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The 13 Best Shampoos for Dry Hair, According to an Expert Hair Stylist

 

Find the right shampoo to help keep dry hair healthy and hydrated.

Whether you've dealt with dry hair in the past or suddenly find your locks lacking moisture, dry hair happens to the best of us. "There are many reasons why hair becomes dry — from excessive blow drying and heat styling to change in climate," explains Raven Hurtado, hair stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. But you don't have to ditch your hot tools or skip that tropical vacation to keep your hair hydrated. There are plenty of shampoos on the market that moisturize dry hair effectively.

To help you choose the best shampoo for your dry hair, we've researched and tested the best options based on recommendations from editors and hairstylists. Whether you're looking to hydrate fine hair or thick hair, soothe a dry scalp or solve dry hair with an oily scalp, this list of best shampoos for dry hair has something for every hair type and need. 

Best Shampoo for Dry Hair Overall

Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo

Why We Like It: This formula adds moisture to all hair types without weighing it down.

It's Worth Noting: We think this is one of the best-smelling shampoos out there. Prepare to be hooked!

Key Ingredients: Biotin, Plant collagen, Niacinamide | Hair Type: All types | Sulfate-free: Yes

This rejuvenating shampoo for dry hair is specifically formulated to restore moisture to hair and repair hair damage for healthier-looking strands in just a few washes. This formula features everything you'd want in a hydrating shampoo without any unnecessary ingredients or harmful sulfates to weigh hair down. We love that it's suitable for all hair types and even safe on color-treated hair. Though it's pricey, we think this formula is worth the splurge, especially since it protects hair against future damage.

Best Shampoo for Dry Hair Under $15

Odele Moisture Repair Shampoo

Why We Like It: Packed with hydrating ingredients, this shampoo is also a steal at under $15. 

It's Worth Noting: Some reviewers note the bottle's dispenser becomes clogged after multiple uses. 

Key Ingredients: Hydrating aloe, humectant glycerin, amino acids | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-free: Yes

This dry hair shampoo works hard to restore moisture but goes easy on your wallet. Formulated with hardworking ingredients like hydrating aloe, amino acids, and quinoa extract, this shampoo will have hair looking noticeably healthier after just one wash. While this formula is suitable for all hair types, the brand recommends those with oily and fine hair to use sparingly.

Best Splurge Shampoo for Dry Hair

Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Shampoo

Why We Like It: It provides moisture and shine to even the most damaged hair.

It's Worth Noting: Oilier scalps may require multiple washes.

Key Ingredients: Japanese sourced rice extract | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-free: No

If you need to whip dry strands back into shape quickly, this luxury formula from Shu Uemura delivers. The star ingredient in this shampoo is Japanese-sourced rice extract, enriched with powerful minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins that help remove impurities while strengthening strands. This formula helps fortify hair against future breakage and is suitable for all hair types, though those with oilier scalps may need more than one wash for the best results.

Best Drugstore Shampoo for Dry Hair

Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo

Why We Like It: This drugstore buy repairs dry hair while delivering shine. 

It's Worth Noting: We wish the ingredient list were more natural, without sulfates. 

Key Ingredients: Gluconolactone, Arginine | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-free: No

If you're looking for hair hydration in a pinch, this drugstore find from Dove will do the trick. Formulated with Dove's signature nutri-keratin repair actives, this shampoo nourishes dry hair while repairing damaged hair to deliver more shine and less dry ends. This product won't damage color-treated hair and, unlike a clarifying shampoo, can be used daily to restore dry hair.

Best Shampoo for Dry Damaged Hair

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Why We Like It: This unbeatable formula repairs, protects, and hydrates even the most damaged hair.

It's Worth Noting: Use this product sparingly for the best results.

Key Ingredients: Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-free: Yes

Olaplex is a leader in reparative hair products and treatments, so it's no surprise to see Olaplex No 4. Bond Maintenance as the winner in this category. The brand's patented Bond Building Technology repairs damage and split ends and supports hair bonds to help protect against future damage and encourage hair growth. We recommend pairing it with Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner for best results.

Best Shampoo for Dry Color-Treated Hair

Redken All Soft Shampoo

Why We Like It: Softens and restores brittle, color-treated hair.

It's Worth Noting: This formula does contain sulfates.

Key Ingredients: Omega-6 enriched argan oil | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-free: No

Coloring your hair with bleach or dye can dry it out and make it feel stiff and brittle. This formula from Redken works to soothe strands back to their youthful, pre-color state using argan oil and aloe vera. We love how fast the product works, with hair noticeably softer and less damaged after just one wash. (If you went blonde, you may want to also consider a purple shampoo to maintain the hue.)

Best Shampoo for Dry Fine Hair

Davines NaturalTech Nourishing Shampoo

Why We Like It: It contains natural ingredients that hydrate without weighing hair down. 

It's Worth Noting: Some customer reviews note the scent is too earthy for their liking. 

