If you want one shampoo that works for most hair types without overthinking it, Dove's Daily Moisture is the answer. It's the GH Beauty Lab's top overall pick and real users keep coming back to it.
What holds up
Won GH Beauty Lab's hydrating shampoo test, top scores for leaving hair clean and easy to style
Softens and purifies simultaneously without stripping
Bargain drugstore price point
Works well for straight, wavy, and fine hair types
What to know
May not be nourishing enough for thick, very damaged, or textured hair
Not a clarifying formula, won't remove heavy product buildup
No pump dispenser on standard bottles
Expert verdict
Winner of the GH Beauty Lab's hydrating shampoos test, rated best for leaving hair clean and easy to style, plus it both purified hair and left it soft.
Good Housekeeping Beauty LabView sourceExpert verdict
My hair was fantastic, brushable, silky and flowing.
This is the shampoo that beauty lab scientists use to clean their test swatches, that's the highest possible endorsement. At under $2, it's the easiest recommendation in haircare.
What holds up
Under $2 per bottle, unbeatable value
GH Beauty Lab's go-to for deeply cleaning hair samples in all studies
Lightweight formula removes oil and buildup effectively
Recommended by hair professionals over pricier alternatives
What to know
Can leave hair dry, always follow with conditioner
No conditioning agents in formula
Scent may be too strong for some users
Expert verdict
Our chemists call this the 'gold standard' for clarifying shampoos because they use this to thoroughly cleanse hair swatches that will be used for testing all types of hair products.
Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab chemistsView sourceExpert verdict
The first time I used this shampoo, I was blown away by how squeaky clean my terribly oily hair could feel. My hair doesn't get as oily as it usually does for a few days after using it.
I'm a [hair] professional, so have access to and have used just about every brand on the market. This is my go-to. My hair feels clean, yet not stripped. The smell is a very clean, refreshing scent and all of that in the least expensive shampoo you can buy.
Customer reviewer via Good HousekeepingView source
OUAI Detox is the rare clarifying shampoo that doesn't punish your hair for using it. Real owners love that it removes buildup without the post-wash dryness that plagues most clarifying formulas.
What holds up
Works on all hair types and textures, straight, wavy, curly, coily
Deep cleans without stripping or over-drying
Beloved Melrose Place fragrance with notes of rose, pink pepper, and lychee
Sephora bestseller with a loyal community following
What to know
May fade color-treated hair
Fragrance may be too strong for scent-sensitive users
More expensive than drugstore clarifying options
Expert verdict
While most clarifying shampoos are not one size fits all, we love that this one can be used on straight, wavy, curly and coily hair types as well as fine, medium and thick textures.
Good Housekeeping clarifying shampoo reviewView sourceExpert verdict
A small amount of this scented detox shampoo leaves my hair feeling super clean without leaving it dry. I use it about once a week, and my scalp and hair always look, feel and smell great.
If you color your hair and want it to actually last, Redken Acidic Color Gloss is the one the lab data backs up. Testers saw real color longevity, not just marketing claims.
What holds up
Top GH Beauty Lab score for color fade resistance
Best-in-test for easy combing of wet hair
Leaves hair soft, shiny, and feeling hydrated
Sulfate-free formula gentle on color-treated strands
What to know
Expensive compared to drugstore alternatives
Best results require pairing with matching conditioner
May not be necessary for non-color-treated hair
Expert verdict
Nabbing the best overall spot for color protecting by our Beauty Lab, this pick earned the top score for color fade resistance and easy combing of hair.
Good Housekeeping Beauty LabView sourceExpert verdict
I feel that these products did help my hair color to last longer as it did not start to fade after a few washes.
Vichy brought skincare science to shampoo and it actually works. If your hair is thinning or breaking, this is the most credible option backed by real lab testing, not just marketing.
What holds up
Top GH Beauty Lab score for increasing hair volume and making strands feel stronger
Contains collagen peptides and alpha hydroxy acids borrowed from skincare
Testers reported less breakage during blow-drying
Color-safe formula, testers with colored hair saw no damage
What to know
Some testers disliked the heavily perfumed scent
On the pricier side for a shampoo
Best results when paired with matching conditioner
Expert verdict
Testers ranked it highest for increasing hair's volume, leaving strands feeling stronger, and making hair more manageable.
Good Housekeeping Beauty LabView sourceExpert verdict
After blow drying my hair, my hair felt thicker, looked like it had more volume, and I didn't have as many hairs fall out during the styling process as I usually do.
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