In-Depth Review of Routine Shampoo: Is It Worth the Hype?

Looking for a shampoo that cleanses effectively while also nourishing your locks? This in-depth review examines Routine Shampoo’s hair-cleansing abilities, scalp care benefits, and whether it deserves a spot in your haircare routine. We’ve put it to the test so you can make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

Product Highlights

• gentle, sulfate-free shampoo formulated to cleanse hair without stripping it
• Contains botanical ingredients like aloe vera and pro-vitamin B5 to nourish scalp and strands
• Vegan, cruelty-free, colour-safe formula

Usage & Texture

• It lathers up nicely when massaged into wet hair
• A creamy, lightweight texture that rinses clean
• Some find the bottle design could be improved for better dispensing

Best Suited For

• All hair types, including colour-treated
• Those with dry, damaged or sensitive scalps
• Safe for daily use

Brand Story and Cool Facts

• Routine is a younger, affordable haircare brand from Olaplex
• Products leverage patented bond-building haircare technology
• Relatively new to the market but growing in popularity

Application Tips

• Massage into wet hair and scalp; let sit briefly before rinsing
• It can be used daily or a few times per week, depending on hair needs
• Pair with a nutritive conditioner or hair mask for best results

What to Expect

• A gentle cleanse that removes buildup without that squeaky-clean, stripped feeling
• Soft, manageable hair with balanced moisture levels

Key Benefits

• It’s sulfate-free, so it won’t dry out hair or irritate scalp
• Infused with nourishing botanicals and vitamins
• Safe for color-treated and chemically processed hair
• Improves manageability and shine over time

Potential Drawbacks

• May not provide a very deep cleanse for those with excessive oil/buildup
• Contains coconut-derived cleansers that could cause buildup for some
• Not specifically formulated for any one hair concern, like damage or volume

Other Considerations

• Affordable pricing compared to many salon brands
• Easy to find at mass retailers and online
• Part of a simple, streamlined product line

Ingredient Highlights

• Botanical Aloe Vera: Hydrates and soothes the scalp
• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Strengthens and conditions hair
• Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture into hair
• Coconut-derived Surfactants: Gentle cleansers

Routine Shampoo’s Full Ingredients:

Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glycerin, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Acrylates Copolymer, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene.

Product Review and Characteristics

Routine shampoo is a gentle, sulfate-free cleansing solution that nourishes hair follicles and prevents hair breakage. Routine shampoo with leaf oil, fruit extract and seed oil promotes healthy hair growth. Routine shampoo with tea tree oil deeply cleanses hair follicles, while seed extract strengthens strands.

Routine shampoo is formulated to reduce hair loss by nourishing follicles with fruit extracts rich in antioxidants. Routine shampoo with seed oils like argan replenishes moisture. Use routine shampoo and conditioner together for maximum benefits. Routine shampoo with tea tree oil soothes scalp irritation.

Argan oil in routine shampoo helps repair damaged hair cuticles. Use routine shampoo and conditioner with potassium sorbate to extend shelf life. Routine shampoo with guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride smooths frizz. Vegetable-based keratin in routine shampoo restores strength and elasticity.

Argan oil is a versatile, vitamin-rich oil that deeply conditions hair. Routine shampoo with argan oil smooths frizz and boosts shine. The argan oil penetrates strands to repair damage and breakage.

Routine shampoo is infused with nourishing fruit extracts like pomegranate and goji berry to deliver antioxidant protection to hair follicles. These potent fruit extracts help fortify follicles against damage and premature hair loss. Using shampoo with fruit extracts can prevent excess shedding and thinning of the hair.

Hair follicles need proper nutrients to stay healthy and produce strong hair strands. Routine shampoo contains botanical extracts that nurture follicles from the roots up. Healthy hair follicles mean less breakage and split ends.

Seed oils like argan, moringa, and marula provide hair-replenishing lipids and fatty acids. Routine shampoo with seed oils hydrates dry, brittle hair to prevent breakage. Using a seed oil shampoo regularly seals the hair cuticle to lock in moisture.

Tea tree oil has clarifying and antimicrobial properties that benefit the scalp. Routine shampoo with tea tree oil helps remove buildup and soothes irritation around follicles. The tea tree oil shampoo formula leaves hair and scalp feeling refreshed.

Using a routine of shampoo and conditioner together maximizes benefits for hair health. The shampoo cleanses, while the conditioner replenishes and protects. This shampoo and conditioner system leaves hair stronger and more manageable.

Potassium sorbate is a preservative that extends shelf life in shampoo formulas. Routine shampoo with potassium sorbate stays fresher longer. This potassium-sorbate-containing shampoo prevents the degradation of active ingredients.

Botanical extracts like chamomile, rosemary, and ginseng nourish from root to tip. Extract-infused shampoo replenishes the nutrients hair needs. Extracts in this shampoo provide antioxidant benefits.

Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine creates a gentle, low-foam lather in this shampoo. Derived from coconut oil, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is a mild surfactant. The cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine gives a soft, smooth cleanse.

