The shampoo and conditioners our shopping editors can’t stop using

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Bye bye, buyer’s remorse. In The Essentials Edit, In The Know’s editors and creators share the favorite basic items they can’t live without. From treasured white tees to favorite face moisturizers, these are the tried-and-true products our editors love — and the items you need to know.

The first step to great hair is a go-to routine filled with top-performing hair products. And the basis of any top-notch hair routine is stellar cleansing products to wash your hair to perfection. But finding the perfect shampoo and conditioner can be a difficult, expensive and frustrating journey, especially when taking into account your specific hair needs. 

Let’s break it down: We all know a great shampoo and conditioner will leave your hair smelling good and looking even better. A good duo cleanses, strengthens, hydrates and adds shine to your locks when they need it most. But finding all of these qualities perfectly balanced in a bottle isn’t easy. Thankfully, our shopping editors have tested countless products and have found the perfect options for all types of hair. From bleach-damaged locks to 4C curls, there’s a recommendation no matter your hair concerns or needs.

Check out these holy grail cleansing products In The Know shopping editors love to use on their hair. From a $5 wonder product to a splurge-worthy $40 shampoo scrub, your hair is going to thank you for switching things up.

Shop: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo, $42

Shop: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Peppermint Oil Cooling Jelly Conditioner, $36

Credit: Sephora

“This pair of products have literally saved my flaky scalp. I’ve written about these before and with going on almost three years, they remain the only shampoo and conditioner duo that I use. In between bottles, I’ve used other products (both more expensive and a bit cheaper), and my hair type (4B, kinky-coily) has not responded to any other formulation as it has to the products in Briogeo’s Scalp Revival line. These two items are extremely moisturizing, cooling and soothing on the scalp and help remedy any flakiness or dryness. Certainly worth the investment!” — Moriba Cummings, Commerce Editor

Shop: Maui Moisture Shea Butter, $5.24

Credit: Maui Moisture

“My go-to conditioner is a $5 find on Amazon. The Maui Moisture Shea Butter has become the No. 1 product in my haircare routine. Aside from the fact that it smells amazing, it is formulated with shea butter, coconut oil, macadamia oil and aloe. It’s also totally silicone-free. I have yet to come across a conditioner that leaves my hair feeling as soft and healthy. I also use it as a leave-in mask three times a week to help mend split ends. The tub is huge and lasts a very long time, especially because a little goes a long way with this product. You can also find this brand at your local drug store, but you can’t beat the Amazon price.” — Laura Galvan, Commerce Editor

Shop: DevaCurl No-Poo Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser, $46

Shop: DevaCurl One Condition Daily Cream Conditioner, $46

Credit: DevaCurl

“With naturally curly hair, I’ve always searched for the perfect shampoo and conditioner that would enhance the shape of my curls without having to use extra products after washing. DevaCurl’s No-Poo Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser and its One Condition Daily Cream Conditioner (which you can conveniently buy as a set at Sephora) is my all-time favorite for when I want to wear my hair naturally. After showering, all I have to do is scrunch my hair a little bit before air-drying, and this powerful duo helps to create bouncier curls that last several days. Plus, this brand was actually founded by the author of The Curly Girl Method, which now has a huge cult following.” — Madison Alcedo, Senior Home Goods Commerce Writer

Shop: Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Shampoo, $13.99

Shop: Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Conditioner, $13.99

Shop: Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner, $19.97

Credit: Mielle

“If you’re Black and have 4C hair — like real 4C hair —Mielle’s Pomegranate & Honey shampooconditioner and leave-in conditioner is a game-changer. I usually don’t care for a shampoo, but the fact that this one helps to detangle is kind of incredible. If you have very coarse hair, this softens it right up. The entire line was also made for Type 4 hair, and I live by haircare made for specific hair types. The leave-in conditioner is the perfect addition to diffusing natural coils. And the smell? Oh. My. Lanta. The scent is out of this world delicious. It’s why my local beauty supply store was completely wiped out the entire line.” — Ari Bines, Commerce Editor

Shop: Briogeo’s Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Superfood Shampoo, $28

Credit: Briogeo

“I never really get attached to any shampoo — I have super long, non-colored treated hair, so I switch up my wash routine pretty frequently. But ever since I tried Briogeo’s Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Superfood Shampoo, I’ve been hooked. This shampoo has no problem washing away my excessive dry shampoo and product residue, but instead of stripping my hair, my locks feel super soft after every use. This formula lathers up fast and rinses out clean, which I appreciate. And it smells like a fruit smoothie — what’s not to love? The coordinating conditioner is great, too.” — Julia Webb, Commerce Editor

Shop: Davines Melu Shampoo, $29

Shop: Davines Melu Conditioner, $33

Credit: Davines

“Davines has been my go-to hair brand for years. All of the brand’s products are top-notch, but I have a special place in my heart for the brand’s Melu shampoo and conditioner. It has a ‘floral, woody’ scent that stays in your hair, and makes me feel super sexy when I’m on a date or hanging with a cutie. It’s made for hair that is damaged and dry, giving a needed dose of hydration and strengthening. My hair has been bleached, colored and stripped, and this duo makes it look incredibly healthy. Plus, Davines’ conditioners are super thick and luxe without weighing down your hair. I won’t ever use another brand, and I’ll always return to the Melu line.” — Katie Dupere, Commerce Editor

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