I know perfection is supposed to be unattainable, and for the most part, it is. But if searching for the best shampoo and conditioner is wrong, we don't want to be right. As rote as it seems, we believe that haircare needs to be taken as seriously as skincare is, especially when it comes to the MVPs in your shower.
That said, choosing a new shampoo and conditioner can feel daunting, especially when there are so many options available. Marie Claire staffers have already hunted down the best shampoos for hair growth, the best shampoos for natural hair, the best hair thickening shampoos, and the best shampoos for oily hair, for example, so feel free to peruse those guides if you have specific hair goals.
For this list—our all-time favorite shampoos and conditioners, the products we use in our own showers and rave to our friends about—we've put our heads together, spoken to the experts, tried and tested dozens upon dozens of products, and pledged our alliance to the best shampoos and conditioners, below, for every hair type and hair issue.
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(opens in new tab)- Best For Dry Hair: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo And Conditioner (opens in new tab)
- Best For Oily Hair: Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Volumizing Shampoo (opens in new tab)
- Best for Color-Treated Hair: BIOLAGE Color Last Shampoo (opens in new tab)
- Best for Natural Hair: SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Shampoo (opens in new tab)
- Best For Curly Hair: Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner (opens in new tab)
- Best for Fine Hair: OGX Biotin & Collagen Extra Strength Volumizing Shampoo (opens in new tab)
What to Look For in a Shampoo and Conditioner
- Ingredients
So, what exactly separates the best shampoos and conditioners from just good shampoos and conditioners? ”Generally speaking, you want to avoid sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde and hexachlorophene as these are known to dry out the hair causing it to become brittle and weak. If you’re looking to lift locks and add volume,” says Fitzsimmons. (Be sure to check out our guide to the best organic shampoos if you want more information about that, by the by.)
“I like to recommend products with caffeine as this stimulates the follicle and lifts from the root," he adds. "My go-to choice is the Andrew Fitzsimons Body Volume Shampoo. If your hair is in need of some serious TLC and, look for shampoos with moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil and ceramides to bring your strands back to life.”
- Hair Type
Next up, let’s talk about the thickness of your hair—because yes, that matters! The best shampoo for thick hair might weigh down thin hair, for example, so make sure to learn about your hair type before you shop. “There are different formulas for different hair types and they definitely work differently for each hair type,” says celebrity stylist Bobby Eliot, who has worked with Julia Garner, Kaia Gerber, and Sydney Sweeney recently. “For example, a shampoo for curly hair is generally heavier and would weigh down someone with finer hair. A shampoo for shine wouldn’t be great for someone who is oily naturally because it would be too heavy. For thicker hair, you would want something with shine or smoothing.”
The Best Shampoos and Conditioners
The shampoos and conditioners on this list have been tested, reviewed, and selected by Marie Claire's Commerce Editor, Julia Marzovilla (aka yours truly) or at least one current or former member of Marie Claire’s award-winning team of editors. Our list is broken down by hair type and texture, so you can easily skip right to what you’re looking for. While the *best* shampoo or conditioner for you will vary based on your hair type and desired style, you can't go wrong with one of the items on this list. For a more personalized recommendation, or if you have any concerns, check with your hair stylist.
Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry Hair
As with finding moisturizer for your dry skin, finding a great shampoo for dry hair is all about looking for hydration. “Dry hair is a sign of damage and can cause breakage so you should choose a shampoo that is moisturizing and has conditioning ingredients,” says Raven Hurtado, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. "Shampoos with oils like coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and aloe vera help hydrate hair. Emollient oils nourish the hair, so the more nourishing ingredients and vitamins will help dry hair. You should also follow up with a moisturizing conditioner since it’ll help smooth, lock in moisture and control frizz."
