13 Best Shampoos For Dry & Damaged Hair, According To An Expert (2024)
Cleanse and revive dry hair with these gentle and extra-nourishing formulas.
Lindsay LooCosmetologist 
Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and love... more
kirtana divakarMA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after read... 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
swathi eMA (English Literature) Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She... more
Image: Shutterstock
Climatic conditions, excessive washing, and styling can cause your hair to become dry and brittle. To repair this, you will need the best shampoo for dry hair. These shampoos are specially formulated to help repair the damage caused by the abuse of nature and rampant use of chemicals, hair products, and styling. Using specialized dry hair shampoos can also be a long-term solution to improve your hair health. Dry hair can look dull, frizzy, and overall just too bleh and may also affect your confidence and ruin your mood. If you are looking to avoid dry hair, might we suggest laying off hair gels and sprays as they can dry your hair in the long run. To know more about the best shampoo for dry hair, you can check out our list.
In This Article
13 Best Shampoos For Dry & Damaged Hair You Need To Try (2024)
1. Best For Frizz:Biolage Hydrasource Dry Hair Shampoo
Do you need a reliable shampoo that will help you manage your frizzy hair regularly? Biolage Hydra source Dry Hair Shampoo is just the one for you. Being out in the sun often can dehydrate your hair, making it frizzy. Whatever the reason is, this shampoo for dry, frizzy hair gently cleanses, your hair, giving you 15x better moisturized tresses right after first use. Get softer and shinier hair with this aloe vera-infused shampoo for dry hair. Pro tip: Pair it with a detangling solution for the best results.
- Paraben-free
- Boosts moisture balance
- Formulated with aloe vera
- Produced using renewable energy
- Not tested on animals
- Might be too watery
"This Biolage shampoo feels lightweight on my hair. It moisturizes my dry strands and repairs split ends. It cleanses my scalp and leaves my hair feeling soft. I like that the product never lets my hair get knotty. Another plus point is that the formula lathers well and spreads easily on my hair."
"This Biolage shampoo feels lightweight on my hair. It moisturizes my dry strands and repairs split ends. It cleanses my scalp and leaves my hair feeling soft. I like that the product never lets my hair get knotty. Another plus point is that the formula lathers well and spreads easily on my hair."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 13,604 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
2. Best For Curly Hair:Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Shampoo
Keep your curls moisturized and hydrated! Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Shampoo is your everyday solution for cleaning, nourishing, and moisturizing your curls. Whether you have dry hair or coil-like curls, this shampoo will not let you down. It is formulated with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, coconut milk, mango butter, and murumuru butter, giving you all the best properties of each of these natural ingredients. This hydrating shampoo for dry hair will provide you with a party-ready look every time! Pro tip: If you have curly hair, pair this shampoo with Carol’s Daughter conditioner and mask for best results. Check out this video to know more about the reviewer’s experience with this nourishing hair treatment.
- No parabens
- No sulfates
- No artificial colors
- Instant intense moisture
- For dry, curly, and coiled hair
- Formulated with fairly purchased and sustainably sourced coconut oil
- A little goes a long way
- The product may be very thick.
"I've always struggled with maintaining my hair, so when I tried this conditioner, it was quite satisfactory. Even my parched tresses found some relief, leaving a soft touch post-wash. It actually revived the health of my hair after just one use. Worth a try!"
3. Best Long-Lasting:Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo For Dry Hair
If you feel that your hair has become dull and does not have its natural charm anymore, Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo For Dry Hair is your go-to! This clinically backed skincare product is crafted with a PROTEINFUSION blend of elastic protein and green caviar that moisturizes every strand of your hair, restoring its nutrients. By securing your hair surface, hydrating it completely, and safeguarding natural protective barriers for further care, this shampoo helps lock in moisture for an easy 24 hours. It restores the flexibility of your dry hair, giving you the freedom to try any hairstyle you want.
