The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (2024)

Reviews Beauty

Written by Lauren Dana Ellman; edited by Maiya Pascouche

Updated

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (1)

  • Best overall
  • Best for frizzy hair
  • Best hydrating
  • Best for damaged hair
  • Best for fine hair
  • Best sulfate-free
  • Best drugstore
  • Best for curly hair
  • Best strengthening
  • Best anti-breakage
  • Best lightweight
  • Best for color-treated hair
  • Best for sensitive scalps
  • Best cleansing conditioner
  • Best for volume
  • Best luxury
  • What to look for
  • FAQs

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If you struggle with dry, damaged hair, then you know that there are dozens — if not hundreds — of shampoos out there promising to solve your hair woes. That's why choosing the best shampoo for dry hair is no easy feat. I've been a beauty writer for over 5 years, and I deal with dry hair myself, so I've tested numerous formulas and spent many hours researching, interviewing, reading, and learning about treatments for dry hair. The key is to look for shampoos that feature moisturizing and hydrating ingredients, which will help revive dry strands.

To get to the bottom of what determines the best formulations for dry hair, I spoke with New York City-based, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, who explained that it could take some "trial and error" to find the formula that's just right for your hair and lifestyle. "Choosing products formulated specifically for dry hair is an excellent step toward promoting healthy hair and scalp," so if you're reading this guide, you're already putting yourself on the right track.

Although the competition was stiff,after researching and testing dozens of formulas, we named theAmika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo our top pick for the best shampoo for dry hair. Enriched with reparative and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this haircare must-have boosts moisture for days at a time (which means your hair won't get so brittle or stiff between washes).

Below, you'll find the best shampoos for dry hair, more FAQs and information about how to care for dry hair and what ingredients are best, and more guidance from our expert, Dr. Green.

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Our top 9 picks for the best shampoos for dry hair

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (2)

amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo

This shampoo is enriched with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane.

Check price at Amazon Check price at Sephora

JVN Nurture Hydrating Shampoo

The JVN Nurture Hydrating Shampoo lives up to its name and leaves hair visibly softer after just one use.

Check price at Sephora

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (5)

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair!™ Super Moisture Shampoo

This shampoo replenishes damaged hair and helps prevent future damage in the process.

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (6)

Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo

The Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo boasts a creamy, fine hair-approved formula and is color-safe.

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (7)

Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo

This argan oil-infused shampoo promotes shiny, smooth strands.

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (8)

Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo

This reparative shampoo is a steal at under $5 per bottle.

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (9)

Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo

The Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo, which, you guessed it, delivers a healthy dose of moisture with each use.

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (10)

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

This strengthening shampoo from Mielle provides intense moisture, a must for curly and coarse hair types.

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Best overall

Staff Pick

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (11)

amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo

This shampoo is enriched with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane.

Check price at Amazon Check price at Sephora

What we like

  • Delivers up to 72 hours of hydration

What we don’t like

  • Some reviewers report a slightly oily residue

After years of using and loving the amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo, it beat out the other contenders as our top pick among the very best shampoos for dry hair. It is loaded with hydrating and moisturizing powerhouses like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and coconut water. Additionally, according to the company, the shampoo is specially formulated to provide up to 72 hours of hydration. In my experience, my hair feels more nourished and moisturized for far longer than any other shampoo. It gently cleanses and transforms into a rich lather upon contact with water. Oh, and did I mention it's vegan and cruelty-free?

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Best for frizzy hair

Even the frizziest hair is no match for this shampoo, but don't just take it from us. "The L'Oreal Paris EverPure Frizz Defy Shampoo is a great option to fit your budget and tame your frizz," says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Bradley Leake. He tells Business Insider, "This shampoo is sulfate-free and contains Marula Oil, which will significantly improve your texture and contain your frizz but without adding that greasy feel." Bonus: it's suitable for color-treated hair, too.

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Best hydrating

JVN Nurture Hydrating Shampoo

The JVN Nurture Hydrating Shampoo lives up to its name and leaves hair visibly softer after just one use.

Check price at Sephora

What we like

  • Packed with several vitamin- and fatty acid-rich ingredients, delivers intense hydration

What we don’t like

  • Some reviewers deemed the scent to be overpowering (though I loved it!)