"This shampoo changed my hair from the very first wash. I have thin hair that tends to get greasy easily whenever I use conditioner, but this duo from Pureology has stopped all that. I can now go a few days in-between washes instead of rushing to clean my hair on day two, which is a godsend. I have hair that's dry at the end and gets oily easily, so I need something that will make my hair look healthy all-over, and this is it." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Pros: Has over 3,000 five-star reviews at Ulta; Doesn’t weigh down your hair.
Cons: Shampoo and conditioner are sold separately; Some reviewers said it has a strong smell.
Customer Review: "I've been using Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner for years…pricey, but worth every penny! I have coarse thick frizzy hair, and these products work perfectly for my hair type. My hairdresser is amazed at how healthy my hair has been since using these products. Always wait till on sale to buy. Love, love, love it!” — Ulta
"When I started using this, the sticker shock had me questioning my financial decisions on a higher level. Do I really need this 8oz bottle or am I just having a I-think-I’m-rich moment? Yes, to both. Had I not joined the cult of Olaplex followers my hair would have plotted a revolution against me, probably. This conditioner smooths every fly away and hydrates my split ends with every wash. The bottle is small, but mighty. I’m using half as much conditioner as I used to, and it’s working twice as hard. The only downside? Since using the product is actually making my hair healthier, it's growing longer faster. This means my once every six month cut has turned into once every three—a price I’m willing to pay." — Susanna Hayward, (opens in new tab) former Associate Art Director (opens in new tab)
Pros: Over 700 five-star reviews at Sephora; Good for dryness; good for color-treated hair.
Cons: Some reviewers said it made their hair fall flat.
Customer Review: “Interestingly, I used this conditioner before when my hair was NOT color-treated, and found it to be quite heavy; it definitely weighed my hair down. A year later, I've since bleached my hair blonde and it was beginning to feel and look straw-like and damaged. I started using this conditioner again and found it to really work and restore the moisture and health my hair needed. Would definitely recommend for color-treated/bleached and damaged hair, but can understand that it may feel really heavy for some folks.” — Sephora
"When this shampoo was gifted to me by a friend who happened to get it in a swag bag, I was skeptical of the word “oil,” thinking it might leave my hair greasy. But as a curly-haired person with dry, frizz-prone hair who’s spent a good chunk of her life searching for the magic combo of products, I decided to give it a try. I love the scent and the fact that after I rinse it out, my hair feels soft and manageable. I follow up with a conditioner and my usual array of products and my curls look shiny and defined (not frizzy, even in NYC in July!). I only wash my hair once or twice a week and I’ve still managed to run out of that original bottle and buy at least two more, which is a sure sign that this one’s staying in the mix." — Hanna Varady, former Deputy Art Director
Pros: Good for curly hair; Fights frizz; Vegan formula.
Cons: Formula is not sulfate free.
Customer Review: "This!! I'm not even kidding. Never used a shampoo with this much hydration and moisture. My hair felt so goo. It's just so good, I can actually detangle with it which I don't normally do when I'm using shampoo. This is now a staple in my house. It's worth every penny." — Ulta
“I have very thick 4C curls that are dry 90 percent of the time. As a result, I’m always vulnerable to breakage and I even find myself using masks in place of conditioners. Oribe Moisture & Control Deep Treatment Hair Mask is a long-time favorite because the shea and cupuacu butters in it soak in and seal in moisture almost instantly. And, the coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft with extra shine.” — Deena Campbell, Beauty Director
Pros: Good for damaged hair; Has a vegan formula; Good for curly hair.
Cons: Costs over $60.
Customer Review: "This stuff is just amazing. I have dry slightly damaged curly hair and have tried literally every conditioner and hair mask out there. This one stood out to me because of how rich and moisturizing it is, which is what I’m looking for. It smells amazing, actually works really well and I highly recommend this. 10/10!!!" — Sephora
"After years of frying my hair with blow dryers and flat irons, this shampoo gives me back the feeling of smooth, refreshed hair. I never know what my hair is going to look like after a wash-day, but this formula gave me consistency that I love. When I use it, I feel like at least a year of damage has been repaired in just one wash." — Tatjana Freund, Former Beauty Commerce Writer
Pros: Has over 1,000 five-star reviews; Sulfate-free; good for color-treated hair; good for curly hair.
