The 9 Best Drugstore Shampoos for Men, Starting at Just $8

What is the difference between drugstore shampoos and luxury options?

The eternal question–what are you really paying for? "Years ago, there was a clear divide—drugstore products were known for being basic, while prestige offered advanced, nutrient-rich formulas. But that has changed dramatically," says Kimberlee Blakley, the senior director of product development at The Mane Choice "Drugstore brands are now embracing innovation, leveraging naturally derived and on-trend ingredients, including ingredients like nutrient–dense oils and amino acids."

While prices can sometimes indicate something about the formulas themselves–hairstylist and colorist Jennifer Korab, who owns the Renaissance Salon & Spa in New Jersey, notes that the quality of higher-end shampoos can typically be gentler or contain fewer "filler" ingredients than drugstore options–more often than not, the differences are miniscule. Pricier shampoos are often a bigger reflection of marketing budgets and pretty designs, rather than a sign that the product itself is of lower quality.

What are the best ingredients to look for in shampoos?

Depending on your hair type and what you're looking for, you should keep your eyes peeled for different ingredients. For dry or frizzy hair, look for hydrating oils or smoothing ingredients. For flakey scalps, zinc is a popular go-to. "I love shampoos with gentle cleansers balanced by nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, biotin, and amino acids. They refresh the scalp without stripping, while supporting strength and softness," notes Blakley. Korab says, "I also love shampoos with aloe vera or tea tree oil for soothing the scalp and removing buildup without over drying."

Are sulfates bad for your hair?

A few years ago, the world rebelled against sulfates, and now some brands proudly display being sulfate-free. But are sulfates really the enemy? The answer depends largely on your hair type. Sulfates are essentially cleansing agents, and are great at reducing oil and build-up on your scalp. While they're not inherently damaging, overusing them can lead to frizz or stripping your hair of the natural oils that help keep your scalp healthy and hydrated. Some hair types, like curls and coils, are particularly susceptible to frizz and dryness as a result of sulfate use, so it may be best to alternate with gentler shampoos. If you're concerned about sulfates, there are plenty of other cleansing options. "I like to look for gentle surfactants such as sodium cocoyl isethionate or sodium lauroyl methylisethionate," says Korab.