13 Best Shampoos In The World (2023)

Not to exaggerate, but trying to pick a shampoo can be one of the most difficult tasks known to man. Unlike most beauty products, where you can at least try them out before buying, with shampoo you’re really going in blind. Even worse, lots of brands will make big claims to you about what their product does, and it’s next to impossible to find something that will complement your hair type. Even trying to figure out if you’re going to like the smell is far more difficult than it has any right to be!

Never fear, we’ve come to save you from this difficult task. No longer will you have to stare at two identical bottles, hoping the answer of which is good and which is a flop will magically appear. Instead, we have provided you with a list of the 13 best shampoos in the world. Not only have we done so, but to make your life even easier we have broken them down into the best for four common hair types (fine, curly, oily, dry and damaged), as well as providing clean and alternative options.

Even if none of those categories aligns with your exact hair care needs, we have found a number one pick that will work wonders on any hair type.

Now without further ado, let's get on with the list!

Best Overall

1. Blu Atlas Classic Shampoo

 
This invigorating and strengthening shampoo is head and shoulders (no pun intended) above all the rest, earning its spot as our number one best shampoo in the world. Although a lot of brands claim they work for every hair type, this is one of the few formulas that we found that actually lived up to its promises. This vegan and cruelty-free product uses naturally-derived ingredients to be clean but effective, cleaning hair thoroughly without the use of damaging parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, or phthalates. Instead, it uses a blend of premium ingredients from natural origins such as plants, fruits, and minerals that have been selected by a medical advisory board of dermatologists and are proven to work. Your hair will be left fortified, repaired, soothed, and cleansed of all buildup and excess oil, and the product’s formula is even gentle enough to be used daily (although considering how good it is at banishing oil you might not need to.

Looking at the specific ingredients that have gone into this fantastic formula, we can see exactly how this shampoo achieves its incredible results. Wonder ingredient saw palmetto not only possesses anti-inflammatory properties but also counters hair loss hormone DHT, giving hair volume and hydrating the scalp. Aloe barbadensis leaf and jojoba oil are both packed with vitamins and antioxidants, penetrating deep into the scalp for maximum moisture and nourishment. Finally, vegan biotin fortifies the hair fiber, promoting a full appearance and protecting the hair. With this concoction of wonder ingredients, it’s no surprise this product tops our list.

Best for Fine Hair

2. Davines Volu Shampoo
 

When a product is found in the hands of stylists and at hair salons worldwide, you know it has to be something special. That’s why this volumizing shampoo from well-known hair care brand Davines is our top pick for anyone with limp locks that need a bit of a pick-me-up. This clean product that is free from parabens and sulfates uses the wonder ingredient capruana turnip extract to give hair an immediate volume boost, injecting volume into the roots and gently lifting the hair from the scalp. It is also packed with minerals such as phosphorus, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B and C to deeply nourish your hair, on top of the volume boost. 

This product has a light and foamy lather that gives immediate results, and we found that it left our ends tangle-free, meaning we could skip conditioner and thus skip weighing our hair down. If all of the above haven’t convinced those with fine hair that this is the perfect solution for you, the fact that it is not only great for your hair but also the environment should be a final push. Obtained with 100% clean energy, this product is also housed in packaging that’s zero impact and recyclable, making it a clear number-one shampoo for anyone with fine hair, and one of the best shampoos in the world full stop.

Runner Up for Fine Hair

3. Virtue Full Shampoo
 

This long-term nourishing shampoo is another great option when it comes to trying to liven up fine and flat locks. This revolutionary product contains the whole human-identical alpha keratin 60 ku® protein, which is the first of its kind used in haircare. As it’s the same as the keratin found in your hair, it is able to bind directly to the hair, meaning it is much more effective than other proteins in repairing damage and giving hair a volume boost from the inside out. 

This super-lightweight product is a dream when it comes to adding volume, as it has been specifically designed to do everything it can to help transform limp, fine hair into voluminous tresses. It achieves this by dissolving excess oil, lifting hair off the scalp, and plumping strands, leaving hair with long-lasting body. It’s color-safe, paraben-free, gluten-free, and vegan, meaning you can use it without any stress. Definitely a must-add to your collection!

