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The 18 Best Shampoos for Damaged Hair, Because It’s Time for a Refresh

 

Breakage from heat styling, bleach, and other harsh processes are some of the more common causes of damaged hair.1 (Unsure if you're hair is damaged? Here are seven signs it is). Depending on your haircare concerns, revamping your routine with reparative haircare products may help reverse the damage and rescue your hair.

According to Chicago-based hairstylist Shelly Aguirre of Maxine Salon, a good restorative formula contains proteins and humectants. "If the hair is damaged from too much color or heat, you will want to add protein to build up the strength of the shaft," she tells Byrdie. "Amino acids are key ingredients that will lend to repair." If you're noticing dry and split ends, she recommends reaching for a moisturizing shampoo.

With all this in mind, we conducted hours of research on the very best damage-repairing shampoos and evaluated high-rated options based on how well they repaired damage and improved strength, elasticity, and hydration. We then coupled Aguirre's expert recommendations with our own extensive research to compile this list.

What to Look for When Buying Shampoo for Damaged Hair

Moisturizing ingredients: Damaged hair often feels very dry, so it’s important to look for a shampoo that has moisturizing and smoothing properties, says Chicago-based hairstylist Tina Deeke of Maxine Salon. Some of the best moisturizing ingredients to look for in a shampoo for damaged hair include hydrating oils such as coconut, jojoba, and olive. They’ll help keep hair feeling soft and looking shiny. (Plus, five more ways to moisturize dry hair.)
Strengthening ingredients: Because damaged hair also tends to be brittle, keep your eye out for a strengthening formula when shopping for shampoo, says Deeke. Look for reparative ingredients like keratin and biotin on the label. These ingredients will help minimize breakage so you can transform your damaged hair into healthy hair. FYI, we have more hair-strengthening tips from experts if you are interested.
Color-safe formula: Deeke also suggests looking for a shampoo that’s safe for color-treated hair. This—and our other dos and don'ts of caring for dyed hair—will help keep your damaged hair looking vibrant.

 

Best Overall

Briogeo Super Moisture Shampoo

What We Like

• Moisturizing
• Contains biotin
• Smooths split ends

What We Don't Like

• May be too heavy for fine hair

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 16 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Briogeo's Super Moisture Shampoo was a clear winner in this category, as it's designed to recover dry, damaged hair and prevent future breakage. With key ingredients rosehip oil (maintains hydration and controls static), algae extract (nourishes, strengthens, and protects), plant proteins (strengthens and repairs), and B vitamins (increases elasticity and moisture), the formula combines the deep conditioning of a mask with the foaming lather of a traditional shampoo to provide a much-needed surge of hydration and damage control to boot. We also love that the rich and creamy formula is 91% naturally derived and vegan—plus, it has a light floral scent we find to be quite nice.

Best Budget

Aussie Total Miracle Shampoo

What We Like

• Budget-friendly
• Smooths split ends
• Citrus scent

What We Don't Like

• Some reviewers note it’s drying

Sulfate-Free: No | Size: 12 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

On a budget? You can count on Aussie Total Miracle to deliver the TLC your hair craves without breaking the bank. Boasting a blend of apricot and macadamia oils, the formula provides ample moisture and protection while smoothing split ends. It also has a citrusy scent, which makes for an invigorating, energizing hair-washing experience and offers some control against humidity.

Best Drugstore

Nexxus Keraphix Damage Healing Shampoo

What We Like

• Budget-friendly
• Contains keratin
• Noticeable results

What We Don't Like

• May be too heavy for fine hair

Sulfate-Free: No | Size: 33.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

The drugstore is a gold mine of reparative shampoos, but we're particularly fond of Nexxus Keraphix. According to the brand, this protein-rich shampoo provides healthier-looking hair after just one wash when used with the complete Keraphix system, which includes a conditioner and a hair mask. With continued use, the key ingredients, keratin and black rice help to strengthen the hair.2

Best Splurge

Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo

What We Like

• Contains biotin
• Repairing
• Nice scent

What We Don't Like

• Some reviewers note it could be more hydrating

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Aguirre appreciates that Oribe's blend of argan oil,3 biotin, and other state-of-the-art ingredients not only helps to heal the hair but also leaves it smelling amazing. "After using Gold Lust, the shine alone will turn you into a fan," she says. "The price tag is higher, but you will find it is definitely worth it."

