Sporting glossy, bouncy tresses and a healthy glowing complexion, Sofia Vergara has served us years of beauty inspiration, not to mention endless hair envy.

As a team, we collectively boast years of testing some of the best haircare formulas on the market, from the best shampoos for fine hair or the best conditioners for curly hair, so we're always intrigued by which shampoo A-listers opt for to keep their strands looking perfectly preened.

Having launched her very own skincare brand Toty, in 2023, it's clear that Sofia Vergara is well-versed in the beauty landscape. But the actress has kept fairly tight-lipped on her haircare regimen. That was, until she gave us a peek into her favourite lineup of shampoos.

The shampoo Sofia Vergara uses to bring her hair back to life

In an interview with Glamour in 2023, Sofia was quizzed on her desert island beauty product that she couldn't live without, and subsequently gave a preview into the hair washing routine behind her enviably healthy-looking locks. "I love Shu Uemura shampoos, they have changed my hair."

With a profession gracing television screens across the world comes frequent hair styling, which in turn can cause damage, dryness and brittleness, she says: "Sometimes they curl your hair, straighten your hair, pull your hair, colour your hair." This is what led the actress to initially try Shu Uemura's quality formulas: "I’ve been using it for a year now and it’s really good."

If we didn't already know her love for the haircare brand's lineup of shampoos, Vergara didn't stop there. The actress also expressed her love in another interview with Harper's Bazaar. "Right now, I’ve been using Shu Uemura shampoos for the past two years. I think they’re amazing. Now I have all of their line," she noted.

Shop Shu Uemura shampoos

While Sofia has kept us in the dark as to the exact Shu Uemura shampoo that she reaches for the most often within her hair washing routine, we've done our research and rounded up the top best-selling formulas that the brand has to offer - from a volume-boosting shampoo to a colour-protecting option.

Calling all blondes! If your strands require some brightening TLC, but your next hair appointment is still a while away, Amanda Holden's affordable go-to purple shampoo might just be the answer.

When it comes to equipping your hair-washing arsenal with a formula designed for your hair type, there's more choice now than ever. From the best shampoos for fine and thinning hair to the best conditioners for curly hair, there are shampoos and conditioners aplenty on the market - many of which boast affordable price tags, too.

Blonde hair can be high-maintenance if you want to avoid the likes of colour fading and dryness, but thankfully, some of the best purple shampoos allow you to maintain salon-worthy golden locks from the comfort of your own home. In Amanda Holden's case, she's given a rare insight into her haircare collection, including her go-to formula for beating brassy tones and brightening her blonde tresses - plus, it helps to thoroughly cleanse and repair damaged strands, too.

Amanda Holden's go-to £10 shampoo for blonde strands

While you may expect celebrities' beauty bags to make home to an array of luxury, high-end brands, with hefty price tags to match, Amanda Holden revealed the surprising shampoo that has earned a place in her hair washing regime - and it's all thanks to its blonde-brightening formula.

In a recent interview, Amanda gave a rare insight into her beauty routine, detailing her go-to products from the best lightweight foundation to her signature scent (Revolution's Superdewy Tinted Moisturiser and Byredo's La Tulipe, in case you were intrigued). But it was a peek into her haircare routine that caught our attention.

When quizzed on the shampoo that she keeps stashed away in her bathroom cabinet, Amanda revealed: "To keep my hair nice and blonde and prevent brassiness, I love Charles Worthington ColourPlex Ultra Violet Shampoo." As it turns out, Holden isn't the only fan of this formula, as it has amassed over 200 reviews from shoppers on the brand's site, earning an impressive average star rating of 4.6 out of 5.

To add to all the hair talk, the media personality also divulged in the must-have product she relies on for defining her naturally curly hair. "Because I have naturally curly hair, I sometimes like to use a texturising spray, such as Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, to create definition – if I’m going to have it curly, I like it not to be fuzzy," she noted.

When you have curly hair, as I do, it can be tricky to find your ideal routine. It takes a lot of trial and error to cocktail your perfect product lineup, but arguably, the most important one in the mix is shampoo. It needs to clean hair without affecting the curl pattern, or leaving it looking dry, heavy or limp.

For people with straight, unproblematic hair, I imagine finding the best shampoo is a positively delightful experience. This one smells nice. This one’s on offer. I like this packaging. Imagine! For me, as someone with frizz-prone, naturally quite thirsty curls, finding the perfect shampoo has been a bit of a journey.

Luckily, I’m a senior beauty editor, so finding the best shampoo for curly hair is literally my job. So, after years of searching and suds, I think I’ve discovered the best formula on the market.

Why this £22 shampoo is the best curly formula I’ve ever tried

Davines LOVE Curl Shampoo may just be the best curly shampoo I've ever used. It's the formula that's left my frizz-prone hair looking its best - whenever I use it my curls look bouncy, soft and defined. My hair also feels moisturised immediately after washing, whereas with other formulas it can feel dry, tangled and crying out for conditioner.

Davines also earns brownie points for its sustainable beauty credentials - the company is a B-Corp, and this formula is made using sustainably harvested almond extracts, created using renewable energy and comes in recyclable packaging. Bonus marks for the fact that it's available in a refillable pouch, too.

