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Best Shampoos of 2026

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Charlotte Powell

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Shampoos are hair care products that are designed to clean the scalp and hair by removing dirt, oil, and other impurities. They come in various formulations to cater to different hair types and concerns, such as dryness, dandruff, and colour-treated hair. Shampoos typically contain a combination of cleansing agents, moisturisers, and other beneficial ingredients that help to nourish and protect the hair. With so many options available in the market, it's important to choose a shampoo that suits your hair type and needs to achieve healthy and lustrous locks.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Shampoos

Aveeno Clarify and Shine Shampoo 300ml

  • Aveeno
  • Shampoo 300 ml
  • 300 ml (Pack of 1)
Aveeno Clarify and Shine Shampoo 300ml Cover

Aveeno Clarify and Shine Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Soothing Shampoo for all Hair Types 300ml

Aveeno Shampoo is designed for all hair types, providing a deep cleanse that you can enjoy daily. Its gentle formula is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or dry scalps, ensuring that your hair feels fresh without irritation. If you're struggling with an itchy scalp, this shampoo is clinically proven to relieve discomfort, making your hair care routine more pleasant. Additionally, it's free from SLS/SLES sulfates, so you can feel good about what you're putting on your hair.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Gentle for daily use
  • Relieves itchy scalp
  • Deep cleansing formula
  • Suitable for sensitive scalps
  • Sulfate-free

Redken Volume Injection Shampoo for Fine Hair

  • Redken
  • E3461300
  • Redken
  • 300 ml (Pack of 1)
Redken Volume Injection Shampoo for Fine Hair Cover

REDKEN Shampoo, For Flat/Fine Hair, Citric Acid, Adds Lift & Volume, Volume Injection, 300 ml

The Redken Volume Injection Shampoo is specially formulated for fine or flat hair. It features a body-boosting blend of filloxane and softening silicone polymers, which work together to provide lift and volume. This shampoo gently cleanses your hair, leaving it soft, manageable, and shiny. When applied daily to damp hair, it massages into a lather that rinses thoroughly, ensuring a polished, silky finish for your locks.

9.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Boosts volume and lift
  • Leaves hair shiny and soft
  • Gently cleanses hair
  • Easy daily use

The Body Shop Ginger Dandruff Shampoo, 400 ml

The Body Shop Ginger Dandruff Shampoo, 400 ml Cover

The Body Shop Ginger Anti Dandruff Shampoo, Green, Honey, 400 ml

The Body Shop Ginger Shampoo is a quality product designed to combat dandruff effectively. With a generous 400 ml bottle, it offers excellent value for your money. This flake-clearing and scalp-soothing shampoo is perfect for those struggling with a flaky scalp, providing relief and comfort with every wash. Made in Italy, it combines natural ingredients to ensure a refreshing experience, leaving your hair feeling clean and revitalised.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Effective against dandruff
  • Soothes the scalp
  • Large 400 ml bottle
  • Quality product from Italy

Faith In Nature Lavender & Geranium Shampoo

Faith In Nature Lavender & Geranium Shampoo Cover

Faith In Nature Natural Lavender & Geranium Shampoo, Balancing for Normal Hair & Scalp, Vegan & Cruelty Free, No SLS, Silcones or Parabens, 400ml

Faith In Nature Shampoo is designed specifically for normal hair and scalp, ensuring a balanced cleanse that is gentle yet effective. Being dermatologically tested, it offers peace of mind for those with sensitive skin. The formulation is free from parabens, silicones, and SLS, making it a safer choice for your hair care routine. With 99.5% natural origin ingredients and a 100% natural aroma, you can enjoy a refreshing wash without compromising on quality or ethics.

9.3
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • 99.5% natural ingredients
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Free from harmful chemicals
  • Balances normal hair and scalp

MooGoo Milk Shampoo for Itchy Scalps

  • MooGoo
  • MG-SHAMPOO
  • 500 ml (Pack of 1)
MooGoo Milk Shampoo for Itchy Scalps Cover

MooGoo Milk Shampoo – For Itchy, Dry, Eczema, Psoriasis & Dandruff Prone Scalps – SLS, Silicone, Sulfate & Paraben Free - Natural & Gentle Formula – 500ml / 16.9 fl.oz.

MooGoo Milk Shampoo is designed for individuals suffering from itchy, dry, or sensitive scalps. Its gentle and natural formula uses coconut cleansers, providing you with a light and refreshing wash that promotes a healthy scalp. The inclusion of Piroctone Olamine helps to maintain scalp microflora, offering relief from itchiness and dryness. Importantly, this shampoo is free from silicones, sulfates, and parabens, ensuring that your hair is not exposed to harsh ingredients that can lead to damage, dryness, or breakage.

