Budget Friendly Haircare, Part 2: Shampoos Decoded! And a Short List

The first installment - was about making those super-budget-friendly shampoos work. Let's look at some of those products and discuss.

Keep in mind that all these shampoos are concentrated. They're "one size fits all." As with pants that need alterations: We can also adjust haircare products. 

Nothing here is over $5 depending on where you shop.

Dig into the ingredients with me - so you know what to look for, what those ingredients do, and why you might want to choose one product or another. Conditioners, emollients and humectants (moisturizers) are in red. I've made some of the ingredient list in smaller font. Those ingredients are present in lower concentrations. They may still be active ingredients. I made notes for you - the ingredient lists take up a lot of space. But they're handy to have right here.

The Ones With More Conditioning

V05 Kiwi Lime Shampoo: 

Sodium laureth sulfate is gentler to skin and hair than its cousin Sodium lauryl sulfate. It's less likely to penetrate into those tissues where it can cause dehydration. Add the more-gentle Cocamidopropyl betaine to it - and the overall cleaning is less harsh. Mixing detergents is like doing an average in math. There's a little Sodium lauryl sulfate as a co-detergent,  but (again), it's mixed with gentler detergents. ©Science-y Hair Blog 2024

Then you see Polyquaternium-7, a moisturizer and conditioning detangler. Just a little, but it should have a beneficial effect without overwhelming Finer hair. There are some oils (sunflower, mango) that, while present in very low quantities, may offer some benefits.

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Polyquaternium-7, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Biotin (Vitamin H), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Benzophenone-4, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Yellow 10 (CI 47005)

V05 Strawberries and Cream Moisturizing Shampoo: What's different from the Kiwi scent? This one is "pearly" thanks to Glycol stearate and Glycol distearate. That can make the product a little more slippery in the hair. "Soymilk?" Assume there is Soy extract, maybe containing a tiny bit of protein.©Science-y Hair Blog 2024

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Polyquaternium-7, Glycol Stearate, Glycol Distearate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Soymilk, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Polysorbate 20, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Biotin (Vitamin H), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Benzophenone-4, Red 4 (CI 14700), Red 33 (CI 17200), Red 40 (CI 16035)

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Shampoo: Gentler-on-hair Sodium laureth sulfate, made milder by Coco-betaine and Glycerin (a moisturizer). Polyquaternium-10 prevents swelling in porous, damaged or breakage-prone hair and is a detangler. Aloe and sugar cane extract add a little moisture. There is also some PEG-60 Hydrogenated castor oil for lubrication, a tiny amount of Conditioning Lemon Protein for hydration and elasticity.  ©Science-y Hair Blog 2024

Water, sodium laureth sulfate, coco-betaine, glycerin, sodium chloride, hexylene glycol, polyquaternium-10, sodium benzoate, parfum/fragrance, peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, pyrus malus fruit extract/apple fruit extract, salicylic acid, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, linalool, niacinamide, pyridoxine hcl, hexyl cinnamal, citric acid, Saccharum officinarum extract/sugar cane extract, sodium acetate, hydroxypropyltrimonium lemon protein, isopropyl alcohol, tocopherol, phenoxyethanol, citrus limon peel extract/ LEMON PEEL EXTRACT, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, camellia sinensis leaf extract, potassium sorbate, sodium hydroxide. f.i.l.# d208723/1

Garnier Fructis Grow Strong: A "pearly" product that leans more heavily to Glycol distearate for a creamy feel and mildness. Dimethicone for serious lubrication and detangling, Amodimethicone to protect and condition. Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride is another detangler. If Silicones make your hair go flat, this may not be for you.

WATER, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, DIMETHICONE, COCAMIDE MEA, PARFUM / FRAGRANCE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, COCO-BETAINE, AMODIMETHICONE, SALICYLIC ACID, CARBOMER, GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, TRIDECETH-10, NIACINAMIDE, PYRUS MALUS FRUIT WATER / APPLE FRUIT WATER, LINALOOL, PEG-100 STEARATE, STEARETH-6, LIMONENE, HEXYL CINNAMAL, TRIDECETH-3, PHENOXYETHANOL, CITRONELLOL, FUMARIC ACID, ACETIC ACID (F.I.L. T70019029/1).   Dump trucks

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine: This formula is different from the 2 above. It combines the somewhat mild Sodium laureth sulfate with milder Coco-betaine, and with hard-water-tolerant foam-boosters. *That makes this product extra budget-friendly if you end up using too much product because it won't foam in your water.* It uses the conditioning emollient Amodimethicone for lubrication, detangling and protection from heat and for hair-color. A little Polyquaternium-7, Sugar cane extract, Wheat, Corn, Soy and Conditioning Lemon protein for hydration and elasticity - these proteins may reduce frizz as well. A little Argan oil and some water-soluble Castor oil for softness.

