nourishes lifeless hair to bring it back to a vibrant state.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Not only is this shampoo free of sulfates, parabens, and mineral oil, but it also comes in recyclable packaging.
Cruelty Free
Purology Hydrate Shampoo
Overall Score
4.9
02
Purology Hydrate Shampoo
4.62
26668 User Reviews
6.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Color-Safe Shampoo
WHAT IT DOES
Unlike a traditional shampoo, this formula transforms into a creamy lather that uses a powerful blend of sunflower seed oil and vitamin E to preserve color and deeply hydrate parched locks.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The sun plays a huge role in overall hair health. This formula boasts a UV filter that acts as a shield to protect the hair from the sun's damaging effects.
Cruelty Free
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Overall Score
5
01
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
4.68
71043 User Reviews
7.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Shampoo Overall
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Whether you're battling dry hair, frizz, flyaways, or breakage, this cult-favorite shampoo and its conditioner counterpart are the holy-grail solution. It repairs damage by relinking broken bonds, and it's been proven to reduce breakage and strengthen hair of all types and textures.
AS SEEN ON
If it has a Kardashian co-sign, shoppers are paying extra attention. Olaplex shampoo is one of the secrets behind Kim K's locks.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
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