After reading rave reviews about this top-rated shampoo for dry hair, I decided to put it to the test — and I was pleasantly impressed with the results. While the formula is lightweight, it's packed with beneficial ingredients like protective panthenol, vitamin-rich aloe, and fatty acid-loaded camellia seed oil. Even after just one use, my hair felt visibly softer straight out of the shower up until my next wash day. The fresh, clean scent added an extra-luxe touch.

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Best for damaged hair

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (14)

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair!™ Super Moisture Shampoo

This shampoo replenishes damaged hair and helps prevent future damage in the process.

What we like

  • Works wonders on damaged hair by eliminating dirt, buildup, and oil

What we don’t like

  • Adds moisture and nourishment

Damaged hair does care — and that's precisely why it's worth snagging Briogeo's Don't Despair, Repair!™ Super Moisture Shampoo. This uber-hydrating hair-care essential delivers moisture while eliminating dirt, buildup, and excess oil without weighing down the hair or stripping color. It's loaded with beneficial ingredients like conditioning shea butter, nourishing coconut oil, and anti-inflammatory algae extract.

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Best for fine hair

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (15)

Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo

The Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo boasts a creamy, fine hair-approved formula and is color-safe.

What we like

  • Doesn’t weigh down fine hair

What we don’t like

  • At nearly $40 for less than ten ounces, it’s not exactly wallet-friendly

Fine, dry hair is no match for Pureology's Hydrate Sheer Shampoo, which features a creamy silicone- and sulfate-free formula that's well-suited for fine, dry, and color-treated strands. Jojoba is known for its nourishing and smoothing properties, while green tea promotes healthy hair growth. Additionally, salicylic acid gently exfoliates and removes excess oil and product buildup.

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Best sulfate-free

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (16)

Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo

This argan oil-infused shampoo promotes shiny, smooth strands.

What we like

  • Antioxidant-, vitamin-, and fatty acid-packed formula is designed to boost shine, smoothness, and hydration

What we don’t like

  • May irritate sensitive scalps

With its innovative sulfate-free formula, it's no wonder why the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo has made this list of the best shampoos for dry hair. Enriched with ingredients like antioxidant-laden argan oil, smoothing algae, and free radical-fighting vitamin A, it's gentle enough for everyday use, even on color-treated hair. Its signature scent, which features a blend of spicy amber and sweet florals, is just the icing on the proverbial cake. For more of the best sulfate-free shampoos, check out our guide.

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Best drugstore

Great Price

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (17)

Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo

This reparative shampoo is a steal at under $5 per bottle.

What we like

  • Repairs dry strands by providing moisture and nourishment

What we don’t like

  • Fragrance may irritate those with allergies and/or sensitivities

Designed for everyday use, the Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo is our pick for the best drugstore shampoo for dry hair. Despite its lightweight formula, the shampoo intensely hydrates and smoothes strands. That's because it's infused with ultra-versatile glycerin, a powerful humectant that helps boost moisture and condition hair, ultimately making it softer.

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Best for curly hair

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (18)

Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo

The Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo, which, you guessed it, delivers a healthy dose of moisture with each use.

What we like

  • Specially formulated with curly hair in mind

What we don’t like

  • Not sulfate-free

Since curly hair is more porous than straight or wavy hair, it requires even more moisturization. Enter the Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo, which features a nourishing blend of vitamins and botanicals to boost moisture sans any greasiness. Its gentle cleansing formula won't strip your delicate strands, either. Find more of our favorite shampoos for curly hair here.

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Best strengthening

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (19)

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

This strengthening shampoo from Mielle provides intense moisture, a must for curly and coarse hair types.

What we like

  • Encourages hair growth
  • Nourishes and strengthens curly, coarse, and weak hair
  • Wallet-friendly price point

What we don’t like

  • Can feel tingly on the scalp (especially if you have any flakiness)
  • Some reviewers reported greasy residue

"Mielle's Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo contains rosemary oil to promote circulation to the scalp and hair follicles and protect the hair from environmental stressors via its antioxidant properties," says Dr. Green of this wallet-friendly shampoo. Meanwhile, peppermint oil helps "promote hair growth and strength." Best of all, it's under $10 per bottle.