While the eco element is nice to have, the real win for me is just how good the formula is. It has a lovely silky texture - it's not too runny or too thick that it's an effort to squeeze out of the bottle. It lathers really well and washes out easily - there's no film or residue left on the stands. Because the formula is moisturising, it also improves the 'slip' of my hair, adding a much-needed extra layer of hydration before even picking up my conditioner bottle.

At £21.75, it feels very fairly priced - especially when you consider the eco elements. Plus - for those wondering how often you should wash your hair when it's curly, this hair type can be washed less regularly, so the bottle lasts a long while. It's also available as a 75ml for £11 if you want to try before committing to the full size - or £39.15 for 500ml if you fall in love and want to stock up.

And stocked up I have. I'm currently on my second bottle with another one ready on standby, and the refill pouch ready to roll when that's done. This is comfortably a year's worth of hair washes - there's something very calming about having that stash. A year of bouncy, healthy curls - truly, what could be better?

Working to cleanse, detangle, soften and protect the colour of your locks, Victoria Beckham's luxe hair washing routine features this exact shampoo and conditioner.

Victoria Beckham has been serving us beauty inspiration since the day she stepped onto the scene with the Spice Girls in the mid-'90s. Thankfully, the beauty mogul isn't shy about revealing her favourite products, whether that be Victoria Beckham's self-tan or the buys behind her iconic smokey eye. Beckham also made her mark in the beauty landscape when she launched her very own brand in 2019 with an array of quality skincare and makeup gems - many of which appear in our Victoria Beckham Beauty team review.

While Beckham's brand has yet to delve into the world of haircare, she has lifted the lid on some of her favourite products within her routine - including her luxurious shampoo and conditioner. So, naturally, we just had to share the news with you - plus, some rare and unmissable discounts.

The luxurious shampoo and conditioner Victoria Beckham relies on

Ever wanted a sneak peek into Victoria Beckham's haircare routine? Well, now you can. We've discovered the exact shampoo and conditioner that the former Posh Spice keeps stashed away in her bathroom to maintain her Parisian-chic strands.

Despite being known for her healthy-looking locks, in an interview with Into The Gloss Beckham admitted her low-maintenance attitude towards her hair: "I’m better at doing my own makeup than my own hair, which is why half the time it’s just scraped up or off my face into a bun."

Although she has closed the door on platinum blonde and opted for a rich brunette hue over the past decade, Victoria notices her locks struggle to maintain their luscious tone thanks to summers spent in the sun and struggles with UK water. "The water is very hard in London and so it’s quite difficult to hang onto a nice, rich colour," she revealed.

Luckily, she shared the fuss-free shampoo and conditioner duo she uses to help combat any dryness and keep her colour in tip-top shape: "For products I use on my own, I like Oribe’s Shampoo and Conditioner because they smell incredible." If it leaves our hair looking as healthy, hydrated and with a mirror-like shine as Victoria Beckham's, we'll happily invest.

Not to be dramatic, but my hair is the bane of my life. It’s naturally curly (in a bushy way, rather than a beautiful cascading spaghetti kind of way), thick, coarse and relentlessly frizzy. Getting it to behave is like trying to coax a French Bulldog to go for a walk in the rain – pretty much impossible.

I have tried all of the best hair straightening products, the best hair products for humidity, and the best hair masks, but the only thing that convinces my hair to conform is in-salon keratin treatments. They’re amazing, and my hair is gloriously glossy for three months, but there is a price to pay – and that price is that you have to use sulphate-free shampoo afterwards to avoid washing the treatment out prematurely.

I’ve tried a lot of the best shampoos with sulphate-free formulas over the years, and my overwhelming feeling is that they’re not very good. My hair never feels particularly clean, and I normally have to shampoo twice or more to get rid of product buildup. There is one that bucks that trend, though, and that’s Color Wow Color Security Shampoo.

The sulphate-free shampoo that leaves our frizz-prone Beauty Editor’s hair super smooth

To catch you up if you don’t already know, sulphates are cleansing agents added to products to make them foam. Sulphates are used in shower gel and toothpaste, as well as most shampoos, and are a big part of why you feel cleaner and fresher after using these everyday essentials.

The downside of sulphates is that they can be a bit too good at their job and strip away more than just dirt and grime. They can rob hair of moisture, making it feel drier and frizzier, strip away pigment, meaning your colour doesn’t last for as long and break down treatments like my beloved Brazilian blow-dries.

But as much as I know the potential downsides of sulphates, I do miss their foamy satisfaction, and that’s why I was so thrilled to find the Color Wow Color Security Shampoo building into a seriously satisfying lather the first time I used it. Instead of stubbornly claggy and still a bit greasy, my hair felt light, full and refreshingly free from the vast amount of heat protection spray I use between shampoos.

Another big plus is that I don’t need to wash my hair as regularly as it doesn’t get greasy as quickly, saving me plenty of precious time from my labour-intensive blow drying and straightening routine. It’s like I’m getting the factory reset of a clarifying shampoo but without pillaging my hair of good stuff.

