15 Hydrating Shampoos Guaranteed to Revive Your Dry Hair
Consider thirsty hair a thing of the past.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
If you are prone to dry hair, the common solution is usually to layer on conditioners, masks, and oils as a quick fix. While all of those things are essential steps in a hair care routine, sometimes the fix is simply a shampoo. Despite what you may believe, shampooing your hair is the key to hair hydration. When we pile on products, it can cause build-up and make it difficult for our hair to get the proper treatment it deserves. A shampoo cleanses away all the gunk and allows your strands to soak in all the moisturizing goodness that follows. What's even better is finding a shampoo that offers hydrating properties of its own, as it will clean your hair without causing excessive dryness.
Starting with a hydrating shampoo can offer longevity and shine and help extend the time between washes. This is a tip that hair experts often use to increase hair health. “Try to minimize the frequency of shampooing and air dry whenever possible to optimize hydration level,” explains Ebony Bomani, educator and stylist at The Mane Choice. “Never be afraid to use a little oil on the ends once the hair is dry to lock in longer-lasting moisture.” We've all had to nurse our hair back to health at one point or another, so we polled ELLE editors and sifted through customer reviews to create a list of the 15 best hydrating shampoos you should add to your beauty stash.
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Retention Shampoo
Pros
- Strengthens hair
Cons
- Some may dislike the scent
This sulfate and paraben-free shampoo repairs heat-damaged strands with the help of sea kelp and argan oil. Ideal for natural hair during the transition period, your strands will be strong and long in no time.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
“This was one of the first products I bought when I started my natural hair journey years ago and I still find myself reaching for it. One of the hallmarks of a great shampoo is how well it cleanses and how easy it is to detangle large knots before adding conditioner. This passed the test with flying colors.” — Tasha Nicole Smith, ELLE Beauty Assistant
| Size | 13 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Curly, Coily |
| Ingredient Callout | Raw Shea Butter |
| What It Is | SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Shampoo is a hydrating shampoo that fortifies and restores dry hair that has been damaged, over processed or is transitioning. |
Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Not best for sensitive skin
Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo is ideal for all hair types that suffer from excessive dryness. Ingredients like argan oil and red algae moisturize the hair and deliver immediate results.
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
“My dry and dyed hair loves argan oil because it's super hydrating and helps with just about every hair woe. My hair is shinier, stronger, and smoother after using this product. I love the classic Moroccanoil scent, too, because it smells like a fancy perfume.” — Margaux Anbouba, ELLE Beauty Editor
| Size | 8.5 oz/ 250 mL |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Straight, Wavy, Curly, and Coily |
| Ingredient Callouts | Argan Oil, Sulfate-Free, and made with recyclable packaging |
| What It Is | Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo delivers antioxidant-rich argan oil, vitamins, and moisture-attracting red algae for hair that looks and feels healthier. The gently cleansing formula helps increase manageability, smoothness, and shine for all hair types. |
Living Proof Restore Shampoo
Pros
- Strengthens hair
Cons
- Pricey
Part of Living Proof’s Restore System, which also includes a Living Proof Restore Conditioner and Mask, this shampoo reverses hair damage completely. Your hair will look and feel brand-new.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “From the first wash my hair felt healthier and stronger. I'd used it every 2-3 days and every time my hair was stronger. Within a month of using it (a little goes a long way) my hair went from tearing off and falling out by the hand full- to noticeably stronger shinier hair.”
| Size | 8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Sulfate-Free |
| What It Is | Living Proof Restore Shampoo is a gentle shampoo that’s the first step to making dry, damaged hair look and feel visibly healthier. |
Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Not best for thin hair
Packed with hydrating jojoba oil, this shampoo doesn’t just make your hair feel healthier in the moment but long-term. Even days after your last cleanse, you’ll still feel a noticeable difference in the shine, health, and hydration of your strands.
Ulta rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “The shampoo felt like it really cleaned my hair. It kept my hair from getting greasy fast. I liked the fresh smell fragrance. My hair definitely feels healthier.”
| Size | 33.8 oz |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Thick, Coarse, Dry Hair |
| Ingredient Callout | Cruelty-Free |
| What It Is | Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo For Dry Hair ensures that strands will drink up the hydration and softness that lasts for a 24 full hours, instantly restoring elasticity and tripling breakage protection. |
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Pricey
Formulated without silicones, this shampoo will never make your hair feel squeaky and fragile. Instead, with continued use, you’ll notice your hair will feel stronger and able to withstand the effects of hot tools.