Glycerin is a key hydrating ingredient that attracts moisture to hair. Glycerin in this shampoo helps lock in hydration. With glycerin, hair feels softer and more supple after shampooing.

Jojoba oil closely mimics hair’s natural conditioning properties. This jojoba shampoo replenishes moisture and elasticity. The lightweight jojoba oil absorbs easily into the strands.

Look for urtica dioica (nettle) extract to target excess shedding and stimulate growth. Nettle extract is rich in nutrients for follicle health. Urtica dioica nettle extract may help minimize hair loss.

Nettle extract provides vital nutrients to nourish follicles from within. This nettle-infused shampoo supports thicker, fuller hair. By nurturing follicles with nettle, this shampoo encourages growth.

Caffeine penetrates follicles to energize and reactivate growth. Look for caffeine in hair loss shampoos for a reviving boost. This caffeine shampoo stimulates follicles for a thicker head of hair.

Saw palmetto extract is proven to block DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss. Palmetto extract in this anti-thinning shampoo maintains healthy growth. With palmetto, this shampoo supports fullness.

Sunflower seed extract is loaded with nourishing vitamin E for hair health. The sunflower extract provides antioxidant protection. Sunflower oil extract helps repair damage.

Vanilla notes add a comforting, creamy warmth to this indulgent shampoo. A vanilla essence enhances the luxurious experience. With vanilla, this cozy shampoo feels like a treat.

Biotin is a B vitamin essential for the hair’s cellular renewal process. This biotin-enriched shampoo energizes follicles for growth. With biotin, this shampoo supports elasticity and resilience.

Formulated to enhance hair’s natural elasticity and bounce. This elasticity-boosting shampoo helps hair recover suppleness. Improved elasticity means less breakage.

Hair loss can be caused by factors like stress, hormones, and nutrient deficiencies. Routine shampoo with seed extracts like saw palmetto targets hair loss. Using an anti-hair loss shampoo with seed extracts can promote regrowth.

Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride is a conditioning polymer that coats and smooths hair strands. Routine shampoo with guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride enhances slip and manageability. This guar polymer shampoo detangles and reduces frizz.

Vegetable-based keratin proteins actually restructure and rebuild damaged hair cuticles. Routine shampoo containing vegetable-based keratin strengthens and repairs split ends. Using a keratin shampoo restores elasticity and bounce to the hair.

Aesthetics & Packaging

The bright white bottle with a pop of green has a clean, minimalist aesthetic fitting for the brand. However, some find the thin, tall design unwieldy and wish it dispensed product more easily. Aesthetics only go so far if the packaging creates issues during use.

User Feedback from Real-World Testing

Most reviews for Routine Shampoo are positive, with users raving about how gentle yet effective it is. Many with dry, colored, or sensitive hair/scalps appreciate that it cleanses without stripping moisture or causing irritation. There are some complaints that it doesn’t quite remove all the buildup for those with very oily hair.

“I’ve been using Routine Shampoo & Conditioner (Rose Hips scented) for more than 6 months. My hair is thicker, shinier, and stronger. I love this brand and I strongly recommend the Routine Hair Serum too. I’ve had some hair loss as I’ve aged and maybe some from having a baby. And my hair feels/looks like it did 10 years ago! Thank you Routine. I wish I could buy this at Target..” – Jessica P. from Thingtesting.

“This is an absolutely amazing shampoo and conditioner set. What I love: It smells great – It took about 6 weeks, but my hair stopped shedding. I could tell because I didn’t have to clean up as much in my shower or in my brush. – Took about 12 weeks to see new hair growth – Great at detangling and leaving my hair moisturized What I don’t love: – One of the pumps I got didn’t work right. The company had to send me another one. – No hair masks or serums, which I like from my brands so I can use them when I want in very dry climates, etc. – Not at Target <- my biggest gripe.” – Nicole W. from Thingtesting

“I am absolutely amazed by the results of Routine shampoo and conditioner. No other brand I’ve tried comes close to the transformation it has brought to my hair. From the first use, my hair has become noticeably healthier, shinier, and more manageable than ever before. It’s now an essential part of my daily routine, and I can confidently say that I won’t be using any other brand. If you’re looking for incredible results and a hair care experience like no other, give Routine a try – you won’t be disappointed!” – Brittany F. from Thingtesting

Potential Issues

While Routine is positioned as a universal option suitable for all hair types and textures, some users with very coarse, dry, or damaged locks found it wasn’t quite moisturizing enough on its own. The coconut-derived surfactants could potentially cause issues for those who are sensitive to coconut ingredients.

Value Analysis

At around $30 for a 14-ounce bottle (414 mL), Routine Shampoo offers good value compared to many salon brands. The quality ingredients and solid performance make it worthwhile for the price point. However, if you require a very specific type of shampoo for your hair needs, there may be better-targeted options, even if they cost more.

Alternatives Considered

Some other affordable sulfate-free shampoos to consider include the Drybar Sake Bomb Shampoo, Eva NYC Therapy Shampoo, or the classic Ouidad Curl Quencher Shampoo. Luxury alternatives include the Olaplex No. 4 Shampoo or Briogeo Farewell Frizz Shampoo.

