Top 10 shampoos
Your hair deserves the best. Whether your goal is more volume, repairing damage, soothing scalp, or taking a gentler “clean” route — choosing the right shampoo makes all the difference. Based on recent expert reviews and product tests, here are ten standout shampoos you should know about. The ranking is made on the following basis:
Effectiveness for a specific hair goal or concern – Each shampoo here was selected because it addresses a clear hair type or issue (e.g., thinning hair, damaged hair, oily scalp) rather than being a general all-rounder.
Quality of ingredients & formula – We looked at formulations to see if they include beneficial actives (proteins, ceramides, oils, plant extracts) AND avoid or minimise problematic ingredients (harsh sulfates, irritating additives) where possible.
Hair type / scalp type match – Recognising that hair care is not “one size fits all”, the shampoos are chosen to cater to various hair/scalp conditions (oily, dry, colour-treated, fine/thin hair).
Value across price-points – The list aims to show strong choices from premium to more affordable, so you can pick what aligns with budget and goals.
Nr.1 Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
- Repairs and strengthens hair by reconnecting broken bonds: The formula uses the patented molecule bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate to rebuild disulfide bonds inside the hair fibre.
- Reduces breakage: According to the brand’s clinical results, users saw up to ~49% reduction in breakage when used as part of the system.
- Gently cleanses without stripping moisture: It’s free of SLS/SLES sulfates, which means it’s milder on hair whilst still cleansing effectively.
- Hydrates, smooths, and nourishes: Helps hair feel smoother, detangles more easily, gives shinier result and improved manageability.
- Color-safe and suitable for all hair types: The brand states it’s safe for colour-treated hair, and that “curly hair can also benefit”.
Who is it good for?
Hair that is chemically treated (bleached, coloured) or heat-styled frequently, which often leads to bond damage (broken disulfide links).
Hair that is fragile / prone to breakage.
People looking for a more premium “repair” shampoo rather than just a basic cleanse.
Those who want a relatively gentle formula (milder surfactants, no major sulfates) and care about hair health and longevity. Price on Amazon US$32
2. Kerastase Densifique Densité Shampoo
Adds density and fullnessThe formula is aimed at hair fibres “experiencing loss of density”. It helps hair appear visibly thicker and fuller.
- Strengthens the hair fibre & improves resilience According to the brand’s clinical results, users saw up to ~49% reduction in breakage when used as part of the system. Key active ingredients include hyaluronic acid, gluco-peptides and ceramides. Each contributes to structure, shine, moisture retention and strengthening.
- Hydrates and plumps hair from the root to the ends without stripping moisture.Hyaluronic acid is used in the formula to “plump” the hair, giving it more body and moisture.
Who is it good for?
People with fine, thinning or flat hair that lacks body or feels limp.
Anyone noticing that their hair is losing density, for example with age, after chemical processes, or with styling damage. Price on Amazon US$43
3. OUAI Medium Shampoo – Hydrating Shampoo with Coconut Oil
Provides weightless hydration thanks to ingredients like babassu oil (from palm fruit) which offers lightweight moisture for both hair and scalp.
Strengthens hair fibres using coconut oil, which helps seal split ends and reduce breakage.
Adds radiant shine through kumquat fruit extract (rich in vitamins A, B & C) .
Smoothes frizz and tame fly-aways by including hydrolyzed keratin, which helps fill in gaps in the hair fibre and improve manageability.
Who is it good for?
If you have medium-thickness hair (not ultra fine, not very thick) and you’re looking for something that gives moisture + shine without heaviness. Price on Amazon US$32
4. OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo
Adds density and fullness. The formula is aimed at hair fibres “experiencing loss of density”. It helps hair appear visibly thicker and fuller. It “awakens dormant follicles” so that hair gets more texture, substance and resilience.
Strengthens the hair fibre & improves resilience. Key active ingredients include hyaluronic acid, gluco-peptides and ceramides. Each contributes to structure, shine, moisture retention and strengthening.
Hydrates and plumps hair from the root to the. The formula is crafted to avoid just surface-coating hair; it aims to work deeper into the hair fibre.
Who is it good for?
Anyone noticing that their hair is losing density, for example with age, after chemical processes, or with styling damage. Price on Amazon US$12.
