Everyone Is Using Cheap Shampoo Again—Here’s What Hair Stylists Really Think
Kleigh Balugo
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Let’s face it, times are tough and we don’t always have an extra $40 to spend on shampoo. So in the wake of all the crazy expensive salon products we were once dependent on, the internet has become obsessed with drugstore shampoo. Although some people whole heartedly believe that a bigger price tag means better quality, the drugstore has proven time and time again that good products can come cheap too. Whether you’re on the market for a new shampoo or are curious about what the drugstore has to offer—we got all the details from hair experts, so you don’t feel too overwhelmed next time you step into the shampoo aisle.
We’ve all fallen victim to expensive shampoo, but the days of dropping an arm and a leg on a basic hair care necessity are officially over. In 2025, the drugstore is coming through with tons of products that boast salon-quality ingredients and sulfate-free formulas. Finally, the hair of your dreams is more accessible than ever. Whether you struggle with hair that’s damaged, oily, sensitive, or something in between—the drugstore has a product that will meet your specific needs, for way less than salon prices.
But because TikTok is constantly recommending a million different products to us, it can become impossible to discern which products are actually worth trying out. (After all, there’s nothing worse than spending forever picking out a shampoo just to realize it doesn’t work for you.) While it’s tempting to listen to the first TikToker that lands on your FYP, it’s more important than ever to seek advice from actual hair stylists. So, we tapped hairstylists Jennifer Korab and Michelle Cleveland to give us the lowdown on drugstore shampoos.
Why Drugstore Shampoos?
Aside from saving us money, there’s tons of other reasons why people are gravitating towards drugstore shampoos. Hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon & Spa, Jennifer Korab, says the quality of drugstore shampoos have significantly improved in recent years, “Many brands now incorporate salon-worthy ingredients, sulfate-free formulas, and even bond-repair technology—all at a budget-friendly price.” And in addition to giving us salon quality products at reasonable price points, the internet has also contributed to our obsession with affordable shampoo. Whether it’s TikTok wear tests or online reviews, we’re constantly seeing people online showcase how effective (and affordable) drugstore shampoos can be—which means way more demand for high quality hair products.
On the other hand, Michelle Cleveland, extension artist and owner of Hair Addict Salon & Extension Bar, says that the internet has also allowed us to become more aware of the ingredients in our shampoos. She says consumers are smarter than ever before, and that they’re paying close attention to products’ formulas through online research. In the past, we didn’t even think to question what goes into our hair products—but today, our standards are super high. (And rightfully so, our scalps deserve only the very best.) And sure, we might have tons of expectations—but with drugstore shampoos, maybe we really can have it all.
What Should You Look for When Shopping for Drugstore Shampoo?
Finding your ideal drugstore shampoo is no easy feat. Korab says that it’s important to first assess your hair needs and then choose a formula that addresses your specific concerns. No matter what you’re looking to improve upon, there’s a product out there for you—as long as you know what you’re looking for.
- For color-treated hair: Opt for sulfate-free options to maintain moisture and prevent fading.
- If your hair lacks hydration: Look for nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, argan oil, or shea butter. Those with damaged or bleached hair should consider shampoos with protein or bond-repair technology to help strengthen and restore strands.
- If you deal with buildup or excess oil: Clarifying shampoos with ingredients like apple cider vinegar or charcoal can provide a deep cleanse.
- For sensitive scalps: Gentle formulas free from harsh detergents and heavy fragrances are the best choice to avoid irritation.
Thankfully, you don’t need to be a hair expert to find your perfect shampoo. Once you track down a shampoo that works for your hair type, be sure to check the ingredient list. Cleveland says that taking note of a shampoo’s ingredients is key to finding the best quality at the drugstore. “Typically water will always be the first ingredient listed, but [the ingredients] listed immediately after that should be recognizable and of good quality. (i.e. plant oils, aloe, peppermint etc.),” she says. And when in doubt, the less ingredients a product lists, the better.
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