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Best anti-breakage

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (20)

Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Shampoo

This ultra hydrating shampoo gently cleanses, effectively moisturizes and smooths thick, coarse and very dry hair

What we like

  • Vegan and cruelty-free formula
  • Packed with powerful plant-based ingredients

What we don’t like

  • Those with super-sensitive skin and scalps may opt for a hypoallergenic shampoo
  • Some reviewers reported irritation

The Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Shampoo features a creamy vegan formula loaded with plant-based ingredients. Capuaçu butter is an emollient rich in fatty acids, making it great for softening, moisturizing, and nourishing strands. Apricot kernel oil, another emollient, softens and soothes. Similarly, aloe offers soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, while salicylic acid gently exfoliates to keep your hair — and scalp! — clean as a whistle.

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Best lightweight

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (21)

Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Shampoo

Despite its ultra-light formula and texture, the Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Shampoo fights frizz by blocking up to 98 percent humidity.

What we like

  • Won’t weigh down thin or fine hair

What we don’t like

  • If you want a super sudsy or creamer leather, you’ll need to use more product

Those with fine or thinning hair should opt for a lightweight shampoo that won't weigh down their delicate strands, which is exactly where the Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Shampoo comes into play. As one of our top picks for the best shampoos for dry hair, this product features a (seemingly) weightless formula — seriously, I didn't even feel it come out into the palm of my hair in the shower! — that effortlessly transforms into a thin lather. Because of its light and airy texture, I found it incredibly easy to massage into my scalp. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that my usually knotty, tangled hair was quick — and relatively pain-free — to brush out the following day, even after going to bed without styling it.

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Best for color-treated hair

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (22)

Redken All Soft Shampoo

Consider incorporating the Redken All Soft Shampoo into your wash routine for visibly softer and smoother hair.

What we like

  • Gentle enough for color-treated hair
  • Provides plenty of moisturization

What we don’t like

  • It’s not particularly lightweight
  • May weigh down ultra-fine or thin hair

It's no secret that color-treated hair is more prone to dryness. However, the Redken AllSoft Shampoo was specially formulated to combat this. Its hero ingredient, argan oil, boosts hydration, protects against damage, and moisturizes. Glycerin also helps replenish damaged, color-treated strands, while salicylic acid can help lock in color by promoting a healthy scalp.

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Best for sensitive scalps

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (23)

Not Your Mother's Balancing Act Shampoo

This sensitive scalp-approved shampoo for dry hair removes excess oil, buildup, and dandruff.

What we like

  • Cleanses, hydrates, and nourishes even the most sensitive of scalps

What we don’t like

  • The scent is super subtle (a pro for some, though!)

Scalp health is integral to overall hair health. Not Your Mother's Scalp Balancing Shampoo is formulated to gently cleanse the scalp and remove product buildup, excess oil, and flakes without stripping it of essential oils. The dermatologist-tested shampoo is also formulated with ingredients like glycerin and seawater to calm irritation and boost hydration. I was able to get my hands on this shampoo and put it to the test, and I especially loved how creamy the texture was, which, in turn, allowed for an ultra-rich lather. If you’ve ever struggled with dandruff, check out our guide on the best dandruff shampoos for more great options for sensitive scalps.

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Best cleansing conditioner

Staff Pick

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (24)

Hairstory New Wash Original

As its name suggests, this shampoo doubles as a cleanser and conditioner, deeply hydrating for even the most dry hair.

What we like

  • Versatile shampoo that cleanses, conditions, boosts shine, adds hydration, and reduces irritation

What we don’t like

  • At over $40 for just eight ounces, it’s pricey

Dry, dull hair is no match for this all-in-one shampoo that doubles as a conditioner. Hairstory's New Wash is especially unique in that it actually has the texture of a creamy conditioner — and it doesn't foam up. As such, spending at least a minute massaging the product into the scalp is key to fully absorbing the product. My hair still felt knotty after one wash, so I decided to rinse and repeat, which did the trick. Post-shower, I could comb my fingers through my hair without it getting tangled, which, to me, signifies a job well done. Finally, I'd be remiss not to mention the product's gentle, non-stripping formula, which is enriched with conditioning jojoba oil and peppermint oil, which has been found to promote hair growth.

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Best for volume

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (25)

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo

Despite its lightweight formula, this volumizing shampoo packs a powerful punch thanks to its moisturizing formula.

What we like

  • Simultaneously cleanses and boosts volume
  • Nice scent

What we don’t like

  • Not the most affordable pick

Not only is the Bumble and bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo one of the best shampoos for dry hair, but it's also one of the most popular products on the market for thinning hair thanks to its volumizing formula. Upon testing the shampoo, I was pleasantly surprised to notice a subtle lift at the roots after washing my hair the following morning. The clean, crisp scent — which has notes of lemon, bergamot, apple, water lily, cedar, and white musk — is a plus.

