How to find the best drugstore shampoo and conditioner

For any hair care routine, shampoo and conditioner are the foundation. That means people should choose products that do everything possible for their ultimate hair goals, whether that's body, luster or control.

But where to start? The sheer quantity of options can get overwhelming fast.

Fortunately, many top-performing shampoos and conditioners can be found at a local drugstore, at well below salon prices. Whether someone is looking to add a new product or aiming for a top-to-bottom revamp, these tips and tricks can help anyone's tresses be their absolute best.

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What to look for in drugstore shampoos

When shopping for a great drugstore shampoo, “I always recommend a formula that is paraben- and sulfate-free,” says celebrity hairstylist Alex Brown, the founder of SPACE by Alex Brown in Chicago, who also spent several years as the right hand to world-renowned celebrity hair stylist Jen Atkin. “They are typically safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair.”

Next, seek out a formula that works for a particular hair type and addresses any specific concerns. "If someone's hair feels dry, they probably need moisture," says Shelly Aguirre, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. "If their hair is limp, they need volume, and so on.” Figuring out particular hair types first can help people narrow down their choices.

Some popular shampoos for various hair types include:

• Nexxus Clean & Pure shampoo. Formulated without sulfates and silicones, this hydrating shampoo helps gently cleanse hair without stripping it of moisture, making it great for dry hair.
• L’Oréal Paris Elvive Volume Filler thickening shampoo. This shampoo helps boost volume and fullness, which is ideal for fine or thinning hair. 

What to look for in drugstore conditioners

Acondicionadores are responsible for restoring moisture after shampooing, but they can also come with other perks. As with shampoo, Brown recommends people "look at the packaging and choose a conditioner that speaks to what they're looking for in a product - whether it's color protection, frizz control, volume o moisture." Brown also recommends only using treatment-based products every so often, as they can be overkill for daily maintenance. If used too often, she explains, they can build up, weighing hair down and leaving it dry and brittle.

Some popular conditioners include:

• Dove Daily Moisture conditioner. Get a smoother, softer texture without the weight with this hydrating formula, which even helps defend against breakage.
• Pantene Pro-V Curl Perfection conditioner. Waves, curls and coils merit special care, like the antioxidants and pro-vitamin B5 in this curl-defining conditioner.
• OGX Thick & Full biotin and collagen conditioner. Infused with biotin and collagen (two key proteins for healthier-looking hair), this product leaves strands feeling thicker and full of body. 

Top features to look for in a drugstore leave-in conditioner

Swapping a rinse-out conditioner for a leave-in conditioner comes with several benefits. "If hair tends to be drier, or is color-treated or damaged, using a leave-in formula before brushing hair can help with detangling and smoothing," says Brown. "A leave-in conditioner can also help prevent additional damage while making hair softer, whereas an in-shower product doesn't help prevent damage when brushing wet hair."

In general, products formulated for specific hair types - such as curly, dry, chemically treated or fine hair - are what people should look for. For example, individuals with curly hair typically require more conditioning than those with straight hair. Using a leave-in conditioner designed for curls can help make hair more manageable. On the other hand, people with fine, straight hair benefit from a lighter leave-in formula to avoid limpness or greasiness.

Some popular leave-in conditioners include:

• SheaMoisture leave-in conditioner. Ideal for curly, kinky and wavy textures, this shea butter-based conditioner helps nourish hair without silicones.
• It's a 10 Miracle leave-in treatment. This multitasker works to help repair damage, boost shine, detangle, fight frizz and defend against heat.
• Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine 10 in 1 leave-in spray. This "is a great product to try if someone is new to the leave-in game," says Aguirre. Infused with keratin and argan oil, it can help provide high shine and frizz control in a single spritz.

How to choose the right drugstore shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair

Those with dyed hair should use champú y acondicionador made specifically for color-treated hair, as these products help extend the life of the color and keep it looking vibrant. These products are usually gentle and nourishing, and they can help maintain moisture and color. This is essential because "color-treated hair is more compromised and prone to dryness or damage," Brown says. As a result, color-treated hair requires additional maintenance in the form of color-protective formulas.

Additionally, people should look to avoid products containing sulfates, parabens, sodium chloride (salt) and petrochemicals. These ingredients can strip natural oils, dry out hair and cause color to fade.

Some popular options for color-treated hair include:

• Nexxus Blonde Assure purple shampoo y acondicionador. Purple shampoos and conditioners help counteract brassiness in blond and gray hair, leaving it looking shiny and bright.
• L'Oréal Paris Elvive Color Vibrancy Protecting shampoo y acondicionador. This pair uses antioxidants and ultraviolet (UV) filters to defend hair color from sun-induced fading, making it a winner for summer. 

Choosing the right drugstore two in one shampoo and conditioner

While separate shampoos and conditioners can often help people reach specific hair goals, hybrids can still be incredibly helpful. "If someone skips a conditioner or leave-in altogether due to convenience, a two in one product could be an option," says Brown. "Or if someone uses a two in one product in a pinch for a quick, post-workout cleanse, it could also work."

When searching for a good two in one product, it's important to know that finding the right one may require some trial and error. There aren't any specific key ingredients or brands to focus on. That said, pairing a two in one product with a leave-in product to get extra moisture is a good idea, says Brown.

Some popular two in one options include:

• Dove Men+Care Fresh and Clean two in one shampoo and conditioner. It might be geared toward men, but this caffeine-infused, two in one shampoo and conditioner helps refresh and strengthen hair for everyone.
• Pert Plus two in one shampoo plus conditioner. If someone has color-treated hair, they should consider this color-safe formula, which helps cleanse and condition without residue or weight.
• Harry’s two in one shampoo and conditioner. If the goal is clean, hydrated hair, this sulfate-free formula can help. Plus, the fresh scent is invigorating.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.