Let me tell you, if you’re hunting for a shampoo that smells like a dreamy rose garden, smooths your hair like silk, and doesn’t break the bank, Herbal Essences Rose Hips Shampoo is your new best friend.
I’ve been using it for months, and it’s transformed my hair from frizzy chaos to shiny, manageable perfection. Trust me, this cruelty-free, color-safe gem with rose hips, vitamin E, and jojoba extracts is worth every penny.
Ready to elevate your hair game? Grab a bottle and thank me later!
My Experience With Herbal Essences Rose Hips Shampoo
I’ll never forget the first time I popped open the bottle of Herbal Essences Rose Hips Shampoo.
The scent hit me like a wave of nostalgia, transporting me back to carefree days when life was simpler, and my hair was, frankly, a mess.
That luscious floral bouquet with rose petal top notes?
It’s like stepping into a blooming garden every time I shower.
I have thick, wavy hair that’s prone to tangles and frizz, so I was skeptical about whether this drugstore shampoo could deliver on its promises of smoothness and shine.
Spoiler alert: it did.
From the first wash, I noticed how easily the shampoo lathered up, creating a rich, foamy texture that made my hair feel instantly clean without that stripped, squeaky feeling. It’s infused with rose hips, vitamin E, and jojoba extracts, which sound fancy but work like magic to hydrate and detangle.
After rinsing, my hair felt softer, and when I paired it with the matching conditioner, the results were next-level. My waves looked defined, not poofy, and the shine was so noticeable that my friend asked if I’d gotten a salon treatment.
Nope, just a $5 shampoo doing its thing!
What I love most is how the scent lingers. I’ll catch whiffs of that floral goodness throughout the day, and it’s never overpowering—just fresh and uplifting. I wash my hair about three times a week, and this shampoo keeps it looking clean and vibrant without weighing it down.
Even my color-treated highlights stayed bright, which is a huge win for someone who dyes their hair as often as I do. The only hiccup? Once, my bottle arrived with a loose cap and leaked a bit during shipping. A quick tape fix, and I was back to my rose-scented bliss.
Pros of Herbal Essences Rose Hips Shampoo
Let’s break down why this shampoo has earned a permanent spot in my shower. It’s not just about the pretty bottle or the nostalgic vibe—there’s real substance here that makes it stand out.
- Heavenly Scent That Lasts
You know how some shampoos smell amazing in the bottle but fade the second you rinse?
Not this one.
The rose hips scent is a floral masterpiece—think delicate rose petals with a hint of sweetness.
It’s strong enough to make your shower feel like a spa but subtle enough not to clash with your perfume.
I’ve had strangers compliment the scent hours after washing, and that’s a confidence boost I didn’t know I needed.
- Smooths and Detangles Like a Dream
If your hair is a tangle-prone nightmare like mine, this shampoo is a game-changer. The blend of rose hips, vitamin E, and jojoba extracts works to hydrate and soften each strand, making it easier to comb through wet hair.
I used to dread brushing out my waves post-shower, but now it’s a breeze. My hair feels silky, and the smoothness lasts until my next wash, even in humid weather.
- Color-Safe and Gentle
As someone who loves experimenting with hair color, I’m picky about shampoos that won’t fade my dye job. This one is color-safe and pH-balanced, so my vibrant highlights stay intact.
It’s also dermatologist-tested and free of mineral oil and silicones, which means it’s gentle on my sensitive scalp. No itching or irritation here, just clean, healthy-feeling hair.
- Budget-Friendly Brilliance
Let’s talk value. Priced between $4 and $6 for a 13.5 oz bottle (or $8–$10 for the 29.2 oz jumbo), this shampoo delivers salon-quality results without the salon price tag. A little goes a long way, so even if you’re washing daily, one bottle lasts weeks.
Compare that to high-end brands charging $30 for half the size, and it’s a no-brainer.
- Cruelty-Free and Mindfully Made
I’m all about supporting brands that align with my values, and Herbal Essences checks the box with its PETA-certified cruelty-free status. No animals were harmed for my shiny hair, and that feels good.
Plus, the formula skips harsh ingredients like mineral oil and silicones, making it a cleaner choice for you and the planet.