Cons: Some reviewers say it's too heavy for thin hair.
Customer Review: “This is my favorite shampoo I've ever owned by far. It lathers so well and has saved my hair. my scalp used to be dry and flaky and its not anymore. I only use a penny size amount on my hair so its lasted me months. it may be pricey but I think it’s definitely worth it” — Sephora
"I’m used to buying whatever shampoo is on sale, as I love experimenting and trying new things, but I discovered this shampoo when I was visiting family in my hometown. I needed to wash my 4C hair after a particularly hot and humid summer day and this was a perfect choice. This shampoo is extremely moisturizing and still manages to be clarifying. It’s rich, smells great, and has the most satisfying lather. The coconut oil and amino acids help my hair feel healthy and not stripped. It provides the perfect base for the rest of my products." —Brittany Holloway-Brown, (opens in new tab) Art Director
Pros: Gentle on hair; Has a paraben-free formula.
Cons: Some reviewers say the smell is too strong.
Customer Review: "Usually shampoos make my hair super dry but after using this shampoo I don't even have to apply conditioner because it leaves my hair really soft. Also it keeps my hair clean for 2-3 days depending on the time of year." — Sephora
Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Fine Hair
While styling products like mousse can help achieve volume in your hair, those with fine hair should start by adding volumizing products in the shower for maximum effect. "When someone has fine hair, you want to look for a shampoo that is gentle and gives a lift to the hair," says Adriana Papaleo (opens in new tab), a Master Stylist at Rob Peetoom Salon in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
"As someone with insanely fine hair, I've tried every volumizing product under the sun. While texturizers and mousses come in handy, this shampoo and conditioner are my holy grail—they genuinely give my hair a lift at the root. I notice a little extra volume when I first step out of the shower, but it only gets bigger (and better) when I start the styling process. Once I whip out the blow dryer, my hair becomes unbelievably shiny, bouncy, and feels ridiculously soft." —Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Pros: Adds volume; Has a vegan formula; Has a sulfate-free formula; Has a silicone-free formula.
Cons: Some reviewers said it wasn't as hydrating as others on the market.
Customer Review: "I’m in love with this shampoo. My hair is fine and oily, but my roots are very dry and I have some frizz too. With this shampoo, my hair is just perfect. Good volume, no frizz, hair balanced. I recommend it!" — Sephora
"Those of us with thin hair know that the quest for volumized hair can feel like a lifelong and futile effort—every brush, root spray, and haircut might promise thick strands, but by midday, you're back to flat. Enter: OGX's Biotin & Collagen Shampoo & Conditioner. While I've worshipped at the alter of biotin supplements for years, I never thought of using a shampoo that used it in its formula until I stumbled across this purple bottle at CVS. The proof is in the pudding: The texture of the shampoo isn't water-y like others. Instead, it's almost gelatinous, and it instantly lifts your hair—so much so that I often forgo the other volumizing styling products I've splurged on over the years. And the best part? It's drugstore cheap." — Neha Prakash, Entertainment Director
Pros: Costs less than $10; Has over 7,000 five-star reviews on Amazon; Has a sulfate-free formula.
Cons: Some reviewers say the scent is too strong.
Customer Review: "Ok so I don't typically leave reviews but this stuff lathers better than any other shampoo I've ever used. A little bit goes a long way. It feels so good on your hair and it legit gave me extra volume when literally no other volumizing shampoo has!!!" — Ulta
"I love Moroccanoil products. Their shampoo (and conditioner) are my shiny, silky-soft hair jam. I remember trying Moroccanoil for the first time and realizing that my naturally very fine, frizzy hair can actually look smooth and—despite my total lack of skills with a hairdryer—like I’d just left a haircut. I turned my mom on to the stuff as well, so now the smell is homey and familiar to me. Plus, whenever I get a whiff of that Moroccanoil shampoo smell, it’s a nice little reminder that I’m likely having a good hair day." — Sally Holmes, Editor-in-Chief
Pros: Formula is paraben-free; Formula is sulfate-free; Good for damaged hair; Manages frizz.
