Is Prell Shampoo Good for Your Hair? Benefits and Verdict
Is Prell shampoo good for your hair? It can be, for the right hair type and used the right way. Prell is a classic, budget-friendly clarifying shampoo that cleans deeply and removes stubborn buildup. If you have oily or product-heavy hair, that thorough clean can leave your hair feeling genuinely fresh and light. Where it is less ideal is as an everyday shampoo for dry, curly, coily or colour-treated hair, because its strong cleansing can strip natural moisture. The trick is knowing when Prell is a good fit and when a gentler daily shampoo serves you better.
Key Takeaways
- Prell is a deep-cleaning clarifying shampoo, known for value and a thorough clean.
- It is genuinely good for oily hair, product buildup, and occasional clarifying washes.
- It is less suited to daily use on dry, curly, coily or colour-treated hair.
- Following it with a conditioner and not over-washing helps you get the benefits without the dryness.
- For everyday washing, a gentle sulfate-free shampoo is kinder to most hair types.
- Prell does not treat or cause hair loss, it is simply a cleansing product. See a GP for genuine shedding.
What makes Prell shampoo popular?
Prell launched in the late 1940s and has stayed recognisable ever since, thanks to its distinctive green formula and its no-frills reputation. It was never marketed as a luxury salon product. Instead it earned loyalty by doing one thing reliably: cleaning hair thoroughly and rinsing away grease and residue at an affordable price.
That simplicity is exactly why some people still reach for it. If your priority is a clean, fresh feeling and value for money rather than a spa-like experience, Prell delivers on its promise. It behaves like a clarifying shampoo, so it shines at removing the buildup that gentler shampoos can leave behind.
What are the benefits of Prell shampoo?
Used in the right situation, Prell has real strengths. Here is what it does well.
- Deep, thorough clean: it cuts through oil and grime effectively, leaving hair feeling squeaky clean.
- Removes product buildup: styling products, dry shampoo, hard-water minerals and pollution all wash away, which can revive limp, weighed-down hair.
- Rich lather: it foams generously, so a little goes a long way and it feels satisfying to use.
- Budget-friendly: it is inexpensive compared with many salon shampoos.
- Widely available: easy to find and simple to use, with no complicated routine required.
| Benefit | Best for |
|---|---|
| Deep clean and buildup removal | Oily scalps, frequent stylers, gym-goers, swimmers |
| Value for money | Anyone wanting a simple, affordable clarifying wash |
| Occasional reset | All hair types, roughly once a month between gentler washes |
What hair types is Prell good for?
Prell tends to be a good match when your hair leans oily or gets weighed down by product. Specifically, it suits:
- Oily or greasy hair: the strong cleanse keeps roots feeling fresh for longer.
- Fine hair prone to buildup: removing residue can restore body and bounce.
- Heavy product users: if you use gels, sprays or waxes, Prell clears them efficiently.
- Anyone needing an occasional clarify: even dry-haired people can use it now and then to reset buildup.
When is Prell not the best choice?
Being fair means naming the limits too. Prell is usually not the right everyday shampoo if your hair is dry, damaged, curly, coily or colour-treated, because its strong detergents can strip the moisture those hair types depend on. Frequent use can lead to dryness, frizz, faster colour fade and a rough feel. If that describes your hair, you will likely be happier with a gentler daily formula and Prell reserved for the occasional deep clean, if at all. We cover this side of the story in detail in our companion guide, is Prell shampoo bad for your hair?
How to get the best results from Prell
If Prell suits your hair, a few simple habits help you enjoy the deep clean without the dryness:
- Concentrate it on the scalp. Massage the lather into your roots where oil builds up, and let it rinse down the lengths rather than scrubbing the ends.
- Always follow with conditioner. A good conditioner replaces the slip and moisture that a strong cleanse removes.
- Do not over-wash. Every other day, or a few times a week, is plenty for most people. Daily strong cleansing is where dryness creeps in.
- Add a weekly mask if hair feels dry. A deep-conditioning treatment restores softness between washes.
- Eat well and go easy on heat. Healthy hair is built from the inside and protected from the outside.
Is there a gentler everyday alternative?
If you love a clean feeling but your hair does not enjoy being stripped, a sulfate-free daily shampoo gives you the best of both worlds: a proper clean that leaves more of your natural moisture behind. Our Grow Me shampoo is formulated for gentle, everyday use, with biotin, caffeine, rosemary and niacinamide to help hair look and feel fuller.
Grow Me® Sulfate-Free Shampoo – £14.95
A gentle, sulfate-free daily shampoo with biotin, caffeine, rosemary and niacinamide. Cleans thoroughly without stripping, for hair that looks and feels fuller. Vegan and made in the UK.
View Grow Me Shampoo
Condition Me® Conditioner – £13.95
A breakage-defence conditioner that smooths, softens and helps hair feel stronger. The ideal follow-up to any deep-cleansing wash.
View Condition Me ConditionerPrell vs a gentle everyday shampoo
| What you want | Reach for Prell | Reach for sulfate-free |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional deep clean | Yes, ideal | Optional |
| Everyday washing | Can be drying | Yes, ideal |
| Dry, curly or coloured hair | Use sparingly | Yes, kinder |
| Fuller-looking hair support | Not designed for it | Yes, formulated for it |
The verdict: is Prell good for your hair?
Prell is a good shampoo for what it is designed to do: deliver an affordable, thorough clean. For oily hair, product buildup, or the occasional deep clean, it is a sensible choice. It is not the best pick as an everyday shampoo for dry, curly, coily or colour-treated hair, where a gentler formula will keep your hair healthier over time. In short, Prell is good for your hair when it matches your hair type and you do not over-use it. If your hair needs daily gentleness, choose a sulfate-free shampoo and keep clarifying washes for the occasional reset.
For more everyday care ideas, see our tips on getting healthy hair and how to use conditioner properly.
Frequently asked questions
Is Prell shampoo good for oily hair?
Yes. Its strong cleansing action suits oily scalps well, keeping roots feeling fresh and removing excess grease effectively.
Is Prell safe for colour-treated hair?
It can fade cosmetic colour faster because of its strong detergents, so it is best avoided as a daily shampoo on coloured hair. Use it sparingly, if at all, and follow with conditioner.
How often should I use Prell shampoo?
For most people, occasional use works best, roughly once a month or when buildup makes hair feel heavy. Oily hair may use it more often, dry hair less.
Can Prell shampoo dry out my hair?
It can if used too frequently or on hair that is already dry or damaged. Following with a conditioner and not over-washing helps prevent that stripped feeling.
What should I use alongside Prell?
Always pair it with a good conditioner, and add a weekly hair mask if your hair tends to dryness. This replaces the moisture a deep clean removes.
Is a sulfate-free shampoo better than Prell?
For everyday washing and for most hair types, a sulfate-free shampoo is gentler and helps preserve natural moisture. Prell still has a place as an occasional clarifying wash.
Does Prell help hair grow?
Prell is a cleansing product, not a growth treatment. It neither causes nor cures hair loss. Healthy growth comes from overall scalp care, diet and, where needed, medical advice.
When should I see a professional?
If you notice significant shedding, bald patches, or a sore, persistently irritated scalp, see a GP, dermatologist or trichologist for tailored advice.
A gentle daily shampoo your hair will love
Keep Prell for the occasional deep clean, and switch your everyday wash to a kinder, sulfate-free routine. Over 5 million bottles sold since 2012, vegan and made in the UK.
Shop Grow Me Shampoo