Best Bond-Building

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

What We Like

• Patented bond-building technology
• Repairing
• Nice scent

What We Don't Like

• Could be more hydrating

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you're not on the bond-building bandwagon yet, allow us to introduce you to the brand that started it all. Olaplex's patented technology works to repair broken hair on a molecular level while protecting your hair from further damage. That means less split ends and shinier, softer, stronger hair. In fact, we experienced those benefits after our very first wash using the formula. If you’re on a journey to grow out your hair and breakage is standing in your way, we highly suggest working this shampoo into your routine. (Want to learn more about this shampoo and the products that go with it? Check out our full review.)

Best for Fine Hair

Redken Acidic Bonding Shampoo

What We Like

• Bond-repair technology
• Strengthening
• Helps prevent against hair color fade

What We Don't Like

• Strong scent may not be for everyone

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 10.1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

The Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo works to balance the pH of the hair to a healthier level using citric acid. It also fortifies weakened hair bonds to strengthen the hair, smooth split ends, and help prevent color fade. While it’s a particularly concentrated formula, we can attest that it doesn’t weigh down fine hair. After one use, we found that it left our hair feeling smoother and more hydrated. According to the brand, when used with the Acidic Bonding Conditioner, it results in 56% less breakage.

Best for Breakage

Kérastase Resistance Strengthening Shampoo

What We Like

• Contains keratin
• Strengthens
• Smooths split ends

What We Don't Like

• Can be drying

Sulfate-Free: No | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Infused with pro-keratin and ceramides, this formula gives broken hair a little pick-me-up by working to repair frayed fibers and boost shine.45 With daily use, you can expect your brittle hair to look and feel stronger with fewer split ends and an overall more lustrous appearance.

"Kérastase Bain Force Architecte is a great shampoo to help repair hair that is damaged," Aguirre tells Byrdie, noting that the brand's Resistance formula transformed her hair from overprocessed to healthy. "It has a balance of protein and amino acids that restores the hair instantly."

Also, Aguirre says, "You will notice how concentrated the products are, which means you will need to use less." Considering this shampoo is on the pricier end of the spectrum, this means you'll get way more bang for your buck. Consider it worth the splurge.

Best for Natural Hair

Pattern Hydration Shampoo

What We Like

• Formulated for natural hair
• Moisturizing
• Effective at removing product buildup

What We Don't Like

• May be too heavy for fine hair

Sulfate-Free: No | Size: 9.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Formulated with coily, curly, and tight textures in mind, Pattern Hydration Shampoo provides a heaping dose of moisture while cleansing the hair and scalp of product buildup. (Here are eight other ways to remove scalp buildup, too. ) Natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and honey hydrate stressed hair while leaving you with stronger, defined curls.6 Those with sensitivities to strong scents will enjoy this formula’s fragrance—a subtle, clean aroma of bergamot, sandalwood, and jasmine.

Best for Split Ends

Amika The Kure Bond Repair Shampoo

What We Like

• Contains amino acids
• Bond-repair technology
• Nice scent

What We Don't Like

• May be too heavy for fine hair

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 9.2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Split ends got you down? With a blend of amino acids and omega-rich sea buckthorn berry, Amika's The Kure boasts its own bond-repairing complex to mend broken hair from root to tip.78 It addresses damage and breakage caused by a variety of sources like heat styling and chemical treatments and can be used on all hair types. It also provides a surge of hydration to dry hair while thoroughly cleansing, though those with fine hair may need to seek a shampoo with a slightly lighter consistency.