I’m aware I’ve talked a lot about what this shampoo doesn’t include, so let’s chat about what it does. Instead of sulphates, Color Wow uses a combination of eight gentle, non-stripping cleansers, including a fancy Japanese amino acid. There’s also keratin and other proteins to help strengthen hair and glycerin for hydration – plus, as it's name suggests, it's one of the best shampoos for coloured hair.

The only real sticking point is that, at £22 for a 250ml tube or £64.50 for a 946ml pump bottle, it is expensive. But if, like me, you are struggling to find a sulphate-free shampoo that doesn’t compromise on the look and feel of your hair, then it’s worth it when weighing up "is expensive shampoo better?".

If you need any extra justification, then a little goes a long way, and there’s no need to rinse and repeat, which immediately cuts down your cost-per-wash compared to a cheaper shampoo. Also, if this is the price I have to pay to make my frizzy mane more manageable, then it’s worth every single penny.

After trialling an array of dry shampoo formulas on her oily-prone hair, our beauty writer finally found the gem that masks any signs of greasiness - and it now has 25% off.

As someone with very grease-prone fine hair, my wash routine consists of some of the best shampoo for fine hair to keep it in check - plus a strict washing schedule that doesn't allow for spontaneous events. But an unplanned occasion cropping up here and there would always leave me reaching for one of the best dry shampoos, however I could just never find the right one for my hair.

So, when Living Proof's Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo landed on my desk, I eagerly awaited my hair to get greasy (something I never thought I'd find myself doing) in order to put it to the ultimate test. Spoiler, it served up the most impressive transformation - trust me, the before and after photos do all the talking.

The transformative product that changed my opinion on dry shampoo

Dry shampoo is one of those beauty products that I never thought were worth investing a lot of money in. If you'd taken one look into my bathroom cabinet six months ago, it would've revealed a treasure trove of affordable dry shampoos stashed away for emergency 'running out the door' situations. That said, I often found them to leave white marks, a chalky feeling and sometimes made my hair even greasier just a few hours after applying. That was, until I tried Living Proof's highly-rated formula...

For context, I have long, straight hair made up of a lot of fine strands. While my scalp is very prone to oil, my hair's natural texture and length mean my locks are also fairly weighty on my scalp, which can further accentuate the greasiness of it. To combat this, I find myself washing my hair every other day, which can be quite the hassle.

I may be exposing myself with the photo of my hair prior to applying the dry shampoo, but the results are too impressive not to share - something I know my fellow oily-prone scalp sufferers will appreciate. I knew I already loved the results this formula could create, but even I was shocked when I looked back at the photos.

As for how the dry shampoo fares on my greasy tresses, first and foremost it doesn't leave any white residue or that classic powdery feeling when you run your fingers through it - both of which are ticks in my book. It also noticeably boosted the volume at my roots, something that my hair doesn't naturally boast, giving it a lifted and bouncy appearance. In terms of longevity, when I applied the dry shampoo first thing in the morning, the results lasted throughout the entire working day.

I will say, after a full day's wear I did notice slight flaking of the formula at the scalp, but nothing that would catch someone's attention. That said, on a more positive note, I'd give it extra points for its gorgeous salon-worthy scent, which stays put in your locks all day long. Although it is slightly pricier than your typical drugstore purchase, I'd say it's well worth investing in this haircare gem if you particularly struggle with any oiliness. You also don't need to spray lots for it to work its magic, which only adds to the list of reasons to spend a bit more on your dry shampoo collection.

How to use Living Proof's dry shampoo

Before applying the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, it's essential that you make sure to thoroughly shake the canister to achieve the maximum cleaning results. First, separate your hair into the sections that you're wanting to target, before misting the product in a sweeping motion from a distance of 20cm away from your head. After applying, wait 30 seconds for the dry shampoo to activate and work its cleansing magic. Once the time is up, massage or brush the product into the hair to remove any excess residue. If some areas are still looking slightly greasy, simply repeat the same process again.

Dry shampoo is a staple in my haircare routine. As someone with very thick hair, who loves the gym and has very little time, it's a product that has become a lifesaver for me over the years.

I've tried a lot of the best dry shampoo formulas, many of which do a good job of making my hair look cleaner than when it started. But none of them come close to the clean, brightening look I get from K18's new AirWash dry shampoo. My mid-life hair is currently a combination of natural dark and bright white hair with bleach-blonde highlights, and when it gets dirty, those three colours leave no place to hide. K18 AirWash not only "cleans" my hair, but brightens it significantly, so much so it looks freshly washed.

At £48 per bottle, I was expecting impressive results, but I have to say it exceeded my expectations. It is, by far, the most expensive dry shampoo I have ever used. But it is also, by far, the best. The product description goes into a lot of detail about things like "smart-release biotechnology", which helps this product go above and beyond the rest. And while I'm not entirely sure what it means, I do know it works.

Why K18 Airwash is the best dry shampoo I've ever tried

I first used K18 after three days without washing my hair, which is my limit. Day three is borderline, day four is obvious grease that clearly needs washing. As the pictures above show, when my hair needs cleaning, my blonde highlights go a dirty, darker, more yellow colour – almost brass-like – which is immediately obvious. If you compare the lightness and fresher look of my hair after using a small amount of K18, the difference is vast.

