The 11 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for All Hair Types
Don’t let choosing the right shower products turn into a soap opera!
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?
Whether you think of showering as coveted me-time or simply a necessary chore, we can all agree that the right hair products can make you feel like you’re stepping out of a professional salon except at half the cost. But here’s the thing: There’s no single “best” shampoo and conditioner set because there’s no singular type of hair. Our unique locks run the gamut from curly to straight, oily to dry, frizzy to color-treated (and hopefully not damaged!). With all the cleansing and conditioning options available, finding the products that work for your specific needs can be hard.
The right set of shampoos and conditioners will target your hair type, help bring back vibrancy to your strands, and leave your locks looking glossy. We consulted with beauty experts and stylists to find out how to keep hair healthy and what to keep in mind when choosing products for each hair type. We then found the top-rated products for you based on their intel.
Hair-care wisdom for all ages
When it comes to treating your hair right, what worked for you five years ago may not be what works for you now. “Hair changes every seven years–texture, color, and sometimes even volume,” says celebrity stylist Bianca Hillier. A few forever tips for protecting your hair at any age, from Hillier: Always use a thermal protectant when applying heat (blow drying, straightening, etc.), use UV/SPF if you’re out in the sun, and always, always use a bond builder to strengthen the inside skeleton of the hair.
Ryan Tragstad, who Laura Dern and Kelly Ripa turn to for custom cuts and color, is particularly attuned to the needs of color-treated and gray hair. “Whether you color your hair or not, grey hair tends to be much more textured and dry, leaving the client feeling like their hair is unmanageable. I often recommend using weekly hair treatments to help soften the grey texture and add shine.”
So, if your luscious locks have been looking a bit tired of late, it’s time to clear out your shower caddy and find a new cleanser and conditioner.
What to consider for each hair type
According to the Andre Walker classification system, there are four major hair types: straight, wavy, curly, and kinky. Within these different types, there are numerous shades in between. Here’s what our experts have to say for common hair type quandaries:
For fine/thinning hair: “Keep in mind that you need something lightweight because you don’t want products that will weigh it down and potentially make it look even thinner,” says Hillier. Look for keywords like “volumizing” on the bottle.
For textured or curly hair: Hairstylist April Kayganich, whose specialty is curly hair, says that definition and product build-up are two of the most common complaints among her clients. “Low porosity hair—which can be fine, medium, or coarse—has a harder time absorbing water which impacts curl definition,” says Kayganich. “For this, I suggest using Hairstory New Wash (Rich) as it’s great for opening up the cuticle.” To address product build-up, she recommends eliminating products that contain silicones and heavy oils.
For dry hair: People often think dry hair needs products with protein and strength; however, dry hair needs moisture to help repair itself. “Extreme hydration will help soothe the cuticle layer and will even get rid of some frizz,” Hillier suggests. Co-wash products (conditioners that cleanse) deliver this type of maximal hydration.
For oily hair: An oily scalp is not to be confused with oily hair. Most likely, the scalp is producing too much sebum, which is creating an oil excess. “A cheap way to prevent too much oil from occurring is shampooing less, tricking your scalp into thinking it doesn’t need to make as much oil,” says Hillier. Look for products that help you cut down on the amount you cleanse your hair.
For color-treated hair: As a colorist, Trygstad’s goal is always to maintain the health and vitality of his client’s hair. “With my all-over-color clients, I recommend sulfate-free shampoo, which won't strip the color pigment from your hair, extending the life of your all-over color.”
Olaplex knows their hair science. Their bond strengthening, non-toxic shampoo and conditioner is a salon favorite and approaches hair care on a molecular level. Superfans attest that the reparative formula works particularly well for dry hair of all types, from straight to kinky. “I am absolutely in love with the results. No matter if I style it straight or curly, my hair is in a much better state thanks to this treatment,” says Yaritza A.