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Best luxury

The 16 best shampoos for dry hair in 2024, according to experts (26)

Kerastase Bain Satin Riche Shampoo

Formulated with “very dry” hair in mind, this splurge-worthy shampoo is enriched with nourishing ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and panthenol.

Check price at Amazon Check price at Sephora

What we like

  • Replenishes, strengthens, and hydrates hair

What we don’t like

  • Those with thin strands may opt for a more lightweight shampoo

Leake highly recommends the Kerastase Bain Satin Riche Shampoo. "This formula is designed to especially target thick, dry hair and replenish strength and hydration," he says. Made with plant-based proteins, it provides essential nutrients to the hair that aid in retaining moisture over time."

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What to look for

Ingredients:

According to Dr. Green, "The best shampoos for dry hair will contain hydrating ingredients such as shea butter and jojoba oil and healthy hair ingredients such as biotin, argan oil, and coconut oil." On the contrary, she recommends avoiding products that contain parabens, "which can strip the hair and scalp of their natural oils, resulting in further dryness and irritation," along with alcohol and isopropanol, both of which "can lead to the drying of hair strands and can additionally damage the hair follicles." Sulfates, including sodium lauryl sulfate, described by Dr. Green as "a cleansing agent that creates a lather," can lead to "hair follicle damage when left in the hair." Finally, those with sensitivities should also steer clear of fragrances, which can "irritate the scalp and damage the hair follicles."

Hair type:

Your hair type "absolutely" dictates what kind of shampoo for dry hair you should use, explains Dr. Green. For example, says the dermatologist, "If you have fine or thin hair, you may want to purchase shampoos with lightweight ingredients such as jojoba oil to prevent buildup and weight on the hair." On the other hand, those with thick or coarse hair can use shampoos with heavier ingredients like shea butter "that the hair strands can absorb." It's also worth noting that those with color-treated hair should look for "shampoos with proteins to deeply repair and strengthen the hair and hydrating ingredients to replenish moisture lost during the coloring process."

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FAQs

How do you determine if you have dry hair?

Per Dr. Green, "Dry hair typically appears as dull or flat with no shine to the strands." Additionally, dry hair "may snap or break easily when stretched gently" since it's prone to damage. Finally, it's worth noting that "individuals with dry hair may also complain of an itchy or flaky scalp due to decreased oil production."

What causes dry hair?

A number of factors can cause dry hair. For one, says Dr. Green, "Overwashing your hair and using harsh or improper ingredients can excessively strip the hair of its natural oils." Meanwhile, "Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to dry hair due to lower levels of oil production on the scalp." Hormone imbalances, certain medications, or medical conditions can also "play a role in decreased oil production and dryness." Dr. Green is also quick to note that "excessively using heat styling tools or using heat without protectants can lead to hair cuticle damage" since it strips the hair of moisture, ultimately leading to — you guessed it — dryness.

How often should you wash your dry hair?

Put simply, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how often you should wash your hair. That said, explains Dr. Green, "It may be beneficial to start with washing your clothes once a week." From there, she says, "It is important to pay attention to how your hair feels." For example, "If your hair feels weighed down or oily throughout the week, you can increase the frequency of washing." On the contrary, if your hair still feels dry, it may help to decrease the frequency of washing.

Your hair type also plays a vital role in determining how often you should wash your hair. Think of it this way, says the dermatologist: "Those with coarse, dry hair may be able to wash their hair less frequently than those with fine, dry hair."

Can extremely dry hair be repaired?

Prepare to breathe a sigh of relief: According to Dr. Green, "Extremely dry hair can be repaired with the right hair care products and regimen." For one, "Using hydrating products, targeted treatments, and decreasing the use of heat styling can all be beneficial to repairing and restoring dry hair."

Lauren Dana Ellman

Freelance writer

Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York City-based freelance writer, editor, and social strategist specializing in all things travel, beauty, wellness, and food. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Allure, POPSUGAR, ShermansTravel, Elite Daily, Hotels Above Par, and Mental Floss, among other lifestyle-oriented publications. She holds a degree in Magazine Journalism from Syracuse University's SI Newhouse School of Communication. Follow her on Instagram at @laurenvellman.

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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

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