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Professional Stylists and Shape Editors Use These 13 Shampoos for Dry Hair to Revive Dehydrated Strands

 

Salon-ready, hydrated hair is just one wash away with these expert-approved shampoos.

Whether you've dealt with dry hair in the past or suddenly find your locks lacking moisture, you are probably aware of just how hard fixing damaged hair is. That's because there are so many factors in our daily lives that contribute to thirsty strands. "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 for dry hair on the market that moisturize dry hair effectively.

To find the best shampoo for dry hair, Shape's editors researched and tested the best options from brands like Oribe, Davines, and WOW based on recommendations from editors and hairstylists. We tested these on brittle strands, color-treated locks, and oily hair types to ensure they work on a wide variety of hair types.

Whether you're looking to hydrate fine or thick hair, soothe a dry scalp, or solve dry hair with an oily scalp, this list of the best shampoos for dry hair has something for every hair type and need. 

The Rundown

As the best shampoo for dry hair overall, Oribe Gold Lust Repair and Restore repairs hair in just a few washes and works for all hair types.
Ouidad Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo uses a protein derived from silk to fight frizz and is the best shampoo for dry frizzy hair.
For the best bang for your buck, Saltair's Volume Boost Thickening Shampoo offers 14 oz of its nourishing formula for just $12.

Best Shampoo for Dry Hair Overall

Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo

Why We Like It

• Adds moisture without weighing hair down
• Smells great
• Sulfate-free

It's Worth Noting

• Multiple sizes available (from 2.5 fl oz to 33.8 oz)

Key Ingredients: Biotin, Plant collagen, Niacinamide | Size: 8.5 oz

This rejuvenating shampoo for dry hair is specifically formulated to restore moisture to strands and repair damage for healthier-looking locks 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. Shape loves that it's suitable for all hair types and even safe on color-treated hair. Though it's pricey, this formula is surely worth the splurge, especially since it protects hair against future damage.

Best Budget Shampoo for Dry Hair

Hask Coconut Oil Shampoo

Why We Like It

• One bottle is under $10
• Great tropical scent
• Coconut oil repairs and hydrates hair

It's Worth Noting

• Accessible at many big-name retailers

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil | Size: 12 fl oz

Rogerio Cavalcante, owner of and stylist at The Second Floor Salon in NYC, says the coconut oil in
Hask's Coconut Oil Shampoo is "a great ingredient for damaged and dry hair," given that it's chock full of vitamin E and fatty acids that deeply hydrate the hair and work quickly to restore shine and remedy dryness. He also loves the budget-friendly price tag (you can get this set with the corresponding conditioner for under $20) and the luxe, rich texture.

Best Value Shampoo for Dry Hair

Saltair Volume Boost Thickening Shampoo

Why We Like It

• Budget-friendly
• Pleasant smell
• Thickening properties

It's Worth Noting

• Not sulfate-free
• Made for fine hair types

Key Ingredients: Velvet flower peptides, antioxidant bioactives | Size: 14 oz

Saltair's thickening shampoo is a tried-and-true formula for thinning hair that Shape's staff stands behind. "This always brings my hair back to life after periods where I put too much heat on it," says Maddie Barber, Shape's commerce writer. "Recently, my hair was left a fried mess after using a blow dryer for far too long, but this miracle formula resurrected my strands."

This never leaves a film, is a solid option for those who suffer from dry scalps, and even adds noticeable shine and volume. Note that this is made specifically for those with fine hair.

Best Shampoo for Dry, Damaged Hair

Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Shampoo

Why We Like It

• Provides moisture and shine to even the most damaged hair
• Contains Japanese-sourced rice extract

It's Worth Noting

• Oilier scalps may require multiple washes

Key Ingredients: Japanese sourced rice extract | Size: 10 fl oz

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 Shampoo for Dry, Fine Hair

Davines NaturalTech Nourishing Shampoo

Why We Like It

• Contains natural ingredients
• Doesn't weigh hair down
• Sulfate-free

It's Worth Noting

• Some may not like the earthy scent

Key Ingredients: Phytoceuticals extracted from grapes | Size: 250 mL

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. We love to use a scalp massager with this rinse to ensure our strands and scalp absorb as much of the nourishing ingredients as possible.

Best Shampoo for Dry, Thick Hair

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo

Why We Like It

• Penetrates thick hair
• Sulfate-free
• Large product quantity

It's Worth Noting

• Best when paired with Briogeo's deep conditioning hair mask

Key Ingredients: Rosehip oil, algae extract, biotin | Size: 16 oz

Fun fact: 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 control frizzy hair, hydrate, and improve hair elasticity.

Best Shampoo for Dry Hair for All Hair Types

14th Night The Nourishing Shampoo

Why We Like It

• Made with many naturally-derived ingredients
• Moisturizes hair without weighing it down
• No sulfates, parabens, silicones, or PEGs

It's Worth Noting

• Strong scent

Key Ingredients: Argan oil, sweet almond oil, and pomegranate | Size: 8 fl oz

It's natural for people with dry, thin hair to feel skeptical about new hair products. But this effective lightweight option is a homerun. "No matter the state of my hair before applying this shampoo on my hair wash days, I'm always left with silky, perfectly hydrated hair," says Barber. "It's a formula that I can trust time and time again to whip my hair into shape." With known nourishing ingredients like argan oil, sweet almond oil, and pomegranate, it's no wonder this formula works so well to transform dry hair.

