Hair care

8 Worst Drugstore Shampoos

These sudsy hair care products left our readers with oily, frizzy and sticky hair

November 11, 2010 | by Molly Roemer | 71 COMMENTS

No. 7: Head and Shoulders Refresh 2 in 1, $5.40 TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.4*
Why: One reviewer says, "I threw the Head and Shoulders out after using it twice. It smelled terrible and left my hair feeling gross. Maybe it works if you have dandruff. I won't buy it again." Another reader says, "Never use again! I used this product once and it left my hair feeling very sticky. I had to wash my hair TWICE the same day to remove the sticky feeling. NOTE: THE OTHER TWO WASHES WERE OTHER SHAMPOOS. I'm never using this again! It also made my scalp burn." Another woman says she "would not recommend" this and goes on to say, "I have tried this product several times hoping that it would work, but it only makes my scalp more dry."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

SEE NEXT PAGE: No. 6: Burt's Bees More Moisture Raspberry & Brazil Nut Shampoo, $8

3 of 9

products mentioned

Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Shampoo

5.9

Head & Shoulders Refresh 2-in-1

5.7

Burt's Bees More Moisture Raspberry & Brazil Nut...

4.0

Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Shampoo

6.6

TRESemme Color Thrive Brunette Shampoo

4.7

Burt's Bees Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar

5.3

John Frieda Radiant Red Color Captivating Shampoo

6.0

TRESemme Vitamin B12 & Gelatin Anti-Breakage Shampoo

4.3

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I love Tresemme

by LittleBunny Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 09:17AM Report as inappropriate

I use TRESemme Anti-Breakage shampoo and I love it!

by caramel_kiss Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 07:38PM Report as inappropriate

havent used any

by aishak55 Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 08:59AM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for this, now I know not to buy these products

by Cupcake900 Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 08:59AM Report as inappropriate

I've never used that particular Head and Shoulders, but I use the Dry Scalp care shampoo regularly and have had none of these problems.

by thequietnoise Sunday, August 26, 2012 at 07:44PM Report as inappropriate

Burt's Bees having horrible shampoo seems to be a theme here...

by GingerDrink Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 09:29PM Report as inappropriate

Amen to the horribleness of the Burt's Bees More Moisture Raspberry and Brazil Nut shampoo. I usually love Burt's Bees products, but this shampoo was the worst I have ever used. My hair was a rat's nest disaster and it felt awful.

by michstjame Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 02:39AM Report as inappropriate

I dont think I will ever give up using my salon Aveda hair products. They area little pricey but in the long run buying large size and knowing it WORKS it really isnt that expensive. I love al their products but restrict myself to hair only, for over 20 years. Anytime I stopped using it I regret it and always come back to it, no more of that for me

by mum21 Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 12:53AM Report as inappropriate

Good to have a heads up on what not to buy. I'm loving Aussie cleanse and mend shampoo.

by toddfan Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 03:48PM Report as inappropriate

My fave shampoo right now is Organix Tea Tree shampoo! Makes my hair feel so clean!

by starla1971 Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 01:09PM Report as inappropriate

I'm not a fan of any drugstore haircare. I stick to quality if I want quality results.

by TBjunkie Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 12:07AM Report as inappropriate

My girlfriend loves the nature fusion too. I will stay away from the others for sure.

by beautybody Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 09:39AM Report as inappropriate

I actually liked the Nature Fusion.

by StanziMozart Friday, March 23, 2012 at 08:32PM Report as inappropriate

very helpful. thanks!!

by rosie1123 Monday, March 12, 2012 at 12:22PM Report as inappropriate

I'm glad to know my products aren't on this list!

by mrselliott08 Monday, March 5, 2012 at 10:07PM Report as inappropriate

I'm guilty of having tried a couple of those, and Herbal Essences shampoos usually just smell good but they are not very good for your hair. :( Same with Pantene. My hair dresser told me to stay away from that brand.

by yestfl Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 04:55PM Report as inappropriate

Helpful

by eatinglipstick Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 09:49AM Report as inappropriate

Now I know which shampoos to never try!

by pink_love Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 04:04PM Report as inappropriate

i loe tresemme products they are so great

by Nicole2814 Friday, November 18, 2011 at 09:17PM Report as inappropriate

I love Aveda products, but they are sooo expensive. I've been using the Suave Rosemary and Mint (It said to compare with aveda) and it works amazing on my hair its silky and soft, on top of that it smells amazing :D

by makayla_baca Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 04:25PM Report as inappropriate