Best for Curly Hair

Curls Dynasty Moisture Rich Shampoo

What We Like

• Budget-friendly
• Moisturizing
• Contains organic ingredients

What We Don't Like

• May be too heavy for fine hair

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For curly-headed beauties, we recommend Curls Dynasty—a formula that’ll give you the deep cleanse you’re looking for without leaving your curls dry or brittle. The ultra-moisturizing, organic-based formula contains many known hydrating and conditioning ingredients, like aloe juice, botanical extracts, coconut oil, olive oil, vitamin E, and cocoa butter. Another one of our favorite features? The precise nozzle allows for targeted application to the scalp.

Best for Color-Treated Hair

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

What We Like

• Moisturizing
• Contains amino acids
• Prevents color fading

What We Don't Like

• Reviewers note it has a strong smell that could be off-putting to some

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 9 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A strategic haircare routine filled with the right products can help reduce breakage and keep your hair healthy after coloring services—especially when you have a quality shampoo in your arsenal to keep your color looking fresh and vibrant for longer. If you have color-treated hair, your best bet is Pureology Hydrate Shampoo. The moisturizing formula calls on jojoba oil, plant proteins, and amino acids to strengthen damaged hair and protect color vibrancy.910

Best Sulfate-Free

Davines NaturalTech Nourishing Shampoo

What We Like

• Moisturizing
• Nourishing
• Smooths split ends

What We Don't Like

• Strong scent

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8.45 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Davines NaturalTech flaunts an earth-sourced formula chock full of antioxidants and polyphenols, which are micronutrients derived from plants. This shampoo does wonders on dry scalps and split ends while mending and protecting brittle hair. Despite being free of sulfates, it works up to a foamy lather that effectively cleanses the hair and scalp of dirt and excess oil without stripping it from needed moisture in the process. 

Best Pump Bottle

Luseta Perfect Bonding Restoring Shampoo

What We Like

• Generous size
• Contains amino acids
• Nice scent

What We Don't Like

• Not very moisturizing

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 33.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This hefty pump bottle from Luseta contains nearly 34 ounces of bond-restoring, sulfate-free shampoo. Thanks to quinoa seed extract, it supplies nine essential amino acids to strengthen the stressed hair shaft while encouraging healthy hair growth.11 It’s ideal for all hair types that are experiencing damage and won’t hinder or fade your hair color while cleansing and repairing.

Best for Bleached Hair

Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo

What We Like

• Brightens blondes
• Makes hair feel silky
• Enhances shine

What We Don't Like

• Some reviewers note it can be drying

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Original | Size: 8.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Whenever you use bleach, there's a potential for damage resulting in dry, brittle hair. This formula, which includes keratin and a blend of botanical extracts like lemon, chamomile, and lavender, helps hair feel silky again. The addition of violet and pearl pigments brightens warm, brassy, dull strands and enhances overall shine, which gives an instant lift. According to the brand, this shampoo also boasts UV protection to help prevent the sun from warping your hair color or drying out your hair.

"When I over-bleached my hair, I tried this, and within a couple of applications, I saw an immediate improvement in the texture and brightness," says Byrdie associate editorial director Jill Di Donato.

Best Vegan

Verb Bonding Shampoo

What We Like

• Bond-repair technology
• Smooths split ends
• Strengthens

What We Don't Like

• Some reviewers note it can be drying

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 12 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This vegan shampoo relinks broken bonds with the help of an amino-bond complex to help strengthen hair and prevent further damage. Made for all types of damaged hair, its claim to fame is its impressive ability to smooth split ends after just one use when used with the brand’s corresponding hair mask. Many reviewers also applaud the formula for leaving their hair feeling softer and silkier.

Best With Set

Garnier Fructis Hair Filler + Vitamin Cg Strength Repair Shampoo

What We Like

• Budget-friendly
• Bond-repair technology
• Enhances shine

What We Don’t Like

• Works best when purchased with other products

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 10.1 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As with many bond-repair shampoos, this one (which is formulated with vitamin Cg—aka ascorbyl glucoside—citric acid, and the brand’s repair care complex) needs to be used as part of the Hair Filler four-step system to experience the breakage-reducing and strengthening claims. The set includes a pre-shampoo treatment, the shampoo, a conditioner, and a hair serum.

