What’s the Best Shampoo For Dry Hair?

When you have dry hair, you need a formula that can quench thirsty strands and restore a healthy balance to your scalp. Look for a cleansing option that skips harsh sulfates (or sulfate alternatives like sodium laureth or coco-sulfate) and doesn’t contain parabens or phthalates.

Plus, you need one that doesn’t strip moisture and is gentle on color treated strands. Luckily, we’ve got all that and more.

1. Argan Oil

It’s a beauty ingredient that does it all: nourishes, strengthens, hydrates, smoothes, adds shine, and reduces frizz. But, more importantly for your tresses, argan oil helps prevent dryness, and it can even help repair damaged strands. So, it’s no wonder that this liquid gold has become a go-to for anyone with parched strands.

If you’re in the market for an argan-infused shampoo, there are plenty of options out there. But be sure to read the label and look for one that is 100% organic and cold-pressed (not best shampoo for dry hair just melted) to preserve its beneficial properties. And avoid formulas that contain a lot of synthetic ingredients, as those can actually strip your hair of its natural moisture.

For the best results, apply a pea-sized amount of the oil to your palms and distribute evenly throughout your strands. You can use it on wet or dry hair. It’s also great for a post-shower treatment, says Cavalcante. Just be sure to store it in a dark-colored glass bottle, as light can cause the oil to degrade over time.

2. Shea Butter

Shea butter is a natural moisturizer that’s perfect for dry hair. Typically, shea butter comes in a solid form, but it can be melted down and mixed into shampoos or conditioners for softer hair. This ingredient is also a great option for curly hair because it helps to reduce frizz and keep curls looking healthy.

Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with scalp issues like dandruff and itchy hair. Plus, it protects against the damaging effects of UV rays and environmental pollutants, according to research published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.

Shea butter is derived from the nut of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree, which grows in West Africa. It’s used in a wide range of beauty products, including skin balms, soaps, and shampoos. It’s an ideal beauty ally for hair weakened by coloring treatments since it contains latex, which is a natural sun protector and makes your color last longer. Plus, it deeply nourishes the hair fiber to revive shine and texture. You should look for a shea butter shampoo that’s sustainably sourced and certified organic to ensure your hair is getting the best care possible.

3. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a versatile beauty product that’s used in the pharmaceutical, lubricant, candle making, automotive, and leather industries. It’s also a common ingredient in beauty and hair products. Jojoba is a wax ester that’s harvested by mechanically crushing seeds from the shrub Simmondsia Chinensis found in the deserts of the Southwest United States and Mexico.

This natural oil resembles your scalp’s sebum so it’s able to nourish dry, damaged locks and balance out an oily scalp without leaving you with a greasy residue. It also has a reputation for helping to promote healthy hair growth by keeping your follicles hydrated and promoting nutrient absorption.

To use jojoba oil, first warm up a small amount of the oil in your hands. Then, apply a few drops to your scalp and hair. For best results, apply the oil while your hair is damp since it absorbs better when your strands are soaked up. You can also add a few drops of jojoba oil to your shampoo or conditioner as an extra boost of moisture. Alternatively, you can purchase jojoba oil-infused shampoos and conditioners from your favorite organic beauty brands.

4. Aloe Vera

The succulent plant Aloe vera is a multi-use beauty ingredient and has been used for centuries in skincare, as it has moisturizing properties. It’s also been known to help prevent hair breakage and protect the scalp.

This is especially important for dry hair because overwashing can strip the hair and scalp of essential moisture. For best results, shampoo every other day and use lukewarm water.

Aloe vera is often blended with other ingredients to create hydrating formulas. This is the case with this sulfate free shampoo that is infused with orange stem cells to repair and hydrate the scalp and hair. It is also formulated with vitamin E to nourish and soften strands.

For a moisturizing shampoo without common harsh sulfates, look for something like this one from Garnier Fructis. This formula is enriched with sustainably sourced acai honey and beeswax to nourish your strands, while protecting them against damage. It also has a light, clean scent thanks to allergen-free linden blossom and ginseng extracts. You can get it here.

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has long been praised for its hair-smoothing, repairing and hydrating properties. It has the ability to penetrate your strands and reduce dryness and brittleness, thanks to lauric acid, which also helps fight against dandruff.

It’s a great prewash protector, as it prevents your BONDING TREATMENT strands from soaking up too much water, which can lead to daily hair damage, says Dr. Luke. She suggests applying the oil to your scalp and strands prior to washing to reap its benefits.

Choosing the right shampoo is key for ensuring healthy and smooth locks, but it can take some trial and error to find the best one for you. Using the wrong types of shampoos and washing too often can strip your strands of their natural protective oils, leaving them parched and vulnerable to damage. Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the best shampoo for dry hair.