- Silicone-free
- Long-lasting shine
- Replenishes hair fiber
- Formulated with caviar and protein complex
- Some people may not like the coconut fragrance
- Protein rich products can cause more damage if overused
"This conditioner was a treat to use. It managed to restore volume to my hair, something others failed at. It made my hair soft and so easy to manage. I definitely noticed that my hair felt less damaged."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 6,387 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
Biolage Hydrasource Dry Hair Shampoo Best For Frizz | Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Shampoo Best For Curly Hair | Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo For Dry Hair Best Long-Lasting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry | Dry | Dry |
| Dimensions | 3.15 x 3.15 x 9.76 inches | 2.24 x 2.24 x 8.25 inches | 3.4 x 3.4 x 9.85 inches |
| Weight | 2.11 Pounds | 13.76 Ounces. | 2.4 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 13,604 | 1,131 | 6,387 |
| Price | $29.6 | $11.59 | $22.49 |
4. Best Vegan:L’Oreal Paris Ever Creme Moisture Care System
This triple-action hydration formula is perfect for keeping your hair quenched. L’Oreal Paris Ever Creme Moisture Care System not only keeps your hair hydrated but also provides replenished vital nourishment, leaving you with lush, shiny hair. It works so well that you will make it your regular shampoo to have a good hair day, every day. To add a cherry on top, this is a vegan shampoo, making it the best choice for all the animal lovers. The company claims that this shampoo system with its matching conditioner will lend you healthier-looking hair right after first use.
- Vegan
- Dye-free
- No parabens
- Sulfate-free
- No harsh salts and heavy waxes
- Contains natural botanicals
- No gluten ingredients
- Formulated with apricot oil
- May feel greasy
"This sulfate-free shampoo is a reliable choice for my hair in a humid environment. Its gentle formula leaves my hair smooth, detangled, and soft. No doubt, I recommend it for those with dry hair for added nourishment."
Pro Tip5. Best Lightweight:DOVE Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo
Are you looking for a good shampoo for dry, damaged hair? Get smooth hair on the outside and hair nourishment from within, using this DOVE Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo. It is formulated with a pro-moisture complex that will lend you soft, hydrated, and manageable hair, making it easier to create different hairstyles. Plus, it will make your hair 10 times more resilient to breakage due to grooming. It is perfect for people who want shampoos for damaged hair and dry hair because it will give you healthier hair over a period of time. Pro tip: You can get the best results if you pair it with Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Conditioner.
- Lightweight
- For all hair types
- PETA certified cruelty-free
- Suitable for men and women
- Comes in a 100% recycled bottle
- Infused with a pro-moisture complex
- Might be sticky
6. Best Sulfate-Free:Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Oh So Clean! Moisturizing And Softening Shampoo
Do you have curls that are sometimes really hard to manage? Worry no more! You can wash your curls gently using this Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Oh So Clean! Moisturizing And Softening Shampoo. Whether you have thick, coarse coils or wavy hair, this shampoo will detangle your strands and deeply moisturize your dry hair. Have a relaxing hair bath using this oil-based shampoo for dry hair that is formulated with a blend of nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and shea butter. It will help your hair become soft and easier to comb. This moisturizing hair product is suitable for those with sulfate allergies.
- No mineral oil
- No petrolatum
- Sulfate and paraben-free
- Keeps tresses hydrated and clean
- May not be long-lasting
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 260 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
7. Best Hypoallergenic:Suave Essentials Ocean Breeze Refreshing Shampoo
Now there is a perfect shampoo even for people who have sensitive skin! If you feel that your hair is becoming dry lately, try this hypoallergenic shampoo designed for dry and frizzy hair. The revitalizing shampoo formula contains nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and sea algae extract that delivers hydration for hair without blocking or removing moisture. It leaves a 24-hour sweet, ocean breeze fragrance on your hair. Get shiny and revitalized natural hair using this moisturizing shampoo for dry hair.
- Hypoallergenic
- pH-balanced formula
- Provides 2x more moisture
- Climate pledge-friendly
- Comes in a recycled bottle
- May not be suitable for oily hair
"The Suave shampoo doesn't dry out my scalp and leaves my hair shiny. I love its scent that lingers post-shower, though it's more generic than some other variants. It also works wonderfully for my hair when I pair it with a conditioner from the same brand."
Pro Tip8. Best For Brittle Hair:Garnier Whole Blends Replenishing Shampoo
Your hair’s shine and luster can be restored using the right shampoo and its matching conditioner. Garnier Whole Blends Replenishing Shampoo will help nourish your hair from root to ends, without weighing the strands down. This replenishing hair treatment is formulated with a blend of virgin pressed olive oil and leaf extracts of olive, this shampoo will hydrate your hair and deliver a radiant glow. The antioxidant oleuropein present in the leaf extracts strengthens and moisturizes your hair. Simply use this restorative hair product on dry, brittle hair and get a long-term solution.
