Conditioner often gets the most credit for reviving dry, damaged strands. But for those dealing with dryness, washing your hair with a good, hydrating shampoo can be an essential first step in helping your mane look and feel its healthiest.
There are a number of reasons why you may be dealing with dry hair in the first place. According to celebrity hairstylist Cory Aaron Scott, things like sun exposure, over-coloring your hair and frequent use of hot tools can all cause dryness. Don't fret, because Scott (along with other hair and skin care experts we spoke with) are here to help.
With that in mind, we rounded up some of the best shampoos for dry hair to breathe new life into your strands.
What to look for in a shampoo for dry hair | What to avoid in shampoo for dry hair | Expert-recommended shampoos for dry hair | Editor-tested shampoos for dry hair | How we chose | Meet the experts
What to look for in a shampoo for dry hair
When it comes to searching for a shampoo for your dry hair, it's important to read the list of ingredients before adding any products to your cart.
"Look for shampoos that are labeled 'gentle' and 'hydrating' with ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, shea butter and hyaluronic acid," suggests Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist.
In addition to jojoba and argan oil, Gretchen Friese, a trichologist at Bosley MD, also recommends looking for ingredients like ceramides or coconut oil when it comes to finding the right shampoo to help moisturize and hydrate your dry locks.
What to avoid in shampoo for dry hair
It is also key to pay close attention to specific ingredients that you should avoid when selecting a shampoo to help combat your dry hair.
"Avoid sulfates, parabens and mineral oil which can all contribute to dry hair," recommends Jeffy.
"Avoid products with high alcohol content, sulfates or harsh chemicals, as these can strip moisture from the hair," Rogerio Cavalcante, a hairstylist, colorist and the founder of The Second Floor Salon in New York City, reiterates. Scott also agrees that it's imperative to avoid unwanted ingredients like parabens, triclosan and sulfates, which can worsen the problem.
Also, if you're specifically relying on a dry shampoo to keep your hair hydrated, you may want to use sparingly. According to Jeffy, dry shampoo can work to dry out the hair, so you should make sure you are shampooing your hair regularly. "I generally recommend washing the hair two to three times per week," suggests Jeffy.
Friese cautions individuals from using dry shampoo for more than two days in a row as it can clog hair follicles.
Best shampoos for dry hair, according to experts
Budget friendly: Hask Coconut Oil Nourishing Shampoo
- Makes hair feel super soft
- Very moisturizing
- Mixed reviews on smell
Size: 12 oz. | Key ingredients: Coconut oil
"On a more budget-friendly note, this is my favorite 'drugstore' brand," shares Cavalcante. "It is a good day-to-day shampoo made with clean ingredients," he says. Cavalcante also notes that the formula is vegan as well as sulfate and paraben free. This moisturizing shampoo is great for all hair types, including dry, frizzy and color treated.
Enriched with squalane: Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo
- Smells nice
- Makes hair feel soft
- May be a bit heavy
Size: 9.2 oz., 16.9 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane and bio-fermented coconut water
This Amika shampoo "covers the bases as a great hydrating shampoo but also adds squalene, fatty acids and amino acids as well as antioxidants to promote healthy hair and scalp," says Jeffy. This moisturizing shampoo comes in two sizes and features a pleasant scent of amber vanilla.
Silky smooth: Redken All Soft Shampoo
- Makes hair soft
- Leaves hair shiny and shimmery
- May cause breakage
Size: 10.1 oz. | Key ingredients: Argan Oil
"This is one of my favorite shampoos for dry hair," suggests Cavalcante. "You can notice a difference after the first wash." He also calls this "reasonably priced" shampoo a "safe bet."
"The Redken All Soft Shampoo is great for all hair types but especially dry brittle hair," states Friese. "It contains argan oil as well as Redken’s proprietary 'Moisture Complex'. I have been recommending this one for over 20 years to people with dry and coarse hair," she says.
Great for all hair types: Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
- Makes hair shiny
- Lathers nicely
- May make hair greasy
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Bis-Aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate
Olaplex is a staple in many women's hair care routines, and for good reason. Their award-winning treatments work on a molecular level to repair damage. For dry hair, Scott recommends the brand's No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo. "It’s perfect for all hair types and formulated for daily use," he said.
Along with delivering a heavy dose of moisture, it also helps to eliminate frizz and flyaways, so your hair will feel smoother, shinier and healthier overall.
Good for damaged hair: B3 Brazilian Bondbuilder Color Care Shampoo
- Lathers well
- Makes hair shiny
- Good for color-treated hair
- Mixed reviews on smell
Size: 12 oz. | Key ingredients: Argan oil
According to Senada K. Ceka, a celebrity hairstylist in New York, Brazilian Bondbuilder is another great pick, especially for those with chemically damaged hair. The sulfate-free cleanser revives and protects color-treated hair and prevents fading, so your color will hold its hue long after your appointment at the salon.