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
“Don't give me a bouquet of roses—I want this rose-scented hair collection that gives me my softest hair ever, instead. The shampoo is super lathery and only needs a single wash to cleanse and hydrate.” — M. A.
| Size | 16.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Vegan, Sustainable Packaging |
| What It Is | Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo is a shampoo that cleanses hair, without stripping its natural oils while restoring essential hydration and vital nutrients. |
Pros
- Gentle enough for coils
Cons
- Not best for fine/thin hair
Curly hair is notoriously dry. Good thing this shampoo uses aloe vera, coconut oil, and honey to gently cleanse your scalp without stripping out healthy oils that your hair needs.
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
“I've made it a rule to never question the genius of icon Tracee Ellis Ross—she knows what she's doing. Since using this shampoo, I've noticed that my hair is healthier and more manageable with every wash. I love this paired with the matching conditioner and leave-in. Bonus point for the light and yummy smell!” — T. N. S.
| Size | 9.8 oz |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Curly, Coily |
| Ingredient Callout | Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, Honey |
| What It Is | Great for curlies, coilies & tight textures - when your hair needs a nourishing cleanse; Gentle, moisturizing formula that softly lathers to cleanse hair & scalp removing build-up & dirt without stripping away moisture. |
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Can leave behind greasy residue
So often hydrating shampoos end up weighing down finer hair textures. This shampoo does the opposite, giving strands the moisture they need while still allowing for volume.
Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Ulta Reviewer says: “I have long wavy hair. Biolage Hydra Source Shampoo (used in conjunction with the Hydra Source conditioner) keeps my hair hydrated and healthy. It is the only shampoo (and conditioner) I will ever use.”
| Size | 13.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Oily, Wavy, Dry, Curly, Moisturizing, Thick, Damaged, All Hair Types, Frizzy, Aging, Fine, Mixed Texture, Straight |
| Ingredient Callout | Vegan, Cruelty-Free |
| What it Is | Biolage Hydra Source Shampoo helps optimize moisture balance for healthy looking hair and gently cleanses leaving hair moisturized and shiny. |
Pros
- De-frizzes
Cons
- Pricey
If you have a ton of hair, you need a shampoo that's up for the task. This product contains amino acids and natural extracts to dramatically reduce flyaways and strengthen the hair from the inside out.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
“This is more a luxury shampoo, specifically formulated for people with waves and curls. Although I have a very slight wave pattern and dry hair from coloring, I found that this shampoo was rich without being greasy. I’ve noticed that Sephora reviewers with a variety of curls loved this shampoo for its hydration, and praised it for its softening and repairing capabilities.” — Kathleen Hou, Beauty Director
| Size | 8.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Curly, Coily |
| Ingredient Callout | Sulfate-free, Paraben-Free, Gluten-Free |
| What It Is | Oribe Shampoo for Moisture and Control provides instant moisture gratification and even a bit of devolumization, leaving it smooth, sleek and completely under control. |
Pros
- Softens hair
Cons
- Can weigh hair down
Infused with argan oil, this product will leave you with hydrated, soft, and shiny hair after every wash. If you particularly struggle with dry brittle hair or breakage, you definitely want to add this shampoo to your stash to help rescue your way, curls, or coils.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
“This is one of the best-rated moisturizing shampoos on Amazon and for good reason. One of the best hair compliments I can receive is when my hair accidentally brushes someone’s arm and they say, 'Wow, your hair is so soft.' It actually happens with this shampoo/conditioner combo, which is aptly named, thanks to the argan oil and moisture complex in the formula. Many Amazon reviewers call this one of the best shampoos/conditioners they’ve ever used.” — K. H.
| Size | 33.8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry, All Hair Textures |
| Ingredient Callout | Argan Oil |
| What It Is | Redken All Soft Argan Oil Shampoo cleanses, moisturizes, and softens dry, brittle hair. This professional product provides 15x more conditioning when used with the complete All Soft haircare system. |
Pros
- Deeply nourished
Cons
- Pricey
If your hair is dry because of excessive heat damage, this shampoo is the antidote. The key ingredient is vitamin E, which conditions the hair from the root to the ends, making hair healthier and stronger. Bonus: The formula smells amazing thanks to a combination of guava, coconut, and a bit of vanilla.