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Partnered with TerraCycle
- Suitable for everyday use
- Sustainably sourced virgin pressed olive oil
- Free from animal testing
- Might be heavily scented
"This shampoo leaves my hair healthy and shiny without any extra weight. Paired with its matching conditioner, my hair feels softer and my color seems to last longer. It feels rich in oil, working wonders on my hair's texture. It's gentle on my natural oils and leaves no tangles post shower. The refreshing, mild scent is a bonus."
9. Best Gentle Formula:Redken 5th Avenue NYC All Soft Mega Shampoo
Maintaining frizzy and dry curls can be exhausting. But Redken 5th Avenue NYC All Soft Mega Shampoo will make your hair soft and shiny so that you don’t have to spend hours combing your hair and managing it. This is the best shampoo for coarse, dry hair as it provides hydration and moisturization. It is enriched with sacha inchi extracts, aloe vera, RCT protein complex, and cactus gel that deeply nourish your hair even in its driest condition. You will be party-ready instantly with this super hydrating and moisturizing shampoo for dry hair.
- Gentle formula
- Nourishes hair
- Contains RCT protein complex
- Climate pledge-friendly
- Might not be suitable for colored hair
"This product is a lifesaver for my dry, brittle hair. It leaves my hair feeling soft, moisturized, and manageable without weighing it down. While I noticed it didn't completely tackle my split ends, the delightful scent and amazing softness it provides makes up for it."
10. Best Anti-Breakage:Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo For Dry Hair
There are many hairstyles you can create with your thick or curly hair but brittle, coarse, or dry hair can be hard to manage. Try this Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo For Dry Hair that will hydrate and moisturize your tresses. It is formulated with nourishing ingredients like jojoba seed oil and sea kelp that make your hair soft and shiny. Your hair will become more nourished and flexible, allowing you to try different styles without breakage. It is one of the best shampoos for dry hair as it gently cleanses your hair and replenishes moisture in every strand that lasts for 24 hours.
- Minimizes frizz
- Long-lasting
- Fruity fragrance
- For all hair types
- 3x less breakage
- Might be slightly thin in consistency
"The Joico shampoo truly rejuvenated my hair. After using it, I've noticed my hair retaining moisture longer and looking shinier. Plus, a little goes a long way with this – one pump covers my waist-length hair. Can't forget the fresh scent!"
11. Best For Hair Strength:Kerastase Paris Nutritive Bain Magistral Shampoo
This Kerastase Paris Nutritive Bain Magistral Shampoo is formulated with Benzoin (resin) that helps recreate nutrients in your hair. It is one of the best shampoos for dry hair as it not only builds resistance in the hair from within but also lends a shiny glow on the outside. Best of all, your hair will not dry or break, thanks to the Irisome 4600PPM present in this shampoo. The strengthening shampoo also contains xylose that will offer full heat protection when you go out in the sun, whether to the beach or for a morning jog.
- Heat protection
- Restores nutrition balance
- For all hair types
- Eliminates impurities
- May not wash off easily
12. Best Refreshing Fragrance:OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo
What better than a shampoo that hydrates your hair and your dry scalp! The OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo revives and repairs dry, frizzy hair, and tames flyaways, giving you hydrated and smooth tresses. Apart from coconut oil, this repairing hair care product also contains tiare essence and vanilla bean extracts that soften the hair, add bounce, leaving the hair healthy and silky. The creamy coconut, peachy, and shea butter fragrance tops the entire hair game. So go ahead with this one as this healing hair care solution is highly effective.
- Lightweight
- Sulfate-free
- Refreshing fragrance
- Instant results
- Suitable for dry, frizzy, fine hair
- Color-safe
- Cruelty-free
- Might feel greasy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 456 rave reviews on Amazon.
13. Best Cruelty-Free:Luseta Rose Oil Shampoo For Fine And Dry Hair
Image: Luseta As the name suggests, this shampoo is formulated with rose oil, which makes it a natural shampoo that hydrates your hair and delivers a lustrous shine. Plus, it has proven efficacy in promoting scalp health and giving your hair a fuller look. Whether you have recently done a keratin treatment or have colored your hair, you can use this chemical-free shampoo as it is suitable for all hair types. Organically crafted with a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5, your hair will be provided with good nourishment, leaving you with hydrated and healthy hair.