Expert pick: Davines Momo Shampoo
- Helps reduce frizz
- Nice quality
- Makes hair feel soft
- Mixed reviews on results
Size: 8.45 oz. | Key ingredients: Paceco Cartucciaru yellow melon extract
Scott is “obsessed” with this shampoo from Davines, which he said is a top seller in his own salon. “The results are fantastic, and it smells wonderful,” he added. The moisturizing shampoo is made with Cartucciaru melon extract, which replenishes moisture and delivers essential vitamins and minerals to nourish hair.
"This is an Italian brand that I love," says Cavalcante. "The names and packaging are fun, and the quality is amazing. I highly recommend it for people who like trying new things. It is vegan, sulfate, and paraben-free," he explains.
Infused with jojoba oil: Pureology Hydrate Sheer Nourishing Shampoo
- Only need a small amount of product to see results
- No residue
- Makes hair feel soft
- May cause frizz
Size: 9 oz. | Key ingredients: Sunflower seed extract, jojoba, green tea
Ting Ying, a stylist at the Licari Cutler Salon in New York City, previously told TODAY that this shampoo is like "a big drink of water for your hair." The formula, made for those with color-treated hair, includes nourishing ingredients like jojoba, green tea and sage to moisturize and soften strands.
No more frizz: Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Hydrating Shampoo
- Hydrating
- Softens hair
- Helps reduce frizz
- Mixed reviews on scent
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Coconut oil, argan oil and grapeseed oil
Jeffy calls this Bumble and bumble shampoo one of her favorites because it's oil-rich and leaves your hair feeling hydrated and without frizz. This nourishing shampoo is designed to soften and moisturize dry hair, as it contains coconut oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil and more.
Helps repair damaged hair: Leaf & Flower CBD Instant Damage Correction Shampoo
- Nice texture
- Pleasant scent
- Hair may still be frizzy
Size: 12 oz. | Key ingredients: Citric acid
“Leaf and flower is great for everyday damage, dryness and dehydration,” said Ceka. The brand’s Damage Correction Shampoo is formulated with its CBD Corrective Complex to cleanse hair and repair damage. The cruelty-free shampoo is made without sulfates or phthalates and is safe for color-treated hair.
Splurge option: Virtue Recovery Shampoo
- Nice smell
- Good for damaged hair
- Hydrating
- May not lather
Size: 8 oz. | Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed quinoa, baobab seed oil and grapefruit extract
This award-winning formula delivers unbeatable results, thanks to its proprietary Alpha Keratin 60ku(R) blend, Scott said. The unique keratin protein is almost identical to the one found in your own, hair, skin and nails, so it can effectively bind to your strands and fill in areas of damage. On top of that, the shampoo also features hydrating baobab seed oil and hydrolyzed quinoa, which helps your hair hold onto moisture.
Shampoos for dry hair, tested by editors
Editor favorite: V&Co. Beauty Curly Hair Shampoo with Peptide Technology
- Nice smell
- Lathers well
- Hair may still be dry
Size: 12 oz. | Key ingredients: Jojoba seed oil
Associate editor Kamari Stewart is a big fan of this shampoo and says, "I’ve used it in conjunction with their conditioner and really like how soft it leaves my hair." She continues, "My boyfriend has really tight 4C curls and he says it leaves his hair feeling really soft as well."
Made just for you: Prose Custom Shampoo
- Very custom
- Sulfate-free
- Pricey
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Biotin, peppermint extract
"I’ve heard of Prose but never tried them before and I’m quite impressed by the hair care so far," says Stewart. "I loved that I could pick the scent I wanted. I’ve been using the pre-shampoo mask, shampoo, conditioner, leave-in, styling cream and gel. None of it has disappointed me yet!" she raves.
"I also like that, in an effort to reduce waste, they don’t actually create the formula for a person until the product has actually been purchased. So there’s no extras sitting in a warehouse somewhere. Each formula is unique to each person," explains Stewart.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to switching your shampoo, there are other ways to help hydrate your hair.
Nunzio Saviano, hair stylist and owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York City, previously told Shop TODAY that investing in a quality boar hair brush can help keep hair smooth and free from static. He suggests brushing lightly every night and applying a light oil to the hair to keep it frizz-free and moisturized.
Believe it or not, your pillowcase may be contributing to your dry hair. Saviano previously recommended using a silk pillowcase as it can help you avoid friction, which can ultimately lead to frizz and breakage.
How we chose the best shampoos for dry hair
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best shampoos for dry hair by enlisting the recommendations of hair experts as well as a board-certified dermatologist. We also added a couple editor-tested favorites to help keep your luscious locks hydrated and moisturized.
Meet the experts
- Cory Aaron Scott is a celebrity hairstylist in West Hollywood, California.
- Dr. Brooke Jeffy, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona and founder of youth skincare brand, BTWN.
- Rogerio Cavalcante is a hairstylist, colorist and the founder of The Second Floor Salon in New York City.
- Senada K. Ceka is a celebrity hairstylist living in New York.
- Ting Ying is a stylist at the Licari Cutler Salon in New York City.
- Nunzio Saviano is a hair stylist and owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York City.
- Gretchen Friese is a trichologist at Bosley MD in Littleton, Colorado.
