11 Best Shampoos For Dry And Damaged Hair, Expert-Approved (2024)
Try these shampoos to restore the shine, softness, and health of your damaged hair.
Tere PruettCT, PBT 
Tere Pruett is a certified trichologist from the United States Trichology Institute, with 9 years of experience. She also has a graduate education in phlebotomy. She is a master educator for the United States Trichology Institute and began ... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
aditi naskarMA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
arshiya syedaBA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Experience: 7 yearsArshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articl... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Taking care of damaged hair requires a complete regimen, but it all starts by picking up the best shampoo for damaged hair. Factors like heat styling, pollution, chemical products, stress, aging, and improper diet make hair weak and prone to damage. And this is where you can start using strengthening and repairing shampoo to bring back your damaged hair to life.
Tere Pruett, certified trichologist, says, “Using any type of chemical on the hair can cause the hair to have less strength. Always maintain proper protein in the hair, after all, our hair is made of about 88% protein.”
The best shampoos for damaged hair are enriched with ceramides, lipids, nourishing oils, antioxidants, and various proteins that fix your hair, making them shiny, soft, and healthy. They are gentle and restorative and need not be paired with preconditioners. Scroll down to find the 11 best shampoos for damaged hair.
In This Article
11 Best Shampoos For Damaged Hair To Prevent Hair Breakage – 2024
1. Best Overall: REDKEN Extreme Shampoo
The REDKEN Extreme Shampoo is one of the best shampoos for dry, damaged hair that is loaded with proteins and other essential nutrients to nourish distressed hair. It improves hair health and reduces breakage, and split ends. The shampoo contains arginine that conditions the scalp and sepicap to strengthen the hair roots and prevent hair fall.
The soy protein in the formula locks in moisture and boosts hair volume, while ceramides restore natural shine and prevent hair breakage. This product also contains an RCT Protein Complex to keep the hair healthy, hydrated, and moisturized, preventing it from turning brittle. The hair cleanser claims to reduce breakage by up to 75% with regular use and keep the hair soft, smooth, and detangled. Check out the tester’s experience of using the REDKEN Extreme Shampoo in this video.
Key Ingredients: Argenine, Sepicap, Soy Protein, Ceramides, and RCT Protein Complex
Pros
- Reduces hair breakage
- Protein-rich
- Prevents split ends
- Cleanses hair roots
- Detangles frizzy hair
Cons
- Expensive
- Contains MEA
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 10,154 reviews claiming its efficacy.
2. Best Silicone-Free: Nexxus KERAPHIX Shampoo
The Nexxus KERAPHIX Shampoo helps improve hair resilience. It contains PROTEINFUSION Complex and keratin that deeply condition, nourish, and strengthen damaged and color-treated hair. The black rice extract helps minimize breakage. This shampoo hydrates and softens the hair strands and minimizes frizz to make them appear voluminous and healthy. So, go test it out to make your hair healthy, soft, and shiny!
Key Ingredients: Keratin, Black rice, and PROTEINFUSION Complex
Pros
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Provides deep conditioning
- Heals damaged strands
- Strengthens hair roots
- Silicon-free
- Pleasant fragrance
- Clinically proven
Cons
- Not suitable for oily hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 7,484 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
3. Best Fragrance: L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo
The L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo has a creamy formula that thoroughly cleanses and freshens the hair. This drugstore shampoo contains vitamins B3 and B5 to strengthen the hair and reduce split ends and castor oil that fortifies the scalp and hair to nourish them without weighing your hair down.
This shampoo moisturizes the hair and protects it from heat damage up to 450°F. It detangles the hair and reduces hair breakage. It has a refreshing candy-like fragrance with notes of pomegranate, milk sorbet, and caramel orchid. You can check out multiple customer reviews on Amazon to learn more about this product.
