The 33 best shampoos and conditioners of 2024 — according to experts

Key ingredients: Sodium Laureth Sulfate | Hair type: Damaged or brittle hair | Sulfate-free: No | Size: 6.8 ounces

Milbon's repair shampoo was designed specifically to protect severely fragile, brittle or fried hair from further damage and help the individual strands build back elasticity and resilience. "Milbon's repair shampoo and conditioner is amazing for damaged hair," says Johnson. "The great thing about their line is that they have a fine and coarse formula, making it good for a lot of hair types and textures." 

Key ingredients: Biotin and collagen | Hair type: All hair types, fine or thin | Sulfate-free: No | Size: 13 ounces

This ultra-hydrating, super-gentle, sulfate-free shampoo contains vitamins and proteins to help repair damaged strands while detangling and adding loads of body and shine. High-quality, easy-to-find and budget-friendly, it's hands down the best shampoo we found at this price point.

Key ingredients: K18Peptide | Hair type: All hair types | Sulfate-free: Yes | Scent: Clean, citrus | Size: 8.5 ounces

Celebrity-favorite brand K18 was recommended by almost every stylist I spoke with for this story and you can see why: It's one of the best, most hair- and scalp-nourishing shampoos I've ever tried. It's good for all hair types and has a proprietary blend of peptides, which can work as a protective shield to reduce the damage hair endures during washing and styling — a formulation that makes it safe enough for daily use.

Key ingredients: Olive leaf extract | Hair type: Dry hair | Sulfate-free: No | Size: 12.5 ounces

My colleague and fellow beauty writer Rebecca Carhart recommended this ultra-hydrating shampoo that she's been enjoying for the past two years: "My friend who has the shiniest hair I've ever seen uses this shampoo and conditioner, so I obviously had to give it a try. I love how clean the shampoo makes my hair feel and the fact that it is silicone- and paraban-free. It uses virgin-pressed, sustainably sourced olive oil from Italy and olive leaf extracts to make hair softer and shinier and I'm amazed how well it works for a drugstore brand."

Key ingredients: Rice water | Hair type: Dry, damaged hair | Sulfate-free: No | Size: 12 ounces

This Shu Uemura repairing shampoo is a splurge FOR SURE, but if you're looking for a best-in-class hair cleanser that will actually help strengthen your damaged mane (with rice water, a clinically proven hair saver), it might just be for you. Experts I spoke with raved about the Shu Uemura line, and this formula is, according to the brand, meant to "gently cleanse, repair and visibly thicken fragile hair — without stripping away hydration." 

Key ingredients: Amino-bond complex, a marine botanical blend and mafura butter | Hair type: Brittle, damaged hair | Sulfate-free: Yes | Scent: Grapefruit, oatmeal | Size: 12 ounces

This up-and-coming line, which is known for its affordable, high-quality hair-care products, is becoming more popular by the day. My stylist uses this bonding formula as an Olaplex dupe for damaged hair, but if you have fine hair like mine, I've heard great things about the Verb Ghost Shampoo too. 

Key ingredients: Argan oil | Hair type: Dry, frizzy hair | Sulfate-free: Yes | Scent: Mandarin, jasmine, grapefruit, rose and freesia | Size: 8 ounces

"My favorite shampoo and conditioner set for curly and textured hair is Press Agent by Mizani," says Edmonds. "It's a great shampoo and conditioner for weekly or biweekly use because it's sulfate-free and lightweight. Plus it's infused with argon oil, agave extract and a UV filter to protect from the sun. It also blocks humidity and protects the hair from heat damage."

Key ingredients: Coconut oil | Hair type: Curly hair | Sulfate-free: Yes | Scent: Coconut, Mango | Size: 8.5 ounces

For a drugstore pick, this duo has a lot going for it: It's free of the harsh salts, surfactants and sulfites found in many budget brands. It contains coconut oil, which is both ultra-hydrating for drier curls and increases shine. It's safe for color-treated and chemically processed hair and, according to reviewers, when used in tandem, the products hold curls for days. One downside: If your hair is thinning or ultra-fine, the oils may weigh your strands down.  

Key ingredients: PolyfluoroEster | Hair type: Frizzy hair | Sulfate-free: Yes | Size: 8 ounces

In the past few years, Living Proof's hair products have become legendary, with users raving about how they've "transformed" their hair, made it silkier, easier to style, just better overall. This anti-frizz duo is no different — the vegan, sulfate- and paraben-free product smells subtly of a Tahitian beach vacation, and its lightweight formula truly tames frizz without weighing hair down. Two complaints: The cost, especially for the size, and if you're super into lather, this one won't deliver the suds.  

Key ingredients: Plant based ingredients | Hair type: Curly or wavy hair | Sulfate-free: Yes | Size: 33.8 ounces

My colleague Amanda Rickert recommends this fresh-scented set for anyone with wavy to curly hair who's washing one to two times per week. "I enjoy the scent and the pump top from a practical standpoint for use in the shower," she says. "The viscosity and foaming make the product feel super effective and like it cleans my hair without stripping it. Also, if you go through the brand site, you can buy refill bags!"

Key ingredients: Manuka honey, ceramides | Hair type: Curly hair | Sulfate-free: Yes | Scent: Floral Manifesto | Size: 8.5 ounces

For decades, Kerastase has been a trusted brand for professional stylists around the globe, especially across Europe where it's somehow much more affordable than it is here. Its ultra-creamy Curl Manifesto shampoo does all the things you want: softens strands, reduces frizz and enhances curl shape while cleansing your hair and scalp of any product buildup. The downside is it's expensive but it works so well on curly, coiled and very curly hair, and experts say you can mix and match it with a less expensive conditioner.  