Cons: Some reviewers with thick hair didn't find it hydrating.
Customer Review: "I am obsessed with the Morrocan Oil line. The smell is heavenly and it lingers in between washes, which is a positive for me. Also this stuff does miracles for your hair, makes your hair so incredibly soft and I feel like it tames the frizz that comes with overprocessing. A definite must. I wish there was more product however for the cost.” — Sephora
"My longstanding favorite shampoo/conditioner combo has been Paul Mitchell’s lemon sage thickening shampoo and conditioner. My boyfriend’s mom actually introduced me to this line after we bonded over our similar hair types! I have fine hair and am always hunting for ways to make it look like it’s not just hanging off my scalp. This duo makes my hair feel like each strand is actually fuller, while maintaining the soft texture that it has naturally, instead of drying it out like a lot of other volumizing products tend to do. An added bonus is that all Paul Mitchell products are cruelty-free, so I can enjoy my fuller, shinier hair without feeling guilty." — Morgan McMullen, Former Visual Designer (opens in new tab)
Pros: Good for color-treated hair; Has a paraben-free formula; Has a silicone-free formula; Cruelty; Adds volume.
Cons: Some reviewers said it stripped their hair.
Customer Review: "It is hard to get volume to my hair with it being so long, it gets weighed down. Just started using this shampoo and it is GREAT. My hair has a bounce to it now, and definitely can see increased volume." — Ulta
"As someone with relatively flat and what I'd describe as, at times, boring hair, I need all the help I can get in the volumizing department. That's where Fekkai's Full Blown Volume Shampoo comes in. Its fortifying formula offers a thickening, from-the-root lift that makes my hair appear fuller than it actually is, and the product gets bonus points, too, because its volumizing effect lasts me in between washes (I'm a wash-every-three-days-or-so kind of gal). Oh, and it's vegan and cruelty-free so it's also a guiltless shampoo I'm happy to have in my hair care rotation." — Emma Childs, Style Editor
Pros: Has a vegan formula; Cruelty-free; Adds volume; Has a paraben-free formula.
Cons: Some reviewers claimed it dried out their hair.
Customer Review: "I have extremely fine, thin hair that is dyed, so it gets oily and flat very quickly but the ends tend to get dry and flyaway. Finding a shampoo that gives me volume but doesn't dry out my ends has been a challenge and I always end up disappointed. I have probably tried over 20 so far, no joke. But I think my search may actually be over, this shampoo with the matching conditioner is hands down the best I have tried. My hair is fluffy, voluminous but the ends look sleek and healthy. If you have this hair type, you must try this." — Ulta
"I thought my fine hair and effort to be more zero waste would never find a common ground. Shampoo bars were always too waxy or drying for my picky hair, and I was ready to give up on them completely until I randomly tried HiBar. The solid bar (ideal for carry-on travel) comes in a paper envelope as packaging, and makes my hair insanely soft, more so than any other shampoo in a bottle I’ve come across. It is a complete game-changer!" — Julia Gall, former Fashion Director
Pros: Sustainable formula; Has a paraben-free formula; Cruelty-free; Has a sulfate-free formula.
Cons: Some reviewers couldn't tell the difference between the shampoo and conditioner.
