The Best Smelling Shampoos and Conditioners

When you’re searching for the best shampoo, you often overlook the importance of smell. However, one of the best parts of washing your hair is the smell as it transforms a dull and boring task into a world of memories, where each scent can take you back to your favorite place, holiday, or person.

So that you don’t have to, we’ve rated the best smelling shampoos and conditioners, and as always shampoo is first. 

Best smelling shampoos

1. Blu Atlas Coconut and Apricot Shampoo 

Imagine you’re lounging by the ocean, watching the calming waves roll ashore, the palm trees 

sheltering you from the harsh summer sun. The light breeze carries the smell of the freshly made apricot ice cream perfect for an afternoon snack, but instead you crave hydration and opt for coconut water straight from the husk. As you sip on the refreshing beverage, you have never felt so relaxed. 

If you want to hold onto this relaxing sensation, whether you’re having a stressful day at work or looking after the kids, Blu Atlas is right for you. Blu Atlas Shampoo and Conditioner are made from the best ingredients that leave your hair soft and silky. But more importantly, its rich coconut and apricot scent is just what you need. The mix of coconut and apricot is the perfect smell to awaken your senses. 

2. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump

If your hair is feeling a little dry, this 72-hour hydrating shampoo can make your hair silky smooth. But what’s more is the fresh fragrance this shampoo provides. With the perfect mix of berries, cherry blossom, vanilla and sandalwood, LOreal has blended the sweet summer smell of fresh berries with the autumn earthy tones of sandalwood to create a fragrance that’s perfect no matter the weather. 

3. Kérastase Bain Après-Soleil

Fields of Jasmine and tuberose bloom during the summer, emitting a sweet but rich scent that encapsulates the beauty of the white flowers. Kerastase has captured the scent and added it to their after sun shampoo. This shampoo rehydrates and cleanses your hair after a long summer’s day. Even after that day rolls into the next, you can still smell the jasmine and tuberose on your hair as if you were walking through the blooming field. 

4. R+Co On a Cloud 

Floating on a cloud was a dream we all wished would come true as a kid—and now it has. R+Co’s On a Cloud shampoo transforms your dreams into reality. Made with Baobab oil, this shampoo gives off a light, nutty scent with a hint of floral that smells like the wisp of a cloud. Although this fragrance is subtle, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to leave others with a little mystery. 

5. OUAI Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

If your scalp needs a little bit of extra care but you don’t want to skimp on the smell, OUAI is right for you. OUAI is gentle on your skin and helps repair damaged scalps by reducing itchiness, flakiness and irritation so that you can feel your best. Inspired by the fragrance of Cape Town, this shampoo blends ginger and spearmint for a spicy but very fresh scent that takes you on a Cape Town holiday without having to leave the shower. 

6. Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Clarify and Shine Shampoo with Pink Grapefruit 

Sweet and sour: the perfect combo whether we’re describing food, fragrances or maybe even someone we know. In a shampoo, this combo is a classic, and the pink grapefruit lives up to our expectations. Although pink grapefruit is the only fragrance in this shampoo, it stands on its own. The sweetness pulls us in before the tangy sourness cuts through the richness, creating a sense of freshness that leaves everyone wanting more. 

7. Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo

After a long day, Shu Uemura not only cleanses your hair but also cleanses your mind by taking away added stress and giving you a sense of calm. This feeling stays with you long after your hair is washed as the smell of yuzu is long-lasting. Yuzu smells like a fresh garden, combining the aroma of citrus with the sweet scent of flowers. This product will never leave you wanting!

8. John Masters Organics Shampoo for Normal Hair With Lavender Rosemary 

Consumed in lavender and rosemary, this shampoo is made with a natural formula that promotes strong and healthy hair. It’s not only your hair that will see the benefits. Lavender has a lengthy history of improving sleep, uplifting moods and easing anxiety, and when paired with rosemary, which increases memory, concentration and helps ease anxiety, you’ll be immersed in calmness. So while this scent can take you on a journey through lavender fields or into the kitchen, it can also provide many health benefits. 

