The Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Every Color, Hair Type, and Texture

Shampoo and conditioner are two nonnegotiable products, considering we all use them. There's also a good chance shampoo and conditioner are items you'll randomly pick up during a trip to the drugstore. But you might want to consider choosing this duo a little more carefully. 

What should I look for in a shampoo and conditioner?

Everyone's hair has different needs. For example, if your hair is thick and curly, you'll want to opt for something with tons of moisture to help detangle and smooth flyaways. Someone with fine hair, however, might want products that add volume at the root and build body. One thing we should all avoid? Sulfates. "I do recommend looking for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, as these tend to be more gentle and less harsh, drying, or irritating to the hair and scalp than those that contain harsh sulfates," says Howard McLaren, co-founder and creative director of R+Co. Fragrance in shampoo and conditioner is personal preference, but if your scalp is more sensitive, you might want to avoid heavily fragranced options. 

What's the best way to use shampoo and conditioner?

Once you've landed on the right shampoo and conditioner, it's also important to consider how you use these products. "I recommend not shampooing every day," says McLaren. "Dry shampoos can help keep the hair and scalp clean and refreshed in between washings, but typically, most people can wash their hair two to four times per week. People that tend to have dry, coarse, or frizz-prone hair wash less frequently, and those that have fine or oil-prone scalps tend to wash a bit more often." When it comes to application, McLaren recommends shampooing your scalp and conditioning the rest of your hair.

Keep reading to find the best shampoo and conditioner for you. I've included picks for every hair type, texture, and color. Get ready for the best hair you've ever had. 

Best overall shampoo and conditioner:

Made with all hair types and textures in mind, this shampoo-and-conditioner duo helps soften and strengthen hair while adding shine. Juniper-berry extract helps balance oil production on your scalp, while glycerin, panthenol, and babassu-seed oil infuse hair with moisture. Plus, marigold-flower extract works to hydrate the scalp, which aids in eliminating dandruff. 

Pros: Softens, strengthens, sulfate-free

Cons: Pricey

Customer review: "I've been using this shampoo for years! I love the fresh scent and how it makes my hair clean, soft but not lifeless. A little goes a long way, this bottle lasts months. I also notice I don't have to wash my hair as much, and it holds a style better than other shampoos."

Best budget shampoo and conditioner:

This set is vegan, sulphate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and color-safe. The shampoo is slightly clarifying, so it helps remove oil and product buildup without stripping, and the conditioner provides weightless hydration while detangling. 

Pros: Hydrating, clarifying, sulfate-free

Cons: Some might find conditioner a bit heavy

Customer review: "This shampoo is one of my favorites. It isn't overdrying and smells amazing. The smell lasts longer than other shampoos but it is not overwhelming. Given that it creates a good lather, you don't have to use much to get great coverage which is nice. It is a great everyday shampoo given that it does not weigh your hair down or strip it from moisture."

Best shampoo and conditioner for thin hair:

Vegetable proteins help texturize hair and create lift at the roots to pump up volume. The conditioner also helps plump and repair each strand for soft, more voluminous-looking hair. This duo also smells incredibly refreshing.

Pros: Texturizing, volumizing, repairing

Cons: Pricey

Customer review: "This stuff has a great scent, and my hair feels full and soft."

Best shampoo and conditioner for thick hair:

Thick hair needs a moisture boost without being weighed down by a heavy product. This duo from JVN Hair helps minimize frizz and smooth flyaways while providing lightweight hydration that doesn't leave you feeling like you have a curtain on your head. 

Pros: Silicone-free, sulfate-free, deeply moisturizing

Cons: Some dislike the smell

Customer review: "This has been really good for my hair. Nice texture, a little goes a long way, and my hair feels so clean after each use. It's become part of my routine." 

Best shampoo and conditioner for natural or textured hair:

These products from Bread Beauty Supply are favorites of Who What Wear associate beauty editor Shawna Hudson. "I always come back to these two gems," she says. "They're truly some of the best products for curls I've ever used. The hair wash is really creamy and gentle and smells amazing, and the deep conditioner always leaves my hair ultra-soft."

Pros: Gentle, deeply hydrating, sulfate-free, silicone-free

Cons: Some don't like the "cereal milk" scent

Customer review: "I've been using this every wash day paired with the hair mask and it leaves my hair so juicy and soft. It doesn't really lather like shampoos I normally use but still cleanses thoroughly. A little goes a long way."

Best shampoo and conditioner for curly hair:

This unique cleanser-and-conditioner duo is another favorite for Hudson. "I adore this brand," she says. "Not only are the founders incredible, but my curls just really love these products. I was skeptical about using the shampoo at first because it does contain seeds, and I have thick hair, but they washed out so easily that I barely even noticed. The conditioner is just next-level. Usually, since I have pretty dry hair, my curls would always be parched the day after washing when I'd use other conditioners, but this conditioner absolutely does the trick. I think the secret ingredient is kokum butter, a tropical Indian fruit that really softens and nourishes your hair."

Pros: all-natural ingredients, deeply hydrating, balances scalp

Cons: Some find the seeds hard to wash out

Customer review: "My hair has never felt so soft. Get this and the conditioner together and you're in for a treat!"

Best shampoo and conditioner for wavy hair:

This set was made specifically for wavy hair. They're formulated to nourish overprocessed and damaged hair to help amplify natural texture. You'll end up with smooth, strong hair that's free of flyaways and frizz.