Key Ingredients: Castor oil and Vitamins B3 and B5
Pros
- Repairs split ends
- Vitamin-infused
- Softens the hair
- Paraben-free
- Safe for colored hair
- Affordable
- Detangles hair
Cons
- May make hair oily
Pro TipREDKEN Extreme Shampoo Best Overall | Nexxus KERAPHIX Shampoo Best Silicone-Free | L'Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo Best Fragrance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Damaged | Damaged | Damaged |
| Dimensions | 3.15 x 3.15 x 9.76 inches | 3.36 x 3.36 x 10.12 inches | 1.7 x 3.22 x 8.25 inches |
| Weight | 2.27 Pounds | 2.11 Pounds | 14.2 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 10,154 | 7,484 | 23,262 |
| Price | $7 | $18.97 | $3.99 |
4. Best Sulfate-Free: OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy Shampoo
The OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy Shampoo smoothens and strengthens even coarse hair. It contains a blend of coconut oil, the essence of tiare, and vanilla bean extract to provide intense hydration to revive and repair damaged hair strands.
This moisturizing shampoo is ideal for taming frizz and flyaways as it helps soften your hair while adding shine and bounce. It has a refreshing fragrance – a blend of coconut, white peach, and shea butter scents – that leaves your hair smelling irresistibly good after every wash. It is safe for use on all hair types, including color-treated hair. It is clinically proven to reduce hair breakage up to 82% in a single use. If you want a detailed visual analysis of the product, check out this hair care enthusiast’s review.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Essence of tiare, and Vanilla bean extract
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- No harsh chemicals
- Suits all hair types
- Smoothens hair
- Affordable
Cons
- May feel greasy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 456 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
5. Best Moisturizing: SheaMoisture Moisture Retention Shampoo
The Moisture Retention Shampoo by SheaMoisture fortifies and repairs damaged hair. It contains shea butter to condition the hair and scalp, argan oil to restore shine and improve hair elasticity, and mineral-rich sea kelp to nourish and smoothen the hair. This organic moisturizing shampoo provides intense hydration and improves luster and hair strength. It is best for type 3 and 4, damaged, transitioning, and natural hair. Amazon reviewers recommend the product due to its organic formulation that makes your hair soft and manageable.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Argan oil, and Sea kelp
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Contains botanical extracts and natural oils
- Contains organic ingredients
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Petrochemical-free
- Phthalate-free
- No animal testing
- Propylene glycol-free
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 976 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
6. Best For Preventing Breakage: Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo
The Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo is formulated with antioxidant-rich argan oil and keratin to repair damaged and dull hair. This highly enriching formula aids in restructuring distressed, damaged, and broken hair strands with keratin proteins to give your hair a boost of nourishment and strength. The shampoo is gentle on the hair and effectively deeply cleanses the scalp to enhance hair’s manageability and keep the hair healthy.
The fatty acids in the formula help in healing and strengthening damaged hair strands to prevent them from causing hair breakage. The formula also prevents dead and split ends and caters to restoring the elasticity, vitality, shine, and moisture of your hair. The shampoo gives your hair a healthier look and feel.
Pros
- Antioxidant properties
- Prevents breakage and dead ends
- Keratin-infused
- Nourishes and moisturizes
- Restores elasticity
- Ideal for damaged hair
- Lathers richly
- Sulfate-free
- Phosphate-free
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- May cause slight hair loss
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 10,087 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
7. Best Long-Lasting Results: Living proof Restore Shampoo
The Living Proof Restore Shampoo is a therapeutic, conditioning leave-in treatment that transforms dry and damaged hair and is safe for color-treated hair. It is formulated with Healthy Hair Molecule that conditions the hair and mild amino acids that gently cleanse without drying. These two ingredients work together to restore and repair damaged cuticles and repel dirt and oil to keep the hair cleaner for a long period. Phytantriol and marine algae content in the formula protects the hair from environmental damage.
Key Ingredients: Healthy Hair Molecule and Amino acids
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Silicone-free
- Safe for chemically treated hair
- Color-safe
- No animal testing
- Reduces hair breakage
Cons
- Expensive
"I love how revitalized my hair feels after I wash it with this shampoo. It revitalizes my hair and strengthens it from the roots. The formula tames my flyaways and gives my hair a healthy shine. It also reduces my split ends. My hair looks clean and feels soft to the touch after using this shampoo."