5. L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Shampoo
Gently cleanses and deeply nourishes hair that has been weakened by heat‑styling, chemical treatment or environmental stress.
Reduces surface damage: When used as part of the system (shampoo + mask), the formula helps reduce up to 77% less surface damage after 5 uses.
Adds shine: The brand claims hair becomes up to 7× shinier compared to untreated damage once the system is used.
Strengthens the hair fibre: Formulated with key ingredients like gold quinoa extract + protein (or in the “Molecular” version: peptides + amino acids) to reinforce the hair structure.
Who is it good for?
Hair that is dry, brittle, damaged, especially from bleaching, colouring, excessive heat‑styling or mechanical stress. Price on Amazon US$42
6. Aveda Shampure Nurturing Shampoo for Fine to Medium Hair
- Gentle cleansing for fine to medium hair
Formulated especially for “fine to medium hair types”.
The formula helps cleanse without overly stripping or weighing down hair. For example: “Our team … found it cleanses effectively without stripping the hair of its natural oils.”
Leaves hair feeling soft, not “too stripped” which is especially important for finer hair.
- Made with approximately 95‑96% naturally derived ingredients (plants, minerals or water) so it leans toward cleaner/higher‑quality formulation.
Who is it good for?
If your hair is somewhat stressed (styling, blow‑drying) but not severely damaged—so you want a gentle, daily‑use shampoo rather than an intense repair formula. Price on Amazon US$21
7. L’Oreal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Shampoo
- Provides up to 72 hours of moisture when used as part of the system (shampoo + conditioner).
- Infused with a Hyaluronic Care Complex (hyaluronic acid) that helps attract and retain water in the hair fibre, helping hair feel plumper and more hydrated.
- Smoothes hair surface and improves shine – the Danish site says it “glattes hårets overflade” (smoothes the hair’s surface) and gives “10× more hydrated” hair.
- Lightweight formula that aims to hydrate without weighing hair down – suitable for dry hair that needs moisture rather than heavy repair
Who is it good for?
If you’re looking for a more affordable yet effective option with hyaluronic acid (a skincare favourite) adapted for hair.
8. Davines MOMO Moisturizing Shampoo
- Deep hydration and moisture: The formula features a key ingredient — Cartucciaru yellow melon extract (Slow Food Presidia) — rich in water, vitamins and mineral salts, which supports prolonged hydration of dry/dehydrated hair.
- Softness, shine & improved manageability: It helps hair feel “hydrated, soft, shiny and renewed”.
- Gentle cleansing and suitable for colour‑treated hair: The shampoo is free from sulphates and parabens, which makes it gentler on hair and scalp, and safer for treated hair.
Who is it good for?
Anyone who prefers a more natural/clean formula (fewer harsh sulphates/parabens) and more sustainable brand values.
9. Wella Professionals Invigo Nutri-Enrich Shampoo Deep Nourishing For Dry & Damaged Hair
- Deep nourishment: Formulated with the “Nutri‑Enrich Blend™” (including oleic acid, panthenol, vitamin E and goji berry extract) to nourish and moisturise hair that’s dry or stressed.
- Improves hair vitality & softness: Leaves hair looking and feeling more vital, soft and smoother after use.
- Gentle enough for colour‑treated hair: The formula is suitable for colour‑treated or chemically‑treated hair, aiming to maintain vibrancy while providing care.
Who is it good for?
Hair that is dry, brittle or rough in texture (e.g., lengths and ends damaged by heat styling, colouring, bleaching).
10. Native Shampoo Contains Naturally Derived Ingredients
- Gentle cleansing and moisturizing: The shampoo uses plant oil–based cleansers (e.g., coconut‑derived) and avoids harsh sulfates, silicones, dyes and parabens. This means it cleanses without overly stripping natural oils, which is beneficial especially for sensitive scalps.
- Naturally‑derived and simpler formulations: The brand emphasizes “naturally‑derived ingredients” and uses simpler formulas (e.g., 10‑11 thoughtfully selected ingredients) in some variants.
- Reduced frizz, improved manageability: Reviews highlight that users noticed softer hair, less tangling and smoother texture over time when using the set consistently.
Who is it good for?
Those with normal to slightly dry hair who want a gentler, cleaner shampoo + conditioner option rather than an ultra‑repair product.