With more shampoos on the market than ever, finding one that actually delivers can feel overwhelming. That’s why our annual beauty awards spotlight the formulas that rise above the rest. After extensive testing and expert input, these shampoos earned top marks for performance, innovation and real, visible results—proving that great hair truly starts in the shower.
Best Powder Shampoo
AROVE AERIOUS Waterless Powder Shampoo ($36)
One tiny bottle of AROVE’s travel- and eco-friendly, water-activated AERIOUS Shampoo is made to replace up to 32 ounces of traditional shampoo and last for up to 85 washes.
Best Exfoliating Shampoo/Scalp Scrub
Base-K The Rice Powder Detox Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scaling Shampoo ($48)
A K-beauty scalp standout, BASE-K’s Rice Powder Detox is hardworking yet gentle, delivering a fresh, tingly-clean scalp with cooling rice-powder exfoliation that works as both a treatment and a weekly shampoo.
Best Fragrance-Free Shampoo
California Naturals Sensitive Scalp Shampoo ($12)
Made with easily irritated scalps in mind, California Naturals’ Sensitive Scalp Shampoo skips fragrance entirely, using soothing botanicals including chamomile, aloe, oat and green tea to gently cleanse without triggering dryness or irritation.
Best Dry Shampoo
COLOR WOW Insta-WOW Advanced Dry Shampoo ($32)
COLOR WOW’s Insta-WOW Advanced Dry Shampoo uses a shampoo-grade cleanser and ultrafine starches to soak up grease and oil, helping hair feel freshly washed without stepping into the shower.
Best Purple Shampoo
Danger Jones Killer Blonde Purple Shampoo ($29)
Beloved by colorists around the world, professional hair-color brand Danger Jones recently expanded into at-home care, and this hydrating Killer Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo is the best of its kind we’ve tried this year.
Best Shampoo for Oily Hair
Hairitage by Mindy McKnight SO OVER YOU OIL CONTROL SHAMPOO ($9)
Inspired by feedback from Hairitage by Mindy McKnight’s loyal community, So Over You Oil Control Shampoo uses a combination of probiotics, papaya extract and aloe vera to help balance excess oil without overdrying the hair.
Best Shampoo for Frizzy Hair
John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Shampoo ($8.50)
John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Repair Shampoo hits the reset button on hard-to-manage hair. With each cleanse, strands look shinier, sleeker and more controlled.
Best Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
L'Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color Spectrum Shampoo ($48)
Like a shot of color vibrancy in a bottle, L’Oréal Professionnel’s Vitamino Color Spectrum Shampoo helps maintain that salon-fresh look with radiant shine and strength.
Best Dry Shampoo Powder
LolaVie Powder Perfect Dry Shampoo ($25)
This talc-free, non-aerosol Powder Perfect Dry Shampoo from Jennifer Aniston’s LolaVie uses oil-absorbing powders and scalp-soothing ingredients to refresh roots without leaving behind residue or buildup.
Best Shampoo for Damaged Hair
Mise En Scene Salon 10 Protein Shampoo ($20)
A shampoo and hair treatment in one, Mise En Scene Salon 10 Protein Shampoo combines collagen, eight types of protein and rich moisturizers to correct all levels of damage. The result: stronger, smoother strands that are protected from further wear and tear.
Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair
NULASTIN Vibrant Scalp Shampoo ($42)
NULASTIN’s Vibrant Scalp Shampoo does it all: helps reduce shedding, fortifies hair follicles, smooths frizz and boosts volume at the roots. Plus, its silicone- and sulfate-free formula is safe for color-treated strands.
Best Shampoo for Dry Hair
Shampoohotel Miami Hydrating Shampoo ($15)
Inspired by luxury hotel hair moments and designed for parched strands, SHAMPOOHOTEL’s Miami Hydrating Shampoo gently cleanses while helping restore moisture and leaving hair smelling like a beach vacation.
Best Clarifying Shampoo
The Root Project Clean Canvas Detoxifying Hair Cleanser ($35)
A clarifying shampoo that removes buildup while keeping the scalp’s natural oils intact, The Root Project Clean Canvas Detoxifying Hair Cleanser refreshes the scalp with a minty tingle and luxe lather, leaving hair soft and balanced.
Best Volumizing Shampoo
Vegamour UPLIFT Volumizing Shampoo ($35)
For those with fine, flat or thinning hair, Vegamour UPLIFT Volumizing Shampoo is a game-changer. The brand’s proprietary Dual LIFTing Technology boosts body and removes buildup without weighing strands down.
Best Shampoo for Dandruff
Vichy Dercos Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo ($20)
A repeat winner for good reason, Vichy’s Dercos Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo treats the full range of dandruff issues, from mild to severe, with a sophisticated formula powered by 0.6-percent micronized selenium sulfide.
