Whether it's the rise of inflation or just social media at it again, there's no argument that drugstore shampoos are more popular than ever. And one you've most likely used in your life has made a comeback on TikTok and Google Trends: Pantene Pro-V.
According to Google, the search for Pantene reached an all-time high in December 2024, and continues to spike today. The shampoos, Pantene Moisture Renewal and Sheer Volume, might be the faces of the resurgence, with having up to a 600% spike in search.
So why such an interest again? Celebrity hairstylist Angela Calisti tells us that beauty products, like many things, go through trend cycles, too. "Pantene was huge in the ‘90s, and it makes sense that it’s having a moment again," she says. "Over the years, they’ve also updated their formulas, which could be contributing to renewed interest."
This all leads to the question: Should we all go back to Pantene, too? Well, experts tell Shop TODAY that depends on your hair type and desired results.
Is Pantene good for your hair?
Hairstylists have previously shared with us that when choosing a shampoo, you'll want to make sure the ingredients are suitable for your hair type. For instance, some Pantene Pro-V products contain sodium lauryl sulfates, which New York-based hairstylist Megan Robinson says can be "incredibly drying to the scalp and hair." She also mentions that you'll want to take caution with silicones.
"Silicones make your hair feel amazing at first, but coat the hair with a fake smooth feeling [and] will make the hair feel built up or greasy over time," Robinson explains. "If you have natural textured hair, the silicones may be beneficial [for a] short time, but [I] recommend using a detox shampoo once a month."
Calisti has a similar take and says not all silicones are bad for the hair. “Silicones can be beneficial for those with frizzy, unruly or bleached hair, while someone with fine hair might prefer a silicone-free option,” she explains. “They coat and seal the hair, helping to prevent heat damage while making it look shinier and silkier. However, it’s important to use a clarifying shampoo at least once a month to remove buildup and reset the hair.”
Who should use Pantene?
However, not every shampoo or conditioner that the brand has to offer contains chemical sulfates. Like most drugstore shampoos, Pantene has come a long way and offers a wide range of products for different hair types, including sulfate-free shampoos and a line formulated specifically for textured hair: The Gold Series.
If you have uncompromised and non-color-treated hair, Robinson says Pantene can be fine for simple hair. However, if you're looking for something specific such as keratin, bond repair or color-safe treatments, you'll really want to keep your eyes on the ingredients. Calisti drives home that the products can be beneficial, as long as you’re using the right product for your hair type.
Best Pantene shampoos and conditioners
Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo
- Provides volume
- No parabens
- Contains sulfates
Size: 12 oz. | Key ingredient(s): Pro-vitamin B5| Best for: Uncompromised hair types | Sulfate-free? No
This TikTok-loved shampoo is under $5 and promises to give your hair volume for up to 72 hours. Calisti likes this product for "limp hair" that needs more body, among other benefits.
"I personally like the Volume Shampoo for a deep cleanse, especially for clients who use a lot of styling products like dry shampoo. It’s great for removing buildup and keeping the scalp fresh," she says.
Pantene Gold Series Sulfate-Free Shampoo
- Designed for textured hair
- Makes her soft and tangle-free
- Some don't like smell
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key ingredient(s): Argan oil | Best for: Curly hair | Sulfate-free? Yes
According to the brand, the Gold Series is designed for those with textured, curly and coily hair. The sulfate- and silicone-free formula contains argan oil to help smooth out frizz and remove scalp build-up without stripping the hair.
Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner Set
- Lathers well
- Comes in a set
- Contains sodium laurel sulfate
- Contains silicones
Size: 11 oz. (27.7 oz. at Amazon) | Key ingredient(s): Pro Vitamin B5 Complex | Best for: All hair types | Sulfate-free? No
This top-rated shampoo and conditioner combo is probably the most well known of the Pantene brand. Social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo says using these added moisture back into her textured hair. "My parents have this at their house and I love using it at home. It has made my hair so soft and easier to brush, which is rare if you have curly hair," she says.
This shampoo even caught the eye of editorial assistant Madison San Miguel, who says she often has dry and frizzy hair. "I've noticed Pantene has been talked about more recently, and one product I've seen come up often on my For You Page is their Double Moisture Renewal Shampoo, she says. "Many people have raved that their hair feels and looks softer with this shampoo compared to higher-end alternatives."
Pantene Miracle Moisture Boost Rose Water
- Smells great
- Makes hair soft
- Best for dry hair
Size: 9.6 oz. | Key ingredient(s): Rose water | Best for: Dry hair | Sulfate-free? Yes
When shopping for travel-size shampoos, I [Garlin] stumbled across the mini version of this Miracle Moisture Boost shampoo. I have color-treated hair and was impressed to see it had a sulfate-free formula. After using, my hair felt so soft and smelled so good. While I often use bonding and detox shampoos as part of my routine, too, this option has been one of my go-to picks for traveling or when I'm on a budget.
Pantene Miracle Moisture Boost Rose Water Conditioner
- Color-safe formula
- Lightweight
- Best for dry hair
Size: 8 oz. | Key ingredient(s): Rose water | Best for: Dry hair | Sulfate-free? Yes
The conditioner smells just as good as the shampoo, and will leave your hair feeling silky smooth. According to the brand, it's also free of sulfates and parabens, making it safe for color-treated hair, and is best on dry, damaged hair.
Pantene Pro-V Blends Micellar Conditioner
- Great for all hair types
- Purifies without over drying
- Not widely available
Size: 17.9 oz. | Key ingredient(s): Green tea and aloe extract | Best for: All hair types | Sulfate-free? Yes
When speaking about drugstore shampoos, celebrity hairstylist Marc Ballance says that he's found the micellar line to be a good product. While the shampoo is currently out of stock, the conditioner is available and has a gentle formula of antioxidants and vitamins for all types of hair, says the brand.
More Pantene products to shop
Pantene Pro-V Level 3 Airspray Hairspray
- Non-sticky spray
- Long-lasting
- Some say weighs hair down
Size: 7 oz. | Best for: All hair types | Sulfate-free? Yes
This shopper-loved hairspray is alcohol-free and offers a flexible hold, so you don't have to worry about crunchy or stiff hair. "It keeps my hair in place throughout the day without giving me any white hairspray flakes," says one Amazon reviewer.
Pantene Miracle Rescue Hair Mask
- Creamy texture
- Repairs damage, per brand
- Leave on for up to 7 minutes
Size: 10.1 oz. | Key ingredient(s): Vitamin B5 | Best for: All hair types | Sulfate-free? Yes
Many brands have been coming out with bond repair treatments, including Pantene. Calisti says that the deep repair line contains bond-building ingredients to help strengthen the hair.
This hair mask will help repair damage and leave hair feeling restored, says the brand. After shampooing, you can leave this on for five to seven minutes.
Pantene Curl Defining Pudding
- Formulated for textured hair
- Defines curls
- Don't need to wash out
Size: 7.6 oz. | Key ingredient(s): Argan oil | Best for: Curly, frizzy hair | Sulfate-free? Yes
From the Gold Series line, this styling product or "pudding" is meant to help define your curls and keep them free of frizz. "For my hair this is a very goooood curling pudding for my 4C hair twists ... this product I really like because it is not GREASY and does my hair good," says an Amazon reviewer.
Meet our experts
- Angela Calisti is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Beauty Social Salon in New York City.
- Megan Robinson is a New York-based hairstylist and owner of the salon Pearlita NYC.
How we chose
We selected the best Pantene hair products based on insights and recommendations from hairstylists and Shop TODAY editors based on their tried-and-true picks. We also looked at verified customer reviews for top-rated products to help with hair thinning and restoring growth.