Pros: Budget-friendly, sulfate-free, strengthening

Cons: Strong fragrance

Customer review: "I really enjoyed this shampoo and conditioner combo. It leaves my hair really shiny and manageable and it also gives more form to my wavy hair. Not frizzy at all. Just soft, bouncy, natural waves."

Best shampoo and conditioner for straight hair:

Unfortunately, straight hair can easily look limp and lifeless if you don't use the proper products. This pair breathes life into straight hair by infusing it with tons of body and volume, giving hair movement. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides plump and nourish each strand. 

Pros: Volumizing, deeply moisturizing

Cons: Pricey

Customer review: "I bought this, and the smell is good, and my hair feels so clean after. A little goes a long way. I actually did see a difference in growth and thickening."

Best drugstore shampoo and conditioner:

This is the first shampoo and conditioner I was ever loyal to. For just $5 each, this set packs a punch. Avocado and jojoba-seed oil add a ton of moisture and hydration without weighing down your hair. 

Pros: Deeply moisturizing, paraben-free

Cons: Strong scent

Customer review: "I love it so much, and it's so affordable too. I'm never switching. Nothing can beat the scent, price, and results!"

Best luxury shampoo and conditioner:

While it can be easy to write off a shampoo or conditioner that retails for $87 a pop, there's a reason for the price when it comes to Sisley-Paris. The shampoo is a dense foam infused with macadamia oil to gently cleanse, and the conditioner smooths hair cuticles, providing a trove of moisture. 

Pros: Gentle, smoothing, deeply hydrating

Cons: Pricey

Customer review: "Instantly detangles while providing key vitamins and minerals so that hair feels silkier and easier to style. My scalp and hair feel healthy and fresh and not heavy or greasy."

Best shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair:

At this point, Olaplex has cornered the hair-damage market. The brand's shampoo and conditioner work just like its other offerings to help maintain hair bonds via patented rebuilding technology. The result is hair that's healthier, shinier, and smoother. 

Pros: Bond-building formula, softening, smoothing

Cons: Some say it's not the best for curls

Customer review: "As a hairstylist, I use a lot of different products on a daily basis and it takes a lot to impress me. Most conditioners smell great but don’t do it all. Olaplex No. 5 does it all! Fights frizz, great for curly hair, straight hair, done hair, thick hair. It really works on all hair types and textures."

Best shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair:

If you're hoping to hold on to your hair color for as long as possible before it begins fading, try reaching for this shampoo and conditioner from Redken. Cranberry oil and a color-care complex will help your color last as long as humanly possible. 

Pros: Helps color last, softening, smoothing

Cons: Some don't find it hydrating enough

Customer review: "This is one product that is worth the money. A little bit goes a long way. It really does extend the life of my color. I color my hair with reds and coppers, which tend to fade quickly. Redken Color Extend really helps to keep my color beautifully."

Best shampoo and conditioner for bleached hair:

Though my hair is now almost black, I used to highlight it blonde. After one round of highlights left me with hair that was veering on orange, I tried many purple shampoos and conditioners, but I didn't find success until I tried this duo from Joico. It brightens blonde without making it look too ashy, and it doesn't strip moisture from hair as many violet-toned options do.

Pros: Brightens blonde tones, nonstripping

Cons: Not as hydrating as non-purple shampoos and conditioners

Customer review: "I can actually run a comb through my hair without using a detangler spray. My hair feels silky and smooth when I am styling it. No strawlike or heavy feeling for me!"

Best shampoo and conditioner for dandruff:

Many people suffer from a dry, irritated, or itchy scalp at some point, which can often result in dandruff. If you're dealing with flakes, this duo is different—the shampoo has micro-exfoliants to lift away buildup and cleanse hair, while the hair mask has tea tree oil to cool and soothe.

Pros: Exfoliating, good for scalp health, clarifying

Cons: Best for those suffering with scalp issues

Customer review: "This is a game changer for my scalp care. This product effectively removes buildup and impurities, leaving my scalp feeling clean and refreshed. I love how it soothes any irritation and promotes a healthy scalp environment. Highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their scalp health and achieve healthier hair."

Best shampoo and conditioner for hair growth:

These sunny picks from Oribe help strengthen hair from root to tip while also preventing hair loss. Chia-seed oil, fermented bamboo leaf, and protein get deep into the hair shaft to strengthen the cuticle and build elasticity, which creates the perfect environment for hair growth. 

Pros: Prevents breakage, strengthening, softening

Cons: Pricey

Customer review: "This shampoo added so much strength and softness to my hair. Combined with their masque, they are soulmates for your hair. They brought back life to my chemically altered blonde hair."

Best shampoo and conditioner for brunettes:

Yes, brunettes need toning shampoo too. A blue shampoo helps neutralize any orange tones that can crop up in brunette hair so you can keep your color fresh for as long as possible. These products from Eva NYC neutralize brass and impart tons of shine. 

Pros: Neutralizes brass, softening

Cons: Only for brunette hair

Customer review: "My hair is a natural dark brown with red undertones. I have recently dyed it black with blue hues. This shampoo keeps the red undertones neutralized and keeps my color perfect."

Best co-wash:

Co-washes are a great option for textured hair that's also on the dry side, as they gently cleanse while they condition. With agave and shea butter, this one deeply moisturizes and nourishes. 

Pros: Moisturizes, gently cleanses

Cons: Might 

Customer review: "My usual brand's co-wash was discontinued, so the hunt for a new brand had me feeling not too optimistic… until I tried the Hair Milk. I absolutely love it! It leaves my curly hair so soft. There is a lovely scent and no waxy feel. This is now my go-to."

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.