Experts Weigh In on Whether Expensive Shampoos Are Worth It

Dermatologists say affordable drugstore options can be just as effective as pricier salon brands.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Experts say expensive shampoos and conditioners are not necessarily better than affordable drugstore options. Factors like hair type, scalp health, and hair care routine are more important than brand name or price. Dermatologists advise evaluating ingredients, avoiding harsh sulfates for damage-prone hair, and seeing a doctor for persistent issues like dandruff.

Why it matters

With elaborate marketing and claims of being 'elixirs' for hair woes, expensive shampoos and conditioners can leave consumers wondering if the higher prices are justified. This story provides guidance from dermatologists on how to choose the right hair products based on individual needs, rather than just going for the priciest options.

The details

Dermatologists say affordable shampoos and conditioners found in grocery stores and pharmacies can be just as effective as pricier salon brands. They advise consumers to evaluate the ingredients, their own hair and scalp concerns, and their entire hair care routine when choosing products. Premium brands may have active ingredients that cost more, but other factors like company size and investment in sustainable practices also influence pricing. Experts recommend avoiding harsh sulfates for damage-prone hair types and seeing a doctor for persistent issues like dandruff.

  • The article was published on February 25, 2026.

The players

Dr. Crystal Aguh

A dermatologist and director of the Ethnic Skin Program at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Dr. Joe Tung

A dermatologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Monique Mason

The owner of MOKO Organic Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, which stocks organic shampoos and conditioners.

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What they’re saying

“Instead of spending hundreds of dollars thinking, 'If I just find the right shampoo, right conditioner, all of my troubles will go away,' you also have to just look at what your process looks like … because that will often do the trick.”

— Dr. Crystal Aguh, Dermatologist and director of the Ethnic Skin Program at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (kob.com)

“Hair itself is biologically inactive once it grows out, but underneath the surface of the skin on the scalp is a full ecosystem with stem cells, immune cells, oil glands, nerve endings. When that ecosystem is balanced, the scalp feels comfortable and hair grows optimally; when it is disrupted, people can experience itching, flaking, excess oil, or hair loss.”

— Dr. Joe Tung, Dermatologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (kob.com)

“I get to know them, whether they're family-owned, how they farm, how they source their ingredients.”

— Monique Mason, Owner of MOKO Organic Beauty Studio (kob.com)

The takeaway

When choosing hair products, it's important to focus on your individual hair and scalp needs rather than just the brand name or price tag. Affordable drugstore options can be just as effective as expensive salon brands, as long as you select products with the right ingredients for your hair type and concerns.