Is It Safe To Use Drugstore Shampoo and Conditioner?

Let’s face it: There are a lot of choices when it comes to hair care products. Between masks, styling products, and cleansers, we could break our entire beauty budget on just our hair. So, it makes a lot of financial sense to shop affordable drugstore finds. But will a $5 shampoo work as well as a $25 one? And is it safe for your hair? 

While it may seem like the more you spend on hair products, the better the quality, that’s not always the case. Target, Amazon, CVS, and more big-box retailers stock quality hair products that won’t drain your wallet. Follow these guidelines to find the best shampoo and conditioner for you to ensure your best hair ever.

Shop for Your Hair

Similar to how you take care of your skin, you should shop for your specific hair type. For example, straight, fine hair won’t respond as well to the moisture-packed shampoos and conditioners meant for dry hair. Nor will brunettes find much advantage to shampoos and conditioners with purple tones meant for blond hair. And those with curly and coily hair have specific moisture needs, and should look for hydration that doesn’t weigh down the strands.

Be Aware of Sulfates

Sulfates in shampoo, specifically sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, can be pretty controversial. As trichologist Taylor Rose said in a viral TikTok, “While sulfates are excellent at cleansing your hair, they may be too excellent, sometimes stripping away too much moisture and leaving the hair and scalp dry, damaged, and irritated.” Sulfates can also strip hair color over time. 

But sulfates aren’t bad for everyone. As Rose noted, those with curly, color-treated, dry hair, or coarse hair might benefit from a sulfate-free shampoo. But those with fine or oily hair might really like how sulfates keep their scalp clean and free of buildup. It’s all about preference. 

Look Out for Silicones 

In recent years, there has been a lot of buzz around silicones, as well. But just like your relationship with social media, it’s complicated. Silicones, which pop up in products to help tame frizz and lend a sleek look to your style, are generally only worrisome if used too much. Since they operate by forming a barrier around each strand, they also block out any beneficial ingredients from making their way to your hair shaft. Add in the fact that they stick to your hair stronger than a stage-5 clinger, and the buildup concern is real. If you notice your hair becoming limp or weighed-down after using a silicone-infused shampoo or conditioner, it may be time to take a break and reach for a nonsilicone option. 

Top Drugstore Picks

Shop our favorite drugstore finds for every hair type below. 

1. OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner 

Think of this coconut oil, coconut milk, and egg white protein mix as the traveling pants of the shampoo and conditioner aisle. The sulfate-free combination (which does contain silicones) hydrates and strengthens all hair types and textures so you get smooth, shiny locks with plenty of body. 

2. Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner 

Free of silicones and sulfates, this shea butter-boosted combo delivers a megadose of hydration to dry, brittle curls. Coconut and macadamia oils also help moisturize and redefine curls and waves.

3. Shea Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner Set, Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine

This sulfate-free shampoo is a cult-favorite for color-treated hair, curly hair, and chemically treated hair — for good reason. It deeply cleanses but uses moisturizing coconut oil and silk proteins to leave hair ultra-shiny. 

4. Herbal Essences Pure Grapeseed Color Nurture Shampoo and Conditioner

You loved it in high school and you’ll depend on it now. The newest sulfate-free addition to Herbal Essences is formulated to protect fading color thanks to UV protective grapeseed. (This combo does contain dimethiconol, a type of silicone.) Camellia flower oil and aloe deliver hydration that won’t weigh your hair down. 

5. Pantene Infinite Lengths Shampoo and Conditioner 

While you’re likely already depending on biotin, collagen, and vitamin E to help your skin stay healthy, these ingredients promise to boost your hair in Pantene’s newest collection. By delivering the strengtheners directly to the hair shaft, your strands can grow longer and stronger over time. This collection is sulfate-free but does contain silicones.  

6. Head & Shoulders Bare Pure Clean Shampoo

Made with just nine ingredients, this sulfate- and silicone-free shampoo is a sensitive scalp’s soul mate. The anti-dandruff formula battles flakes while the minimal ingredients cleanse and nourish hair without stripping it of its natural oils.