WATER / EAU, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, COCO-BETAINE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, LAURETH-5 CARBOXYLIC ACID, COCAMIDE MIPA, AMODIMETHICONE, PARFUM / FRAGRANCE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, HEXYLENE GLYCOL, POLYQUATERNIUM-7, PYRUS MALUS FRUIT EXTRACT / APPLE FRUIT EXTRACT, PEG-55 PROPYLENE GLYCOL OLEATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, SALICYLIC ACID, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, NIACINAMIDE, PYRIDOXINE HCl, HEXYL CINNAMAL, SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM EXTRACT / SUGARCANE EXTRACT , BENZYL ALCOHOL, LINALOOL, AMYL CINNAMAL, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL, HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM LEMON PROTEIN, HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN, TOCOPHEROL, HYDROLYZED CORN PROTEIN, HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN, CITRUS LIMON FRUIT EXTRACT / LEMON FRUIT EXTRACT,PHENOXYETHANOL, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, LEUCONOSTOC/RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE,CI 19140 / YELLOW 5,CI 14700 / RED 4,CAPRYLYL GLYCOL (F.I.L. T70014694/3).

Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish: This is possibly the more gentle of the Garnier products here. It's silicone-free and sulfate-free, as is popular in the online curl-world. It starts with a combination of the milder-cleaning detergents Cocamidopropyl betaine, Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and Decyl glucoside. It adds some pearliness and Polyquaternium-10 for detangling and protection from swelling during washing. A little Sugar cane extract, Glycerin and Conditioning Lemon protein add moisture for elasticity. Macadamia, Jojoba and Coconut oil add softness.©Science-y Hair Blog 2024

Water, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, Decyl glucoside, Glycol distearate, Sodium chloride, Fragrance, Polyquaternium-10, Ppg-5-ceteth-20, Sodium benzoate, Carbomer, Pyrus malus fruit extract/apple fruit extract, Sodium hydroxide, Peg-55 propylene glycol oleate, Salicylic acid, Propylene glycol, Acrylates copolymer, Hexyl cinnamal, Linalool, Benzoic acid, Benzyl alcohol, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine hcl, Benzyl salicylate, Benzyl cinnamate, Citric acid, Coumarin, Saccharum officinarum extract/sugar cane extract, Limonene, Geraniol, Sodium acetate, Citronellol, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Glycerin, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil/Jojoba seed oil, Cocos nucifera oil/coconut oil, Hydroxypropyltrimonium lemon protein, Isopropyl alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus limon peel extract/lemon peel extract, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, camellia sinensis leaf extract. f.i.l.# d256237/1.Dump trucks

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo: Aussie Moist shampoo is a little more aggressive in the detergents than Garnier. The pearling ingredient makes it a little milder, as do the Jojoba oil and Dimethicone. Aloe adds a little hydration.

Water, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Citrate, Cocamide MEA, Sodium Xylenesulfonate, Fragrance, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ecklonia Radiata Extract, Dimethicone, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Yellow 5, Red 33

Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo: A little Dimethicone for detangling, Glycerin for hydration, very small amounts of Coconut oil and Soy protein for softness and hydration.

Water, Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Dimethiconol, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Carbomer, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, PPG-9, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Cocamide MEA, Disodium EDTA, PEG-45M, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Suave Keratin Infusion Smoothing Shampoo: A little Dimethicone for detangling, Glycerin for hydration, a very tiny amount of Keratin protein - so they can put "Keratin" on the label.

Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Dimethiconol, Fragrance (Parfum), Carbomer, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Dmdm Hydantoin, Peg-45m, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Ppg-9, Mica (Ci 77019), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491).Dump trucks

Tresemmse Rich Moisture Shampoo: (Price is a little higher, but bottle-size is larger) A combination of stronger and gentler detergents - moderate cleansing. With small amounts of moisturizer (Panthenol), emollients and detanglers (Vitamin E, Dimethicone), a little "pearlizing" Glycol distearae to thicken, a tiny bit of conditioning detangler. Tresemme used just a little of different detanglers rather than a lot of any single one. 

Ingredients: Water, Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Biotin, Niacinamide, Dimethiconol, Fragrance, Citric Acid,Glycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Glycol Distearate, Carbomer, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Cocamide MEA, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, PEG-45M, PPG-9, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)

Tresemme Flawless Curls Shampoo with Coconut oil: (Price is a little higher, but bottle-size is larger). A combination of stronger and gentler detergents - moderate cleansing. But made gentler overall because of Avocado, Coconut and Argan oil for softness and protecting hair during washing. Dimethicone for detangling and shine. Glycerin for hydration and a little conditioning detangler as well.