Healthier hair means less frequent washing, and that’s what Hairstory is all about. Before you jump at the price, this cult-favorite is a two-for-one deal that cleanses and conditions all at once. While detergents in shampoo strip your hair and cause dandruff, this blend of essential oils and naturally derived cleansers help to rebalance your strands so that your hair falls as it should, whether that’s wavy, curly, kinky, or straight.
Hello hydration! Parched hair takes well to the As I Am Cowash which gently cleanses and preserves moisture. The all-natural blend of tangerine, coconut oil, and castor oil smooths out tangles, while saw palmetto promotes hair growth. “My hair feels so much lighter after trying this product!” One Amazon customer raves.
Your glorious curls will thank you for using Aussie’s Total Miracle Collection. You probably already know that our scalps produce natural oils. What curly girls might not understand is that the unique shape of your curls can mean the oil sometimes doesn’t make it all the way down the strands, which can leave the ends parched. That’s why Aussie’s recipe uses jojoba oil, which moisturizes the hard-to-reach areas of your hair, reduces frizz, and helps redefine curls.
Enter the *Gold* standard of moisture. “Within just seconds of applying the shampoo, my hair felt so soft, tangles and knots were melting away, and my curls became super defined,” exclaims one reviewer. If you have relaxed, natural, or transitioning hair, you know you need hair care products designed with your unique needs in mind. That’s why Pantene had a dedicated team of Black Ph.D. and scientists develop the series to improve moisture and strengthen textured hair.
If you’re looking for a slightly more high-end option for your textured strands, you might want to try the BREAD collection. Free from harsh sulfates and surfactants, this hair wash is a new hybrid option that blends the critical cleansing work of shampoo and the moisturizing power of a co-wash. Plus, this Black-owned brand is known for capturing the surprisingly delightful warm smell of cereal milk.
OGX is an OG brand that caters its products to the full range of different hair needs. Think salon-style results at drugstore cost. The Thick and Volumizing line is pumped full of nutrient-rich ProVitamin B7 biotin & collagen, which help plump up fine hair. Biotin is the building block for keratin, the protein hair is made of, and the hydrolyzed collagen proteins may offer damage-prevention benefits.
Okay, we really love OGX, and so do their customers. “I have NEVER written a review this fast, but this product absolutely deserves it! My hair actually bounces now, is lighter, and is completely clear of all my oily buildup,” one fan of the Charcoal Detox wrote. Charcoal is a life-saver when it comes to removing product buildup and rebalancing the oils from your scalp. That rebalance helps hair look and feel lighter and cleaner without stripping it dry.
Head & Shoulders Supreme Soothe and Strengthen
Sure, it’s a classic, but H&S is famous for a reason (it’s America’s #1 dermatologist recommended brand)! The Supreme Soothe & Strengthen has all of the usual perks of a great H&S cleanser—Selenium sulfide acts to reduce dandruff, and the prime combination of acids ensures that you get a proper pH balance. Infused with naturally derived argan oil and rose essence, this H&S line smells fresh and offers extra soothing action.
NEXXUS Color Assure
Color Assure is infused with elastin protein and quinoa, which works to restore the natural amino acids lost during the coloring process while also protecting your hair vibrancy. You can certainly find other products that target specific colors, but this is an inexpensive salon-crafted option that focuses on cleansing and protecting color-treated hair.
Shu Uemura color lustre
Want to give your locks some love and recover that fresh-out-of-the-salon vibrancy? Shu Uemura uses a sulfate and paraben-free formula, but that’s not the only reason it’s our stylist’s favorite. The color lustre line is infused with two natural ingredients that address the common woes of color-treated hair: Musk rose oil is rich in fatty acids that nourish and strengthen the hair fiber, while anti-oxidant rich goji berry extract protects the hair from fading.
Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.
Watch Next
12 Supplements That Will Make Your Hair Grow
Jennifer Aniston ‘Loves’ This ‘New’ Hair Product
Hot Oil Treatments for Hair: Everything to Know
15 Best Hair Growth Products for Thinning Hair
