Sudsy Sins And Scalp Wins
There's no shortage of shampoo options in the haircare aisle of your local drugstore. The trouble is, not all of them play nice with your hair. Some coat, some mislead. The good ones are out there, but first, we have to look at the shampoo brands you need to steer clear of.
1. Suave Essentials
Let's just say this line from Suave is that ex who seemed good on paper—cheap and smelled decent. But behind the charm, it's loaded with sulfates that leave your hair drier. Colored hair? It doesn't stand a chance. You deserve better than split ends disguised as savings.
Suave Essentials Shampoo | Our Point Of View by WTI
2. VO5
This carries the memories of your teen years. While the fact that a fruity scent hits a nostalgic nerve and the cost is budget-friendly, it doesn't outweigh the risk for those with delicate hair or sensitive scalps. Sodium lauryl sulfate leaves your sensitive scalp squeaky, then flaky.
VO5 Shampoo & Conditioner Review | Don't Sleep on These! by Jordy Mystic
3. Pantene Pro-V
Pantene is that friend who always looks good on Instagram. Filtered. All those silicones give a fake shine that eventually turns into product cling. Over time, hair becomes heavy with buildup and cries out for a detox. Slick now, stressed later.
Pantene Pro-V Shampoo - Review. by Lina La
4. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine
It lures you in with citrus and jungle-green bottles, but don't be fooled. They are mixing perfumes and lab spills. Between stripping sulfates and synthetic fragrances, it gets a no from textured or color-treated hair. Smells like fun, but the damage shows up fast.
5. TRESemmé
Here’s the tea: TRESemmé once faced lawsuits over scalp irritation from DMDM hydantoin. Even beyond that drama, their formulas are stuffed with sulfates (SLES) and heavy silicones. You get a shiny bounce at first, then irritation and regrets, kind of like trusting your ex's playlist again.
The New TRESemmé Pro Collection Shampoo and Conditioner | TRESemméIndia by TresemmeIndia
6. Herbal Essences Hello Hydration
Let’s be honest—Herbal Essences is a fragrance brand that moonlights as shampoo. The lather is frothy, and the scent? Floral explosion. However, sensitive scalps and damaged ends do not fare well with it. It promises botanical energy but delivers a heavy, synthetic, perfumed panic attack to your follicles.
7. Aussie
That iconic purple bottle might scream chill beach vibes, but Aussie shampoos are secretly pretty mean. Sulfates, silicones, and waxy conditioning agents do your curls or waves no favors. Sure, you'll smell like vacation, but your hair won't send a happy postcard home.
HONEST AUSSIE MIRACLE WAVES REVIEW UNSPONSORED by Suhanna De Silva
8. Alberto Balsam
Alberto Balsam feels like the VHS of shampoos—budget-friendly, but it doesn't suit hair that needs extra care. The formulas haven't kept pace with modern hair science, still clinging to SLES despite numerous reports of concerns. If your hair is processed or just alive, you deserve a better upgrade.
ALBERTO BALSAM COCONUT & LYCHEE SHAMPOO REVIEW! by Natasha Lifestyle
9. White Rain
It’s called White Rain, but it hits more like a chemical drizzle. The formula's packed with high-foam detergents that over-strip and under-nourish. After a few washes, the itch will get to you because the scalp is irritated. Budget doesn't have to mean bad, but in this case, yeah, it does.
"White Rain", You are cheap and make me sad!!! by Constant Consumer Tammy Everson Markley
10. OGX Argan Oil of Morocco
The bottle looks like it belongs in a bougie shower caddy. But turn it over, and the ingredient list tells a different story. They got sued over DMDM hydantoin (hello, formaldehyde), and many lines still pack sulfates and synthetic junk. The lawsuits should clue you in.
Okay, now that we've nixed the duds, let's talk about the shampoos that deliver. Here's where the good stuff lives.
1. SheaMoisture
When you need a shampoo that goes hard for curls, SheaMoisture is your girl. Shea butter and coconut oil are the ultimate hydration duo for your hair. It's a treat for your strands, giving them softness and all the moisture they crave, without any harsh chemicals, obviously.
Sheamoisture - My honest thoughts + Recommendations by Suhanna De Silva
2. Maui Moisture
Imagine your hair on a tropical vacation. Maui Moisture can make that happen. Aloe vera and coconut water? They are total hydration goals. Whether your hair's straight or curly, this one delivers a deep moisture boost, leaving it shiny and beachy in the best way possible. So good, you'll forget what frizz even means.
maui moisture lightweight hydration review by Dana Gagliotti
3. Aveeno
Sensitive scalp? Enter Aveeno, where oats do the heavy lifting. This shampoo gently cleanses without irritating your skin, which is a game-changer if you're prone to dryness or flakes. It's the mild, go-with-the-flow option when you want clean, healthy hair but don't need a ton of frills.
Aveeno ACV Shampoo + Conditioner | Our Point Of View by WTI
4. Not Your Mother's Curl Talk
Can we talk about Not Your Mother's? It's everything your hair wants: hydration and just the right amount of care. The coconut and shea butter combo promises deep nourishment, which is best for dry curls. Get silky, smooth strands, like you always wanted.
Wavy Hair Routine: Not Your Mothers Curls | UK Review by Tori Hunter
5. Love Beauty and Planet
For that luxe, spa-like experience, Love Beauty and Planet checks all the boxes. Think: plant-based and an eco-friendly approach. Your hair will feel rejuvenated with every wash. The heavenly scents are a bonus you didn't even know you needed. Plus, it's good for the planet. Win-win.
I Ordered Love Beauty and Planet Shampoos! Honest Review by Trying for Modesty
6. Kristin Ess
If you're into salon-quality vibes without the salon price tag, Kristin Ess is a no-brainer. Her formula is all about balancing vitamins and antioxidants to give you strong, shiny hair. No sulfates in sight, just gentle ingredients that'll leave your hair soft and manageable.
Kristin Ess Dry Shampoos Review (Which one is BETTER?!) by Mae Sitler
7. Monday Haircare
Who doesn't love a brand that keeps it simple? Monday Haircare does exactly that—great ingredients like coconut oil to hydrate your hair. Easy and effective, it works wonders without complicating your routine. Plus, the packaging? You'll want it on display in your bathroom.
MONDAY Haircare | No Bad Mondays by MONDAY Haircare
8. Hask
Your hair's in good hands with Hask. Packed with Argan Oil, this shampoo is perfect if your strands feel a little lackluster. It deeply moisturizes and brings your hair back to life with each use. You’ll like the glow-up that comes without a heavy price tag.
Finally trying the Hask curl line on wavy hair! First impression review by Tabitha Gingerich
9. Raw Sugar
Sustainability meets good hair days with Raw Sugar. Imbued with shea butter and coconut oil, this shampoo nurtures your hair, leaving it soft and strong. But what makes it even better? It's free of parabens and sulfates, and the brand gives back. Clean hair, cleaner conscience.
Raw Sugar Shampoo & Conditioner by Mia Cream Shop
10. Pacifica
For a shampoo that feels as good as it smells, Pacifica delivers. This 100% vegan and cruelty-free option is packed with natural goodness like seaweed and bamboo. Your hair will soak up the nourishment, and you'll feel pretty great about using it. A paragon of clean beauty, one might add.
NEW Pacifica Hair Care (Cruelty Free & Vegan!) - Logical Harmony by Tashina Combs
