Hair Professionals Agree These Are the Best Shampoos for Dry Hair (2025)

Unfortunately for both me and my graying hair, putting color into my strands automatically dries it out. Luckily, there is a solution. Both Robertson and Peace recommend this Pureology option for those with dry and color-treated hair—and I agree. The super-concentrated formula uses a wide array of botanic extracts to smooth and moisturize without sulfates, parabens, or anything else that can strip color (or moisture!) from your strands. As someone who regularly colors their hair, I have found that it stands the test of time best while using this shampoo. Plus, it leaves my strands silky, smooth, and detangled with every wash. Despite it being on the pricier side, I find that it one bottle can last up to six months, due to how little you need per wash; I have repurchased it twice.

What a reviewer says: “I’ve been using this shampoo for years and absolutely love it for my 50 year old hair. It cleans it so well and leaves it soft and smooth. You only need a little bit to get a huge lather. I wash my hair only twice a week, so I wash it two times in the shower. This shampoo gets my scalp and hair so clean—and the smell is divine.”

Dr. Spizuoco recommends this formula that “defines curls while hydrating and preventing frizz.” Due to key ingredients such as coconut oil, neem oil, and silk protein, this shampoo imparts hydration while also strengthening strands to maintain their curl definition. And at only $11, the price is right, too.

What a reviewer says: “I've had my fair share of struggles with my curly hair, from frizz to lackluster curls. However, since incorporating this shampoo into my routine, those issues are a thing of the past. The infusion of coconut and hibiscus seems to work wonders, leaving my curls looking defined, shiny, and healthy.”

This shampoo from Moroccanoil is a personal favorite of mine for de-frizzing, and Dr. Spizuoco agrees. Its super hydrating formula contains argan oil, keratin, and fatty acids which “tames frizz while repairing hair from heat and chemical damage,” she explains. The effects of this repair isn’t just moisture, but also a smooth strand that looks shiny and strong. Sometimes I find that this shampoo does its de-frizzing job a little too well, so I only use it in the deep winter when moisture is extra sparse—during the warmer months it sits too heavily on my fine-leaning hair.

What a reviewer says: “The hydrating line is heavy in my hair and feels like it doesn’t get washed out. This is prefect. Hydrating but not heavy. My frizzy fine hair is smooth and light.”

You are already likely familiar with Cerave’s moisturizing creams and cleansers, but did you know they also make an excellent gentle shampoo for dry hair? Using the same skin-nourishing essential ceramides and hyaluronic acids as its skincare, this shampoo boosts your hair’s health while it cleanses. Dr. Spizuoco recommends it for those who suffer from a dry, flaky scalp, too for its skin-healthy ingredients.

What a reviewer says: “Shocked by how good this is. I’ve tried probably 30 shampoo and conditioner sets in the past couple of years—mostly salon and fancy nontoxic brands. I’ve disliked most because they’re either not moisturizing enough for my somewhat frizzy wavy hair, cause scalp build-up, or are too heavily fragranced. The Cerave shampoo is rich and sudsy (yet sulfate free!) and the conditioner is thick and provides good slip, so I’m no longer worrying about breakage in the shower. Plus, both have no scent whatsoever, which is such a relief for those of us with scent sensitivities or allergies.”

Those with damaged hair have likely heard about Olaxplex, and for good reason. Dr. Spizuoco offers this as her choice for those who need assistance in repairing damage from bleaching and coloring. “Olaxplex’s patented bond-building technology strengthens and protects,” she tells us. The result is notably less breakage and sealed frayed ends, all from just a pea-sized dollop.

What a reviewer says: “I started using a few years ago on my fried, bleached, breaking hair. In combination, used less heat and washed less often. After using for a couple years, I found that I no longer needed it even thought I do get highlights every few months. This lathers well, and a little goes a long way which is helpful for the high price.”

Dr. Spizuoco tends to avoid drugstore shampoos for dry hair, as most of them contain additionally-drying sulfates, but not this one from OGX. She says its highly moisturizing, and adds shine and softness by using argan oil and silk proteins. But she does warn that it might not be best for those needing deep repair because it’s “not as intensive as higher-end formulas.” But for someone who needs affordable moisture in a pinch? This is a great option.

What a reviewer says: “I initially bought it because I wanted a gentler, sulfate-free shampoo. I was surprised by two things. One, it sudses up nicely and cleans thoroughly with just one wash, and two—my hair stopped falling out!—a problem I had since being diagnosed with low thyroid. I suspect that sulfates must have been contributing to the problem. My hair feels clean but not stripped. In fact, I can almost go without a detangler afterwards.”