I have tried just about every shampoo that is sold in stores and even some at the salons. The absolute best that works for my fine dry hair is WEN. This stuff is AMAZING! You can only get it online currently and it's a little pricey but it's worth every penny! They even have a money back guarantee.

by kristie_daniska Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 01:30PM Report as inappropriate

I like TreSemme products and have been using them for years.

by godzgirl Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 03:30AM Report as inappropriate

It's interesting how the same brands can make really great products and some really bad ones.

by itzelc18 Monday, August 15, 2011 at 10:35PM Report as inappropriate

god I've used half of these and they were such a waste of money!

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 01:51AM Report as inappropriate

This is funny because some of these brands make amazing products. I guess everyone has there flukes.

by ADcosmogirl Friday, July 15, 2011 at 04:49PM Report as inappropriate

the Herbalessence Conditioner made my hair fall out. even worse for me since my hair is usually dry and i already left hair balls around my bfs room :(

by marlene30665 Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 10:45AM Report as inappropriate

That Burts Bees Shampoo made my hair feel and look like oily hay? Is that even possible?

by Only1KimmieD Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 12:29PM Report as inappropriate

Wow, some well known brands are mixed in here, but I can see why these products would be avoided since most of them are specific needs that not everyone would like.

by MissXu Friday, June 17, 2011 at 12:28PM Report as inappropriate

I've used lots of bad drugstore (and salon) shampoos - so far the best one I've used has been from Dove, it was a huge surprise!

by dark_beauty Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 08:58AM Report as inappropriate

I have used almost all the products reviewed and I am glad I dumped them a long time ago!!! however, these products work for some people but my hair is a little difficult and the weather here doesnt help at all... I am currently using dove hair products... help!

by teema Monday, June 13, 2011 at 10:36PM Report as inappropriate

I'm surprised at the comments about the burts bees products because I love some of their other products.

by katiespeaking Friday, June 3, 2011 at 05:54PM Report as inappropriate

I think that some of them would work for me cause I got some super-dry hair!

by doglova Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 04:31AM Report as inappropriate

Good to know article I almost bought the Tresseme

by modinosaur Monday, May 23, 2011 at 11:02PM Report as inappropriate

I love the burts bees rosemary mint shampoo bar to cut through the stink for use on my dog...but using a bar soap for my long hair is just too much hassle and time to get a good lather up.

by jessinamercy Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 08:30PM Report as inappropriate

i'm liking root awakening

by rebecca_gaffney Monday, May 2, 2011 at 05:10PM Report as inappropriate

I'm going to make sure I stay away from these! Funny how some of the same brands that are listed as having some of the BEST shampoos also have some of the worst.

by LipglossandSpandex Monday, April 11, 2011 at 08:28PM Report as inappropriate

I've used Herbal Essences shampoos before and they don't seem to do anything at all. Great scents though. I'm surprised TRESemme got bad reviews. The products I've used from them work great : D

by rockgal911 Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 01:51PM Report as inappropriate

herbal essences worked okay for me. :o

by yckitsmary Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 08:16PM Report as inappropriate

Wow, I'm surprised that TRESemme got #1 worst. D: I also thought Burt's Bees was supposed to be good also.

by mkgx7 Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 12:43PM Report as inappropriate

I, too, hate this product! My hair never looked worse - also, it was clumpy and matted at the roots. Clearly this is not made for curly hair!

by Ericaepp Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 05:15AM Report as inappropriate

I have baby fine hair and I tell folks to NOT use those rinse out conditioner creme's because they only make you NEED them every time. Using one time will ruin you easy comb out for weeks. I prefer to use the original Pantene.

by sheryll_lyn Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 05:32AM Report as inappropriate

Always use Redken Hair Products if you have Color Treated Hair, Your Color will last Longer. Joieco Products ar Good also.

by debra_long_roddy Monday, March 28, 2011 at 06:25PM Report as inappropriate

teresemme's antibreakage sucks sooo bad.. i have long hair and i swear it made my hair break even more!

by lelalu100 Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 01:19PM Report as inappropriate

Glad to get other peoples comments before trying something new. I found that most of Pantene's products don't moisturize well enough. It's almost impossible to comb my long, fine hair after shampooing with their products.

by tonyjo Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 10:16AM Report as inappropriate

