I tried out 13 of the best affordable shampoos and these are the – actually – good ones

This shampoo is formulated with the brand’s glycolic gloss complex to boost shine and visibly restore dull hair types. I loved how refreshing it felt, and I noticed an increase in overall glossiness immediately after the first wash. Both the shampoo and conditioner have a rich, creamy consistency that’s easy to work into the hair, leaving a completely clean feeling. It’s also one of the best sulphate-free shampoos I’ve tried.

John Frieda really does nail it on the affordable, no-frills shampoo front. This thickening wash is great for fine hair in need of a plumping boost. Although I have a lot of hair, it’s a lot finer than it looks. And for me, this definitely lives up to its claim of leaving roots looking much thicker. Its star ingredient is biotin, which helps to improve scalp circulation and increase hair density, making it one of the best shampoos for hair loss.

This gloss-boosting buy is formulated with hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid and coconut oil) to lock in moisture and nourish dull hair types. I found that my hair was shinier and less dry-feeling during the period I spent testing this, and it felt smoother and silkier with less static. Both the shampoo and conditioner have a lightweight texture that’s simple to rinse out and doesn’t leave the hair or scalp feeling oily.

If you’re on the hunt for a shampoo that has hair-nourishing ingredients for overall healthier lengths, you’ll want to try the bond repair collection from Pantene. Biotin and Pantene’s highest concentration of strand-loving Pro-V nutrients are both included in the formula for hair that’s stronger, thicker and healthier. I found the formula to be thick and incredibly hydrating – an essential for those with a fair bit of damage from styling, bleaching or colouring.

This thickening shampoo is a true game-changer that made a difference in my hair after just one use. Not only did my entire head of hair feel much healthier, but the ends of my hair felt longer and more dense. To put it simply, it’s my fave formulation to reach for whenever I want my hair to really speed up in terms of growth. I rave about this shampoo to anyone who’ll listen, it’s a must-have!

My hair just loves this hydrating formula. It makes my strands extra smooth, shiny and frizz-free. On days when I know I’m going to use heat and hairspray on my hair which can cause a lot of dryness, I consider shampooing with this as part of my prep.

Argan oil is the star of this cleansing, reparative shampoo. The cruelty-free formula did an amazing job of deeply nourishing my fine hair without weighing it down. An added blend of plant-based nutrients nurtures fragile locks from root to tip so you can experience a smoother, shinier appearance.

Tresemme’s Lamellar Technology envelopes each hair fibre to correct, smooth and align hair for an ultra-glossy glow. The formula is designed to leave your hair feeling not just strong - but effortlessly manageable. For best results, combine with Tresemme Lamellar Shine Conditioner for added salon-like shine.

If you use heat on your hair regularly and tend to use styling products for added hold, this clinically-proven hair wash nourishes your strands without weighing them down. It will strengthen and nourish damaged hair leaving it feeling and looking healthier. It contains vitamin B5 to repair strands, and hydrolyzed wheat protein and pineapple extract to hydrate and cleanse the scalp.

Charles Worthington is one of my favourite hair-care brands, and this shampoo was a contender for best overall. Ingredients like root-activating pea sprout extract and protective nourishing proteins are included to strengthen strands from root to tip – and stimulate growth. With a pleasant, uplifting scent, this shampoo gets a huge thumbs-up from me.

I’ve been using this cleansing shampoo in my routine for about 2 weeks now, and my dry hair has responded well. Not only does my hair feel much more hydrated, but it’s left looking super shiny. I also like the fact that the shampoo is sulphate-free and has intensive moisturising ingredients – fab for fine hair, which usually needs to be washed regularly to keep oil at bay, but it is also more prone to breakage.

This shine-boosting shampoo contains the same hyaluronic acid that hydrates and plumps the skin. It also has organic coconut oil, cocoa seed, mango, fig and papaya – all-natural fruit extracts which protect and strengthen hair. For the price point, it’s hard to beat. Plus, as well as hydrating locks, the shampoo works to revive hair damaged by the sun, so it’s the perfect travel companion.

If you suffer from dandruff, try this shampoo from The Body Shop. The flake-fighting, vegan formula is a godsend for dry scalps in need of a moisture boost. Key ingredients like ginger root and bark extracts promote a soothed, cleansed scalp that lasts (and doesn’t get oily fast).