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The 7 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry Hair, Approved by Testers and Hairstylists

 

Hydrated hair is only one wash away.

Whether it’s heat styling, over-washing, or even your diet, dry hair can be caused by a multitude of factors. When it comes to treating it, however, you’ll want to start with your shampoo and conditioner. “The right shampoo and conditioner are foundational to treating dry hair,” says licensed trichologist and hairstylist Nelida D’Alessandro. “A hydrating, gentle formula helps restore moisture, improve texture, and protect the hair’s natural barrier.” 

To find the best shampoos and conditioners for dry hair, we tested 25 options over an eight-week period on multiple hair types. Testers used the duos at least twice a week, paying attention to how well they hydrated their hair and how healthy and soft their strands felt afterward. After consulting their insights and speaking to professional hairstylists, we landed on these top picks.

BEST OVERALL
Amika Normcore Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

What We Like

• Deeply hydrating and softening
• Antioxidant-rich formula
• Thick, nourishing consistency

What to Consider

• Strong smell that lingers for days

Hair Type: Fine to medium | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Vanilla, clover, citrus | Size: 9.2, 33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for a shampoo and conditioner that has hair-nourishing ingredients for overall healthier, more hydrated strands, you’ll want to try the Normcore collection from Amika. Sea buckthorn, shea butter, and coconut acid are all included in the formula for hair that’s soft, healthy, and hydrated. We found both products to be thick and incredibly moisturizing—a must for those with a lot of hair—but they didn’t feel heavy or leave a residue. 

Our tester used them about two to three times per week during the testing period, and she loved that her hair looked noticeably better with each wash—dry, dehydrated locks transformed into shiny, healthy ones. She especially loved that the conditioner had a hair mask-like consistency that felt like it was repairing each strand one wash at a time. The shampoo didn’t leave the hair feeling parched after rinsing, instead it still felt pretty soft and easy to manage. Since her hair felt so clean and hydrated while using, she found that she didn’t feel the need to wash as often—a major plus for hair types that need a couple of hours for wash day.

Joie, tester with thick, frizzy hair: "I am so happy with how my hair looks after using this product. I can tell how much healthier my hair is from using this product—there's better hydration, less flyaways, and an overall silky shine that I haven't had in ages."

BEST BUDGET
Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner Set

What We Like

• Under $10 for both the shampoo and conditioner
• Softens hair and smooths frizz
• Detangles and adds noticeable hydration

What to Consider

• Strong scent that lingers

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Clean | Size: 12 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

High-quality hydrators don't have to break the bank, and the proof lies in this affordable shampoo and conditioner from Dove. For under $10, you'll get a formula packed with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and coconut oil to moisturize and smooth dry hair types. Our tester loved that they worked together to add shine and reduce frizz, and her strands felt light and clean after air-drying. The shampoo didn't strip her already-dry hair, and she only needed a little bit of product since it lathers so well. She left on the conditioner for two minutes, and it made her tangled hair super smooth—she was even able to finger-comb it with ease. It does have a strong, powdery scent similar to deodorant, so we don't recommend it for sensitive noses. But if you're looking for an affordable option to hydrate your tresses, this is your best bet.

Avery, tester with straight hair: "This duo definitely added smoothness, sleekness, and shine without weighing my hair down, especially post-wash and the day after. I think it's a nice instant refresh, particularly for the sub-$10 price point."

BEST FOR DAMAGED HAIR
K18 DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo and Conditioner

What We Like

• Strengthens and hydrates damaged hair, making it look healthy and shiny
• Adds shine and volume
• Doesn't feel heavy on the hair

What to Consider

• Doesn't hydrate the scalp

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Fresh | Size: 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This reparative shampoo and conditioner set brought our tester's hair back to life after dealing with heat- and sun-damaged strands. Formulated to protect and keep the hair healthy, the K18 shampoo and conditioner are powered by the brand's proprietary K18 peptide to encourage dramatic repair for smooth, frizz-free hair. Our tester has thin, dry curls, and she found that these noticeably increased their hydration levels and left them feeling bouncy and soft. The shampoo had a great, soapy lather that remind her of a salon-quality formula, and while it felt drying at first, the conditioner added plenty of hydration. After just a couple of uses, her hair was balanced, smooth, and voluminous—no frizz in sight. While she noted that they weren't as effective at hydrating her dry scalp, she loved how her hair looked overall, and the two products have become her new go-to for wash day.