The instructions say only the smallest amount is needed, but I think this depends on your hair type and thickness. I have a lot of hair, however still found just one spray went a really long way with coverage. I massaged it in and within minutes could see a remarkable difference. My hair was fluffy and bright, and not a trace of white residue in sight from the product.

The length and amount of hair I have means doing a full wash, blow dry and straighten can take up to an hour, even when using one of the best hair dryers. The product has removed the need for me to do that at least twice a week, which is a game-changer, and makes it worth every penny.

What does our beauty editor think of K18 Airwash?

woman&home digital beauty editor Fiona McKim says, "When Air Wash hit the market and immediately sold out I wasn't in the least surprised. K18 is not a brand churning out 'that'll do' products – these guys go so deep into the research and development phase with their high-tech formulations that they rarely bring out anything new. So why is this one special?

"I'd say because 99% of dry shampoos are a bit of a false economy, as they coat your strands in powders that temporarily hide oil but make hair even claggier-feeling by the end of the day. This one uses a light, starch-free molecule called Odorbind to soak up oil and smells, and continue to refresh the hair for up to three days.

"I have it on good authority from K18's expert PR representative that you should only use a very small amount of this, one to two sprays max with no top-ups on days two and three – plus it's non-aerosol, so there's zero wastage. As Kerrie says it is undeniably pricey, but used correctly it'll work out fairly good value in the end." (Side note: another product has our beauty team's seal of approval is the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo.)

More top-rated dry shampoos

Delivering smooth, glossy and frizz-free results, Oprah Winfrey's favoured shampoo will make a worthy addition to any hair washing routine – and it currently has 20% off.

Whether you're shopping for the best shampoo for fine hair or the best shampoo for curly hair, many of us know that a hair-washing routine catered specifically to your hair's needs is the key to having continuous good hair days. ​Although it's easier said than done – searching for your go-to buy can be quite a tedious trial-and-error task.

But when it comes to enviable locks, one well-known name immediately springs to mind and that's Oprah Winfrey; we've long wondered which of the best shampoos and conditioners she uses. Thankfully, the host's hairstylist has shared the shampoo pick that's behind her smooth and frizz-free television-worthy locks – and you can currently bag a bottle for more than £5 off the usual price.

The shampoo Oprah's hairstylist relies on for the host's healthy curls

If you're anything like us, you're interested in knowing the ins and outs of Oprah's hair-washing routine, in hopes of finding out exactly how she achieves her voluminous and bouncy locks that are full of shine. Well, luckily, we've just discovered the shampoo that the host's hairstylist relies on for Winfrey's sought-after strands...

Speaking to OprahDaily, the host's hairstylist, Nicole Mangrum, has let us in on her secret formula as to how she achieves Winfrey's enviable locks. Lifting the lid on the television producer's haircare routine, Mangrum revealed Kérastase's Discipline Shampoo is the product behind Oprah's standout curls that are full of body and bounce, she says: “This is my favourite shampoo and what I use to wash Oprah’s hair.”

For those with curly or very curly hair, just like Oprah, Mangrum recommends washing your strands with this shampoo just once a week. As for conditioner, she pairs the coordinating Kérastase Discipline Smoothing Conditioner to unlock a weightless and smooth finish, saying: “I like using this because it’s the sister product to the smoothing shampoo.”

However, Mangrum also shares how she likes to swap the conditioner out every other week for a deep-conditioning hair treatment to maintain Winfrey's healthy-looking locks. Her hair treatment of choice? Olaplex's No. 3 Hair Perfector, she advises: “It fortifies strands, adds moisture, and helps with porosity.”

With hydrating and shine-enhancing formulas, Demi Moore's favourite shampoo and conditioner are undoubtedly a must-have addition to any haircare arsenal - especially for those with thirsty and damaged locks.

Amongst the abundance of hair trends, the recent healthy hair trend is one we can get behind – think repaired strands with a luxe radiance about them. Whether you're looking to invest in the best hair treatment, a high-shine hair gloss or a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, there are a variety of ways you can kickstart your healthy hair journey.

And when it comes to healthy hair inspiration, one Hollywood name springs to mind and that's Demi Moore. Giving us serious hair envy, the actress boasts a head of long and sleek hair with a reflective shine. So, naturally, we made it our mission to uncover Moore's haircare regime and, after scouring the web, we discovered the exact shampoo and conditioner she uses to achieve her healthy and nourished mane...

The shampoo and conditioner Demi Moore swears by

In an interview with InStyle, Demi Moore offered a rare insight into her haircare arsenal as she revealed the staple products that make up her hair-washing regime. So, what's the secret? The actress said: “I'm a die-hard Kevin Murphy Hydrate-Me Wash and Hydrate-Me Rinse person.”

The shampoo and conditioner duo in question has hydration and repair at its core. Boasting a moisturising cocktail of ingredients including kakadu plum, evening primrose oil, shea butter and vitamin C, Hydrate Me haircare aims to restore healthiness and mirror-like shine to dry, damaged and dull locks, while minimising split ends.

It's not just Demi Moore who's a fan of these products, as both the shampoo and conditioner also boast a plethora of highly-rated 5-star reviews on Kevin Murphy's website, not to mention retailers like Cult Beauty.

