Ah, shampoo and conditioner. Something we're all always searching for. As much as it seems like a neverending hunt for something that cleanses, smooths AND keeps our hair looking fresh for as long as possible, the search is over. It's here: we've hunted down the best shampoos and conditioners in a duo set on the market.
Including classic choices from Kérastase and Olaplex to more niche choices like Briogeo and Only Curls, there really is something for everyone. So, if you're sick of your hair looking dull or just simply tired of running out of your fave dry shampoo, fret no more.
heat's best shampoo and conditioners at a glance:
Editor's Choice: Kérastase Resistance Shampoo and Conditioner Set, £46.15 on LookFantastic
Best shampoo and conditioner for bleached hair: Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle, £56 on LookFantastic
Best shampoo and conditioner for curly hair: Only Curls Starter Pack, £35 on Only Curls
Plus, they've been tried and tested by our shopping experts or are some of the bestsellers on the market - including shampoo for greasy hair, curly conditioners and more. For our full breakdown of which best shampoo and conditioners you should be investing in, read below.
Whether you want luscious locks as long as Olivia Atwood using the best shampoo for bleached hair, or a slick back looking as iconic as Ella Thomas', all of these choices will keep your hair fresh and ready to go.
SHOP: The best shampoo and conditioner to invest in
Editor's Choice
lookfantasticwww.lookfantastic.com
Kérastase is hairdresser-recommended and has a range of haircare products that will suit every shape and style of 'do, so it's no surprise the Kérastase Resistance Shampoo and Conditioner Set comes on top as the overall best shampoo and conditioner. This set promotes stronger and fuller-looking hair, including the ideal shampoo for damaged hair, and works everything from fine to thick locks.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Made with a Vita-Ciment® Complex
Cons
- Maybe less strong on thick hair
- Customer review: "I’m currently on a hair growth and care journey after having hair loss. My scalp tends to get greasy quickly and have been looking for shampoo and conditioner that could cleanse and manage my scalp. After the first wash, my hair felt amazing using both shampoo and conditioner. A small amount goes a long way too! The price may be off-putting but if you’re looking for a product that will benefit your hair I highly recommend it! I mentioned that a small amount goes a long way, the shampoo lathers very well and the bottle should last a while!"
Best shampoo and conditioner for bleached hair
lookfantasticwww.lookfantastic.com
Olaplex is perhaps one of the most well-known shampoos and conditioners out there, and rightly so, with its undeniably effective results. If you're a blonde looking for a shampoo for blonde hair, you'll want to get your hands on this duo of Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle, with patented ingredients that repair broken strands from the inside out. P.S. Blondes may also want a purple shampoo to slip into their hair routine.
Pros
- Great for bleached hair and repairing bonds
- Patented technology that's unique to this brand
Cons
- May not be as helpful for brunettes or curly hair
- Tried & tested by heat contributor, Caitlin Casey: "Now, Olaplex isn't cheap, I will admit - but it is pure gold of shampoo and conditioner. After one wash, you'll be able to feel the effects of the bond maintenance. My broken blonde hair was repaired almost immediately and I just want to slather my hair in this. Truth is, a little bit goes a long way and if you haven't already tried it, you have to, just so see the truth of all the hype."
Best shampoo and conditioner for curly hair
only curlsonlycurls.com
Curly-haired peeps, get to know Only Curls. The recently-hyped brand has been going viral on socials for being the best shampoo for curly hair - giving life back to waves and curls. With four classic products including shampoo, conditioner, curl creme and gel in the Only Curls Starter Pack, this is a must-have. The conditioner is perfect for dry hair and will have those curls bouncing in no time.
Pros
- Great for curly hair and lifting up waves
- A whole set made with cleansing and hydrating in mind
Cons
- May be too much if you just want a shampoo and conditioner
- Tried & tested by heat Beauty & Fashion Product Writer, Samantha Price: "Thanks to Only Curls, I finally managed to achieve fully defined waves that were free from frizz. Not only has Only Curls given me the confidence to ditch the curlers, but I've also been able to cut back on the heat damage from all of the straightening and drying. The range is free from harsh ingredients like parabens that strip the hair of that much-needed moisture. Hands down, they've been my ultimate hair saviour." Read Sam's full review of Only Curls on heatworld.
Best shampoo and conditioner for greasy hair
Briogeowww.briogeohair.com
If you're looking for haircare with no sulfates, silicones or parabens then the Briogeo range may be the best haircare for you. This matcha and apple Briogeo Superfoods™ Replenishing Shampoo + Conditioner Duo smells great and is also fortified with phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals to moisturize and replenish hair. Every hair type can get involved with this one. Win-win.
Pros
- Sulfate, silicone and paraben-free
- Fortified with phytonutrients for an extra boost
Cons
- May dry out your hair if you have coarse locks
- Tried & tested by heat Deputy Commercial Content Editor, Marina Avraam: "If you're a greasy hair gal, this one's for you. From the moment I started using Briogeo's Matcha + Apple replenishing shampoo and conditioner I noticed a world of a difference. Not only do these smell a-mazing, but the miracle formula also keeps my hair fresh for longer, cutting down my wash hair days from every other day to twice a week, which for me, was unheard of. The matcha works to protect your hair from environmental damage, while the apple and kale support the hair follicle, and add that touch of shine we all yearn for. It's truly done wonders for my hair, and I cannot recommend it enough."