Ashley, tester with curly hair: "Right after use, my hair was glossy and smooth which made it easy to manage and style. Together, the K18 shampoo and conditioner helped reduce frizz and maintain a smooth texture."

BEST FOR CURLY HAIR
Quidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner

What We Like

• Hydrates and defines curls and coils
• Helps to detangle the hair
• Botanical-rich formula

What to Consider

• Could be better at controlling frizz

Hair Type: Curly, coily | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Botanical | Size: 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Curly and coily hair types can't always use any old shampoo and conditioner—this hair type needs tons of moisture to properly hydrate for soft, manageable strands. That's why we love this shampoo and conditioner duo from curl-centric brand Ouidad—they both contain botanical extracts (including chamomile flower extract, lemon flower extract, and aloe vera) to nourish and cleanse the hair without stripping. Our tester loved that the shampoo didn't dry out her hair, and her scalp felt balanced after use. The conditioner has a creamy, buttery texture that creates the perfect amount of slip for easy styling. Her curls were left slightly more defined and looked smooth, though she wished they worked a little harder to reduce frizz. However, she still recommends as a great choice for those with curly hair.

Cortney, tester with curly hair: "These made my hair easy to detangle and manage before styling. It smoothed and reduced frizz, though it didn't eliminate it completely. There was also minimal breakage when detangling."

BEST DEEP CLEAN
Olaplex Bond Maintenance No.4 Shampoo and No.5 Conditioner

What We Like

• Cleanses well without stripping the hair or scalp of moisture
• Effective for all hair types
• Prevents breakage and repairs damage

What to Consider

• Conditioner could have more slip

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Citrus | Size: 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you use multiple hair products daily and have a lot of buildup, you’ll need a powerful shampoo and conditioner to clean everything out without causing dryness or irritation. These two picks from Olaplex will give you that hair reset you need. The shampoo has a great lather, and our tester's hair felt super clean after the first wash (and during the entire testing period). Since her hair had nothing weighing it down, it dried quickly and looked fresh and healthy after styling. It felt like it was really getting all the dirt and oils out every wash, so much so that she was excited to wash her hair again and again because she knew she would get that clean feeling. 

While the conditioner was a little difficult to distribute throughout the hair, she loved that it added some hydration back in and was easy to rinse out. After the test, she noticed that some flyaways and damage she had prior were completely smoothed out and barely noticeable. Her hair felt more nourished without being slick or greasy. 

Jessica, tester with thick hair: "These products feel much higher end and work better than anything I have ever tried."

BEST FOR THIN HAIR
Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner

What We Like

• Doesn't weigh down fine hair types
• Feels refreshing on the scalp
• Makes the hair smooth and soft

What to Consider

• Last bit of product is difficult to get out of the bottle

Hair Type: Fine to medium, dry, rough | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Fresh | Size: 10.1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Having thin and dry hair can be tricky, since a lot of hydrating products can be too heavy and weigh the hair down. You’ll need a shampoo and conditioner that are nourishing and cleanse well—without leaving a residue behind. We recommend these two from Redken, which are formulated with argan oil to treat dry, brittle hair types.  When we tested it, we loved that they both had a creamy consistency that spread through the hair well, and they didn’t leave the hair feeling greasy after rinsing. After the first wash, our tester's hair was immediately softer and bouncier—which can be hard to achieve for thin, rough hair. The shampoo removed any gunk that had accumulated throughout the day, and the conditioner was thick and hydrating. The result was smooth, shiny hair—which she was very pleased with.

Jamie, tester with thin hair: "I loved how smooth, shiny, and soft my hair felt after using these. I couldn't stop running my hands through it, similar to how I feel after a salon visit."