Bonus: It has an amazing botanical scent.

Best Shampoo for Dry, Curly Hair

Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Cleanser

Why We Like It

• Salon-quality results
• Defines curls
• Sulfate, paraben, and silicone-free

It's Worth Noting

• Only available on Amazon

Key Ingredients: Violet rice extract, mango extract, basil extract | Size: 10.1 fl oz

Cavalcante says he's "been using this product on my clients for years" because "the formula helps detangle the hair easily and leaves the hair visibly more hydrated." However, he specifically suggests this option for curly hair types, as it works best to help add definition to curls (typically a trickier task, as curls need more moisture), all while leaving the hair "glossy and smooth."

Best Shampoo for Dry, Frizzy Hair

Ouidad Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

Why We Like It

• Good for wavy and curly hair types
• Sulfate-free
• Features anti-frizz technology

It's Worth Noting

• Not a good choice for straight hair

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, murumuru butter | Size: 8.5 fl oz

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 looking smooth and shiny.

Best Clarifying Shampoo for Dry Hair

WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

Why We Like It

• Treats both dry hair and dry scalp
• Sulfate-free
• Set includes shampoo and conditioner

It's Worth Noting

• May be somewhat difficult to apply

Key Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, avocado oil | Size: 16.91 fl oz

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

Best Shampoo for Dry Hair and Oily Scalp

Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo

Why We Like It

• Hydrates hair and cleanses oily scalps
• Best for fine and medium hair

It's Worth Noting

• Not a good choice for thick hair

Key Ingredients: Jojoba, green tea, sage | Size: 9 fl oz

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 cleanses scalp buildup.

Best Shampoo for Dry, Color-Treated Hair

EVO The Therapist Hydrating Shampoo

Why We Like It

• Ideal for color-treated or chemical-treated hair
• Pleasant scent
• Hydrating and strengthening ingredients

It's Worth Noting

• Pricier, but many note it's worth the investment

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, hydrolyzed quinoa | Size: 10.1 fl oz

Julie Dickson, Master Stylist and founder of Joon Drop Salon in NYC, calls EVO's The Therapist Hydrating Shampoo simply "magic." This is the ultimate stamp of approval from a stylist's POV, but let's break down why she loves this formula so much. Dickson mentions that this product tends to "fly off the shelves," given it provides an "immediate illusion of health for pool, beach, heat-styled, color-treated, and highlighted hair." The glycerin and hydrolyzed quinoa on the ingredients list likely lead to these results, given their known ability to hydrate and strengthen the hair, respectively.

Best Lightweight Shampoo for Dry Hair

Ceremonia Guava Shampoo

 

Why We Like It

• Lightweight formula won't build up on thin hair
• Amazing smell
• Color safe

It's Worth Noting

• Doesn't lather

Key Ingredients: Guava fruit extract, aloe vera | Size: 8.45 fl oz

Another favorite of Cavalcante's is the Guava Shampoo from Ceremonia (Barber is also obsessed with the detangling spray from this line). He loves it because it "works on all hair types, adding moisture without weighing down the hair." This factor is especially important for a shampoo, considering the formula is used directly on the scalp, where there's more potential for product build-up. Cavalcante notes the superfruit guava and aloe vera in the formula, which works to repair damaged hair and add lightweight moisture back to dehydrated, dry hair. Keep in mind that because this formula is sulfate-free, it won't provide the lather that some people prefer.

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. "
Ingredients to avoid: Avoiding a few ingredients that could dry your strands out may help your hair in the long run. First on this list is sulfates, which many haircare brands have removed from their products since some studies show that these chemicals can damage hair.1 "Sulfates strip the hair and scalp's natural oils and leave the scalp feeling dry and itchy and hair dull," says Hurtado. 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 without sulfates for best results. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash my hair if I have dry hair?

"It’s a myth for people not to shampoo their hair every day, especially if it’s fine," says Dickson. "Fine-haired people tend to get greasy faster than those with other hair types. The trick is to use products that don’t have sulfates, cleanse gently, and follow up with a good conditioner and heat protectant if needed." Though, for those with extra-dry hair, Dickson suggests you "stay away from products that claim to remove toxins or clarify the hair, because they tend to over cleanse and be subsequently drying."

What causes dry hair?

Dickson says many external and internal factors result in excessively dry hair. She names hot, dry climates, winter weather, wind, swimming in pools or ocean water, overuse of hot tools, over-cleansing, and too many strengthening or protein conditioners and masks as a few of the external factors, whereas "anything that depletes your body from within" can contribute to dryness as well. This includes vitamin deficiency, thyroid issues, hormonal changes (from birth control, pregnancy, or postpartum), prolonged illness, surgery, illness, and aging, Dickson says.

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 various hair types and needs to make shopping simple. Shape commerce writer Maddie Barber updated this article in 2024 with additional expert-approved picks and insight, as well as her personal favorite shampoos for her dry hair, including 14th Night's Nourishing Shampoo and Saltair's Volume Boost Thickening Shampoo.

The Shape team used the following experts for this story:

• Raven Hurtado, hair stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago
• Julie Dickson, Master Stylist and founder of Joon Drop Salon in NYC
• Rogerio Cavalcante, owner of and stylist at The Second Floor Salon in NYC