9. Pantene Coconut Milk and Avocado 

On paper, avocado is not our number one pick for smell; however, like we were, you’ll be surprised at the sweet and rich aroma that avocados produce. And when they’re paired with the fresh but decadent smell of coconut milk, it’s a match made in heaven. Aside from the captivating smell, this shampoo is designed to repair dull and damaged hair as it contains no parabens, dyes or mineral oils. 

10. Garnier Whole Blends 

Escape to the tropics with this moisturizing shampoo that smells like a dream. The contrast of fresh and fruity papaya with the sweet and rich vanilla catches people’s attention and takes them on a holiday of their own. Garnier is also known to be a relatively inexpensive brand, making it easy on your hair as well as your wallet. 

11. Aveeno Blackberry Quinoa Protein Blend 

Aveeno’s Blackberry Quinoa Protein Blend smells like berry heaven! Immerse yourself in the fresh and vibrant blackberry fragrance that transports you from a stroll through a berry farm in the summer to lying next to a burning fire with a slice of blackberry pie. This shampoo brings back your favorite memories all year long! And it makes you smell good too. 

12. Public Goods Shampoo Bar 

If you’re looking for something a bit more sustainable but still want your hair to have the smell it deserves, well, look no further. This shampoo bar is for you. Blended with lavender oil and rosemary, this earthy scent is made from natural ingredients leaving you smelling good all day long. 

13. Herbal Essences Sulfate Free Mango + Potent Aloe Shampoo

On a hot summer’s day, nothing’s better than a fresh juicy mango. This sweet and fruity fragrance is perfect for people who are looking to keep the vibes of summer going throughout the year. Made with mango juice, the scent is multilayered with a hint of aloe for a fresh feel. Designed for curly hair, this product helps keep hair healthy and nourished. 

14. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Wash 

Sweet like honey! Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Wash is infused with Mirsalehi honey, which attracts more than just bees. Designed to moisten and give your hair a luscious shiny look, this shampoo has a sweet and rich fragrance that everyone loves. So if you’re after something that’s simple but effective, this one’s for you. 

15. Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo

Shea brings a nutty but creamy scent with this product. Indulge in this moisturizing and revitalizing shea butter shampoo that awakens the senses and makes you feel like you’re in a five star resort. Made with sea kelp and argan oil, this shampoo makes your hair smell incredible. 

Best smelling conditioners

While shampoo is the most important product when washing your hair, conditioner adds so much to your hair’s beauty. Conditioner locks in all the moisture so that your hair can look hydrated for days. For many of us, conditioner is the last product that we lather into our hair before we get out of the shower, so the scent that we choose has to be the best. Whether you like sweet, fruity, nutty, earthy or floral, we have handpicked our favorite smells that have you receiving compliments for days. 

1. Blu Atlas Coconut and Apricot Conditioner 

It’s no surprise that Blu Atlas is at the top once again. With such a great smelling shampoo of course they had to make it’s perfect pair. Blu Atlas  Coconut and Apricot Conditioner provides the moisture and hydration that your hair craves. Its fresh and fruity combination is long-lasting as a conditioner and by combining both the shampoo and conditioner, the smell intensifies, adding depth to the natural scent. 

2. Bumble and Bumble Surf Ocean Rinse Conditioner 

Want to bring the smell of the ocean wherever you go? This one’s for you. The smell of the salty waves washing ashore, the sand pushed deep into your toes, the sweet smell of ice cream and milkshakes wafting through the air, this conditioner is the perfect combination of all the best smells of the beach. It’s not just the smell that reminds us of the beach, Surf is designed to give your hair the slightly messy, beach curls that look so effortlessly achieved. 

3. Taliah Waajid Green Apple and Aloe Leave in Conditioner 

Nothing can beat your favorite sour green apple hard candy that was always your number one pick as a kid. Or did you prefer the real thing—a crisp, juicy, slightly sour green apple? Either way, this leave-in conditioner captures the essence of a green apple, leaving your hair smelling fresh and fruity. The addition of aloe vera compliments the green apple enhancing its captivating smell. And since this product is a leave-in conditioner, the aroma doesn’t wash away. 