Best for Curly Hair

4. Pattern Hydration Shampoo
 

Coming from the haircare line of everyone’s favorite curly-haired celebrity, Tracee Ellis Ross, this shampoo is a miracle worker for anyone with curly, coily, or tight textured hair. Curly hair is often much drier than straight hair and is typically screaming out for moisture. That’s why this gentle, moisturizing formula is perfect for cleansing your hair and scalp, removing buildup and dirt without stripping important natural moisturizing oils that keep your hair healthy. Harsh chemical ingredients can also often cause breakage and damage in curly hair, which is why this product is free from parabens, SLS/SLES, cyclic silicones, formaldehyde and phthalates, making it a natural and color-safe product that’s safe for hair. As an alternative to these harsh chemicals, this product contains effective natural moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera leaf juice, coconut oil, and honey.  

No matter whether your hair is thick or fine, or even if it’s damaged, as long as you have curls this is the perfect product for you. Your hair will feel pampered, healthy and hydrated by this creamy and luxurious product that contains glorious oils. The scent has been hand-picked by Tracee herself to be clean but not overpowering, blending jasmine, bergamot, and sandalwood for a floral scent that leaves your hair smelling incredible. This product is without a doubt one of the best shampoos in the world, we can’t recommend it enough!

Runner Up for Curly Hair

5. Only Curls All Curl Cleanser
 

When a brand is called ‘Only Curls’, you know you’re looking in the right place to find a product that’s perfect for your curls. This all curl cleanser does not disappoint, gently cleansing your curls to leave them soft yet defined. We absolutely love how hydrating this formula is, using a special blend of avocado and kukui oil to leave hair moisturized. The perfect for all curl types formula is great for cleansing without stripping natural oils, and it completely eliminates any frizz. It’s 100% vegan, comes in recyclable bottles and is kind to your curls, containing no sulfates, no silicones, no drying alcohols, no parabens, no animal testing, no mineral oil and no paraffin. We love the fresh citrus and coconut fragrance, but if you have sensory issues this brand has a fragrance-free option so it can work for everyone. This shampoo is a must-buy for any curly girl.

Best for Oily Hair

6. O&M Original Detox Shampoo
 

This so-called ‘makeup remover for your hair’ has been developed with oily hair in mind. It is great at tackling and eliminating excess oils without leaving hair stripped or feeling dry. This certified organic clarifying shampoo is perfectly safe to use on coloured hair and sensitive skin, being completely clear of parabens, triclosan, MIT,  propylene glycol, sulfates, phthalates and gluten. Instead it uses natural ingredients to achieve incredible results. Peppermint oil stimulates, cleanses and cools the scalp, while antiseptic tea tree oil soothes irritation. Cucumber and grapefruit extracts are rich sources of vitamins and antioxidants, helping to protect the hair, and jojoba oil helps ensure colored hair will not fade. Gentle enough to be used as often as daily, this is the perfect product to tackle oil and restore the natural shine that buildup can dull.

Runner Up for Oily Hair

7. L'Oréal Paris Elvive Clay Rebalancing Shampoo
 

If you have the dreaded combination of oily roots but dry ends, this is the perfect product for you, guaranteeing you up to forty-eight hours of cleansed roots and hydrated ends, leaving hair looking fresh and clean from root to tip. These results are achieved using a blend of three types of clay that act to absorb oil and purify the hair while locking in natural hydration. This silicone-free formula leaves you with fresh, flowing hair, and is beloved by many.  87% of 12,800+ Amazon reviews rate this product 4 stars or above, proving it’s a favorite, and that’s for good reason. One reviewer even says this product changed their life, and we would agree.

Best for Dry, Damaged Hair

8. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
 

The name Olaplex is synonymous with quality hair care, and this highly nourishing shampoo is our favorite of their products. Although suitable for use on all hair types, it’s a particular star for dry, damaged hair. This is because it uses a patented system to repair and maintain disulfide bonds in the hair, which are responsible for giving hair structure strength and stability. The ingredient bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate aligns your hair bonds, reversing damage and transforming dry, brittle hair into hair that is not only healthy, but also beautiful and shiny. Instead of being overloaded with silicones and oils, this sulfate, phthalate, paraben and phosphate-free product is able to use a singular molecule to achieve better results than other shampoos. 

