No matter how much you might spend on it, there’s something about shampoo that always feels like the most basic step of your hair routine. After all, sudsing up in the shower just isn’t that exciting—it’s the masks, hair oils and styling products that bring the fun later. However, while I am partial to a more expensive shampoo and conditioner duo, I often recommend that it’s the place in your hair routine where you can cut costs if you’re looking to save some money—leaving you to invest more in your styling products instead. As a beauty editor I have tested a lot of shampoos over the years but while the luxe cleansers often feel great, and smell even better, there are plenty of drugstore shampoos that I use regularly and recommend to my friends with a plethora of hair types.
Before we get into my favourites, however, it’s important to note is that a lot of inexpensive shampoos tend to contain SLS—a.k.a. sodium lauryl sulphate—an ingredient that’s used purely to create that classic shampoo lather. This isn’t an issue for all hair types as it is effective at removing grease from the hair, but it’s definitely an ingredient to watch out for if you have curly or Afro-textured hair as it can leave hair looking and feeling drier than when you wash with a SLS-free shampoo.
So, if you’re looking for shampoos that are affordable but cleanse amazingly, keep scrolling for 21 of the best drugstore shampoos—all for £13 and under.
If frizz and flyaways are something that you’re constantly trying to smooth out, this shampoo contains Australian hemp seed extract to help with that. The formula is pretty clarifying and works well for greasy roots and straighter textures.
Protecting colour isn’t just about using gentler cleansers, to keep colour fresh you have to protect it from UVA and UVB rays—which is exactly what this shampoo does when used alongside the range’s conditioner and masque.
This shampoo aims to recreate the effects of a smoothing Brazilian blow-dry at home, with a keratin infusion to help smooth the hair cuticle for silky hair.
This sulphate-free shampoo is great for loose curls. It cleanses well but doesn’t strip moisture and the coconut oil, sweet honey and citrus oil aid in sealing in hydration.
This shampoo is formulated especially for finer hair textures and is great for soothing sensitive scalps. The lavender is calming and the lack of silicone in the ingredients list means your hair will feel like it’s natural texture when it dries rather than weighed down with product.
Whether you’ve dyed your hair brunette or it’s your natural hue, this will help to keep the tone far from brassy. The green neutralises any unwanted red and cools the base colour down.
If your grey hair or platinum blonde is looking slightly yellowish then this will knock out any unwanted tones and leave your strands looking bright.
This formula really works for thick and curly hair. It doesn’t strip moisture and the shea butter and coconut oil propping up the ingredients list helps to create shiny, healthy-looking curls.
If you struggle with volume, this shampoo cleanses away any product residue that can weigh hair down. The texture is lightweight too so once dried (if followed with the Volume Boost Bodifying Conditioner) your hair will look bouncier.
Aloe vera juice, coconut water, shea butter, macadamia and coconut oil are all at play in this formula for a silky-soft finish once rinsed out.
If you have super bleached-blonde hair, this shampoo is loved for the soft pearl tone it imparts. Trust me—your locks will have a beautiful, rich sheen post-drying.
Of the new range from super-stylist George Northwood this is the most crowd-pleasing shampoo that works for most hair types. Ingredients include fermented minerals and sugar beet which help with strengthening and moisture retention for all-round healthy hair.
When it comes to hair growth, focusing on root stimulation will help to get things moving which is why this formula includes coffee seed extract and pea sprout extract—both of which are known to stimulate and aid growth.
For coily hair this is a good option for a clarifying wash that doesn’t completely strip the hair of moisture thanks to the shea butter.
This shampoo is for anyone that has anything from a slight wave to a coil to their texture. When rinsed your hair feels noticeably softer and curls look defined.
Finer, delicate hair types will find that this shampoo helps to strengthen hair thanks to biotin in the formula while argan oil coats the hair leaving it silky smooth.
Using a lot of styling products on Afro hair can lead to mammoth build up when it comes to washday. This shampoo makes light work of cleansing away grime and build-up so it’s a great clarifying option to have on hand.
Looking for something eco-friendly and gentle? This co-wash bar does have a low lather for cleansing but is incredibly softening too.
A tangle-free washday doesn’t have to be just a dream with this shampoo. Seriously, it really does aid in detangling thick, coily hair after washing.
For tightly coiled hair or Afro-textured hair in locs, using this bar lathered up slightly gives a mild but effective clean for the hair and scalp.
This co-wash is a true conditioner and shampoo hybrid with a light lather but extreme moisturising benefits thanks to the Jamaican black castor oil. Up next, these low-maintenance hair trends are going to dominate in 2021.