Customer Review: “Don't feel like you have to settle on quality to be environmentally conscious. This shampoo is my favorite shampoo of all the bar AND liquid shampoos I have ever used. My hair doesn't get greasy quickly, like usual, and my hair feels so soft. The company also does a good job of packaging without plastic! I highly recommend this product!” — Target
"As someone with fine, frizz-prone, wavy hair (what a trifecta!), my biggest challenge has been finding a product that keeps my flyaways at bay, while also accentuating my natural curls. Davines LOVE smoothing shampoo and the matching conditioner are lighter than other similar products, but still fight against frizz and leave my hair soft and bouncy. Because of the thickness of the product, you'll want to use a smaller amount than usual, which, IMO, is a total plus. I even tend to not fully wash out the conditioner, letting it dry with my hair and function as a leave-in product." — Lucia Tonelli, Social Media Editor
Pros: Fights frizz; Good for damaged hair; Adds shine.
Cons: Some reviewers said the scent was too strong.
Customer Review: “Listen up, kids: I NEVER write product reviews because most of the time I do not care enough to say anything about a product review. And yet!!! Here I am because this shampoo (and the conditioner!) is shaking me to my core. My hair is naturally pretty wavy and frizzy. This summer, it seemed out of control: extra dry, somewhat knotty, and frizzy to the MAX. After some research, I decided to give the LOVE shampoo/conditioner a try even though it was more expensive than my regular shampoo. It is. Worth. Every. Penny. After just ONE use of the shampoo/conditioner, my hair COMPLETELY changed. Goodbye frizz; hello smooth hair that still has body! It didn’t make my hair greasy at all (as some smoothing products are wont to do) — just soft, smooth, and shiny. Honestly? I’m in love. I’m so happy I want to tell strangers on the street about this product. Alright, just buy this already!!!!” — Davines
Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Oily Hair
If your hair gets oily quickly, finding a shampoo that will remove that oil without stripping your strands of much-need moisture is the name of the game. Papaelo recommends shampoos that balance the hair. However, she also says that "clarifying shampoo can help as well but if there is color on the hair you want to avoid clarifying shampoos because they are not color safe." When it comes to conditioning the hair—which helps to lock in hydration—she recommends that those with oilier hair "stick with a lighter weight conditioner [and] focus on mid-lengths and ends when using."
"I switch on and off between two different shampoos because I read that always using the same one can cause buildup and make it less effective over time. I have straight, fine hair so I try my best to use only the most gentle products. I love Briogeo’s gingseng shampoo because it smells amazing and it's sulfate-free. The formula also contains biotin, which helps to grow hair and that's something I currently need since my hair has been shedding like crazy. I wash my hair every other day, but if I have back-to-back washes (i.e. I worked out on Monday and Tuesday) I use—surprise!—baby shampoo for day two. It cleans my hair really well and if it’s safe/gentle enough for babies, it’s definitely good for my thin hair. The one thing I have not used since high school is conditioner. I found that no matter what brand I try, my hair feels greasy the next day even though I just washed it the night before." — Marina Liao, former Fashion News Editor
Pros: Good for volume; Has a vegan formula; Has a sulfate-free formula; Adds shine; Good if you have oilier hair.
Cons: Some reviewers said it made their hair dry.
Customer Review: "I have very fine hair that I usually have to wash every day and it still gets oily and flat mid-day. This shampoo not only smells amazing but I can now go 2 days without washing my hair and it still looks and feels clean and voluminous. Been looking for this for years and happy that I’ve finally found it!" — Sephora
"My hair normally used to go from being freshly-washed to overly-oily in a day or two, but now I can go up to four or even five days without needing to wash it thanks to this shampoo from Leonor Greyl. I use this as the first of two shampoos in my double-cleanse hair routine, or on its own with a heavier leave-in conditioner if I'm in a rush. It gets rid of dirt, oil, and product build-up just as well as a typical clarifying shampoo but without making my ends feel stripped." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor.
Pros: Good for oily hair; Good for dry ends.
Cons: Formula can be stripping if you use too much; Has a strong smell.