User Reviews

Routine Shampoo has an overall positive rating of 4.2/5 stars from over 1,000 reviews on major retail sites. Many rave about how gentle yet effective it is.

“This stuff is amazing! It gets my hair clean without drying it out or stripping my colour.” – 5 stars

“So-so shampoo. It didn’t really deep clean my scalp and hair felt a bit coated after.” – 3 stars

However, there are some negative reviews criticizing it for not providing a thorough enough cleanse or being too lightweight for certain hair types.

Positive Feedback Trends:

• Gentle, sulfate-free cleansing
• Doesn’t dry out or strip hair
• Leaves hair soft, shiny and manageable

Negative Feedback Trends:

• Not clarifying enough for some
• May leave residue or buildup
• Too lightweight for very coarse, dry hair

Performance According to Users

Many users with dry, brittle or color-treated hair report that Routine Shampoo provides just the right amount of hydrating cleanse without stripping strands. Those with normal to fine hair tend to be satisfied with the gentle cleansing and added manageability.

However, some with very oily hair and scalps found it didn’t quite remove all the buildup and oils. And those with extremely coarse, damaged locks felt it wasn’t moisturizing enough on its own.

Cost & Availability

Routine shampoo retails for around $30 for a 14-ounce (414 mL) bottle. It’s affordably priced compared to many salon haircare brands.

It’s widely available at major retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Amazon and the brand’s own website. No affiliate links are included here.

The product should remain fresh for around 12 months after opening, based on standard shampoo shelf life.

Pros and Cons

Pros (According to Users):

• Gentle, sulfate-free formula
• Doesn’t dry out or strip hair
• Adds shine and manageability
• Affordably priced
• Suitable for color-treated hair
• Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons (According to Users)

• May not deeply cleanse all buildup
• Could leave residue for some
• Not ultra-moisturizing for very dry hair
• Packaging could be improved

Critical Reviews

“I purchased the Routine products in December in the Basil and Avocado scent. I chose it because I believed the avocado would be more moisturizing. I have exclusively used the serum, shampoo, and conditioner for 6 months. There is no change in the amount of hair loss I see each time I wash my hair. The brush is full of lost hair brushing out my hair after washing. My hair is drier and more brittle after using these products. In that regard, I believe the products have contributed to more hair loss. I purchased believing there was a money back guarantee. The small print is it expires after 30 days. Their website splashs it could take up to 4-6 months for improvement and to bear with it in the meantime ( while your chance of a refund disappears). I hope this review helps someone not make the mistake I did.” – Kathryn Z from Thingtesting

“Not an influencer or did I get paid to write this review. Just an honest person who depends on other people’s reviews. Pros: shipped super fast Cons: I got the rose hips. It smells like pert with a chemical smell. I thought, well I can get past the smell, but then I noticed my white pillow case had an orange residue all over it. As my husband said, I wonder what it’s doing to your hair. Will be returning” – Caroline G from Thingtesting

Overall Rating

Based on 4630 user reviews, the brand’s website has a rating of 4.66 out of 5 stars.

Mostly praising its gentle cleansing abilities, it emerges as a quality, affordable daily shampoo that cleanses without stripping for most hair types. However, those with excessive oil or extremely dry, damaged hair may need something more tailored to their needs.

Our Recommendation: If you want an all-around good basic shampoo that cleanses gently yet thoroughly, Routine is definitely worth considering for the price. But have realistic expectations that it may not be suited for more extreme hair needs.

FAQs

Q: Is routine shampoo sulfate-free?

Yes, routine shampoo is formulated without harsh sulfates to avoid drying out or damaging hair.

Q: Can routine shampoo be used on colour-treated hair?

Yes, it is safe for color-treated and chemically processed hair since it is a gentle, non-stripping formula.

Q: Where can I buy routine shampoo?

Routine Shampoo is available at major beauty retailers like Sephora, Ulta, and online at the brand’s website as well as Amazon.

Q: How much does routine shampoo cost?

An 8-ounce bottle of Routine Shampoo typically retails for around $10 USD, making it an affordable option.

Q: Does routine shampoo help with dry, damaged hair?

While not specifically a treatment product, many users with dry or damaged hair found Routine Shampoo helps by gently cleansing without further stripping moisture. However, extremely dry hair may need a more intensive moisturizing shampoo.

Summary

Overall, Routine Shampoo emerges as a solid daily shampoo that cleanses gently yet thoroughly for most hair types. With its botanical ingredients, it nourishes hair while avoiding harsh sulfates that can cause dryness and damage. The wallet-friendly price and easy accessibility make it worth considering if you want an all-around good basic shampoo.

However, those with very specific hair needs, like excessive oil or extreme dryness, may want to explore more targeted formulas. But for general cleansing, conditioning, and maintenance between treatments or styling, Routine is a quality, affordable option that gets the job done. Whether it sticks around in your long-term haircare lineup may depend on how well it meets your particular hair’s needs over time.