4. L’Oréal Paris Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner

L’Oreal Paris’s Hyaluron + plump hydrating is back, but this time as a conditioner. This product is extremely versatile, suited for all hair types. The same pure and fresh berry scent that we adored with the shampoo carries through into the conditioner, but this time, the vanilla aroma stands stronger providing the sweet sugar smell we all know and love.

5. Malin + Goetz Cilantro Conditioner 

Cilantro is not often used in conditioners, and most people think it should stay in the kitchen. We disagree. Cilantro provides the perfect aroma, a mix of herby, earthy scents and fresh citrus. This conditioner reduces frizziness but is lightweight and easy on your hair. 

6. Love Beauty and Planet Melon Water and Hyaluronic Micellar Conditioner

Watermelon is the perfect summer treat with its vibrant color and juicy sweetness. Love Beauty and Planet is an eco-friendly brand that uses 100% recycled bottles and contains ethically and sustainably sourced extracts. The aroma of sparking bergamot added to the hint of sweet melon produces a fruity and citrusy scent that causes a sensation. 

7. TRESemme 24 Hour Body Volumizing Conditioner 

If you want something a bit more feminine, this conditioner smells like a bed of roses. Lush and fruity, this conditioner features summery melon, winter apple and fall peaches, each season has a special feature with spring bringing the floral aromas. A mix of muguet, rose and jasmine makes for a lovely bouquet and an even better smell. 

8. Pureology Hydrate Conditioner 

Bursting with citrusy scents, Pureology has combined orange, citrus, pineapple and leafy greens to get a tangy, delicious, fruity aroma. This hydrating conditioner contains everything to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy, and it’s packed with natural ingredients, including sage leaf extract. 

9. Herbal Essences Jojoba Oil and Lavender Curls Conditioner

Rows and rows of blooming, purple lavender stretch as far as the eye can see, filling the air with the earthy, herbal and floral scents. Herbal essences has bottled this experience and bought it to you so that you can immerse yourself in the indulgent aroma without having to leave the comfort of your home. This conditioner softens your hair all the way down to the roots, leaving you with luscious locks. 

10. Philosophy Fresh Cream Conditioner 

Sometimes simple is better and this conditioner hits in all the right places. Scented with vanilla, this Philosophy Fresh Cream Conditioner smells like it’s just been freshly whipped and ready to be served right next to your favorite dessert. But what’s more is this product is a 3-in-1 so your whole body can smell like fresh cream. 

11. Dani Naturals Passion Fruit Conditioner 

In smoothies, muffins, cocktails, popsicles or enjoyed on its own, passionfruit doesn’t disappoint. So why not enjoy it in this incredible repairing conditioner where the smell never has to leave you. The passion fruit fragrance is created using a blend of essential oils that’s paraben and phthalate free. 

12. Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Conditioner 

Clean and green, Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Conditioner incorporates the best ingredients that add volume to your hair. By infusing this conditioner with the herby scent of rosemary paired with the fresh spice of mint and finished with the cool and refreshing cucumber, Aveeno has created an aroma that’s musky and feminine, perfect for everyone. 

13. Ethique The Guardian Nourishing Solid Conditioner Bar

Escape to an island getaway with Ethique’s environmentally friendly conditioner bar. Created using lime oil, this bar is a citrus explosion, tangy and vibrant, contrasted with smooth and silky coconut oil enlightening your senses. Conditioner bars are not only good for the environment but they last longer and give you an even wash so every strand can smell incredible. 

14. Dove Smoothness and Shine Conditioner 

Dove Smoothness and Shine Conditioner does exactly that, with almond oil being a prominent ingredient that adds shine. But the best part of this conditioner is the mango butter. Mango butter has a strong, captivating aroma. Sweet, fresh and fruity, the fragrance is one you never knew you needed. 

15. Pantene Miracle Moisture Boost Conditioner With Rose Water

Take a trip to a blossoming flower garden, lined with flourishing roses. Pantene’s Miracle Moisture Boost Conditioner With Rose Water is enticing with a strong floral fragrant that leaves your hair fresh and smelling fabulous for days. Made with rose water, this conditioner locks in moisture to keep your hair hydrated and feeling soft and silky. 

What shampoo and conditioner is best for your hair?

Choosing the best smelling shampoo and conditioner leaves you hair smelling incredible, but it’s also important to choose shampoo and conditioner based on your hair type. 

