Finding a shampoo that actually delivers on its promises feels like an endless cycle. I’ve tried countless “natural” and “clean” formulas that left my hair either too dry, too greasy, or just plain unimpressive. When I came across Routine Shampoo, with all its claims of clean ingredients, scalp balance, and salon-quality results, I decided it was worth a shot.
What Is Routine Shampoo?
Routine is a line of “clean” hair care products made with naturally derived ingredients, free from sulfates, parabens, and silicones. The brand pushes the idea of minimalism… fewer, safer ingredients designed to support long-term scalp and hair health. Their shampoo is marketed as being gentle enough for daily use, while still strong enough to remove buildup and leave hair looking refreshed. Prices generally range from $20–$30 per bottle, depending on size and where you buy it.
Why I Bought It
My main motivation was curiosity mixed with frustration. I wanted a shampoo that would cleanse without stripping my hair, especially since my scalp tends to get dry and flaky if a formula is too harsh. Routine Shampoo promised a balanced clean, so I figured it could be the middle ground I’d been looking for.
My Experience Using It
When my bottle arrived, the first thing I noticed was the packaging… it was sleek, simple, and gave off a premium vibe. The scent caught me off guard: it was subtle and herbal, not perfumey or overpowering. I liked that it smelled clean without trying too hard.
The first wash felt surprisingly light. It didn’t lather much, which is something that always makes me nervous because I associate suds with “clean.” But as I massaged it in, my scalp did feel refreshed. Rinsing it out was easy, and my hair didn’t feel coated or weighed down like with some “natural” shampoos I’ve tried before.
Over the first week, I noticed some positives: my scalp didn’t itch, my hair felt lighter, and I wasn’t dealing with that tight, stripped feeling I usually get with harsher shampoos. However, the shine and volume it promised didn’t fully show up for me. My hair was clean, yes, but it didn’t feel “transformed.”
By week three, I could definitely say it was a reliable shampoo, as my scalp stayed calmer, and my hair looked healthier overall, but it wasn’t a miracle product. On days when I skipped conditioner, my ends felt a little dry. And honestly, for the price point, I was expecting a bit more dramatic results.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Gentle, doesn’t strip scalp or cause irritation
- Clean ingredients with no harsh sulfates or silicones
- Subtle, fresh scent that isn’t overwhelming
- Lightweight feel without residue
Cons
- Doesn’t lather much (may feel like it’s not cleansing enough)
- Ends can feel dry without conditioner
- Pricey compared to drugstore shampoos
- Results are more “subtle improvement” than dramatic change
Is Routine Shampoo a Scam?
No… It’s a real product, not a scam. But whether it’s worth the money is another story. The marketing might make it sound life-changing, but in reality, it’s more of a “nice, gentle shampoo” than a miracle worker.
Alternatives
- Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo
- Avalon Organics Scalp Treatment Shampoo
- Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo
- SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo
Conclusion: Would I Recommend It?
Routine Shampoo isn’t bad, in fact, it’s one of the gentler natural shampoos I’ve tried, and I liked how it kept my scalp from feeling stripped. But it didn’t blow me away. For the price, I expected more dramatic results, and I think you can find similar (or better) shampoos at a lower cost. If scalp comfort and clean ingredients are your top priorities, it’s worth trying. Otherwise, I’d say skip it and look at more affordable alternatives.
Read my review of the trending Kitsch Shampoo