Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner formula for your hair type is one of the most important things to consider in your haircare routine. Some formulas are more cleansing, while others have more hydrating components, so using the correct formula can help you better achieve your hair goals — whether that be to clarify oily roots or provide nourishment to dry, depleted strands.

“Using [the correct formula] is crucial because improper use can either weigh down your hair or make it even drier,” Michelle Schindler, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist, tells PEOPLE. “It’s all about finding the right balance for your unique hair needs.”

If your hair happens to need more hydration, you’ll want a formula that can soften strands and make them more manageable while also transforming dull and lackluster locks with some shine. This can not only help reverse the common woes of dry hair but also promote overall healthier strands since hair, like skin, needs adequate hydration to be at a healthier state. 

With this in mind, our PEOPLE Tested team put 42 formulas to the test to determine which cleansing duos are the best for revitalizing parched strands. After six weeks and 504 total hours of testing, the results are finally in.

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