9.3
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Gentle and soothing on scalps
  • Helps relieve itchiness and dryness
  • Free from harsh chemicals
  • Dermatologically tested for safety

REDKEN Amino Mint Scalp Relief Shampoo

  • Redken
  • E3823800
  • REDKEN
  • 300 ml (Pack of 1)
REDKEN Amino Mint Scalp Relief Shampoo Cover

REDKEN Scalp Relief Shampoo, Soothing Formula, Cleanses and Purifies Greasy Hair and Sensitised Lengths, Refreshes the Roots and Adds No Weight, Amino Mint, 300 ml

REDKEN Amino Mint Shampoo is designed to cleanse and soothe oily scalps. Its invigorating mint formula balances the pH of your hair, ensuring it feels light and fresh. You’ll appreciate how it alleviates irritation, giving you immediate relief. This shampoo not only purifies greasy hair but also refreshes your roots without adding any weight, making it a convenient choice for daily use. Simply apply to wet hair, lather, and rinse for a revitalising experience.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Soothes oily scalps
  • Balances pH without weight
  • Provides immediate relief
  • Refreshes roots effectively

REDKEN Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo for All Hair Types

  • Redken
  • P2032400
  • 300 ml (Pack of 1)
REDKEN Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo for All Hair Types Cover

REDKEN Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo, Sulphate Free for a Gentle Cleanse, Strengthens Bonds, Repairs Damage & Protects Colour Treated Hair, 300ml

REDKEN Bonding Shampoo offers a concentrated formula suitable for various hair types and textures. This shampoo provides intense conditioning, leaving your hair feeling soft and manageable. It effectively reduces breakage, which means your hair can maintain its strength and health. Additionally, it protects against colour fade, ensuring your colour-treated locks remain vibrant for longer. With this shampoo, you can enjoy a gentle cleanse while strengthening and repairing your hair.

9.0
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Intense conditioning
  • Reduced hair breakage
  • Protects colour-treated hair
  • Gentle and sulphate-free
#TOP 8

Redken Extreme Shampoo for Distressed Hair

  • Redken
  • E2232300
  • multicoloured
  • 1 l (Pack of 1)
Redken Extreme Shampoo for Distressed Hair Cover

Redken Extreme Shampoo Fortifier For Distressed Hair 1000ml / 33.8 fl.oz.

The Redken Extreme Shampoo is designed specifically for distressed hair. It features a NEW RCT protein complex that includes three different proteins, which work together to treat your hair from the root to the tip. This means you can effectively restore and repair damaged or sensitised hair, enhancing its overall health. Additionally, the shampoo helps to protect your hair's natural shine, ensuring it looks vibrant and healthy after each wash. With this shampoo, you can enjoy stronger, more resilient hair every day.

8.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Restores damaged hair
  • Protects natural shine
  • Uses advanced protein complex
  • Suitable for sensitised hair

Redken Extreme Shampoo for Damaged Hair

  • Redken
  • E3460700
  • REDKEN
  • 300 ml (Pack of 1)
Redken Extreme Shampoo for Damaged Hair Cover

REDKEN Shampoo, For Damaged Hair, Repairs Strength & Adds Flexibility, Extreme, 300 ml

Redken Extreme Shampoo is designed specifically for damaged hair. It cleanses effectively while also strengthening and fortifying weakened areas, ensuring your hair feels healthier. You will appreciate how it restores and repairs your hair, helping to maintain its natural shine. By using this shampoo daily, you can enjoy the convenience of revitalised hair that looks and feels vibrant. Simply apply to damp hair, massage into a lather, and rinse thoroughly for best results.

8.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Strengthens weakened hair
  • Repairs and restores
  • Protects natural shine
  • Daily use recommended
  • Easy to apply

Aveeno Skin Relief Soothing Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp

  • Aveeno
  • 31900
  • Other
  • 300 ml (Pack of 1)
Aveeno Skin Relief Soothing Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp Cover

Aveeno Skin Relief Soothing Shampoo, With Soothing Oat, Suitable For very dry sensitive Scalp, Suitable for Thin & Fragile Hair, Soap Free, High Tolerance Formula, 300ml

Aveeno Soothing Shampoo is designed to provide relief for those suffering from a very dry and sensitive scalp. Its mild formula gently cleanses your hair while soothing itchy sensations, making it ideal for frequent use. This shampoo is clinically proven to protect your skin's natural balance, ensuring a comfortable scalp. Suitable for thin and fragile hair, it offers a light scent and is soap-free, making it a gentle choice for sensitive skin.