This intensively moisturizing product helps address split ends, frizz, dryness and weakness without adding weight and is gentle enough that it can be used as often as every day. It’s a popular product for a reason and is the perfect solution to not only fix the appearance of damage and dryness, but actually tackle the root of the problem to create long-term results. As well as being great for the health of your hair, it’s also great for the health of the planet. The products do not have wasteful additional packaging, reducing carbon footprint and preventing unnecessary deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions and water use.

Runner Up For Dry, Damaged Hair

9. Maui Moisture Heal + Hydrate Shampoo
 

This deeply hydrating shampoo uses a blend of vegan ingredients to ensure that dry, damaged hair is left nourished and healed. Loaded with antioxidants, this sulfate, silicone, and paraben free blend is perfect for injecting moisture and leaving hair not only looking but also feeling healthy.  Creamy shea butter, rich coconut oil and pure macadamia nut oil combine to create an intensive hydrating formula that is perfect for all hair types, defining curls and repairing damage. Sulfate-free surfactants gently cleanse the hair, keeping it squeaky clean. Add in a nice tropical fragrance that makes you feel like you’re on a beach in the Bahamas, and you’re sure to love this product.

Best Clean Shampoo

10. Drunk Elephant Cocomino Glossing Shampoo
 

It’s no surprise that this shampoo from cult favorite clean skincare brand Drunk Elephant is one of the best clean hair products on the market. Formulated with a blend of coconut-based surfactants that eliminate oil, dirt, and product buildup while letting hair keep protective natural oils and color, it is as good as, if not better than any traditional shampoo on the market. This cruelty-free product acts as a heat protectant for hair while boosting water content. We love the thick lather, and how shiny and soft this product leaves the hair feeling afterwards.

Drunk Elephant is a brand that is committed to not including any harmful ingredients in its products. They’ve identified a ‘suspicious six’, ingredients that they believe are the root cause of all skin problems (essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, SLS), which none of their products (including this shampoo) contain. Instead of these harmful chemicals, the product supports the coconut-based surfactants with natural ingredients that bring results. A blend of amino acids gives hair body and bounce while leaving it stronger and more manageable. It also contains a wide variety of antioxidant-rich oils to moisturize the hair, and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) hydrates, softens and strengthens the hair. This clean product has ingredients that are backed up by science and proven to work, and the results show it!

Runner Up Clean Shampoo

11. Seed Phytonutrients Everyday Shampoo
 

This vegan and cruelty-free clean shampoo gently cleanses hair without any harsh chemicals, leaving it revitalized and radiant. It’s paraben, sulfate, synthetic fragrance and gluten-free, making it great for your hair and your health. Instead of harsh chemicals, it uses a whole host of plant-based ingredients to achieve epic results. Vitamin-rich camelina seed oil moisturizes and restores hair, and sunflower seed oil helps hair retain that moisture, as well as adding shine. Coconut nourishes and smoothes the hair, while quinoa contains amino acids that give hair volume and strength. Overall, your hair is left lustrous and smooth, without needing any harmful chemicals to get there.

This product isn’t just clean for you, but also clean for the environment. Climate-neutral certified, the carbon footprint of producing this product is offset, and the packaging is curbside recyclable. We also love the complex fragrance, which balances notes of sea salt and bergamot with other scents like ylang-ylang, lemon and eucalyptus. We guarantee you’ll fall in love with this product!

Best Alternative Shampoo

12. Hairstory New Wash
 

It might be cheating to put something that isn’t technically a shampoo or a conditioner on this list, but we’ve decided that this shampoo alternative is good enough that it merits a place. Free from detergents, synthetic compounds and sulfates, this cult-favorite cleanser washes hair using a mixture of essential oils and naturally derived ingredients to cleanse and condition without stripping natural oils or the hair's protective barrier. Traditional shampoos that contain these detergents strip and overclean hair, causing the scalp to produce more oil, which means you need to shower more often to stop hair from appearing greasy. Although this product is gentle enough that you can use it daily without damaging your hair, you’ll likely find that you don’t need to after a few weeks of adjustment.

This creamy hair wash formula is able to transform every hair type, giving you soft, shiny and healthy hair. We love how low maintenance it is, as not only does this product replace shampoo but it also replaces conditioner, streamlining your shower routine. This also makes it great value for money, as not only are you washing less but you’re using less total product, and needing fewer post-shower products after. Compared to traditional shampoo and conditioner, using New Wash can reduce your total plastic use by 91%. If you’re feeling bold and ready to give your hair routine a shakeup, this product is the way to go.

