Trust Me—The Best Drugstore Shampoos and Conditioners Are Just as Good as Luxury Formulas
Gorgeous hair on a budget.
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A hill I've always been willing to die on is that drugstore shampoos and conditioners are just as good as the more high-end formulas. In college, before I had the luxury to test out some of the best hair products on the market, I relied heavily on affordable hair products from the drugstore, since they didn't completely eat up my budget and allowed me to figure out what products and ingredients my hair liked the most, all without feeling like I was wasting money. But, more importantly, they got the job done.
The best drugstore shampoos and conditioners of today have evolved far beyond the basic formulas that decorated the aisles when I was a teenager. Now you can find products that cater to a variety of hair types and needs, from curl care to moisture to length retention and much more. As an affordable haircare devotee, these are some of the best drugstore shampoos and conditioners that you can buy right now.
Color Saviors
After lightening my hair a few shades over a year ago, I learned the hard way that my weekly wash day routine needed some serious revamping with color-safe shampoos and conditioners that prevent said color from drying out my hair or making it feel brittle. So far, these formulas haven't let me down, and the amount of split ends I was previously experiencing has decreased tremendously.
I love most of Redken's lineup, but as a person with color-treated hair, this has been a staple in my haircare lineup. The shampoo isn't too harsh on my curls and the conditioner softens and moisturizes my hair in less than five minutes.
Use this inexpensive set to ensure that your newly colored locks don't lose their luster and vibrancy. Both products use antioxidants and UV filters that prevent your color from fading or being washed out by harsh cleansing agents.
Curl Care
I've worn my natural curls for over a decade now, and it's taken me half of that time to settle on a shampoo and conditioning routine that truly works for my texture. In my early twenties, I relied heavily on drugstore hair products because they cleansed and conditioned my hair at a reasonable price. These are just a few of my favorites.
Mielle Organics has a cult following for a reason and its Rosemary Mint collection is a huge part of that. The shampoo is a refreshing formula that cleanses the hair and scalp while ingredients like mint provide a cool, soothing sensation, which especially feels nice if your scalp gets itchy from time to time. Biotin is the other star ingredient here, and it encourages hair growth and length retention.
SheaMoisture has a pretty extensive lineup of products, but if I had to recommend anything to a first-time user, it would 100% be this set. Both products focus on hydration and ensuring your curls are able to retain their shape and elasticity after cleansing and conditioning. Neem oil keeps the hair looking shiny while silk proteins prevent breakage.
Dandruff Itch Relief
Scalp flakes and itchiness have long been a problem for me, and while I have my favorite scalp treatments, sprays, and serums for addressing the problem, sometimes getting things under control starts with the shampoos and conditioners you use.
Head Shoulders has become the gold standard for treating dandruff thanks to its dermatologist-beloved formulas that help to get rid of visible flakes caused by dandruff. The shampoo and conditioner in this set is made with zinc pyrithione, an anti-fungal ingredient that prevents the growth of yeast that causes dandruff to form on the scalp.
2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner hybrids usually get the side eye from me, but this product from Nizoral uses ketoconazole to get rid of fungus on the scalp while also being able to condition and hydrate the hair.
Stronger Bonds
Ever since Olaplex hit the scene, the emphasis on bond repairing products has only grown. For the uninitiated, these are products that are meant to fix broken bonds in the hair caused by excessive use of heat and/or color treatments and chemicals. You'll know if you need one if your hair is frizzy and brittle even after conditioning. However, dozens of bond repairing products are on the more expensive side. These drugstore formulas can provide the same amount of damage relief as high-end ones.
If you frequently use color or chemicals on your hair and your strands feel hard or brittle to the touch, this under-$20 set might come in handy. Both products include citric acid, which can reduce frizz and strengthen damage.
This is another citric acid-heavy formula that strengthens the hair and defends it against the effects of excessive heat, color treatments, and even hard water.
Va-Va-Volume
Not every hair product is suitable for fine hair, since formulas that are too thick can weigh it down and cause it to look greasy. If your hair is on the flatter side, these inexpensive shampoos and conditioners can help you fake the lifted look.
OGX's Thick Full line features biotin, which reduces shedding and thinning, while collagen increases each strand's elasticity and makes the hair look thicker and denser overall.
TRESemmé's volumizing set not only uses collagen to make the hair appear fuller, but it also provides heat protection against hot tools and styling products. But, most importantly, you can't beat the $11 price tag.
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