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It takes a lot for me to truly love a hair product. I’ve always kept maintenance around my locks super low-key, usually opting for the cheapest and (seemingly) most effective shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments I can find at the drugstore. These affordable picks have always been serviceable, but not necessarily jaw-dropping. Generally, I’m not at all picky – that was, until I recently discovered the best drugstore conditioner and shampoo combo.
At the beginning of this year, I sought out to upgrade my self-care routine in small, affordable ways so I could look and feel my best. Knowing hair care had slowly become an afterthought, I figured why not switch up Old Reliable (AKA the Pantene shampoo and conditioner I’d used for years)?
I’m not knocking Pantene in any way, but after using the same products over and over again across countless showers, my locks became noticeably tired. Thus, I stumbled into Target to explore their perpetual collection of hair care and landed on what I think is now the best drugstore conditioner and shampoo I’ve ever experienced.
Read on for my full review of the best drugstore conditioner and shampoo duo!
Meet The Best Drugstore Conditioner + Shampoo I've Tried
Meredith Holser
Other than the beautiful bottles, the Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo + Conditioner set caught my eye for claiming stronger, longer, and healthier hair. I had seen the brand’s hair oil go TikTok-viral a few months prior, which gave me all the convincing I needed to add the duo to my cart.
After a year and a half of consistent use, I’m still loving the set. Though I don’t necessarily use it for hair growth alone, I have observed accelerated growth as well as improved strength in my hair's strands.
The conditioner in particular has earned a mass amount of bonus points in my book for depositing noticeable moisture to my locks after shampooing and providing a fairly no-fuss detangling routine, which is my most urgent hair concern. It also doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy or weighed down, as long as I rinse it out thoroughly.
Meredith Holser
The Mielle conditioner contains biotin (for “longer, healthier hair”), coconut oil, and babassu seed oil that work to moisturize and soften your hair after a good wash. This is essential since I’ve found that most shampoos strip can oils from my scalp and hair. It’s what shampoos are made to do, but sometimes their effects can be too harsh, and my hair craves more moisture!
The conditioner is also infused with rosemary and mint essential oils which increase blood circulation, allowing more oxygen to reach the scalp, thus stimulating hair growth. This makes it smell like heaven, too!
How I Use The Best Drugstore Conditioner + Shampoo
Before drying + styling
Meredith Holser
As I mentioned, my hair has that classic “squeaky clean” feel after shampooing, and though that clean feeling is what I want from a shampoo, it doesn’t help to use only shampoo once my hair’s dried. Without conditioner, my hair definitely lacks moisture and feels dry and stiff – even while I’m still in the shower. This conditioner feels ahh-mazing and never fails to restore all the necessary moisture my locks have lost after a thorough wash!
When using the conditioner, I use 1 to 1 ½ pumps. I typically focus the product around the ends of my hair (where there’s the most damage) before working the remaining product closer to my scalp. I leave it on for around three minutes while I wash my body and face before thoroughly rinsing it out. My hair feels super silky and detangled after the conditioning’s done!
My Verdict On The Best Drugstore Conditioner + Shampoo
After drying + styling
Meredith Holser
Where a conditioner’s performance really matters for me is making my hair look soft and healthy after it’s dry, so I can go on to style it without pesky knots and further damage. Brushing my hair post-conditioner is always a breeze with this Mielle pick, and the same goes for styling. I use an air styler and it glides smoothly and easily through my strands for a nice at-home blowout every single time.
More than anything, this is the best drugstore conditioner to leave my hair looking supremely shiny after all is said and done. I know that using it consistently over the course of this year has set my hair up to be super healthy so I never have to worry about excessive dryness breakage!
Try The Best Drugstore Conditioner For Yourself
Amazon
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Conditioner
I typically have to restock this bottle every six months, give or take. A little bit of product goes a long way, TBH. For $10, I can certify it's a really great deal and I've absolutely gotten my money's worth thus far. Plus, for the results this drugstore conditioner delivers, it feels just like a luxury hair care product. It also goes for around the same price at Target!
Amazon
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo
I also highly recommend you use the conditioner in conjunction with the coordinating shampoo. It has a delicious rosemary and mint scent that leaves your scalp feeling uber-refreshed after a thorough wash. This bottle currently goes for $9 on Amazon and $10 at Target.
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This post has been updated.