Runner Up Alternative Shampoo

13. Everist Waterless Shampoo Concentrate
 

Did you know that most shampoos are more than 70% water? Well, it’s true and it feels like a waste considering that if there’s one thing showers are known for, it’s having plenty of water. That’s why Everist came up with their waterless shampoo concentrate, which is three times as concentrated as regular shampoo, and allows them to fit a whole bottle’s worth of shampoo in a travel-friendly 100ml tube. Simply combine the concentrate with water to turn it into a luxurious lather that thoroughly cleanses the hair better than most regular shampoos. One tube is enough for three months, meaning you can get a lot of value for your money.

Not only is this product great in terms of efficiency, but it’s actually great for your hair as well. This 100% plant-based paste is free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, dyes and synthetic fragrances. It’s made from a blend of nourishing essential oils (bergamot, rosemary, orange peel, clary sage and peppermint), vitamin-rich aloe vera, gentle but effective coconut-derived cleansers and frizz-fighting humectant vegetable glycerin. All these ingredients combine to make the paste great for removing product buildup and giving the hair weightless volume (as well as helping it smell incredible). Overall, this product is another fun way to switch up your hair care routine for the better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients should I avoid in a shampoo?

Unfortunately, not all shampoos are created equal. Hiding behind pretty packaging, shampoos can contain ingredients that can cause long-term damage to your hair, and in some cases can even harm your overall health. One example of such an ingredient is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS), which is known to have carcinogenic properties, as well as irritating the scalp and drying hair. Other ingredients that are harmful to hair, health or both include the following: silicones, phthalates, formaldehyde,  petroleum, triclosan, mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, micro-beads, PEGs,  DEA, TEA, synthetic fragrances and dyes. You should avoid products with these ingredients if you can help it, or at least do your research on any product that contains them. Remember, things you use on your scalp can be absorbed easily into the skin, so being discerning is very important!

How important is it that my shampoo is ‘clean’?

A shampoo being clean is definitely a major selling point. For one, you can be far more certain with clean shampoos that they don’t contain any of the harmful ingredients discussed above. Also, choosing a product with plant-based ingredients you can actually pronounce over long complicated chemicals is definitely something you should strongly consider. Being conscious of what you’re using in and around your body is a great long-term health move.

There are however some cases where clean shampoo might not be the best move. While generally clean ingredients can effectively replace chemicals, if you have very specific hair care needs sometimes you might feel the need to turn to chemical-based shampoos to accomplish your goals. It definitely is a trade-off, and we would recommend that you do your research diligently about what exactly you are putting near your skin. However, we understand that in some cases the trade-off might be worth it. Our overall recommendation is to go clean if you can, but it is not the end of the world if you can’t, as long as you’re taking steps to reduce potential harm.

How can I work out my hair type?

You might have been looking at the different hair types contained in this article and feeling confused. Although that might just mean you have a normal hair type, and that jack-of-all-trades shampoos like Blu Atlas best fit your hair, you also might just have not been exposed to the terminology so we’ll break it down for you.

The first key part of hair type is hair appearance. To determine this, let your hair dry naturally after a wash, and see how it looks. If it has no curls, you have straight hair, while if your hair has loose s-shape curves then it’s best described as wavy. If instead of curves it has prominent and defined loops, then it’s curly, and if it has spirals and coils then you have tight curls. If your hair is a mixture of s-shapes, loops and spirals/coils then your hair is best described as unrefined. This is a bit of a simplification, as there are different types of curl patterns and more specific categories, but it should give you a good head start.

Another key part of hair type is hair structure, which can be determined using a strand test. The best way to do this is to take a singular strand of hair between your fingers and then rub them back and forth and concentrate on what you feel. This is a bit subjective, but if you can’t feel anything you have fine hair. If you can feel the hair between your fingers your hair is medium, while if I feel noticeably thick your hair type is coarse. 

The final key part of hair type is scalp moisture. If your scalp is dry, you will find that it is often dry and itchy, your hair is prone to breakage, and often simply feels and looks dry. You will also find that you need to wash less often than others.Alternatively, if your hair often feels greasy, or you struggle with dandruff, it’s very likely you have an oily scalp. People with this hair type can find they need to wash their hair more often to stop it from looking oily. If neither of those apply to you, it’s likely your scalp is balanced, and most shampoos will suit you.