Ingredients: Water (Eau), Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Dimethiconol, Fragrance (Parfum), Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Carbomer, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Tea- Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Cocamide MEA, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, PEG-45M, PPG-9, Alpha- Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Alcohol, Coumarin, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Mica (CI 77019),Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)

apples and roses

Tresemme 24 Hour Volume Shampoo for Fine hair (with protein): A combination of stronger and gentler detergents - moderate cleansing. With Silk, 
Keratin and Collagen proteins for hydration and strength (and volume). Panthenol for moisture. PVP and Vp/Methacrylamideninyl Imidazole Copolymer are film-formers that may help add volume - might also manage frizz. Polyquaternium-10 protects porous hair from dehydration during washing and provides detangling. apples and roses

Ingredients: Water (Eau), Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Soluble Collagen, Biotin, Niacinamide, PVP, Vp/Methacrylamideninyl Imidazole Copolymer, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, PPG-9, Polyquaternium-10, Disodium EDTA, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool

Tresemme Botanique Nourish Shampoo: A combination of stronger and 
gentler detergents - moderate cleansing. Aloe for hydration, Coconut oil and Ceramides for softness. Polyquaternium-10 protects porous hair from dehydration during washing and provides detangling. Two amino acids (in low concentration) for hydration and strength.

Ingredients: WATER, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) FRUIT EXTRACT, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, CERAMIDE NG, ARGININE, LYSINE HCI, SODIUM CHLORIDE, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), SODIUM BENZOATE, CITRIC ACID, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, PPG-9, DISODIUM EDTA, COUMARIN, LINALOOL

Tresemme Effortless Waves Shampoo: A combination of stronger and 

gentler detergents - moderate cleansing. Then leaning right into Ceramides and Jojoba oil (softness, lubrication) and Amino acids (strength, hydration). Just a little of Dimethicone for slip, and a little conditioning detangler.

Ingredients: WATER (EAU), SODIUM C12-13 PARETH SULFATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, CERAMIDE NG, ARGININE, LYSINE HCI, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, SODIUM CHLORIDE, DIMETHICONOL, CITRIC ACID, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), GLYCERIN, CARBOMER, SODIUM BENZOATE, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, TEA-DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, COCAMIDE MEA, DISODIUM EDTA, PEG-45M, PPG-9, BENZYL SALICYLATE, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, LIMONENE, MICA (CI 77019), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)

Tresemme Silky Smooth Shampoo: A combination of stronger and gentler detergents - moderate cleansing. Argan oil, Silk protein and Panthenol for softness and hydration. Just a little Dimethicone for slip, and a little conditioning detangler.

Ingredients: Water, Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Biotin
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk, Panthenol, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Dimethiconol, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Benzoate
Glycol Distearate, Carbomer, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Cocamide MEA, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, PEG-45M, PPG-9, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)

Tresemme Keratin Smooth Weightless Shampoo: A combination of stronger and gentler detergents - moderate cleansing. Glycerin for moisture. Marula, Argan oils and Ceramides for softness and lubrication. Two amino acids, plus Keratin protein for strength and hydration. Dimethicone to add detangling, shine and softness, and a little conditioning detangler.

WATER (EAU), SODIUM C12-13 PARETH SULFATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, GLYCERIN, SCLEROCARYA BIRREA SEED OIL, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL, LYSINE HCI, ARGININE, HYDROLYZED KERATIN, CERAMIDE NG, DIMETHICONOL, CITRIC ACID, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), CARBOMER, SODIUM BENZOATE, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, TEA-DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, PPG-9, DISODIUM EDTA, COCAMIDE MEA, PEG-45M, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, BENZYL SALICYLATE, CITRONELLOL, GERANIOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, MICA (CI 77019), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)

No Bells and Whistles

Suave Essentials Sun Ripened Strawberry: Suave doesn't use conditioning detanglers. Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate is on the gentler-cleaning side (though still a good de-greaser), and is combined with gentle Cocamidopropyl betaine. ©Science-y Hair Blog 2024

Water (Aqua), Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Disodium Edta, Ppg-9, Propylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Juice, Benzyl Alcohol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Red 33 (Ci 17200), Yellow 5 (Ci 19140)Dump trucks

Suave Essentials Clarifying Shampoo: Nothing to add here over the Strawberry one!

Water (Aqua), Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Disodium Edta, Ppg-9, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Blue 1 (Ci 42090), Red 33 (Ci 17200)