Key ingredients: Rosehip oil, algae extract, shea butter | Hair type: Dry, damaged hair | Sulfate-free: Yes | Size: 16 ounces

My Yahoo Shopping colleague Jeanine Edwards has been relying on this cult-favorite conditioner for the past three years: "It's hydrating and nourishing for dry, curly/coily/kinky hair. It has a nice smell, but isn't overpowering. It leaves my hair softer, with less frizz so it's easier to manage. I also really like that it's 95% natural."

Edwards says this particular Briogeo conditioner is ideal if your curly hair is brittle as the formula itself is thick and creamy. One caveat: "It's expensive, so I have to wait until it goes on sale to stock up. It usually gets marked down a little on Prime Day."

Key ingredients: Moringa seed oil, arginine, keratin | Hair type: Colored hair, normal hair | Sulfate-free: No | Size: 10.1ounces

"Since I started dying my hair, I’ve been trying to prioritize products that extend the color (or that are at least color-proof)," says Yahoo Shopping editor Kristin Granero. "Joico's Defy Damage line is formulated with moisturizing ingredients like moringa seed oil and arginine for preserving dry or damaged strands, leaving ends smooth and shiny. The brand also offers a protective spray and mask for further protecting the hair."

Key ingredients: Elastin protein, quinoa| Hair type: Colored hair, normal hair | Sulfate-free: Yes | Size: 13.5 ounces

This nourishing combo from beloved brand Nexxus promises serious color-staying power with zero fading after dozens of washes. Reviewers say the sulfate-free formula is hydrating, extra-softening and gentle. Says one: "It's been an absolute game-changer for my color-treated hair!"

Key ingredients: Lime caviar | Hair type: Colored, fine and normal hair | Sulfate-free: Yes | Size: 33.8 ounces

Colorist Willa Ashley says she's used Wella's shampoos and conditioners frequently on her color-treated clients' hair — with stellar results. "Wella," she says, "is a company that invests in research and produces shampoos and conditioners with high-quality ingredients that are gentle on the hair and scalp."

Key ingredients: Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate | Hair type: Color treated hair | Sulfate-free: Yes | Size: 8.5 ounces

I'm not the biggest fan of the famous, celebrity-favorite Olaplex No. 4 shampoo, but I must admit its formula for blond hair is a standout. It's rich, but won't weigh your hair down, emollient, but not over-grease-ifying. Plus, it works magic to maintain cool blond hues and keep them from developing dreaded brassiness.    

Key ingredients: Sodium Laureth Sulfate | Hair type: Color treated hair | Sulfate-free: No | Scent: Citrus | Size: 33.83 ounces

When it comes to color-treated hair, it turns out that blondes don't have all the (un)fun. The extra-pigmented blue tones in this moisturizing vegan formula counteract those annoyingly brassy orange tones brunettes pick up from things like overexposure to the sun, restoring medium-dark tones to their original rich color and sheen.

Key ingredients: Citric acid, bonding care complex | Hair type: Damaged hair | Sulfate-free: Yes | Size: 1.7 ounces

According to colorist Willa Ashley (and almost every expert I spoke with), Redken is one of the most reliable hair-care lines around. Plus, this $13 travel hair saver is perfect for when you're on the go and don't want to use harsh hotel products. The next size up — 10 ounces — is a pricier $33 but for an ample size: 20% more than you get with similar, high-quality brands. 

Key ingredients: Sage leaf extract, green tea, multi-weight proteins | Hair type: Thick, dry or damaged hair | Sulfate-free: Yes | Scent: Mint and menthol | Size: 9.8 ounces

Yahoo Shopping deputy editor Izabella Zaydenberg recommends this color-safe conditioner for when you want extra hydration without the heaviness or commitment of a mask. "It leaves my hair more manageable. I swear it helps with smoothness, too, plus my hair doesn't feel as frizzy after I use it," she says. "It's definitely a little thick but not to the point of weighing my hair down."

Key ingredients: Three refined clays | Hair type: Oily hair | Sulfate-free: No | Scent: Floral | Size: 28 ounces

The hero ingredients of these surprisingly high-quality drugstore finds are three types of clay, which naturally soak up excess oil while leaving behind hair's original shine. The formula is silicone-free but still lathers well, and renders previously too-greasy-to-manage strands bouncy and soft.  

Key ingredients: Keratin, apple cider vinegar | Hair type: All hair types | Sulfate-free: No | Scent: Floral | Size: 10 ounces

My colleague Julia Webb brought this stellar shampoo to my attention last week: "My hair gets greasy quickly, so I tend to use dry shampoo to prolong wash days — Ouai's Detox Shampoo is how I combat product buildup. It smells great and leaves my hair feeling super clean but not totally stripped. I use it after I do any slicked-back hairstyle — gel, pomade and hair spray are no match for this formula."

Note: This is a powerful clarifying shampoo and is not for dry or damaged hair; it is best used once or twice per week, even on sturdier strands.

Key ingredients: Vitamin E, aloe vera, chamomile and calendula | Hair type: Dry hair | Sulfate-free: No | Scent: Lemon | Size: 11 ounces

If you're an organic girl who wants to avoid chemicals while still maintaining a grease-free coiffure, this is the product for you. It's made of plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile and calendula for combating oil, along with lemon oil and cedarwood oil to help soothe your scalp. Bonus: It's mild enough for the entire family and excellent for everyday use.

Key ingredients: Ginseng, rosemary and sage | Hair type: All hair types| Sulfate-free: No | Scent: No | Size: 8.5 ounces

Bumble and Bumble's beloved Sunday Shampoo is meant to give all types of hair a weekly reset: Use the lightweight formula once every seven days to remove product buildup and hard-water residue and to promote a healthier scalp. It's gentle enough to be used on hair in almost any condition, though check with your stylist before trying if yours is super-damaged or freshly dyed.