According to the brand, continued use can provide a 79% increase in strength and four times less breakage. Though sulfate-free, it works up to an impressive sudsy lather that is easily rinsed from the hair. One potential downside of this formula is that it has a candy-like scent that may be polarizing or unappealing for those who prefer unscented or fragrance-free haircare. Overall, reviewers sing its praises for softening and strengthening their hair while increasing shine.

Best for Dull Hair

Bumble and Bumble Bond-Building Repair Shampoo

What We Like

• Color-safe
• Smooths split ends
• Adds shine

What We Don’t Like

• May be heavy for fine hair

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dull, lackluster hair is a pretty common side effect of hair damage, so a shampoo made to mend and prevent split ends and breakage usually helps add a light-reflecting sheen back to your hair. The Bumble and Bumble Bond Building-Repair Shampoo strengthens by building new hair bonds and smoothing the hair cuticle, helping hair appear healthier, smoother, and shinier. It utilizes ingredients like honey, popularly used in cosmetics for its conditioning and moisturizing benefits, and a bond-building complex to help prevent future breakage and improve hair elasticity.12

Best Clarifying

K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo

What We Like

• Clarifying
• Color-safe
• Subtle citrus scent

What We Don’t Like

• Some reviewers note it’s drying

Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If your hair appears limp and greasy and you’re actually washing your hair a fair amount, your go-to daily shampoo might not be cutting it. That’s where a clarifying shampoo comes in. These formulas are formulated to cut through excess oil and product buildup with ease without stripping your hair of essential moisture. K18’s clarifying shampoo uses ingredients like salicylic acid to clear the hair follicle of sebum and even helps remove buildup from hard water that may contribute to breakage.1314 It’s also made with the company’s patented K18PEPTIDE, which reportedly helps reduce protein loss while you wash your hair.

How can you tell if your hair is damaged?

Hair damage can manifest in many different ways. Your hair may exemplify common characteristics like split ends, breakage, dryness, or dullness. A licensed hairstylist or trichologist can evaluate your hair to determine its current state and offer personalized advice on nursing it back to health and preventing future damage.

How often should you shampoo damaged hair?

According to John Pulitano, salon co-owner, and Sydney, Australia-based stylist, those with dry, damaged, and processed hair should shampoo up to twice a week at most. “More than this can irritate the scalp and unbalance its natural oils,” he says. He also adds that the product you use is equally as important as how often you use it and recommends looking for nourishing products that contain reparative ingredients like keratin protein.

Is dry shampoo safe for damaged hair?

Pulitano says dry shampoo is safe for those with damaged hair. “The key is to use a good-quality one,” he says. You’ll also need to shampoo your hair properly to remove product buildup.”

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in cosmetics. She considered dozens of formulas for this article. Before landing on her final selections, she combined our testing insights, stylist recommendations, and pored over ingredients lists. For this roundup, she also referenced several peer-reviewed journals, and combed through reviews.

Victoria Moorhouse is an editor, writer, and content strategist with over a decade of experience reporting on the beauty industry. She’s held positions at publications like InStyle and POPSUGAR. To make the selections in this roundup, she sifted through customer reviews, studied ingredient lists, and referenced our testing insights. 

Team Byrdie worked with the following experts to ensure the best picks:

Shelly Aguirre is a professional stylist at Maxine Salon, a premier hair destination in Chicago, Illinois. With 12 years of experience teaching haircare classes at salons and tradeshows, she is one of the most sought-after stylists and educators in the industry.

Tina Deeke is a senior colorist at Maxine Salon with 18 years of experience. She is responsible for initiating balayage into the salon and worked 12 years as a stylist before switching over to hair color.

John Pulitano is a stylist and the co-owner and creative director of Headcase Hair, a salon in Sydney, Australia.