How to use Kevin Murphy Hydrate-Me haircare

While most shampoos and conditioners follow the same application method, Kevin Murphy recommends massaging the shampoo into your hair before rinsing and then repeating the process. After double cleansing, run the conditioner through your lengths and ends, leave it on for up to two minutes before rinsing thoroughly. You can also switch in one of the best hair masks at least once a week for extra nourishment.

For those wanting to unlock extra shine, we recommend following with a nourishing hair oil such as the Kerastase Elixir Ultime, or the Color Wow Dream Coat Spray for those who struggle with humidity frizziness.

Cat Deeley has always had truly lovely hair, so it may surprise you to learn that the secret to her shiny, nourished strands can cost you less than £18...

If you're anything like us, the current climate is making good hair days few and far between. Humidity can wreak havoc on all hair types, but especially colour-treated and bleached ends that often require some extra TLC, from products like the best shampoo and conditioner, to look their best.

To keep her thick, highlighted hair frizz-free, Cat swears by the Kérastase Nutritive shampoo for its hydrating and smoothing powers. It may be more expensive than many of the best drugstore shampoos, but if Cat's hair is anything to go by, it's more than worth the investment. And with 30% off right now, there's no better time to stock up and ensure your hair looks its best no matter the weather.

Why Cat Deeley loves Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin Shampoo

Shampoo is one of those products that many people overlook in their beauty routine, assuming that the cheaper options work just as well as premium buys when it comes to the "is expensive shampoo better?" question. While this can be the case for some hair types, a good quality shampoo can make all the difference for dry, frizzy hair that may require more effort to style. Cat herself has noted that her hair is something she invests in, saying, "I need products that are super-duper because my hair is really thick and big and crazy! I’m a Kérastase girl and I love its Nutritive Bain Satin Riche Shampoo."

Kérastase makes everything from the best shampoos for fine hair to the best heat protection sprays, and the price point does marry up with the quality. Although styling tools can work small miracles when called upon, your hair will look its best when it is properly nourished and prepped, starting with the right shampoo for your hair type.

We don't expect this generous discount to stick around long, so if you're looking for an antidote to frizz and dehydration, your hair will thank you for investing in one of the best.

Shop the Kérastase Nutritive range

What is the difference between Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin and Bain Satin Riche?

When it comes to the best Kérastase shampoos, the brand has two different types of Nutritive products: Bain Satin and Bain Satin Riche. While the regular Bain Satin products can be used on normal to dry hair, Bain Satin Riche is designed for very dry hair that needs as much moisture as it can get. You may want to switch between the two as the weather changes or use Riche year-round if your hair is damaged or you find needs to take on a lot of moisture.

There are some beauty products where the range of quality is vast and, on the whole, you get what you pay for (foundations and fragrance, for example) And then there are those where the spectrum of greatness is narrower and the correlation between price and performance less clearly mapped. Until recently, I put shampoo in the latter category.

I felt this way because even the best shampoo and conditioner only stays on your hair for a minute or two, tops. So how much can it truly do before your money goes gurgling away down the plughole? Plus the truth is that past the root, your hair is not a living thing as, say, skin is. It doesn't regenerate and once damage is done, it can't truly be "undone" despite what some products claim.

And so while my – extremely jammy – beauty editor role involves trying everything from the best drugstore shampoos to laughably expensive ones I'd rarely hand-on-heart push a friend toward buying pricey hair wash over a perfectly decent budget or mid-price option. Then I tried the close-to-perfection £31 shampoo that changed my mind.

The luxe shampoo that converted me...

It would be a fib to say I've never been seduced by a spendy shampoo. Of course I have. Truthfully, I flip-flop between expensive brands and budget options, such as OGX Thick & Full (one of our best shampoos for fine hair), enjoying some more than others but without experiencing much impact on my fine, long, straight-ish, dry-ish hair.

So I approached Kevin Murphy Blow Dry Wash with hopes of clean, nice-smelling hair, a fancy bottle in my bathroom and few expectations beyond that. You know what happened next. I was pleasantly surprised – or to be more accurate, completely schooled – by this shampoo.

How Kevin Murphy Blow Dry Wash won me over

Kevin Murphy Blow Dry Wash, how do I adore thee? Let me count the ways.

First of all, the formula: It's packed with good things like rice proteins, which work in much the same way as rice water for hair by adding 'bulk,' softening tugs and dryness. There's also hydrating aloe leaf juice and moisturising pea protein. This is a brilliant cocktail as it focuses on impacting how hair feels in the moment and protecting against future damage, rather than overpromising a revamp of already-ravaged strands.

Then there's how it feels. The pearly, golden liquid is unusually thick, so has a holding quality that means it won't slip off onto your tiles and gives you the time to really work it into your scalp, roots and ends. If you've ever googled professional hair wash techniques, you'll know it involves a lot more massaging than most of us manage. With this texture, it is genuinely possible and my roots have never felt fresher.