Oily Hair 

Excess oil is a natural process caused by a buildup of sebum, a protective oil that your body produces. Even though this a natural process, some shampoos and conditioners help minimize the oily buildup that occurs. If you’re finding that your hair is getting oily and greasy soon after it’s been washed, then you should be opting for a shampoo and conditioner that helps get rid of this extra oil. The best smelling shampoos and conditioners for oily hair are: 

• Blu Atlas Shampoo
• Public Goods Shampoo Bar 
• Blu Atlas Conditioner 
• Philosophy Fresh Cream Conditioner 

Dry Hair

Dry hair is irritating. It can make your scalp flakey and itchy or make your hair frizzy and dull. Either way, having dry hair is not what anyone wants. Dry hair can be caused by your environment, whether it’s a cold and dry winter or a hot summer. It can also be caused by the shampoo and conditioner that you choose to use. When looking for your next shampoo and conditioner, you should be focused on ones that hydrate your hair and lock in moisture. The best smelling shampoos and conditioners for dry hair are:

• L’Oréal Paris – Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo
• Kérastase Bain Après-Soleil
• Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo
• Garnier Whole Blends 
• Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
• Pureology Hydrate Conditioner 
• Dove Smoothness and Shine Conditioner 
• Pantene Miracle Moisture Boost Conditioner With Rose Water

Color Treated Hair

Color treated hair can be hard to look after as the color may be damaging to your hair. Aside from that, you want to ensure that the color is long-lasting. Color protecting shampoos aim to increase the length of time that the color stays in your hair. Additionally these shampoos and conditioners help repair your hair and cover up any harm that was caused by the dye. So if you dye your hair often, you should definitely be investing in a good quality and good smelling color treatment shampoo and conditioner. 

The best smelling shampoos and conditioners for colored hair are:

• Aveeno Blackberry Quinoa Protein Blend 
• Love Beauty and Planet Melon Water and Hyaluronic Micellar Conditioner
• Herbal Essences Jojoba Oil and Lavender Curls Conditioner

Curly Hair 

Curly hair can be hard to manage, but it’s so worth the effort! From tightly coiled curls to loose waves, if you have curly hair, you need to use a shampoo and conditioner that’s made for curls. Using shampoo and conditioner for curly hair makes your curls look luscious and effortless, and ensures that your hair is easy to manage. Additionally, the correct shampoo and conditioner helps your curls stay looking good for longer. The best smelling shampoos and conditioners for curly hair are:

• Herbal Essences Sulfate Free Mango + Potent Aloe Shampoo
• Bumble and Bumble Surf Ocean Rinse Conditioner 
• Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Conditioner 

Fine Hair 

Fine hair needs to be well looked after as it’s more breakable and prone to damage. And while having fine hair does have its negatives, if you take the time to treat it properly and give it the attention it deserves, it can be soft, silky and shiny. Often volumizing shampoos and conditioners are best for fine hair as they create the illusion that you have thick hair and give it the volume that your hair craves. The best smelling shampoos and conditioners for fine hair are:

• John Masters Organics Shampoo for Normal Hair With Lavender Rosemary 
• Gisou Honey Infused Hair Wash 
• Taliah Waajid Green Apple and Aloe Leave in Conditioner 
• TRESemme 24 Hour Body Volumizing Conditioner 
• Ethique The Guardian Nourishing Solid Conditioner Bar

Damaged Hair 

When your hair is damaged, often you will get told that the only way to repair it is to cut it off and start fresh, but for many this isn’t the solution that they need. Instead depending on the type of damage to your hair, a simple change of shampoo and conditioner can make your hair look new again. From split ends to strands falling out, damaged hair not only looks unhealthy but it feels unhealthy too, so if your hair is struggling try shampoo and conditioner that is designed to make your hair healthy again. The best shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair are:

• R+Co – On a Cloud 
• OUAI Anti-dandruff shampoo
• Neutrogena healthy Scalp Clarify and Shine Shampoo with Pink Grapefruit 
• Pantene Coconut Milk and Avocado 
• Malin + Goetz Cilantro Conditioner 
• Dani Naturals Passion Fruit Conditioner 

What scent is right for you?