8.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Relieves itchy scalp sensations
  • Protects skin's natural balance
  • Suitable for thin, fragile hair
  • Soap-free, mild formula
  • Lightly scented
Best Shampoos Feature Image

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Shampoos

Looking for the best shampoo can be a daunting task, with all of the different brands and formulas on the market. However, there are a few simple tips that can help you find the perfect shampoo for your hair.

Factors

Hair Type

To find the best shampoo for your needs, start by considering your hair type. If you have oily hair, look for a shampoo that contains ingredients like citrus or tea tree oil, which can help to control excess oil production. For dry or damaged hair, look for a hydrating shampoo that contains ingredients like aloe vera or coconut oil. If you're struggling with hair loss, you may want to look for a shampoo that contains ingredients like biotin or niacin, which are known to promote hair growth. And if you have coloured hair, you'll need a shampoo that's specifically designed to protect against fading and chipping. Finally, if you have curly hair, you'll need a shampoo that won't strip away your natural oils - otherwise, your curls will quickly become frizzy and unmanageable.

Once you've determined your hair type, you can narrow down your options further by considering your budget and any specific needs, such as wanting a sulfate-free formula. With so many different shampoos on the market, it may take some trial and error to find the perfect one for you, and taking all those factors into consideration might save you a lot of trouble.

Styling Effect

Smoothing shampoos are ideal for those with frizzy hair, as they help to tame flyaways and leave locks looking sleek. Frizz can be caused by a variety of factors, including humidity, heat damage and over-washing. Smoothing shampoos work by coating each strand in a protective layer, which helps to smooth the cuticle and prevent moisture from penetrating the hair shaft. This type of shampoo is often enriched with nourishing ingredients, such as coconut oil or argan oil, which further help to tame frizz and add shine. If you're struggling with frizzy hair, then a smoothing shampoo could be the answer to your prayers.

Volumising shampoos are perfect for those who want to add body and bounce to their mane. Fine or flat hair can often feel lifeless and limp, but volumising shampoos can help to give it some much-needed oomph. These types of shampoos usually contain lightweight ingredients, such as silica or tapioca starch, which cling to each strand and create the illusion of fuller, thicker hair.

Formulation

The shampoo is typically in the form of a viscous liquid. There are also shampoos intended for specific types of hair such as spray foam shampoo which forms a soft thick cushion that eases combing while protecting against breakage from over-manipulation of the hair during styling. Powder shampoo consists of spray-dried powdered surfactants mixed with finely milled enzymes, propellants and sometimes fragrance. These ingredients are mixed together and formed into small pellets before spray drying to produce a free-flowing powder

Brand

When it comes to shampoo, there are a few brands that stand out from the rest. Olaplex is a popular choice for those looking to improve the health of their hair, as it helps to repair damaged strands. Kerastase is another popular option, as it provides a luxurious experience and leaves hair feeling soft and silky. Nizoral is a good choice for those with dandruff or an oily scalp, as it helps to reduce sebum production. Redken is a great choice for colour-treated hair, as it helps to protect against fading. Finally, Maui is a good choice for those with dry or damaged hair, as it helps to hydrate and nourish strands. No matter what your needs, there is a shampoo out there that can help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind shampoo is best?

Start here.. Best shampoos.Best overall shampoo: Aveeno.Best affordable shampoo: Dove.Best shampoo for oily hair: AQUIS.Best shampoo for dry, sensitive skin: Vanicream.Best shampoo for thinning hair: Keranique.Best dandruff shampoo: Neutrogena.Best shampoo for oily hair: Dove.

2. What do shampoos do?

Shampoo is a cleansing agent. It contains ingredients called surfactants and detergents that help remove oil, sweat, dirt, product buildup, and environmental pollutants from your hair. Conditioners, on the other hand, contain natural oils, proteins, and botanical extracts that help keep hair soft, shiny, and smooth.

Editor's Notes

During our shampoo research, we found 306 shampoo products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 226,744 customer reviews through our big data system to write the shampoos list. We found that most customers choose shampoos with an average price of £11.98.

The shampoos are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of shampoos, including Aveeno, Redken, The Body Shop, Faith In Nature, MooGoo.

Written by

Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.