There's nothing quite like the feeling of finding the one—a shampoo that smells so great, you just can't help but throw it into your shopping basket and hop into the shower as soon as you get home. While we won't be roaming the drugstore aisles in person for a while, there's no reason to give up this simple pleasure. Seriously, we'll take all the joy we can get right now, no matter how small.
We put the newest lusciously scented shampoos and conditioners the test to see what's worth picking up on your next grocery run or delivery. Here, Chatelaine staffers share their latest haircare obsessions.
“Rose has been experiencing a renaissance of sorts in the fragrance world for at least the past decade, and it’s now trickled down to haircare. This new-ish Pantene pair has a very subtle rose scent that smells both bright and natural (as opposed to powdery and cloying). The shampoo gives surprisingly good suds—not always the case with sulfate-free products—although thick and curly types like me might need even more of a moisture-boosting conditioner.”
—Maureen Halushak, editor-in-chief
Shampoo and conditioner, $10 each, londondrugs.com.
“This shampoo’s papaya smell is absolutely amazing: it’s rich and fruity without being overwhelming. As someone who is mildly fragrance-sensitive, I love finding a nice scent that isn’t too strong, but still actually smells like something. Though the smell faded quickly, the shampoo left my hair feeling strong and nourished.”
—Rebecca Gao, freelance writer
Shampoo and conditioner, $7 each, walmart.ca.
“If you’re dreaming of your next beach vacation (and who isn’t right now?), this shampoo and conditioner duo is just what you need. The scent is warm and spicy, with fresh floral notes and hints of ginger—add steam from the shower and you’ve got yourself a DIY tropical setting. Bonus: It left my hair soft, shiny and manageable.”
—Andréanne Dion, associate lifestyle editor
Shampoo and conditioner, $11 each, shoppersdrugmart.ca.
“This duo is neither strongly scented or sickly sweet, and it has that familiar “Herbal Essences” scent I remember from high school. It vaguely reminds me of a green gummy bear or what I imagine an aloe and cucumber candle might smell like. If you’re looking for lightly-fragranced haircare, this might fit the bill.”
—Aimee Nishitoba, associate art director
Shampoo and conditioner, $8 each, walmart.ca.
“Avon’s PropoliThera line is made from beeswax, honey and royal jelly, but I wouldn’t have known from the smell alone—it can best be described as ‘captivating.’ It’s a heavily fragranced duo, which I like, but if you prefer subtle scents it might not be for you.”
—Radiyah Chowdhury, assistant editor
Shampoo and conditioner, $19 each, avon.ca.
“This shampoo and conditioner set bills itself as cocoa butter-heavy. While that doesn't come off in the scent—something I actually don't mind as I'm not a fan of strongly-scented shampoos—it definitely comes through in how it made my hair feel. I tried it once and air-dried; a second time and blow-dryed straight. Both times, my hair came out super moisturized and far less frizzy than normal.” —Chantal Braganza, senior editor
Shampoo and conditioner, $6 each, londondrugs.com.
Editor’s note
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