PriceSpy UK

Best shampoos July 2026

Finding the right shampoo can transform your hair care routine. This guide helps you compare the best shampoos available, looking at their key features, benefits, and suitability for different hair types. Our independent ranking will help you choose the perfect product to achieve healthy, vibrant hair.

Last updated: 23 June 2026

Shampoos: Top 5

A highly concentrated formula designed to repair and strengthen damaged or dry hair. Its acidic pH helps to seal the cuticle, resulting in smoother hair and protecting colour-treated locks. It's a great option for those with processed hair looking for intense restoration.

This shampoo is ideal for individuals with damaged, dry, or colour-treated hair. Its repairing and smoothing properties are particularly beneficial for hair that has undergone chemical processing.

Pros

  • Intensely repairing for damaged hair

  • Sulphate-free formula

  • Makes hair feel smoother

  • Suitable for colour-treated hair

  • Refillable options available

Cons

  • May be too intense for fine or oily hair

  • Specialized for damage repair, not for volume

This Redken shampoo is formulated to give fine or oily hair a much-needed lift. It cleanses gently while adding body and shine, without weighing hair down. The paraben-free formula also moisturises and softens.

No, Volume Injection is specifically designed to provide lift and body to fine hair without adding weight. It offers a lightweight cleansing experience that enhances volume.

Pros

  • Adds volume to fine hair

  • Enhances shine

  • Paraben-free formula

  • Moisturising and softening

Cons

  • Not specifically for damage repair

  • May not be rich enough for very dry hair

Vichy Dercos is a targeted treatment shampoo for those struggling with dandruff and a sensitive scalp. It works to eliminate flakes while soothing the scalp and is suitable for a wide range of hair types. This larger 390ml bottle offers good quantity.

It is formulated for effective anti-dandruff action. For best results, consistent use is key to managing dandruff and maintaining a healthy scalp over time.

Pros

  • Effectively targets dandruff

  • Suitable for sensitive scalps

  • Large bottle size (390ml)

  • Works for many hair types

  • Refillable options available

Cons

  • Primary focus is dandruff, not other concerns

  • Not specifically a volumizing or smoothing formula

A cult favourite, Olaplex No.4 is a reparative shampoo that works on a molecular level to fix broken bonds in the hair. It's suitable for all hair types and known for improving hair health, shine, and manageability. It is also vegan, cruelty-free, and free from sulphates and parabens.

It means the shampoo helps to repair the disulfide bonds within the hair shaft that are broken during chemical treatments or heat styling. This makes hair stronger and healthier.

Pros

  • Repairs and strengthens hair bonds

  • Vegan and cruelty-free

  • Free from sulphates, parabens, and silicones

  • Suitable for all hair types

Cons

  • Smaller bottle than top-ranked options (250ml)

  • Can be a premium-priced option

This is not a traditional shampoo, but a pre-shampoo detox treatment. Used before washing, Dream Filter works to remove minerals and pollutants from hard water that can dull and distort hair colour. It's a quick treatment for brighter, cleaner hair.

Yes, this is a pre-shampoo treatment designed to remove mineral and metal buildup. You should follow it with your regular shampoo and conditioner for cleansing and hydration.

Pros

  • Removes mineral buildup from hair

  • Restores colour vibrancy

  • Vegan and cruelty-free

  • Works in just a few minutes

Cons

  • Not a cleansing shampoo, requires a second step

  • Smallest bottle on the list (200ml)

  • Specific use case, not for general washing

Compare specifications

Type2in1 shampoo, Gel / Liquid shampoo2in1 shampoo, Gel / Liquid shampoo2in1 shampoo2in1 shampoo, Gel / Liquid shampooDetox shampoo, Gel / Liquid shampoo
Hair typeColour treated, Grey/White, Curly/permedColour treated, FineNormal, Colour treated, Fine, Blond/highlighted, Mixed, Grey/White, Curly/permed, Frizzy, Coarse/thickNormal, Colour treated, Fine, Blond/highlighted, Mixed, Grey/White, Curly/permed, Frizzy, Coarse/thick, AllColour treated
Suitable forWomen, MenWomen, MenWomen, MenWomen, MenWomen, Men
ClaimsSulphate freeParaben freeVegan, Cruelty free, Paraben free, Silicon free, Sulphate free, Dermatologically testedVegan, Cruelty free, Sulphate free
Hair conditionDamaged / Dry hairOily hairDandruff, Oily hair, Sensitive scalp, Damaged / Dry hairOily hair, Damaged / Dry hairOily hair
EffectSmoothing, RepairingVolumizing, Shine Enhancing, Moisturising / SofteningMoisturising / SofteningVolumizing, Shine Enhancing, Moisturising / Softening, Smoothing, RepairingCleansing

How we create the list

The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.