It smells great. Not like cheap fruit or soap. It's got a cool-girl (or guy) unisex fragrance that's tricky to place but I'd describe it as citrussy, clean and cashmere-comforting. My hair smells expensive and it feels it, too. Like any good girl who's been at the bleach for two decades plus, I condition, so will thank Blow Dry Rinse for my soft and silky strands (our guide to the best conditioner for fine hair will help you if you're looking for a new one of those, too). But that visible root lift is all Blow Dry Wash, as is the extra day I can eke out between washes without so much as looking in the direction of the best dry shampoo. My fine hair gives oil nowhere to hide, so this is a bit of a revelation.

Finally, the packaging. Which is not only sleek-looking, it's rectangular and narrow enough to sit on the side of your bath without tumbling in. So smart. The bottle is unusually firm and quite tricky to squeeze (a little thumb "dimple" by the cap helps) that sounds annoying but is actually genius. Most of us accidentally squirt out far more shampoo than we need. Wastage is minimal and I have been using my bottle for a good two months now, washing every three days.

I don't think I've ever stayed loyal to one shampoo for that long before – but I guess when you know, you know.

Trying to keep greasy-prone locks fresher for longer in-between hair wash days can feel like a constant battle (take it from me), but I've found an affordable shampoo and conditioner formula that does just the trick - and it currently has 32% off.

For as long as I can remember, trying to keep my greasy strands at bay has been a constant bug-bear of mine. From drugstore buys to luxury picks, I've tried an abundance of the best shampoos for fine hair, doubled with an array of best conditioners for fine hair, in hopes of finding the hero products that just work for my hair type. For some context, I have brunette, fine hair (but lots of it) and my scalp tends to get oily fast - I'm talking as quickly as the second day after washing, or sooner in hot weather.

While I've found some of the best dry shampoos for oily hair that offer an immediate mattifying fix, I can now retire my dry shampoos thanks to Aveeno's Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner. The formulas work in tandem to deeply cleanse, soothe and hydrate the scalp, yet remain lightweight enough to avoid weighing your hair down - tick, tick, tick.

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Why Aveeno's Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo and Conditioner are the only products I use to wash my hair

I'm not one for judging a book by its cover, but if you overlook the unsexy beige curved bottles of this duo, you'll find the real treat is the formula that's nestled inside them. This sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner offer a soothing blend of oat and apple cider vinegar that deeply cleanses away oil, dirt and impurities, while also being gentle on sensitive scalps.

I must admit, I ordered this shampoo and conditioner on a whim when completing one of my spontaneous Amazon orders. I didn't have high hopes for its results, after trialling many other products that didn't live up to the same promises, but as it turns out, I stand corrected.

With a cocktail of skin moisturising and pH balanced ingredients, the duo work to gently clarify congested scalps, whilst maintaining the hydration of your locks and leaving you with a natural, glossy shine - all which I can confirm to be true. So, when I saw the pair were going viral on social media months later, I can't say I was surprised.

Despite being initially apprehensive about the fragrance of the hero apple cider vinegar ingredient, the scent isn't overwhelming nor offensive, instead it boasts a fresh and almost fruity fragrance. As for the shampoo, I found you only need the smallest amount of product to lather into a foam that covered my entire scalp, meaning a little goes a long way - which is a huge plus in my books.

Previously, I woke up to greasy hair only two days after washing my strands, however this combination has extended the time between each hair wash. Now, I can experience grease-free second-day hair and even push it to lasting three or four days. Although it might not sound like a lot, as someone who used to only be able to enjoy fresh hair for 24 hours post-showering, this is a huge win for me.

Not only do Aveeno champion great, kind-to-skin formulas that rival luxury haircare products, but they are also very affordable. Plus, a handy shopping top tip I've discovered is that they're often on sale on Amazon, so it's good to keep an eye out and stock up whenever they're on offer. Speaking of, both formulas currently boast a notable 32% discount, meaning you can snap them up for less than £5.50 a bottle.

How to use the Aveeno shampoo and conditioner

Those with hair on the oily side, you'll be pleased to know that this pair are safe for daily use. Just like any other shampoo, apply it generously onto your wet hair, massaging it onto your scalp through to the ends. I also recommend investing in a shampoo brush, such as this Coco & Eve Shampoo Brush, to not only allow for a deep cleanse and exfoliation but to stimulate your scalp for healthy hair growth. Then, simply rinse your hair thoroughly before running the conditioner evenly through the ends of your hair.

How long does the hair last in between washes before it gets greasy?

Obviously, the answer to this question is personal to you and can vary depending on your scalp and hair type. As for mine, previously my locks could only last 2 days before it started looking greasy and needed washing.

Now, since adopting this duo into my haircare routine, my hair can last anywhere between three and four days before needing to be washed - this depends on various factors including the temperature, humidity and how often I'm styling my hair in between washes. However, I've also found that shampooing my locks twice keeps the grease at bay for longer, as it feels fully cleanses my scalp of impurities, excess oil and product buildup.

Have you ever watched your shampoo suds circling the plughole and wondered, is expensive shampoo better? Or, by treating ourselves to pricy luxury haircare are we literally pouring money down the drain?

It's a great question. And like most big beauty queries, the answer is nuanced and fairly subjective. What makes the best shampoo and conditioner for one person doesn't necessarily apply to another, as so much of it comes down to hair type, texture, length and styling needs. 