Customer Review: “Not mentioning the decent smell and lovely foams of this shampoo, I have to say it is the best shampoo I’ve ever used. I have an extremely oily scalp and always find the hair body got dryness and fizzy at the end. I would definitely recommend this shampoo if you are experiencing the same problem as me. I feel it balancing my scalp, and smoothing the hair body. The scalp was cleaned so well, and the hair body is bouncing in a healthier look.” — Neiman Marcus
"I turn to this clarifying shampoo when my scalp is in need of a major reset. This shampoo does wonders for itchy dry scalp and keeps dandruff at bay. What I love most about this peppermint tea tree formula is that it’s so soothing and doesn’t strip my hair of moisture. 10/10 would recommend!" — Chelsea Hall, former Assistant Beauty & Fashion Editor
Pros: Good if you have dandruff; Cruelty-free; Has a sulfate-free formula; Has a paraben-free formula; Good for textured hair.
Cons: Some reviewers said it left behind a film on their hair.
Customer Review: “My absolute go to fit when my 4C hair needs a boost of moisture! It is light enough to use daily but also great to use when doing a protective style to keep your hair moisturized in between styles. Would definitely recommend!” — Target
"Recently I shaved my head and realized I didn't have a need for a lot of the products that covered my shelves and bathroom, I wanted to find products that are multi-use and didn't take up too much space. Cue this concoction from Everist. I was confused at first as to how it worked but once I tried it I was amazed at how a little product with some water created enough lather to wash the little hair I have. I'm a big fan of how it also cleanses my scalp gently without drying it out. Following up with the conditioner and I trust that my hair will grow healthy and curly!" — Alexis Gaskin, Freelance Beauty Writer
Pros: Sustainable formula; Good if you have buzzed or very short hair; Comes in a travel-friendly tube.
Cons: Some reviewers said it left their longer hair feeling tangled.
Customer Review: “This product is my absolute favorite. It smells amazing like fresh lemons. It lathers so well once you wet your hair. It doesn’t leave my hair feeling dry like most shampoos. I love the clean ingredients” — Credo Beauty
Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Natural and Textured Hair
“When you have naturally textured hair you should aim for products that will offer extra moisturizing benefits as well as a product that emphasizes its ability to strengthen hair from within,” says Lacy Redway, Unilever Global Stylist. “Other benefits to look out for are products that define your texture and get rid of any unwanted frizz.”
"Shea Moisture products are a favorite of mine, since it gives my hair moisture and I love the smell of the castor oil. Growing up in a Caribbean household, my Mom used to use castor oil to massage my scalp. A friend of mine recommended Shea Moisture products and I tried it for the first time 2 years ago. I use their Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strength and Restore Shampoo and Conditioner. Then afterwards, I apply their leave-in conditioner. The castor oil itself is a great nutrient for hair growth so that's one of the reasons I gave this product a try and I'm glad I did, as it works. " — Nicole Clacken, former Visual Researcher
Pros: Contains castor oil; Cruelty-free; Good for low-porosity hair.
Cons: Some reviewers said the smell was too strong.
Customer Review: “Low porosity hair approved! This is my favorite shampoo and conditioner! Great for my soft waves. Hair feels soft and hydrated.” — Target
"A lot of hair products on the market tend to do absolutely nothing for those of us with more textured, porous hair, so finding the perfect shampoo and conditioner to implement into my regiment has taken some time. My hair has transformed quite a bit over the years—from a giant afro to a cute tapered cut to my current low caesar—but OGX's shampoos and conditioners have been my go-to. I swear by its argan oil of Morocco line. At any length, both the shampoo and conditioner keep my hair hydrated and shiny, and the smell is everything!" — Ineye Komonibo, former Editorial Fellow
Pros: Has a sulfate-free formula; Has a paraben-free formula.
Cons: Some reviewers said the scent was too strong.
Customer Review: “I give this a 5 just from the smell of the shampoo and the way my hair feels after using it. It really makes my hair feel nice and leaves my curly and frizzy hair with a more maintainable feel afterwards. also leaves my hair smelling so amazing that I will use time and time again” — Ulta
“Shampoos can be very drying for my thick curls, so sometimes I’ll use a cleansing cream instead. The lemon and orange blossom extracts in this cleansing cream work as astringents so my hair isn’t stripped of its natural oils.” — Deena Campbell, Beauty Director
Pros: Fights frizz; Has a sulfate-free formula; Has UV protection; Has a vegan formula.
