The best shampoo for dry hair to hydrate thirsty strands
Parched, frazzled hair is not the one, which is why a shampoo for dry hair – that's specifically formulated for nourishing each strand – can make a world of difference.
That's not to say we shouldn't look for some softening action elsewhere in our haircare routine. Masks, as we know, can cocoon roots and lengths and introduce hair to some much-needed additional moisture – same with conditioners. But, it's important to look at your entire haircare line-up to spot extra opportunities to pump hair with hydration, as well as to identify products that may be doing more harm than good.
Best shampoo for dry hair at a glance:
- Best reader-voted: Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, £28, Space NK
- Best for thick hair: Crème of Nature Argan Oil Moisture Shine Shampoo, £5.99, Boots
- Best affordable: Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo, £5.99, Superdrug
- Best for dry scalps and hair: ARKIVE The All Day Everyday Shampoo, £12, Boots
Can I use normal shampoo for dry hair?
Start with your shampoo. Our guide to the best shampoos for every hair type can help you to narrow down which formulas might work best for you, but there are a few things to bear in mind. For instance, clarifying shampoos are brilliant at detoxifying and deep-cleaning scalps, but they have a tendency to dry hair out. Likewise, dandruff shampoos are often antibacterial and exfoliating, which may be necessary if you're experiencing lots of flakiness, but they can feel stripping on already dry strands, so it's a good idea to alternate with a more gentle shampoo. If you already err on the dry side, it's best to limit how often you use both of these.
How do I choose a shampoo for dry hair?
Adam Reed, Founder ARKIVE and Adam Reed Salon told GLAMOUR: “Moisture really is key both if hair’s naturally dry hair or if it's dry through over processing." But, he warns, “even if your hair is very dry, really heavy moisturisers can be too much.” Pay attention to your hair texture and how much moisture it actually needs.
Thick, coarse and curly hair can tolerate more nourishing shampoos since it can be difficult for the oils from your scalp to wind all the way down the hair shaft, therefore your strands generally enjoy being drenched in deliciously moisturising formulas from root to tip.
Fine, flat hair can often feel sapped at the ends, but greasy at the roots, so make sure you're choosing shampoos with thin and fine textures in mind. Choose lightly moisturising shampoos, but use them more frequently, and stick to applying the follow-up conditioner just on the ends.
Finally, look at your styling routine and colour habits. Bleaching can play a major part in how dry your hair feels, as can how often you use heat. If you're able to cut back on both, your hair will thank you for it. If not, nourishing formulas are definitely the way forward.
“It really is all about finding the hydrating products that work for you," says Adam. "You need to find the balance with your hair between nourishing, but also taking care of your other hair needs. If you have fine hair, you’ll need to find products that will nourish but not weigh down the hair,” he says.
What ingredients should I look for in a shampoo for dry hair?
As for ingredients to watch out for, sulphates (the cleansing agent that allows shampoos to lather up into a ginormo foam) can be a little harsh on fragile hair that already lacks moisture. If that's you, it's best to stick to sulphate-free shampoos. It's also a good idea to keep an eye out for alcohols and silicones in your shampoos. These can help your hair dry quicker and provide slip and shine temporarily, but they won't keep your hair looking healthy in the long run.
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Instead, it’s worth looking out for nourishing organic and natural shampoos, loaded with nurturing plant extracts that are rich in keratin (the protein behind healthy hair) like argan oil and almond oil, as well as moisturising avocado oil and coconut milk. Likewise, bond-building shampoos can strengthen hair, which in turn improves its ability to hold onto moisture, meaning healthier, hydrated strands.
Curly girls assemble, this is your ultimate hair guide.
So, if your hair feels like it's screaming out for a drop of moisture, we've got the remedy.
We’ve rounded up 15 of the best moisturising shampoos to ensure hair stays hydrated and healthy...
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, £28, Space NK
Why we love it: Voted the best shampoo for dry/damaged hair by GLAMOUR readers at the 2023 Power List Awards, when your dry hair needs a big hug, we suggest you turn to mega hydrating shampoo Olaplex. The No.4 Shampoo repairs and protects hair from everyday stresses — including damaged hair, split ends, and frizz — by re-linking broken bonds. It’s, quite frankly, magic.
Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo, £5.99, Superdrug
Why we love it: Aussie's Miracle Moist Shampoo is an icon in its own right. The macadamia oil-enriched hair cleanser has collected (and kept) devoted fans for years thanks to its deeply nourishing and delicious smelling formula. It's ideal for ultra thirsty hair.
Save when you shop for the best shampoo for dry hair with these Superdrug discount codes.
Crème of Nature Argan Oil Moisture Shine Shampoo, £5.99, Boots
Why we love it: This intensely moisturising shampoo is great for curly hair. It's also useful for cleansing and treating hair post taking out braids, sew-ins, or anything that can leave hair feeling a bit weak. Infused with argan oil and free from sulphates, the formula is free from sulphates, petrolatum, mineral oil and drying alcohol.
Save when you shop for the best shampoo for dry hair with these Boots discount codes.
Herbal Essences Rose Scent Petal Soft Shampoo, £6, Boots
This vegan formula is bursting with rose essence from petals hand-picked in Grasse in the South of France (home to some seriously bougie French perfumery). It leaves hair quenched and petal soft, plus it's silicone-free and the bottles are made from recycled plastic.
Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, £18.65, LookFantastic
Why we love it: The Argan oil-rich formula drenches hair in protecting and nourishing antioxidants, including Vitamins A and E. Moisture-attracting red algae helps to boost hydration and overall this shampoo gives soft, glossy, healthy-looking hair.
Save when you shop for the best shampoo for dry hair with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Shampoo, £27, LookFantastic
Why we love it: This contains a blend of six featherlight oils to help deeply soften and add a silky shine. It lathers like a dream (but it's free from sulphates) and it smells amazinggg.
Save when you shop for the best shampoo for dry hair with these LookFantastic discount codes.
ARKIVE The All Day Everyday Shampoo, £12, Boots
Why we love it: Infused with baobab protein to moisturise the hair alongside betaine to improve shine and scalp health, this does-it-all dry hair shampoo is a godsend for strands that need some extra TLC.
Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo, £23.90, Look Fantastic
This shampoo has been formulated specifically with curls and coils in mind. Featuring a targeted Nourish Complex, humectants, aloe vera and glycerin it cleanses without stripping and hydrates without weight hair down, giving curls that are bouncy and beautiful.
Davines Momo Moisturizing Shampoo, £21.75, Beauty Bay
Why we love it: Infused with Paceco Cartucciaru yellow melon extract from Slow Food Presidium, the formula is rich in water, vitamins and mineral salts that give prolonged hydration and the sort of shine that will make people wonder what magical concoction you've been using on your hair.
Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Shampoo, £26, Space NK
Rich and creamy, this hair cleanser leaves thick and coily hair feeling smooth and nourished. It's perfect for priming hair for styling, too.
Pantene Pro-V Miracles Hydra Glow Quenching Shampoo, £6, Boots
Why we love it: Containing a hydration boosting trifecta of Biotin, pro-vitamin B5 and baobab essence, this shampoo was designed with chronically dry hair in mind and leaves strands soft and glowing.
Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Shampoo, £30, Look Fantastic
Why we love it: Botanical Repair taps up the power of plants with 94% naturally derived ingredients. It deep-cleans, removing stubborn pollutants and works to fortify hair bonds to give hair more resilience.
Save when you shop for shampoo for dry hair with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Herbal Essences Hydrate Shampoo, £6, Boots
Why we love it: Yes, we want our shampoo to work hard, but we also want it to smell good. This coconut-scented cream shampoo has total escapist, vacay vibes, it leaves hair feeling so, so soft and it's blended with a 96% natural origin formula. The coconut extract inside is certified by plant experts at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Save when you shop for the best shampoo for dry hair with these Superdrug discount codes.
OGX Renewing+ Argan Oil of Morocco pH Balanced Shampoo, £7.99, Boots
Why we love it: Packed with moisturising Argan oil that gets to work on dull, lucklustre hair, this is a great everyday shampoo for dry hair that will amp up the shine and softness in just one wash. Plus it's pH balanced to be extra kind and gentle to hair.
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, £24.70, Look Fantastic
Why we love it: There's a reason Pureology's ultra-nourishing shampoo has been dubbed one of the best for dry hair. Enriched with a blend of sage, green tea and jojoba oil this is like a facial for your hair every time you wash with it.