Key Ingredients: Phytoceuticals extracted from grapes | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-free: Yes

Finding a formula that will repair hair without weighing it down is crucial for dry, fine hair. This shampoo from Davines harnesses the natural power of grape extract to restore and repair dry, damaged hair. The clean ingredients make it an excellent pick for fine hair, and the shampoo's creamy texture hydrates even the finest strands.

Best Shampoo for Dry Thick Hair

Briogeo Super Moisture Shampoo

Why We Like It: A clean, natural formula that penetrates thick hair to deliver results.

It's Worth Noting: Best when paired with Briogeo's deep conditioning hair mask. 

Key Ingredients: Rosehip oil, algae extract, biotin | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-free: Yes

Thicker hair tends to dry out more easily than fine hair and can be more difficult to treat. This formula from Briogeo gets the job done for thick hair in serious need of posture thanks to natural hydrating ingredients like algae extract and rose hip oil, which works to hydrate hair, control frizz, and improve hair elasticity.

Best Shampoo for Dry Curly Hair

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Shampoo

Why We Like It: It's well-priced and specifically formulated for curly hair. 

It's Worth Noting: Some reviews love the coconut scent — others find it too overpowering.

Key Ingredients: Silk protein, coconut oil, neem oil | Hair Type: Thick, curly | Sulfate-free: Yes

Not only does this shampoo help hydrate curls, but it also helps enhance your curl's natural shape to reduce frizz and amplify curl definition. Formulated specifically for curly hair, this shampoo features natural ingredients like silk protein, coconut, and neem oil to restore shine and hydration while gently cleansing curly hair.

Best Shampoo for Dry Frizzy Hair

Ouidad Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

Why We Like It: This hydrating formula features anti-frizz technology to keep hair in place. 

It's Worth Noting: Works best on wavy to curly hair.

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, murumuru butter | Hair Type: Wavy, curly | Sulfate-free: Yes

This hydrating, anti-frizz shampoo from Ouidad uses a protein derived from silk to enhance hair's natural protective barrier. The result? Hair that stays frizz-free even in high humidity. Shea and murumuru butter work to moisturize strands, leaving hair feeling soft and strengthened.

Best Shampoo for Dry Hair and Dry Scalp

WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

Why We Like It: Treats dry hair and dry scalp simultaneously. 

It's Worth Noting: Customer reviews note it may be difficult to apply. 

Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, coconut and avocado oils | Hair Type: All | Sulfate-free: Yes

This shampoo from WOW works to gently break up scalp buildup and open clogged follicles to relieve dry, itchy scalps. It works to revive dry hair thanks to its blend of avocado and coconut oil, which helps strengthen hair and enhance shine. This set comes with a conditioner as well for best results. (You may want to also add a scalp lotion for additional relief.)

Best Shampoo for Volume with Dry Hair

L'Oréal Professionnel Expert Volumetry Anti-Gravity Shampoo

Why We Like It: Works on dry hair that's also limp. 

It's Worth Noting: It can be used as a cleansing shampoo to remove buildup.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, avocado oil | Hair Type: Fine, thin hair | Sulfate-free: No

If you have fine, dry hair in need of a volume boost, this formula from L'Oréal is here to help. The nourishing avocado oil moisturizes hair, while the salicylic acid cleanses and lifts strands. The result? Fuller, healthier-looking hair.

Best Shampoo for Dry Hair and Oily Scalp

Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo

Why We Like It: This shampoo hydrates hair and cleanses oily scalps. 

It's Worth Noting: Best for fine and medium hair.

Key Ingredients: Jojoba, green tea, sage | Hair Type: Fine to medium | Sulfate-free: Yes

If your strands are dry, but your scalp is oily, you may find that many shampoos for dry hair don't treat both issues. This formula from Pureology tackles both, providing hydration for hair while gently cleansing oily scalps with natural ingredients. Jojoba moisturizes hair, while green tea extract works to cleanse scalp buildup.

What To Know About Shampoo For Dry Hair

• Key ingredients: When searching for a shampoo for dry hair, Hurtado says to look for oils and moisturizers on the ingredient list. "These ingredients are recommended for dry hair because moisturizing agents hydrate and smooth the hair to give life and bounce," she explains. Hair oils like avocado, coconut, argan, or olive oil help give hair shine and bring brittle hair to life. Other moisturizing agents like shea butter and aloe help hydrate and restore dry, damaged hair. 
• Sulfates: Many haircare brands have pulled sulfates from their product since there's evidence that these chemicals can damage hair. "Sulfates strip the hair and scalp's natural oils and leave the scalp feeling dry and itchy and hair dull," says Hurtado. When shopping for shampoo for dry hair, avoiding sulfates is a smart move. 
• Alcohol: Another ingredient to skip when shopping for shampoo for dry hair is alcohol. "Alcohols also dry out the scalp and hair, making the hair cuticle rough, brittle, and frizzy," Hurtado explains. Opt for alcohol-free formulas for best results. 

Why Trust Shape

Danielle Page has spent the past 12 years writing about health, fitness, and products that make you look and feel your best. As someone with dry hair, she feels personally invested in determining the right product for the job across a wide variety of hair types and needs to make shopping simple.