HOW much do you spend on shampoo? For most people, it’s probably under a tenner.
New research recently confirmed that more than two-thirds of Brits do indeed spend less than £10 on shampoo.
There are hundreds of brilliant budget options on the high street – and amongst them are the viral M&S £3 Volumising and Nourishing shampoos.
When I spotted these on Tiktok, I knew right away I needed to try them for myself.
The packaging looks sleek and minimal – although, it’s virtually impossible to squeeze the conditioner out, so I had to take the lid off.
I suggest you do the same unless you’ve got Hulk-like strength.
The good news is, the packaging is completely recyclable, so there’s at least one pro.
Judging by the names alone, I expected I’d prefer the M&S Nourishing Shampoo, £3, but after using both, I’m surprised to say the M&S Volumising Shampoo, £3 is my favourite.
- M&S Nourishing Shampoo, £3 – buy here
Both lather really well – even though they’re sulfate free (an ingredient that can cause dryness for some people, although I don’t avoid it myself!) which is a novelty, as many shampoos without sulfates don’t provide the same level of cleaning.
They’re both also silicone free – an ingredient that delivers shiny, smooth hair but can weigh down lengths and cause build-up on hair (again, I’m all for the extra shine, so a silicone-free shampoo isn’t high on my priority list).
Another thing they have in common is the hero ingredients – each features micro algae, which helps re-balance the scalp, reducing oil control while alleviating dryness.
In addition, the volumising shampoo contains grapefruit extract and jojoba oil for weightless hydration, while the nourishing shampoo has a cocktail of caring coconut oil and bergamot water for superior softening.
- M&S Volumising Shampoo, £3 – buy here
I have fine hair that gets dirty quickly, but it’s also long and prone to tangling, so I need a shampoo that gets rid of all the grime at my roots without drying out my lengths – and both products managed to do exactly that.
The volumising variation also helped my roots feel super-clean and lifted, so my hair was swishing around like the women in TV ads – something I could get used to!
- Arkive The Everyday Shampoo, £12 – buy here
If the M&S packaging is too much of a hurdle, for the last 18 months, Arkive The Everyday Shampoo, £12, has been my go-to and I don’t see that changing any time soon.
It seems to be on offer for around £9 every time I need a restock (thank you, universe) – and it leaves my scalp squeaky clean, while also detangling and adding shine.
I’m also a huge fan of L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra Pure 72h Purifying Shampoo, £2.75 , which is formulated for greasy roots and dry ends, all for less than the cost of a sandwich.
- L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hydra Pure 72h Purifying Shampoo, £2.75 – buy here
Given there are so many affordable specialised shampoos, a stat that did surprise me from that email is that only 51% of people choose a shampoo specific to their hair type.
Using products that tackle your concerns will turn your basic wash into a treatment.
Whether that’s reducing frizz, adding body, defining curls or protecting colour, a shampoo geared towards the issue is the first step in reducing it.
So, here are the best for each hair type.
BEST FOR NORMAL HAIR
I don’t think I’ve met a single person who doesn’t have at least one thing they’d like to change about their hair, but if you do fall into this category, lucky you! Maintaining the balance is key, so a shampoo that gently cleanses and leaves hair soft, like Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean Shampoo, £6, is a winner.
- Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean Shampoo, £6 – buy here
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SCALPS
Monday Haircare Gentle Shampoo, £4, is developed for delicate scalps, with a low level of fragrance and natural ingredients, like shea butter and coconut oil to soothe the scalp and soften hair.
- Monday Haircare Gentle Shampoo, £4 – buy here
If your scalp is itchy or prone to dandruff, call in the big guns – Nizoral Scalp Soothing Itchy & Sensitive Shampoo, £8.75, will gently exfoliate to prevent build-up.
BEST FOR DRY LENGTHS
Aussie SOS Repair & Revive Shampoo, £8, has been a staple in my mum’s shower for as long as I can remember and her hair is never anything but shiny.
- Aussie SOS Repair & Revive Shampoo, £8 – buy here
Whether you regularly use heat tools, or you’re long overdue a trim, it makes hair look and feel healthy.
BEST FOR ADDING VOLUME
Over the Christmas break, my sister sent me to buy her shampoo with strict instructions: “Nothing moisturising or heavy – if it says volumising or thickening, it’ll be fine.”
- Lee Stafford Plump Up The Volume Plumping Shampoo, £7.99 – buy here
I picked Lee Stafford Plump Up The Volume Plumping Shampoo, £7.99, after a quick scan of the shelf, and she says it’s the best she’s used.
It leaves hair clean and weightless, but not dry or static which is often the case with body-building formulas.
BEST FOR NOURISHING CURLS
- Andrew Fitzsimons Nourishing Shampoo for Curly Hair, £9.50 – buy here
Andrew Fitzsimons Nourishing Shampoo for Curly Hair, £9.50, lathers well, so hair feels clean, plus it contains amino acids to heal broken bonds and coconut oil to repair inside and out for better definition.
BEST FOR THICKENING
Realistically, a shampoo alone can’t fast-track hair growth, but as part of a routine that’s strengthening (and likely contains a supplement, such as Hair Gain Hair Capsules, £36.99 for 60), the new L’Oréal Elvive Growth Booster Shampoo, £13, promises to prevent thinning and hair loss.
- L’Oréal Elvive Growth Booster Shampoo, £13 – buy here
If you shop around, you’ll probably find it on offer – at the time of writing, it’s half-price at Boots.
BEST FOR A DEEP CLEAN
- Garnier Ultimate Blends Charcoal Shampoo, £5.50 – buy here
If you use lots of products (I may as well be surgically attached to a can of dry shampoo) and need to remove the build-up, Garnier Ultimate Blends Charcoal Shampoo, £5.50, reminds me of a purifying shampoo that I love that’s six times the price.
You can’t argue with that!
- All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.