The 10 Best Gluten-Free Shampoos We Tested for Gorgeous, Healthy Hair

This shampoo earned its “Best for Sensitive Scalps” title because it’s one of the gentlest, most stripped-down formulas you can find. Designed specifically for reactive skin, it’s pH-balanced and free of sulfates, dyes, parabens, fragrance, botanical extracts, and essential oils, which can cause irritation.

The brand also clearly labels this product as gluten-free and dermatologist-tested, making it a reassuring choice for anyone with celiac disease, eczema, or scalp sensitivity. Kopelman often recommends this shampoo to his patients, specifically after procedures “when [they] want to avoid any irritation or inflammation, because it lathers well but stays gentle on the scalp.”

I’ve tried it myself, and it’s as simple and soothing as promised. My scalp felt balanced and clean afterward, with no tightness or itching, even after repeated use. It’s not a heavy-duty cleanser, though. So if you use a lot of styling products, you might need the occasional clarifying wash. Great for anyone prone to redness, flakes, or reactivity, Vanicream Shampoo for Sensitive Skin is the kind of low-risk, high-comfort staple that just quietly works.

We named this pick “Best for Color-Treated Hair” because it restores the strength and shine that color-treated strands tend to lose over time. Its formula, powered by Virtue Labs’ proprietary Alpha Keratin 60ku protein complex, helps repair damage from dye, bleach, or heat styling. It fills in weakened cuticles and reinforces your hair’s natural structure.

I use this shampoo regularly and have noticed that it leaves my color-treated hair feeling stronger, softer, and more manageable, without dulling its hue. You’ll appreciate the creamy lather, which rinses clean without the squeaky dryness that harsher formulas can leave behind.

The only downside is its signature scent. I find it pleasant, but it’s definitely noticeable enough that it might be an issue for those who prefer fragrance-free products. Still, for anyone looking to protect their color investment while keeping hair hydrated and healthy, Virtue Labs Recovery Shampoo delivers salon-level care in a bottle.

This shampoo earned its “Best for Kids” spot because it’s designed with both safety and practicality in mind. As a parent, you can feel good about what’s in it. The dermatologist-tested formula is gluten-free, vegan, and free of silicones, parabens, and sulfates. That makes it a smart choice for ingredient-conscious parents and kids with sensitive skin.

I use this shampoo on my kids all the time, because it truly makes bath time easier. The detangling power is real, and the pump bottle is easy for little hands to use. My daughters love the cheerful packaging and light, fruity scent, while I love that it’s gentle enough for daily use without irritating their sensitive scalps. It’s a total game changer for tangles — you’ll be able to brush their hair without a fight. You’ll get less tugging, fewer complaints, and soft, clean hair afterward.

One thing to note is that the formula is so mild that it may not cut through heavy buildup after swimming or sports days. So I occasionally alternate with a clarifying wash for my girls. Also, its fruity scent may not be great for those who are very sensitive to scents. Still, this one’s a winner for many kids, especially if you’re avoiding gluten and harsh ingredients. 

This shampoo earned its “Best for Dry Hair” accolade for delivering an exceptional level of moisture and softness while still remaining safe for sensitive scalps and users who avoid gluten. The vegan, gluten-free, and sulfate-free formula is designed for dry, frizzy, and color-treated hair that needs both hydration and protection.

“It feels like you are washing your hair with melted butter, and then it lathers like a dream,” says writer Raki Swanson, who tested this product. “Almost from the second it starts getting rinsed, it feels hydrated; no squeak, no tangles, just pure moisture.” After styling, her hair was noticeably smoother and shinier, with far less frizz than usual.

Swanson’s only caveat? The clean lasted shorter than 48 hours for her. “It doesn’t feel greasy, but it looks greasy,” she says. In other words, it’s best for those who wash their hair every day or every other day, or those who don’t usually have oily hair. Still, she says it was “worth every penny,” calling it “the best shampoo I’ve ever used for moisture — hydrated, shiny, and frizz-free.”

This shampoo checks every box for those with sensitive skin, fragrance sensitivities, or scalp irritation. It’s vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and free from sulfates, parabens, artificial dyes, and synthetic fragrance — all common triggers for contact dermatitis and irritant reactions.

This product’s formula is ideal for families with eczema or allergies. “I have young children [who] suffer from eczema. So whenever I’m able to find products that are fragrance-free, I know I can share them with my family,” says writer Laura Leigh Abby.

The shampoo works well for daily washing. “My scalp gets oily if I don’t wash daily, and this was safe to use every day,” Abby says. “My hair was a little less frizzy than usual when I blow-dried it.”

But Abby found that it wasn’t as moisturizing as she’d hoped. “My hair felt a little dry, but clean,” she says. “I needed to use a lot to work up a lather.” But overall, she appreciated its value and simplicity. “I would purchase this for my kids, who have sensitive skin,” she says.

For those who prioritize clean ingredients and a gentle, no-fragrance experience — especially people with eczema or scalp sensitivities — Desert Essence Fragrance Free Shampoo is a low-cost, low-risk choice that delivers a pure, worry-free wash.