Best shampoo and conditioner for hard water
hello kleanhelloklean.com
The rumours are true: hard water really does ruin your hair. To get rid of flat and dull hair due to the chemically-packed water, grab the Hello Klean Shampoo and Conditioner, a perfect shampoo for dry hair that needs revitalisation. Super effective.
Pros
- Will keep your hair fresh, even in harsh conditions
- Counteracts harsh minerals and heavy metals
Cons
- Not as necessary if you're in a soft water area
- Tried & tested by heat Shopping Editor, Aimee Jakes: "I always wondered why my hair always looked a bit rubbish despite all the love/Olaplex/vitamins I lovingly give it. That was until I discovered the evils of hard water. Honestly, 1) Google it and 2) where had I been this whole time? This HelloKlean shampoo and conditioner gently lifts all the unwanted minerals from hair and helps ensure it's strong and healthy. I am addicted to the feeling of using the Hello Clean products, my hair feels so lightweight, shiny and va-va-voomy."
Best shampoo and conditioner for build-up
lookfantasticwww.lookfantastic.com
Say hello to this gorgeous OUAI Fine Fair Bundle, including the best clarifying shampoo you'll ever come across. Aesthetically pleasing as much as it is effective in banishing product build-up, you'll find your hair smooth, silky and full-bodied with this choice. It is a perfect shampoo for fine hair.
Pros
- Removes any product build-up left in your hair
- Keeps your hair feeling nourished
Cons
- Mainly aimed at fine hair
- Tried & tested by heat Beauty & Fashion Product Writer, Georgia Scott: "When it comes to shampoo and conditioner, I have to remember that my hair is quite thick, unruly and frizzy, so shopping for the right hair products can be tricky. With this in mind, I've found that the OUAI Thick Hair Shampoo and Conditioner is almost like it was made for my hair type. I swear by the shampoo for making my hair feel squeaky clean and removing any product build-up. The conditioner compliments the shampoo perfectly as it leaves my hair feeling super nourished and calms any unwanted frizz - can you tell I'm obsessed?"
Best budget shampoo and conditioner
lookfantasticwww.lookfantastic.com
Sometimes, we don't need the highest-priced shampoo and conditioner to actually have a brand that works. Suppose you want a high street pair that will work just as well as professional-recommended choices. In that case, this L'Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Shampoo and Conditioner Duo focuses on clarifying hair for a softer, silky look. Plus, at just over £30 for both bottles, you're getting your money's worth.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Clarifies hair to keep it clean
Cons
- Not as strong as other high-end brands
- Customer review: "This shampoo and conditioner is my holy grail of shampoo and conditioners. The shampoo smells great and suds well leaving hair feeling squeaky clean. The conditioner is thick and heavy and you know it’s there- I dislike conditioners that are thin or disperse when they are applied to wet hair. I just wish this was slightly cheaper as I sometimes switch out to a cheaper option to save money."
Best hydrating shampoo and conditioner
lookfantasticwww.lookfantastic.com
Containing antioxidants, vitamins E and A, red algae and argan oil, the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Duo has everything you could want to zap some moisture back into your hair. The shampoo cleanses for manageability whilst the conditioner smoothes your ends. If you're looking for a shampoo for hair growth, this might be the set for you.
Pros
- Full of natural oils and vitamins for hydration
- Keeps your hair manageability at bay
Cons
- Can be intense on fine hair
- Customer review: "Have used this a couple of times now and my hair looks and smells like I’ve come straight out of the hairdressers!! Will defo be repurchasing!"
What shampoo and conditioner is best?
Surprise surprise, it all depends on your hair type, style and length. What might work for someone, might not work for another person and so that's what makes the decision ever so more complicated - and it's enough to think about when you just want a good hair day after all. Here are some of the things to think about when choosing the best shampoo and conditioner for you.
Hair Type: Of course, whether you have curly hair, straight hair or anything in between will completely change the way you're shopping for your everyday haircare routine. Determine your hair type, whether it's straight, curly, wavy, fine, thick, dry, oily, or chemically treated and look for shampoos and conditioners that cater to this. You can even get hair-thickening shampoos if you wish to alter your hair type at the root.
Hair Concerns: This can only be answered by you and you alone. What are you trying to achieve when washing your hair? Do you want to keep your curls protected or flood your hair with moisture? Whether thinking of frizz, damage, split ends, or want a shampoo for coloured hair, choose brands that target these concerns. You might also want to invest in a leave-in conditioner to continue nourishing your hair long after you've stepped out of the shower.
Ingredients: Ah, the debate of understanding what's really in our cosmetics. You'll want to avoid products that contain harsh sulfates, parabens, and other chemicals if you prefer gentler options. Shampoo bars tend to have the most natural ingredients. Look for shampoos and conditioners with nourishing ingredients like natural oils, vitamins, and proteins if this is more of a concern for you. Natural oils, for example, make up the ideal shampoo for frizzy hair, coating the hair cuticles and smoothing the strands.
Caitlin Casey was a Senior Commerce Writer for heat for three years, specialising in sex and wellness content. She has written across various publications since 2017 and covers shopping, fashion, beauty, women’s lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.