Robertson tells us this is her choice for those not just dealing with dry hair but also dry scalps. The dermatologist-derived formula “is great for dry or irritated scalp due to its skin caring ingredients,” she says. It is also suitable for those with sensitive skin, and even eczema because it is free from sulfates, parabens, dyes, and fragrances.

What a reviewer says: “My scalp was itchy and broke out in blisters that hurt if even a breeze blew through my hair. Other products I tried to use left my hair super coarse/frizzy, and my scalp feeling oily. This is a game changer. No agitation, hair is so soft and even with the rest of the products in the line I can go 2-3 days before needing a wash. Instead of daily to make the greasy feel in my hair go away.”

Those with fine hair might be worried about a moisture-rich shampoo weighing down their hair, but this lightweight option from Nutrafol won’t do that. “It cleanses without drying out your scalp, which is key for delicate hair types,” Mina Amin, M.D., F.A.A.D, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles tells us. She loves it for its scalp-healthy formula, packed with natural ingredients that strengthen hair at the root (and help boost volume and thickness over time!). “The special blend of botanicals nourishes your hair and supports natural growth, which is especially important for fine hair that can be prone to thinning. It’s a gentle yet effective way to give your hair the care it needs,” she adds.

What a reviewer says: “If you’re looking for a gentle, effective shampoo that promotes stronger, thicker, and healthier hair, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s definitely made a positive impact on my hair, and I’m excited to continue using it!”

When it comes to moisturizing shampoos for thick wavy hair, Roberston turns to Amika’s Hydro Rush. She calls it “deeply hydrating,” due to its hyaluronic acid forward formula, which helps penetrate hair and help retain moisture for up to 72 hours. Other potent moisturizers included are skin-healthy squalane, coconut water, and blue algae. The combination creates healthy, frizz-free waves—and reviewers all agree it smells incredible.

What a reviewer says: “Used together, the Hydro Rush Shampoo and Conditioner are a holy grail for my curly-wavy hair. My hair craves moisture and this has it looking hydrated, shiny and luscious all day long. Been using this combo for seven months. Highly recommended for my curly/wavy girls!”

If you find your dry hair has become susceptible to breakage while shampooing, brushing, or just existing, it might be time to look at this strengthening shampoo from Kèrastase. Using Eidelweiss native cells—a potent floral extract that boasts anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant capabilities—it helps fortify your hair health from the root, slowing breakage before it starts. In fact, in a controlled study, the brand revealed that after using this shampoo, results showed 93% less breakage from brushing.

What a reviewer says: “I purchased my first bottle of this shampoo at my salon. The difference in my hair fall and breakage amazes me. I shampoo with it twice and only wash my hair twice a week.”

Clyde Haygood, a celebrity hair stylist, calls this pick from Pura D’ Or “great for strengthening dry hair that tends to break easily.” The formula contains smoothing argan oil, along with strengthening biotin and scalp-healthy niacin to help promote new growth as well as keep strands at peak health. If your dry hair is also thinning out, he tells us that “using this regimen delivers stronger, thicker, healthier hair with tons of volume and shine.”

What a reviewer says: “I have thinning hair and have tried many shampoos. So far I like this one the best. I have been using it for over a year and have noticed much less shedding and my hair is definitely thicker. My husband uses it, too, and I have noticed his hair getting thicker. Very pleasant scent.”

Focus on your hair type. Every shampoo is formulated with a hair type and end goal in mind. If your hair is curly, look for a moisturizing shampoo designed for curls (these often omit harsher sulfates). If it’s thin and fine, you’re going to want a lightweight formula that won’t weigh down already-limp locks. If dryness comes from heat styling or coloring, then a damage control product is for you.

Look for hydrators. Look for words like “moisturizing,” “hydrating,” and “nourishing” on the front of the bottle. “Gentle cleansers” is another good phrase to look for, which means that it cleans without stripping. It’s also helpful to keep an eye out for top-notch moisturizers on the ingredients label, like shea butter, jojoba, argan, or coconut oils, glycerin, and dimethicone.

Include proteins: A leading cause of dry hair is bleach and heat damage. These dry and frayed strands can be strengthened with protein. Dr. Spizuoco recommends looking for formulas that contain keratin or silk proteins for help with damage repair and strengthening. However, it is important to note that using protein on undamaged hair can dry it out further.

Protect your scalp: Your scalp is part of your skin, and it needs to be treated with care. Dr. Amin recommends staying away from harsh sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, since they can strip away moisture. Instead, “ look for prebiotics to strengthen your scalp’s natural barrier and biosurfactants to cleanse gently without drying it out.” Additionally, consider washing your hair less to maintain the natural oils in your hair. And when you do suds up, focus the shampoo on your roots only, which is where your excess oils and product buildup live.