This gluten-free shampoo pick somehow manages to feel indulgent yet functional. I tested it myself, and I fell in love with it from the first wash. It aims to repair fragile strands while leaving behind Oribe’s signature, luxe fragrance.

I found that it lathers beautifully — rich but not heavy, and a little goes a long way. My hair felt clean, soft, and noticeably stronger, with fewer tangles and less breakage when brushing. But the scent is what truly sets it apart: It’s a blend of citrus, jasmine, and sandalwood with floral notes of daisy and honeysuckle. It smells like a luxury salon, but it doesn’t overwhelm. (I promise!) After just one use, my hair felt thicker and looked more voluminous, a difference I could still feel after several washes.

My only complaint? The mini bottle I tested was tiny, and the print was so small I practically needed a magnifying glass. So if you want to commit, get the 8.5-ounce (oz) bottle. It’s also worth noting that this product doesn’t address scalp concerns. Still, this formula delivers on its promise: stronger, glossier hair that smells amazing.

Ouai’s Detox Shampoo is the ultimate deep-cleaning solution for anyone who regularly uses dry shampoo, heavy conditioners, or styling products. It’s gluten-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free — so you get that refreshed, weightless feeling without harsh stripping.

“When you first squeeze this out of the bottle, it is very thick,” says Swanson. “When you put it from the bottle onto your head, without adding more water, it’s like trying to spread cold butter on bread. It doesn’t work. But then, you add more water, and wow, it is amazing. The water mixes with it beautifully and you build up a nice lather.”

Swanson was impressed by how clean and soft her hair felt afterward: “It was moisturized and shiny, with no snarls or residue.” She also says it has an addictive scent: “It smells like a fresh flower arrangement with hints of fruit and musk … delicious, natural, and not overbearing.”

Swanson found it ideal for deep cleans, especially after days of oil buildup or product layering. While she wished it kept her hair looking oil-free beyond 32 hours, she says it still performed better than any other shampoo she’d tried for her oily scalp, and loved it enough to repurchase. “It works, it smells amazing, and it’s affordable,” she says.

For anyone who needs a serious scalp reset, this one earns its spot as the gold standard in gluten-free clarifying shampoos.

This special find is tailored from start to finish to meet your individual hair and scalp needs. No one-size-fits-all formulas here!

When ordering from Prose, you’ll fill out a detailed online consultation that covers everything from your hair type, texture, and color history to environmental factors like humidity and pollution in your area. You can even specify your scalp sensitivity, goals (like volume, hydration, or frizz control), and fragrance preference (including fragrance-free or a desired scent intensity). Based on your answers, Prose formulates a personalized shampoo that’s free of gluten, sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. Plus, it’s cruelty-free and carbon-neutral to boot.

“It's supposed to be customized to your hair, and since I have dry hair, it was supposed to help hydrate, lessen shedding, and help boost shine and volume,” says editorial director Simone Scully, who tested this product. She says it made her scalp feel less dry, “and my hair looked shinier and softer after the first use.” She also appreciated having the ability to choose her own scent: “It was delicate and not too strong … I liked it, but it didn’t really last after my hair dried.”

While she loved the results on wash day, Scully wasn’t sure it improved her breakage over time. She also says that the subscription model may be inconvenient if you’re sent shampoo before you’ve finished a bottle. This can also be costly. Still, she says the formula was gentle and effective for her dry scalp. She’d recommend it for anyone looking for a gluten-free shampoo that feels truly personal.

This shampoo leans into Andalou Naturals’ signature blend of botanicals and science-backed ingredients. It pairs argan stem cells with rice protein and a B-vitamin complex to give hair a lifted, freshly washed feel.

In testing, it had that light, squeaky-clean finish some people love, says editor Ashley Ziegler. “[It] left my hair clean and residue-free,” she says. This tracks with the formula’s goal of boosting scalp health and overall hair vitality without weighing anything down. It’s also an easy entry point for shoppers who want a natural-leaning formula without the luxury price tag.

Just keep in mind that the same clarifying quality that can make hair feel fresh can also make dryness worse if your hair is already parched. Ziegler says it “dried my hair out too much” and noticed a chemical-like scent that lingered after rinsing.

If your hair runs oily or you prefer a very clean finish, it may still suit you. For anyone managing dryness, damage, or fragrance sensitivity, there are better options in the gluten-free category.

Pura D’or’s Maximum Defense Anti Hair Thinning Shampoo is one of those formulas that feels purpose-built for anyone staring down widening parts or increased shedding. It leans into a dense blend of biotin, tea tree oil, saw palmetto, argan oil, and more than 20 natural extracts to support scalp health and help existing strands feel stronger and fuller.

“It did what it says; my thinning has gone down and baby hairs are growing,” says writer Nicole LaMarco. The shampoo's minty, herbal scent also made it feel almost spa-like in the shower, she says.

Still, it’s not a universal fit. That rich, extract-heavy blend can overwhelm fine or oily hair types. And visual progress — while real — depends on consistently using the formula long-term.

If you’re looking for something that nudges thinning hair in the right direction with a blend of botanicals and biotin, this one earns its superlative. But if you want lightweight daily cleansing or quicker payoff, you may find better matches elsewhere.