- Color-safe
- Natural ingredients
- Environmental-friendly
- Not tested on animals
- For fine and dry hair
- Paraben, sulfate, and gluten-free
- Might be too concentrated
"In just one wash, I felt the difference; my hair was not just shiny, but spotlessly clean and incredibly soft. I appreciate the light apple scent, it isn't overpowering. It left my hair feeling much less dry after consistent use."
With the right shampoo, managing frizzy and dry hair can become quite easy. If you are confused about what to choose, check this guide out.
How To Choose The Right Shampoo For Dry Hair
Before choosing the right shampoo for dry hair, you need to understand the basics of your hair and the type of healing you need. Select the best shampoo for your dry hair by understanding the different types of dry hair.
- Naturally frizzy hair: If you have had frizzy and puffy hair since childhood, you can use a long-lasting shampoo that conditions and moisturizes your hair. A shampoo that delivers 24-hour sheen and softness is the one for you.
- Climatic frizz: Hot climatic conditions may cause your hair to become dry, creating split ends and causing breakage. Shampoo with natural ingredients that hydrate your hair from root to the tip will be a perfect choice. Some common natural ingredients are coconut, argan oil, shea butter, jojoba, aloe vera, vitamins, green tea, herbal essences, murumuru butter, etc.
- Brittle hair: Your hair quality could be compromised because of factors like lack of nutrients, proteins, moisture, or even newly formed unhealthy habits. Choose a nutrient-rich, natural shampoo that boosts hair growth and provides intensive hair repair from within.
- Scalp dryness: Whatever affects your hair also directly affects your scalp and shaft. The dryness may cause flaking, dandruff, itchiness, rashes, etc. You can heal your dry scalp by using shampoo with hypoallergenic, anti-dandruff, hydrating properties.
The Bottom Line
Shampoos can help you repair hair damage caused by excess pollution, impurities, and dandruff. If you want to improve your hair health, using the right shampoo can help you do so. Opt for the Biolage Hydrasource Dry Hair Shampoo if you prefer a paraben-free solution for achieving healthy hair and the L’Oreal Paris Ever Creme Moisture Care System for vegan-friendly nourishment. If you are seeking a natural formula for daily use, the Garnier Whole Blends Replenishing Shampoo is ideal. Some shampoos also repair frizz and tend to add extra moisture to your roots. Boosting the moisture balance of your hair is of utmost importance and the best dry hair shampoos can help you attain the same. However, you should steer clear of products that are too watery and do not have a good consistency.
Why Trust Stylecraze
The author, Kirtana Divakar, is a hair care enthusiast with a knack for narrowing down the best haircare products for different purposes that emerge on the market. For this article, she has compiled the list of the best shampoos for dry hair after in-depth research of numerous product formulations and customer reviews from trusted platforms. These products are specially formulated with gentle ingredients to repair hair damage and nourish and hydrate dry hair while cleansing it thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can shampoo designed for dry hair cause hair loss?
No. A shampoo for dry hair hydrates your hair, moisturizes every strand, gives your hair a fuller look, and slowly promotes hair growth.
What causes hair dryness?
If you are experiencing hair dryness, it could be because of the following reasons:
• Excessive use of harsh shampoos
• Not using a conditioner
• Using heat styling tools without heat protectant
• Frequent usage of chlorine water
• Using hard water
• Nutritional deficiency
How can I hydrate my hair?
To hydrate your hair, look for potent ingredients in your smoothing hair care products such as olive oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter, murumuru butter, etc.
What is the best vitamin for damaged hair?
For restoring damaged strands, these are the best vitamins:
• Biotin
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Iron
• Zinc
• Vitamin D
Why is my hair so dry no matter what I do?
The primary cause of extremely dry and damaged hair is using the wrong shampoo. Washing your hair with the wrong shampoo can deplete your hair of its natural moisture. Sulfates and parabens are harsh agents that can harm your hair. Choose a shampoo with gentle ingredients for dry hair to avoid this.
What are the signs of dry hair?
If you have dry hair, your hair can become:
• Frizzy
• Brittle
• Dull and lifeless
• Split ends
• Rough
• Lackluster
How do salons make your hair so soft?
Various treatments are available at a salon to make your hair soft and shiny. The most common ones are using hair smoothening shampoos and conditioners, blow drying, and serums.