Sephora rating: 3.8/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Super hydrating and cleansing. My hair is oily at the roots and dry at the ends and this shampoo somehow solves both problems for me. Also it smells fantastic.”
| Size | 8 oz/ 237 mL |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Straight; Wavy, Curly, Coily |
| Ingredient Callout | Paraben-Free |
| What It Is | A rich, nourishing shampoo to revive dry or overworked hair that Enhances shine and reduces frizz; Nourishes and strengthens; Protects hair from pollution damage. |
Pros
- Repairs damage
Cons
- Strong smell
Gentle enough not to damage your color-treated strands, but strong enough to cleanse and hydrate medium to thick hair types, this shampoo is great for hydration and color protection. It’s also packed with jojoba, green tea, and sage to fight breakage and reverse previous hair damage.
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I have used this shampoo for years. I love the way it makes my hair feel and look so healthy.”
| Size | 9.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types, Color Treated Hair |
| Ingredient Callout | Sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free, Mineral Oil-Free |
| What It Is | Pureology's Hydrate Shampoo is a creamy, sulfate-free shampoo that deeply hydrates normal to thick dry, color-treated hair. |
Kerasilk Repairing Shampoo
Pros
- Smells great
Cons
- Doesn't lather much
You'll never want to miss a wash day to last forever once you wash your hair with Kerasilk Repairing Shampoo. The creamy gentle lather will transform frizzy dry hair to smooth, soft, and shiny strands after only a few uses.
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
“Kerasilk is a brand that uses a form of biomimetic silk in its products, so that it helps in strengthening and smoothing hair. The Repair line is for dull, dry hair and it was so moisturizing that I felt like I already used conditioner. If you have particularly oily roots, I would skip this product, but it is great for people whose hair are thirsty for moisture. The scent was also a light, pretty floral without being overpowering.” — K. H.
| Size | 8.4 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Sulfate-Free, Vegan Formula |
| What It Is | Kerasilk Repairing Shampoo is a gentle cleansing formula nourishes and moisturizes while restoring the natural balance of smoothness and strength, for healthy-looking, soft and supple hair |
Live Clean Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Can feel stripping
Live Clean Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo is made from 97 percent plant extracts, like coconut milk and apricot oil, which work together to replenish dry strands. It’s also cruelty-free and comes in a fully recyclable container, so you’ll have a positive effect on the environment and your hair.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This shampoo cleans my hair without harsh chemicals. It does such a great job that my naturally oily hair doesn’t get oily as fast as it used to. The scent is also wonderful, it’s not too sharp it’s just right. As far as the price goes it is more expensive than other store brands however you get a good product so it’s worth it.”
| Size | 12 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry Textures, All HAir Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Coconut Oil, Vitamins C and E, Rice Protein |
| What It Is | Live Clean Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo gently cleanses while adding hydration and balance to hair for nourished strands with body and shine. |
Pros
- Adds shine
Cons
- Can leave build-up
Come for the cleansing abilities, stay for the creamy texture. Herbal Essences utilizes coconut to hydrate strands and soften hair. One Amazon user used the shampoo after chemotherapy treatments damaged their hair and noticed how it rebuilt the hair follicles and left hair smooth and shiny.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I can’t get enough of this! It’s moisturizing and has a great scent. I find a lot of smells overpowering and nauseating but this one doesn’t do that. It also leaves my hair feeling soft and light, which is a plus for people with lots of thick, wavy hair like mine.”
| Size | 13.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Coconut Milk, Colorant Free, Paraben Free |
| What It Is | Herbal Essences BioRenew Coconut Milk Shampoo is a product that infuses hair with moisture for more manageable hair that’s less prone to damage |
Pros
- Softens hair
Cons
- Can leave build-up
Not only will your hair feel softer, stronger, and hydrated, but it will also smell ahh-mazing. This is best paired with Dove’s Nutritive Solutions Conditioner.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Very nice scent smells fresh I have type 3a hair and this legitimately leaves my hair soft and non-frizzy. I believe this is a great affordable option”
| Size | 20.4 oz. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Callout | Aluminum-Free, Paraben-Free |
| What It Is | Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo helps protect normal hair from daily wear and tear to make hair softer and 5X smoother leaving your hair feeling silky and manageable every day. |
What is the best shampoo for dry hair?
It’s important to take a good look at the ingredients you're using in your products. Bomani recommends looking for hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and emollient oils that attract moisture.
What causes hair dryness?
Some hair product formulas are riddled with alcohol, silicone, and sulfates that ultimately make your hair even drier, so it’s important to look at ingredient lists. Heat damage, chemical treatments, or just your hair’s natural texture can contribute to dryness.
Why Trust Elle Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editors spoke with hair experts about the absolute best 15 hydrating shampoos for dry hair. The authors personally tested a number of these products and scoured reviews for the top-rated products on the market.
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