Not-So-Good Parts of Herbal Essences Rose Hips Shampoo
No product is perfect, and while I’m obsessed with this shampoo, there are a few quirks you should know about before you buy.
- Contains Sulfates
The formula includes sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate, which are great for creating that satisfying lather but can be a dealbreaker for some. If you’re avoiding sulfates due to a sensitive scalp or curly hair that dries out easily, this might not be your best bet.
I haven’t had issues, but I know friends who switched to sulfate-free options for better moisture retention.
- May Not Control Frizz for Everyone
While it tames my waves, it’s not a miracle worker for all hair types. If you have super curly or coarse hair, you might still need a leave-in product or oil to keep frizz at bay.
Some users on Reddit mentioned that the shampoo left their ends feeling dry or dull, so you may need to experiment with the matching conditioner or a heavier moisturizer.
- Packaging Could Be Sturdier
I’ve seen a few complaints about leaky bottles during shipping, and I experienced this myself once. The cap design is functional but not foolproof, especially if the bottle gets tossed around in transit.
A quick fix is to tape it shut before shipping or opt for in-store pickup, but it’s a minor hassle.
- Scent Might Be Too Strong for Some
I adore the floral fragrance, but if you’re sensitive to scents or prefer something neutral, it could feel overwhelming.
A couple of reviews mentioned it lingering too long for their taste. My asthmatic friend found it triggered mild wheezing, so if you have respiratory issues, test it first.
Tips For Using Herbal Essences Rose Hips Shampoo
To get the most out of this shampoo, you’ve got to use it right. Here’s how I keep my hair looking its best with this rose-scented wonder.
- Pair with the Matching Conditioner: The shampoo is great on its own, but the Herbal Essences Rose Hips Conditioner takes it to another level. It seals in moisture, enhances detangling, and amplifies the scent. Apply it from mid-lengths to ends, let it sit for a minute, and rinse thoroughly. Your hair will thank you with extra softness and shine.
- Use a Clarifying Shampoo Monthly: Since this shampoo is so hydrating, it can leave a bit of buildup over time, especially if you use styling products. I use a clarifying shampoo once a month to reset my scalp and keep my hair feeling fresh. Just don’t overdo it, as clarifying can strip natural oils.
- Wash Smart for Your Hair Type: If you have oily hair like me, washing every other day keeps your scalp clean without drying out your ends. For dry or curly hair, stick to 1–2 times a week to preserve moisture. Use lukewarm water to avoid stripping oils, and finish with a cool rinse to boost shine.
- Protect Your Color: To maintain vibrant color, avoid hot water and excessive heat styling. I also use a leave-in detangler spray from Herbal Essences’ Smooth Collection to protect my highlights between washes. If you’re a frequent dyer, consider a color-protecting mask weekly to complement the shampoo.
- Store It Properly: To avoid leaks, store the bottle upright and ensure the cap is secure. If you’re traveling, pop it in a plastic bag or use a travel-sized version. I learned this the hard way after a shampoo explosion in my gym bag!
Comparison of Herbal Essences Rose Hips Shampoo With Other Brands
Let’s put Herbal Essences Rose Hips Shampoo head-to-head with some heavy hitters in the haircare world. I’ve tested tons of shampoos, and I’m breaking down how this floral gem stacks up against Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine, Dove Intensive Repair, and Pureology Pure Volume.
Each comparison dives into what makes them shine (or not) so you can pick the best for your hair.
- Herbal Essences Rose Hips Vs. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine
I grabbed Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine when I needed something to tame my frizzy waves on a budget.
It’s loaded with argan oil and promises 72 hours of frizz control, which sounds amazing, right?
In practice, it delivers a sleek finish for straight hair, but my oily scalp felt weighed down if I didn’t rinse it thoroughly.
The shampoo lathers well, but the sweet, fruity scent fades fast compared to the lingering rose petal magic of Herbal Essences.
Herbal Essences Rose Hips, with its rose hips, vitamin E, and jojoba extracts, feels lighter and cleans better without leaving residue.
It’s also silicone-free, unlike Garnier, which relies on silicones for that slippery smoothness.
Detangling is a breeze with Rose Hips, while Garnier sometimes left my ends a bit knotty. Price-wise, both are wallet-friendly at $4–$6 for similar sizes, but Herbal Essences’ cruelty-free status and floral scent give it the edge for me.