Cons: Some reviewers said the scent was too strong.
Customer Review: “This is like washing your hair with a conditioner - in the best way possible. I shampoo my scalp with a different shampoo because it tends to get oily. But I have long hair that I color consistently, so I flip my hair over in the shower and massage this shampoo into those long strands. It makes my frizzled ends soft, healthy, and shiny, whether I let the curls dry naturally or blow them out straight. This is really good stuff, and it will be a staple as long as I continue to keep my hair long and colored.” — Sephora
"Natural girls know that dryness is the enemy. Hydration comes first with my curls no matter the season. During the summer, fall, winter, and spring, dryness finds a way to creep back into my coils and leave my hair looking a hot mess. But when I nourish my hair with the hydrating agents, like olive oil and botanicals found in this creamy conditioner, my hair feels healthy and strong for a whole week. (Yes, I go a whole week without washing my hair. It's FINE, I'm alive.) I love using a wide-tooth comb and raking this conditioner through my hair from root-to-tip to make sure it's evenly distributed throughout the hair shaft. Then, with this still on my hair, I use my fingers and the comb to detangle. Afterwards, I put on a shower cap and let my curls steam in a hot shower to penetrate the hair follicle even further." — Maya Allen, former Digital Beauty Editor
Pros: Good for dry hair; Fights frizz; Has a sulfate-free formula; has a paraben-free formula;
Cons: Some reviewers said it didn't help with detangling their hair.
Customer Review: "This product worked really well on my hair! First off, This product smells really good. This conditioner enhanced my curls so well. My curls look defined and bouncy. I noticed a huge difference in my root frizz immediately after use. My hair looks healthy and beautiful. My curls look defined and perfectly bouncy. Also smells amazing and smell lasts a while which makes me extra happy. It stays on for a long time. It also gives my curls a good hydration boost where it feels soft and moisturized! My frizzy curls are bouncy, healthy and beautiful ! I never really liked my curls until now but that changed now! I'm so happy to have finally found something that works so well with my curly hair !! Officially ready for summer!! I highly recommend this product! This product was gifted to me by the brand in exchange of my HONEST opinion. My opinion is derived strictly from my experiences.I would honestly 100 percent recommend this product. It is so so worthed." — Ulta
"I have a very thick kinky-curly mane that requires a ton of moisture. Deep conditioning once a week is an absolute must in order to keep my hair hydrated and manageable. What I like most about this conditioner is the nice slip it gives my coarse strands, allowing me to easily detangle them. I apply the conditioner, then apply a conditioning heat cap, and I let it sit in my hair for about 30-45 minutes. The directions say to leave it in for 15-20 minutes before rinsing, but personally I believe the longer it stays the softer the curls." — Chelsea Hall, former Assistant Beauty & Fashion Editor
Pros: Has a sulfate-free formula; Good for dry hair; Fights frizz.
Cons: Some reviewers said the scent was too strong.
Customer Review: "This. Mask. Is. Everything. … my hair is dry, coarse, kinky 4c and it soaks up moisture instantly and looks dry 2 minutes later. This mask prolongs the length of time my hair stays moisturized and makes it so soft smooth and easy to detangle! Again the smell just like the other two products is amazing. Not too strong but not too subtle where it disappears." — Sephora
"The brand calls this scalp cleanser their “secret sauce” for a reason. The unique packaging is what sets this shampoo apart from the rest—it’s a shampoo that doubles as a hair tool. I mean, just look at those applicator claws and image how good they’ll feel massaging your scalp. All I do is twist the cap to allow the product to dispense, then section my hair to get the claws as close to my scalp as possible. The creamy lather feels tingly and refreshing, since it’s full of mint and tea tree oil, and rids my curls of any build-up. Thank you, Taraji! I’m obsessed." — Maya Allen, former Digital Beauty Editor
Pros: Has a paraben-free formula; Cruelty-free; Good for fighting buildup.