8. Best Plant-Based: ApHogee Shampoo for Damaged Hair
This shampoo by ApHogee is an everyday color-safe product for damaged hair. It is infused with hydrolyzed vegetables, wheat, and soy proteins, emollients, and essential vitamins that restore scalp and hair health, improve shine, and hydrate and protect the fragile hair strands. The shampoo gently cleanses permed, relaxed, and colored hair without drying. It also protects the hair from UV damage to maintain the hair texture and ensure it feels soft, silky, and healthy.
Key Ingredients: Vegetable, soy, and wheat proteins
Pros
- Restores shine
- Strengthens hair
- Pleasant smell
- Affordable
- Maintains pH balance
- Suits extensions and weaves
Cons
- Contains SLS
"This shampoo repairs my damaged tresses and restores their natural shine and strength. It lathers easily on my hair. The formula also softens my brittle strands. It never leaves residues between my strands."
9. Best Cruelty-Free: VIRTUE Recovery Shampoo
The Virtue Recovery Shampoo is a high-power hair treatment that improves hair texture, softness, and overall health. It contains alpha keratin that binds to the damaged hair, filling the cracks to strengthen, stabilize, and soften the hair.
The hydrolyzed quinoa in the formula enhances color, retains moisture, and restores shine, while the baobab seed oil hydrates the hair. The shampoo also contains antioxidant-rich grapefruit extract to improve hair vibrancy. It helps reverse damage caused by heat styling, color, and chemical treatment. So what are you waiting for? Test it out today!
Key Ingredients: Alpha keratin, Hydrolyzed quinoa, Baobab seed oil, and Grapefruit extract
Pros
- Contains organic ingredients
- Improves elasticity
- Enhances hair texture
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- No synthetic color
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Strong fragrance
- Expensive
10. Best For Organic Ingredients: BONDI BOOST Rapid Repair Shampoo
The BONDI BOOST Rapid Repair Shampoo is packed with the goodness of natural and organic ingredients. The formula contains a natural functional complex and chamomile extract, which seals the hair cuticles and aids in strengthening the hair.
Panthenol helps in boosting the hair’s elasticity and manageability, while macadamia nut oil, a rich source of fatty acids, intensely nourishes and conditions your hair. These natural and organic functional ingredients help in enhancing your hair’s overall condition by repairing split ends and preventing breakage. The nourishing ingredients in this formulation make it one of the best. Several reviewers recommend using this product if you struggle with split ends and rough texture.
Pros
- Repairing and restorative properties
- Prevents split ends
- Gentle formula
- Boosts hydration
- Best for damaged and brittle hair
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- PETA certified
- Silicone-free
- Sulphate-free
- Paraben-free
- Sodium chloride-free
- Ethoxylate-free
- Paragon-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- Petrochemical cleansers-free
- Phthalates-free
- No DEA
- Free from artificial colors
- Safe for keratin and color-treated hair
- Safe for pregnant and lactating mothers
- Clinically proven
Cons
- Low lather
- Makes hair greasy
"This shampoo nourishes my hair and seals the moisture in my hair follicles. It strengthens my brittle strands and lends my hair a smooth finish. Although it does not lather much, it effectively cleans my scalp. With weekly use of this shampoo, I have noticed less hair fall and breakages."
11. Best Hydrating: AVEDA Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo
The Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo by AVEDA has a gentle formula that restructures and revitalizes damaged hair. It contains organic ingredients like quinoa protein, coconut oil, glycerin, linseed oil, citric acid, and babassu oil that thoroughly cleanse without drying the hair and give it an instant and lasting shine.
The rich blend of oils hydrates your hair, while the quinoa protein fortifies weak hair to prevent breakage. This shampoo repairs your hair from within, keeping it soft, silky, and bouncy. It is gentle enough for everyday use and has a refreshing fragrance – a blend of bergamot, mandarin, ylang-ylang, and other plant essences.
Key Ingredients: Quinoa protein, Coconut oil, Glycerin, Linseed, and Babassu oils
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Frizz control
- Helps in damage reversal
- Cruelty-free
- Pleasant natural aroma
Cons
- None
When it comes to finding a shampoo for dry and damaged hair, the most important thing is to find one that is specifically designed for this purpose. You want to look for a shampoo that contains nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or biotin, which can help to deeply hydrate and condition your strands. We have listed a few pointers to keep in mind before you make your purchase.