Then again, there are some beauty buys on which it's generally wise to spend more and some for which cost has little bearing on quality. So, which price-to-performance matrix applies to haircare? I asked expert trichologists and hair stylists, is expensive shampoo better and is this a product worth investing in? Whether you use the best shampoo for fine hair or thick hair, here's what they had to say...

Is expensive shampoo better? Hair pros break it down

Is expensive shampoo better?

Every expert I consulted was on a similar page as to whether expensive shampoo is better as a general rule. "The best shampoo you can buy is the one that works for your hair type, regardless of price," explains Tyler Moore, expert stylist at Live True London. "But as a rule, super cheap shampoos are worth avoiding, if possible, as their formulations are often bulked out with a large proportion of water and fewer effective ingredients." 

Hannah Gaboardi, a trichologist, and Viviscal Brand Ambassador agreed the formula should be the focus, saying "when investing in a shampoo, above all, it is important to consider the ingredients in the product." 

Meanwhile, trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley, Anabel Kingsley points out there is a link between the two. "A cheap shampoo is not necessarily ‘bad’ for your hair, although it can be too harsh or stripping," she explains. "Any shampoo that contains a cleansing agent will clean your hair and scalp. However, a more premium shampoo will contain more concentrated and targeted ingredients that will also benefit the health and needs of the hair and scalp."

What happens when you use cheap shampoo?

In a nutshell, your hair will still be clean but not necessarily as well cared for. One of the main reasons for this is that low-cost shampoos can include harsher versions of shampoo's primary cleaning ingredient, sulfate. So, are sulfates bad for your hair? It's not as clear-cut as you might think. 

"Look for a shampoo with a gentle cleansing agent, such as SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulphate)," Kingsley says. "People are typically afraid of SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) in products because it can be irritating, but they often don’t realise there are many types of sulphate.

"This scaremongering has been a result of the clean beauty movement," she continues. "However, any shampoo has to have a cleansing agent to clean and therefore these ‘sulphate-free’ or sulphate alternatives are often not as good, or even worse than using an irritating sulphate."

How can you tell if shampoo is good quality?

If price isn't a watertight indicator of performance and sulfates come in good and not-so-good forms, how can we tell which formulas will deliver what our hair needs? "It really depends on your hair type," advises Moore, who adds that you can sniff out a quality formula by checking the back of the bottle. "Make sure the main active ingredient is relatively high up in the ingredients list, for example, shea butter to fight frizz or hyaluronic acid to add moisture. As ingredients are listed by volume, the higher the ingredient, the more concentrated the formula will be."

If you have a specific concern, such as dandruff, hair thinning, greasiness that can't be tamed by the best dry shampoo for oily hair, or extreme damage Kingsley strongly advises investigating whether your shampoo can back up any claims it makes before buying. "Choose products that have been clinically tested rather than just consumer trialed. Clinically tested products will have been independently tested for scientific proof and evidence of product efficacy, versus consumer opinion." 

Is it worth buying professional shampoo?

Many of us have exited the salon an extra 50 bucks down, arms filled with haircare, head filled with promises... then wondered, is expensive shampoo better when it's by a professional brand? "The major difference between salon-only and off-the-shelf shampoo is that salon-only tends to include higher quality ingredients, which have been formulated for professional use results for your hair," says Gaboardi.

Kingsley agrees that these brands do differ, saying, "This is why you have large beauty conglomerates that offer high-street and salon-quality ranges." However as beauty shoppers become more clued-up about hair, the market has adapted. "The main difference used to be price and quality of formulation, ingredients, and scientific results," continues Kingsley. "As people are now more invested in their hair care regimes, they are investing in more premium ‘salon-quality’ products to use at home instead of cheaper high street alternatives." 

This is a positive shift – you don't necessarily need a salon appointment to buy professional-grade products or to go to the highest end of the market to find quality shampoo. It's simply about learning your own hair type and needs, then empowering yourself with some know-how on haircare ingredients and marketing claims. Still not quite sure what you're looking for? These are my trusted picks at every price point.

The budget-friendly and high-end shampoos our beauty editor recommends

We're probably preaching to the choir when we say that the key to a strong haircare routine is a good shampoo that's designed with your specific hair type and needs in mind. So, with there being a broad spectrum of curly hair types, it's only natural that you'll want to scout out a formula that gently cleanses the strands, without stripping it of its moisture, and preserving the curl patterns.

Curly hair types tend to be more susceptible to breakage than straighter strands; the tighter the curl pattern, the more bends and therefore more weak points there are in a strand – and therefore making it harder for oils from your scalp to make their way down the hair shaft to the ends of your hair. While this means that curls don't get greasy as quickly, it also means that curly hair is often drier and requires a hydration boost from products, such as the best conditioner for curly hair.

As you would when scouting out the best hair dryers for curly hair, there are specific things that are worth considering before settling on which shampoo is best for you. So, with that in mind, our experts have put dozens of formulas through a rigorous testing process in order to refine a list of the very best buys for each hair type, concern and budget.

The best shampoos for curly hair, reviewed by beauty experts

How we tested the best shampoos for curly hair

Our testers, all of whom have different curly hair types, all tested a variety of shampoos designed for curly hair for consideration. With decades of years of experience between them, they also drew on established favourites as well as testing formulas that were new to them. Every product featured in the final guide was tested at least once , with our testers making their final selections based on all of the following factors.