Cons: Some reviewers said the packaging didn't work correctly.
Customer Review: “This product should not be underestimated! The consistency was very thin, almost like water so I was nervous it would end up doing nothing, but I put it all throughout my hair anyway and scrubbed and let me tell you, rinsing out my hair felt so satisfying because my hair felt SO clean!! I was very pleasantly surprised. I have low porosity wavy/curly hair so my hair gets oily fast and gets a lot of build up, and this has been a great addition to my routine. I personally love the smell and light tingling sensation, but I do see how for those who are sensitive to fragrance it might be a bit overwhelming. i’m so glad i took a chance on this product” — Target
Best Shampoo and Conditioners for Curly Hair
If you're someone with curly hair who is looking for hydration, look no further. Redway says that “someone with curly hair should look out for products that will help moisturize and define curls without weighing them down, reduce unwanted frizz, and repel humidity.”
"I've been a big fan of Juices & Botanics recently. Their products are made with curly hair in mind, so the deep cleansing shampoo gets all the grime out of my hair after a workout without stripping it or drying it out. They offer a cowash I'm a huge fan of as well. Finally, the line smells fabulous—I get compliments all the time." — Gabrielle Ulubay, E-Commerce Writer
Pros: Sold as a set; The detoxing shampoo isn't drying.
Cons: The detoxing formula might be too harsh to use daily.
Customer Review: “The shampoo has a nice tingly feel and smells amazing. My scalp and hair is clean without the over dry “squeaky” feeling. The conditioner is thick and creamy. My hair drinks it up. Again it has a wonderful scent . I can definitely see and feel the difference in my hair. Hydrated and soft to the touch.” — Juices & Botanics
"This is the Holy Grail of so many naturals online. It’s affordable, which is key when you use tons of it for your hair care routine. Again, moisture is the main tenet of my haircare routine. This is infused with avocado and jojoba oils. It has great slip and coats each strand. I like using it as detangling lotion, but also making it into a deep conditioner by adding a dropperful or two of Papa Rozier’s Castor and Moringa Oil and then using a warm towel for a treatment. It defines my kinky curls and leaves my hair revitalized." — Brittany Holloway-Brown, Art Director
Pros: Good for dryness; Has a parabe-free formula; Has over 900 five-star reviews at Target; Good for curly hair;
Cons: Some reviewers said that the hydration didn't last in their hair.
Customer Review: "I have 3b/3c curls and this is the best conditioner I have ever used! Paired with the shampoo it leaves your hair soft, manageable, and smelling amazing! You don't need a lot either. Highly reccomend for my type 3 and maybe 4 hair queens!" — Target
Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Color-Treated Hair
"For colored hair you want to focus on a sulfate-free shampoo that helps prolong your color," says Papaleo. She recommends that those who love to color or highlight their hair "stay away from anything that says clarifying as that will shorten the longevity of your color service."
"EVA NYC has been my go to for years but this specific line is a lifesaver for anyone who will impulsively bleach their own hair at home. My hair became very dry and coarse after bleaching. After a few washes this helped repair my hair’s texture. The argan oil and plant protein are super moisturizing and it doesn’t leave my hair feeling greasy or heavy. It also works on color treated hair, so you can keep your hair healthy when you decide it’s time for a new color." — Jonelle Afurong, Junior Designer
Pros: Good for dry hair; Has a sulfate-free formula; Has a paraben-free formula.
Cons: Some reviewers wished it lathered more.
Customer Reviews: "I am always bleaching my hair and this keeps the moisture in! I'm always on the lookout for some thing that is thick with moisture and keeps my hair hydrated. This works SO WELL! I will definitely keep buying this product. It's also a very god price." — Ulta