Just use baby shampoo

by ChrisanneSkye Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 04:46AM Report as inappropriate

I only use Paul Mitchell

by amanda_williams Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 09:49PM Report as inappropriate

Pantene is one of my favorites, and so is the Sauve professionals.

by donna_dixon Monday, March 7, 2011 at 05:26PM Report as inappropriate

Why would you use a dandruff shanpoo if you don't need it?

by donna_dixon Monday, March 7, 2011 at 05:19PM Report as inappropriate

I've used Pantene, Herbal Essences, Head & Shoulders & Tresemme and never had a problem with any of them. The WORST shampoo/conditioner is DEFINITELY the SUAVE brand. Gross.

by starrkissed Monday, March 7, 2011 at 03:11PM Report as inappropriate

i like Herbal essenses!!!

by celestialove84 Monday, March 7, 2011 at 02:51PM Report as inappropriate

no way! this product made my hair actually smooth and really moisturized. and the fragrance is nice

by jennifer_nguyen Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 03:01PM Report as inappropriate

Good products to stay away from!

by Nanette1970 Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 05:26PM Report as inappropriate

Pantene stinks

by LittleBunny Monday, February 14, 2011 at 05:55PM Report as inappropriate

Im glad Ive never wasted any of my money on these products!!!

by karen_kurek Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 08:22PM Report as inappropriate

I totally agree on the JF Radiant Red. Worst product I ever used.

by Agrimony Friday, February 11, 2011 at 03:16AM Report as inappropriate

Pantene Pro-V gives me dandruff which is very weird.

by amy6 Monday, February 7, 2011 at 01:26PM Report as inappropriate

It was surprising to see two Burts Bees products on there! Now it makes me wonder about their other products =( eeks!

by makeupbyjanalyn Friday, February 4, 2011 at 04:18PM Report as inappropriate

I'm sooo glad that I saw this, I was thinking of trying the Burt's Bees but now I think I'll pass. Great list!

by all_the_words Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 12:57PM Report as inappropriate

CVS will also give you a refund with a receipt, or a store credit if you don't have the receipt. They say they guarantee everything, including cosmetics & other personal care items. It might be a pain to make an extra trip, but we should not allow the companies that make lousy products (and tout them as terrific) to keep our hard-earned $$$.

by Isis04 Sunday, December 12, 2010 at 05:24PM Report as inappropriate

h&S always makes my hair feel drier than normal

by beccaw2kids Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 06:49PM Report as inappropriate

i actually like some of these :(

by kenya Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 07:34AM Report as inappropriate

I'm shocked! I've been wanting to try Burt Bee's because of the natural ingredients that all of their products are known for. Once again, utterly shocked.

by ImCute Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 12:33PM Report as inappropriate

If you buy your cosmetics and hair products at Walgreens, you can take it back with your receipt and get your money back or buy another product ! Takes the sting out of being suckered !

by suthernmagnolia Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 11:47AM Report as inappropriate

Burts Bees More Moisture is TERRIBLE! I tried it out, because I love Burts Bees products normally, but I was amazed how terrible it was. Within two days of purchasing it I threw it out. My hair felt greasy, matted and all around dirty.

by laurgood Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 04:53PM Report as inappropriate

The worst shampoo I have ever used is John Frieda's Brilliant Brunette. It totally dries my hair out! It's awful!

by Makeuplovr Friday, November 12, 2010 at 07:51PM Report as inappropriate

pretty accurate!

by www.KeepMeBlushing.com Friday, November 12, 2010 at 01:43PM Report as inappropriate

I really like this shampoo. I had really dry, extremely damaged and frizzy hair and I have tried many drugstore brands and salon brands and this is the only shampoo that actually worked for me!

by hotmidgetmeat Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 10:08PM Report as inappropriate

the load time on these is just awful. Put them all on one page PLEASE!

by Zandalee Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 11:51PM Report as inappropriate

learned about bed head from experience! EWWWW!

by laurenluvslife Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 04:16PM Report as inappropriate

I use for my hair bioblas. it's very vey good. I used panten before. bu it does not good. I prefer to bioblas All shampoos ;)

by rihanna_style Friday, January 15, 2010 at 08:18AM Report as inappropriate

i have to disagree, this product worked wonders for my hair!! i have more of an ethnic hair type and other shampoos dont cut the job for. but this one actally did.

by eolige Monday, October 26, 2009 at 10:27AM Report as inappropriate

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