Choosing what scent is right for you is sometimes a tricky task. While it is easy to spot which shampoos and conditioners smell good, it is sometimes not that easy to pick which type of smell you want. We have broken down the best smelling shampoos and conditioners into seven categories so that you can choose the scent that you want.

The first category and usually the most popular is fruity. This can range from tropical fruits including mango and pineapple to summer berries such as strawberries and blackberries to fall fruits including apple and pear. Fruity shampoos and conditioners are fresh and sweet. The best smelling fruity shampoos and conditioners are: 

• Blu Atlas Shampoo 
• Blu Atlas Conditioner 
• L’Oréal Paris – Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo
• L’Oréal Paris – Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner
• Pantene Coconut Milk and Avocado 
• Aveeno Blackberry Quinoa Protein Blend 
• Herbal Essences Sulfate Free Mango + Potent Aloe Shampoo
• Taliah Waajid Green Apple and Aloe Leave in Conditioner 
• Love Beauty and Planet Melon Water and Hyaluronic Micellar Conditioner
• TRESemme 24 Hour Body Volumizing Conditioner 
• Dani Naturals Passion Fruit Conditioner 
• Dove Smoothness and Shine Conditioner 

The second category is one for you men out there who want to smell incredible but are also too masculine for the feminine hints of floral and fruity. Musky scents can be described as warm, sweet and powerful with subtle underlying tones. If you are looking for a musky scented shampoo and conditioner these ones are the best for you:

• R+Co On a Cloud 
• Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
• Taliah Waajid Green Apple and Aloe Leave in Conditioner 
• Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Conditioner 

On the other hand if you are looking for something more feminine, floral is the perfect scent. Fresh, creamy, sweet and soft, floral has a range of possibilities with each flower having a unique but equally wonderful smell. The best smelling floral shampoo and conditioners are:

• Kérastase Bain Après-Soleil
• R+Co On a Cloud 
• Shu Uemura Cleansing oil shampoo
• Public Goods Shampoo Bar 
• TRESemme 24 Hour Body Volumizing Conditioner 
• Herbal Essences Jojoba Oil and Lavender Curls Conditioner
• Pantene Miracle Moisture Boost Conditioner with Rose Water

Earthy scents don’t sound very appealing as many think of dirt and grass but what people forget is that there are a lot more to earthy scents. Lemon grass, sandalwood and pine, earthy scents are extremely fresh and exciting. The best smelling shampoos and conditioners that have an earthy tone are:

• L’Oréal Paris – Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo
• L’Oréal Paris – Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner
• Gisou Honey Infused Hair Wash 
• Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
• Malin + Goetz Cilantro Conditioner 
• Philosophy Fresh Cream Conditioner 

Similar to earthy, herb-inspired scents are fresh and remind us of the best of nature. From sweet and spicy mint to strong and woody rosemary, herby scents are fresh and complex, and are suitable all year round. The best herb smelling shampoos and conditioners are:

• OUAI Anti-dandruff Shampoo
• John Masters Organics Shampoo for Normal Hair With Lavender Rosemary 
• Public Goods Shampoo Bar 
• Malin + Goetz Cilantro Conditioner 
• Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Conditioner 

If you love the smell of summer, and are after a beachy scent, these shampoos and conditioners are best for you. The smell of summer is encapsulated in coconuts, salty waves and creamy ice cream. 

• Blu Atlas Shampoo 
• Blu Atlas Conditioner 
• Garnier Whole Blends 
• Bumble and Bumble Surf Ocean Rinse Conditioner 
• Ethique The Guardian Nourishing Solid Conditioner Bar
• Dove Smoothness and Shine Conditioner 

The final category is a combination of sweet and sour. Citrus has a unique fruity smell, but the sweetness is cut through by the tangy scent of the juice. Whether the citrus is grapefruit, oranges, mandarins, lemons or limes, citrus has a refreshing scent that pairs well with many other aromas. The best citrus based shampoos and conditioners are: 

• Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Clarify and Shine Shampoo With Pink Grapefruit 
• Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo
• Pureology Hydrate Conditioner 
• Ethique The Guardian Nourishing Solid Conditioner Bar