If you’re battling extreme frizz in humid climates, Garnier might have a slight advantage, but for everyday shine and freshness, Rose Hips wins.
- Herbal Essences Rose Hips Vs. Dove Intensive Repair
Dove Intensive Repair is my go-to when my hair’s feeling fried from too much heat styling.
Its keratin and nutrium moisture blend targets damage, promising stronger, healthier strands.
It’s great for split ends and leaves my hair soft, but the creamy formula can feel heavy on my wavy hair, making it look flat by day two.
The clean, slightly powdery scent is pleasant but doesn’t stick around like the floral burst of Herbal Essences Rose Hips.
Rose Hips, on the other hand, keeps my hair light and bouncy while still smoothing and detangling. Its color-safe, pH-balanced formula matches Dove’s gentleness, but it’s better for oily scalps like mine since it doesn’t weigh hair down.
Dove contains sulfates like Herbal Essences, so neither is ideal for sulfate-free fans, but Rose Hips skips silicones, which Dove leans into for repair. Both are priced similarly (around $5), but Herbal Essences feels more luxurious and aligns with my cruelty-free values.
If your hair’s severely damaged, Dove might be your pick; otherwise, Rose Hips offers versatile smoothness with a scent that steals the show.
- Herbal Essences Rose Hips Vs. Pureology Pure Volume
Pureology Pure Volume is a high-end shampoo I splurged on for my color-treated hair, hoping for lift and vibrancy.
Its sulfate-free formula with wheat protein and eucalyptus aims to add volume without stripping moisture, and it’s a favorite for fine, flat hair.
It delivers decent bounce and keeps my highlights vibrant, but at $30 for an 8.5 oz bottle, it’s a serious investment.
The herbal, slightly minty scent is refreshing but lacks the staying power of Rose Hips’ floral bouquet.
Herbal Essences Rose Hips, at a fraction of the cost ($4–$6 for 13.5 oz), matches Pureology’s color-safe promise and adds incredible shine. It’s not designed for volume, so Pureology has the upper hand if your hair’s limp, but Rose Hips’ detangling and smoothing powers are unmatched for my thicker waves.
The sulfate content in Herbal Essences might bother some, while Pureology’s sulfate-free formula is gentler for curly or dry hair.
Still, I get salon-like softness with Rose Hips without draining my wallet. For budget-conscious folks who want lush, manageable hair, Herbal Essences is the clear winner, though Pureology suits those prioritizing volume and sulfate-free care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely, it’s a fantastic choice for most hair types! It smooths, detangles, and adds shine thanks to rose hips, vitamin E, and jojoba extracts. It’s color-safe, pH-balanced, and gentle enough for daily use, though curly or dry hair might need extra moisture from the matching conditioner. My hair feels softer and looks shinier than ever.
Herbal Essences hasn’t been discontinued! Some older formulas, like the original from the ‘60s or ‘70s, were reformulated due to environmental or health concerns about ingredients like certain sulfates. The Rose Hips line was reintroduced as a nostalgic favorite with a cleaner, cruelty-free formula. It’s still widely available at stores like Walmart, Target, and Amazon.
Herbal Essences is generally good for your hair, especially if you want clean, shiny, and manageable locks. The Rose Hips Shampoo is free of silicones and mineral oil, making it a lighter option. However, the sulfates (sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate) can be drying for some curly or sensitive scalps. It’s a solid pick for oily, straight, or color-treated hair like mine.
No, Herbal Essences Rose Hips Shampoo is paraben-free, which is great for those avoiding these preservatives. It’s also free of mineral oil and silicones, aligning with cleaner beauty standards. Always check the label for the latest ingredient list, but as of now, it’s a paraben-free win.
Conclusion: Make The Switch To Rose Hips Bliss
If you want hair that’s smooth, shiny, and smells like a rose garden, Herbal Essences Rose Hips Shampoo is a must-try. It’s affordable, cruelty-free, and delivers results that rival pricier brands.
From detangling my wavy hair to keeping my color vibrant, it’s become my go-to. Don’t wait—grab a bottle, lather up, and enjoy the floral magic. Your hair deserves this!