Oily hair types will appreciate this purifying shampoo, according to Rogerio Cavalcante, a hairstylist based in NYC. “This is perfect for people with oily scalps or those who prefer a refreshing, invigorating experience during their wash. The rosemary and mint provide an energizing cleanse that works well for individuals seeking to remove excess oil and buildup while leaving a cool, fresh sensation on the scalp,” he says.
Testing notes: “As someone with naturally curly hair, I’m very picky about what goes on my strands and scalp, and this one pleasantly surprised me. Right off the bat, the scent is so refreshing. That minty, herbal aroma isn’t just nice—it’s therapeutic. It feels like a mini spa moment every time I wash my hair. Performance-wise, it did everything I hoped for and more. My hair felt noticeably softer after each wash, and detangling was a breeze (which, let’s be real, is half the battle with curls). But the real win? My scalp. It felt clean, calm, and refreshed—not stripped or tight—and I saw a real improvement in my usual dry, flaky patches. That cooling mint tingle? Instant relief. Overall, this shampoo feels like a treat and a treatment. If you’ve got curls and struggle with a dry or irritated scalp, I’d definitely give this one a try. Aveda nailed it,” says Glamour senior analyst Loneeja Talukdar.
Best for Dandruff: CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo
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Courtesy of brand
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Original image of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
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Original image of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Pros: Easy to lather, washes out quickly, gets rid of flakes
- Cons: Formula can be a little drying
If you deal with dandruff, we highly recommend shopping this hydrating shampoo that contains pyrithione zinc (which has antibacterial and antifungal properties), plus ceramides and niacinamide, to help combat flakes and soothe irritation in just a few washes.
Testing notes: “This dandruff shampoo has a very lightweight, fragrance-free formula that lathers exceptionally well to get into every nook and corner of your hair roots. It washes out easily without making my hair look or feel dry (thanks to the hyaluronic acid and ceramides in the formula), and I definitely noticed a difference in my flakes after just two uses. I also find that my scalp tends to get itchy around my ears and at my headline, and noticed that this sensation faded quickly after using this one for a week. It stands out against others on this list because of its price (at less than $10), efficacy and derm-recommended ingredients. 10/10 all around,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Curly Hair: Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Jazmin Gathers testing Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
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Original photo from Jazmin Gathers testing Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
- Pros: Creamy and luxurious lather; makes hair feel really clean
- Cons: Pricey compared to some of the other picks on this list
Great for all hair types, but especially those with curly and textured hair, Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon is a huge fan of this pick. “This cleansing cream is formulated with AHA fruit acids,” she says, which work quickly and effectively to eliminate unwanted residue and oil, leaving hair refreshed and shinier.
Testing notes: “This shampoo left my hair feeling clean without feeling like it stripped all the moisture from my hair. It had a delightfully fruity smell, which I feel isn’t always common for products that really clean your hair. It lathers really well, and I could immediately tell a difference in how my hair felt after using it—it was much softer and hydrated. I didn’t feel the need to go back and add products to rehydrate it after the fact, which is a huge plus,” says Glamour senior manager of social media Jazmin Gathers.
Best for Breakage: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo for Long, Damaged Hair
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo for Long, Damaged Hair
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Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo for Long, Damaged Hair
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo for Long, Damaged Hair
- Pros: Smells sweet; easy to lather texture; great for long hair types prone to frizz
- Cons: Not suitable for all hair types, can be a little drying on curly hair