BEST SHINE
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner

What We Like

• Makes the hair look glossy and smooth
• Keratin-safe and dermatologist-tested
• Chic packaging

What to Consider

• Shampoo is a bit sticky

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fresh, citrus | Size: 6.5, 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If lustrous locks are what you crave, you’ll want to try this Oribe shampoo and conditioner for a glossy shine. Formulated with argan and cypress oils and a fortifying complex (caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, and plant collagen), these work to add intense moisture and restore your hair back to its healthiest state. The shampoo is able to balance oils in the scalp (no stripped feeling here), and the conditioner smooths and seals in hydration. After using them for six weeks, our tester was getting compliments that her hair looked considerably healthier. 

She saw results after the first wash—her hair was softer and smoother than usual—and it looked silkier and shinier with each use. They both have a luxurious texture that can take a minute to lather, but it did feel more nourishing than the average shampoo and conditioner. They have a fresh but sweet citrusy scent that just added to the lavish experience (and we can’t forget to mention the beautiful packaging). She didn’t experience any irritation or itchiness—making it a great choice for tender scalps—and we loved that it didn’t fade color. 

Sophia, tester with straight hair: "This shampoo and conditioner worked well and I can tell my hair is more nourished than before. My hair has been shiny and overall more hydrated. I feel like it's gotten a lot healthier since using these products."

What to Look for in a Shampoo or Conditioner for Dry Hair

Hydrating Ingredients: To repair dry hair, hairstylist Amy Abramite recommends shampoos and conditioners that contain coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter. “Coconut oil moisturizes and softens dull, coarse hair and prevents protein loss by nourishing and strengthening it with vitamins,'' she explains. “Argan oil contains vitamin E for silky soft strands, and shea butter locks in moisture with vitamins A and E to heal and seal the cuticle, preventing breakage.” 
No Sulfates and Harsh Ingredients: Sulfates and other harsh ingredients (like parabens, mineral oil, and more) strip the hair of its natural oils. They can be very drying, which is exactly what you're trying to avoid. You want the shampoo to increase moisture and repair hair, not do the opposite. 
Humectants: D’Alessandro also emphasizes the importance of humectants in your shampoo and conditioner, such as glycerin and aloe vera. Humectants can draw moisture in to keep the hair properly hydrated. "Humectants replenish hydration and support the scalp barrier," she says. Since a healthy scalp is key to healthy, hydrated hair, keeping it properly protected can support your strands.

How We Tested Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry Hair

We believe in using the products we recommend, which is why we prioritize testing products in real-life settings and our NY-based Lab.

Shampoos and Conditioners tested Tested: 25
Testing Period: 8 weeks
Methodology: Shampoos and conditioners were tested at home, with testers using them at least twice per week for eight weeks. Products were tested on a variety of hair types, from 1B to 4C.
Factors Considered: Consistency, lather, scent, cleansing power, hydrating ability, ease of use, and overall results.

FAQ

What causes dry hair?

Dry hair can be caused for a variety of reasons. "First, some people naturally have a drier texture," says Shelly Aguirre, a professional stylist of Chicago's Maxine Salon. “Beyond that, overprocessing and the climate can affect moisture levels.” Celebrity hairstylist Adam Maclay also notes that hot tools can be a common dry hair culprit.

What can I do to treat dry hair?

“Utilizing a gentle shampoo and a hydrating conditioner will help treat dry hair,” Maclay says, “For an added boost, a hair mask once or twice a week will help to keep your ends moisturized." He also recommends taking a break from heat styling and getting a trim every few months to shed dead ends.

How often should you wash dry hair?

Unfortunately, there is no set rule for how often you should wash your hair, however, “dry hair can be caused by over-washing the hair,” according to Maclay. If your hair feels particularly brittle, eliminate one wash from your weekly routine.
As a good rule of thumb, Aguirre recommends washing twice weekly and seeing how your hair responds.

Meet Our Experts

Team Byrdie consulted the following experts for more insight:

• Nelida D’Alessandro is a hairstylist, colorist, and licensed trichologist based in Chicago.
• Amy Abramite is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.
• Adam Maclay is a NYC-based celebrity hairstylist.
• Shelly Aguirre is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie writer Shannon Stubbs updated this article with new products based on testing insights. She’s worked at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers haircare, skincare, and makeup. She has dry, coily 4B/C hair and only uses hydrating shampoos and conditioners to keep her strands healthy—so she knows what makes a good formula.