• Sulphates: Experts disagree on whether sulphates – and other strong surfactants, AKA cleansing agents – are completely off-limits for curly hair, though the general agreement is that they can be worth avoiding as they are quite drying.
• How it felt to use: Did it lather gently and feel nice on our hair, or feel stripping or like it was hard to cleanse our strands?
• How our hair looked post-wash: While other products in the hair wash and styling routine play a big role here too, we took note of how defined and soft our hair was after using all of these shampoos.
• Packaging: Needed to be both functional and easy to use, while bonus points were scored for nice designs.
• Price: A more expensive shampoo isn't always "better", but a formula had to perform well enough that we felt it justified its price tag, however high.

How to pick the best shampoo for curly hair

There are quite a few considerations you can make when picking the best shampoo for curly hair, from budget to ingredients to how it smells, but there are two key factors to bear in mind, according to our experts.

• Sulphate vs sulphate-free: Traditional shampoo formulas often contain sulphates, a surfactant that enables formulas to lather and give a deep cleanse that helps strip away any mineral deposits that are an effect of hard water on hair. However, they are considered harsher and can strip the scalp of too much of the oils, which also keep our hair healthy. “It’s best to use a shampoo that doesn’t contain the likes of sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate," says trichologist Ricardo Vila Nova. "Instead, look for alternatives like coconut, that still remove dirt and excess oil, but don’t totally strip the scalp and leave naturally-dry curly hair even more parched.” As for how often should you wash your hair, it's all down to how your hair feels, but between 1–3 times a week suits most curl types.
• Curl type: Within the curly typing system, type 2 is wavy, type 3 is curly and type 4 is coily, with a subcategory A, B or C indicating the width. “Type 3 curls are akin to springs that come in fine, medium and thick varieties – they can boast major shine but are prone to frizz and tangling," explains Elena Lavagni owner of Neville Hair & Beauty. "This makes hydrating, reparative, and curl-defining shampoos a good shout." At-home keratin treatment type shampoos can also be a great option for this curl type. "Type 4 coils shrink massively once dry and these curls are either tightly coiled or have a compact zigzag pattern," Lavagni continues, recommending nourishing and sulphate-free formulas for these hair types.

What ingredients should I avoid for my curly hair?

"If you have textured hair, that means you naturally have bends and loops which make the natural oils produced by your scalp to not travel easily along your hair shaft" says Keisha.

"For this reason, you need to gravitate towards shampoos which offer the ability to keep your scalp happy but deliver moisture to your strands at the same time. For this reason, most curlies avoid harsh irritating sodium lauryl sulphates and opt for kinder surfactants, such as sodium lauroyl methyl Isethionate, a very gentle cleanser derived from coconuts.

She continues: "For fine curl types, a liquid shampoo works best to avoid weight, while for tighter curl types a cream-based shampoo offers the higher level of moisture that really penetrates your strands beautifully however I still recommend using a liquid shampoo at the scalp level at least once per week."

What additional products should I consider incorporating into my curly hair routine?

A great shampoo is just the starting point, curly hair typically needs a bit more support from the rest of your routine to really thrive. A good conditioner is the most essential next step; curly hair's natural tendency towards dryness means following up your shampoo with a moisturising conditioner is pretty much non-negotiable. Our experts have put together a full round-up of the best conditioners for curly hair to help you find the right one for your curl type.

Beyond that, a weekly hair mask is well worth adding to your roster - particularly if your hair is colour-treated or prone to breakage. The best hair masks work to deliver an intensive hit of moisture and protein that regular conditioner alone can't always provide. A leave-in conditioner or curl cream applied to damp hair is also a game-changer for definition and frizz control, especially for type 3 and 4 curl types - look for lightweight formulas if your hair is on the finer side.

Finally, the best hair dryers for curly hair makes a real difference to how your style turns out once you're out of the shower. Diffusers distribute heat more evenly and reduce the kind of disruption that causes frizz.

Are there specific hair care techniques I should use when washing curly hair?

The way you wash curly hair is just as important as the products you use, and a few small adjustments to your technique can make a noticeable difference to curl definition, frizz and overall hair health.

First, if you can bear it, rinse with cool or lukewarm water rather than hot. Hot water opens the hair cuticle and can strip moisture, which is the last thing curly hair needs. When it comes to applying shampoo, focus your efforts on the scalp rather than working the product through the lengths, the latter can lead to unnecessary friction and tangling. Let the shampoo rinse through the ends naturally as you wash it out.

Once you're onto conditioner, flip the script: apply from mid-lengths to ends, where your hair is driest, and use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle while the product is still in. This is much kinder to curls than detangling dry. Leave it on for a couple of minutes before rinsing, again, ideally with cool water to help seal the cuticle and boost shine.

Once you're out of the shower, resist the urge to rub your hair dry with a towel, which roughens up the cuticle and is a fast track to frizz. Instead, scrunch out excess water gently with a microfibre towel or an old cotton T-shirt. From there, apply any leave-in products to soaking wet hair and scrunch upwards to encourage your curl pattern, then leave well alone while it dries.

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