The 13 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry Hair, Tested & Approved
February 21, 2024
Shannon Stubbs & Melanie Rudd, Byrdie.com
There’s no shortage of factors that can cause dry hair—everything from heat styling and chemical perms to sun exposure and washing too frequently, says Amy Abramite, creative director and stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.
Fortunately, something as simple as using the right type of moisturizing shampoo and conditioner can be a great way to start quenching parched hair. Look for words such as ‘hydrate’ and ‘repair’ on the labels, suggests celebrity hairstylist Alex Brown. She adds that choosing sulfate-free formulas is also a good idea; these cleansing ingredients can strip the hair of its natural moisture.
Now, there are many shampoos and conditioners out there that claim to combat dryness and damage. To find the best of the best, we researched and tested over 30 of the highest-rated options, rating each formula’s texture and feel, ingredient list, and how well it hydrated and repaired our hair. We used each multiple times during a six-week period, paying attention to how clean our hair felt after using it or if it caused irritation. After consulting with hair experts, we then used the results to pick the following best in show.