Things To Look For In A Shampoo For Dry And Damaged Hair To Prevent Hair Breakage
- Ingredients: You want to make sure the shampoo you choose contains ingredients that will help to hydrate and nourish your hair and give thermal protection. Look for shampoos that contain natural oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, avocado oil, tea tree oil, or argan oil, as well as other hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter which are gentle on the scalp and safe for sensitive scalp. These ingredients will help restore moisture in your hair shafts, making them less prone to breakage.
- Protection: Dry and damaged hair can often be caused by environmental factors like heat styling or UV exposure. Look for a shampoo that includes ingredients like collagen, hydrolyzed wheat protein, ginseng extract, bamboo extract, and silk amino acids that protect your hair from further damage.
- Sulfate-free: Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip away natural oils from your scalp and hair, leaving them dry and brittle. Choose a sulfate-free shampoo with pro-vitamin B5 to help preserve your hair’s natural moisture balance.
- Use: There are shampoos that are meant for daily use, as well as those that are meant for more intensive treatment. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
- Budget: It is also important to consider your expenses when selecting a shampoo for dry and damaged hair. There are many high-quality options available at all price points. However, if you are on a strict budget, there are still several excellent drugstore shampoos that can effectively address your concerns.
- Personal Preferences: Keep in mind your personal preferences when choosing a shampoo for dry and damaged hair. Some people prefer products with a light scent, while others prefer unscented formulas. Ultimately, the best shampoo for you is the one that meets your needs and leaves your hair looking and feeling its best.
- Reviews: Once you have found a few potential shampoos, it is time to start reading reviews. See what other people with dry and damaged hair have to say about the products you are considering. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews, and look for common themes. This will help you narrow down your choices and choose the best shampoo for your needs.
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Shampoos That Treat Dry and Damaged Hair
Damaged hair is caused not only by excessive heat styling and pollutants but also by using incorrect hair care products. Choosing the correct shampoo is thus the first step in building a hair care routine. Check out the infographic below to know the main ingredients that make a great shampoo for treating dry and damaged hair. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Our hair goes through a lot every day. Be it blow-drying, frequent exposure to pollution, harmful UV rays, chemical treatments, stress, improper diet, or more. Using the right shampoo can help reverse some of these effects. The best strengthening and repairing shampoo can help restore your damaged hair back to health. If you are looking for a protein-rich shampoo to reduce breakage and improve overall hair health, then REDKEN Extreme Shampoo is best for you, while Living proof Restore Shampoo deeply conditions and nourishes your hair. A keratin-rich shampoo that strengthens and restores the hair is VIRTUE Recovery Shampoo. The shampoos listed in this article are packed with potent ingredients that help reduce hair breakage, prevent split ends, and detangle frizzy hair to add life to your damaged tresses.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach who loves trying out different hair care products. She believes the best shampoos for damaged hair are a must-have for anyone looking to strengthen and repair their hair and bring them back to life. She has carefully researched the products and combed through online reviews to pick the best ones for her readers. These shampoos are made with nourishing oils, ceramides, lipids, antioxidants, and proteins to fix your hair and make them shiny and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can extremely damaged hair be repaired?
Yes, if you take steps to nourish your hair properly and prevent new damage.
How can I repair my damaged hair fast at home?
Follow a proper hair care routine and using the right products and nourishing oils to ensure fast healing.
Does cutting off damaged hair help it grow?
No. Cutting the hair can only get rid of the damaged hair and split ends. Hair growth is related to the roots – you need to nourish the roots to promote hair growth.
How long does it take for damaged hair to grow out?
You may see results in 3-4 months. However, it may take longer to completely repair and regrow damaged hair.
Can a salon fix my damaged hair?
Yes, intensive hair treatments provided in salons can help repair your hair. However, you need to be regular with the treatments.
Is a keratin treatment good for damaged hair?
The result may vary, depending on the hair type and the extent of the damage. However, keratin treatment may make the hair less frizzy, shiny, and manageable.
