The 12 Best Shampoos for Dry, Damaged Hair 2025

Biolage Ultra Hydra Source promises deep hydration and left the ends feeling softer in our testing, but it only earned a 5.5/10 because serious drawbacks emerged during our review. We found the formula (sold around $42) is not sulfate-free and, alarmingly, several users experienced increased hair loss, breakage, and scalp flaking or itchiness after prolonged use. While it can temporarily reduce coarseness, our experience shows the risk of excess dryness and damage outweighs the moisturization for many with already compromised hair.

CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo is an affordable, fragrance-free option we often recommend for sensitive scalps, earning a respectable 7/10 in our testing. Our experience shows its blend of ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid supports scalp health and gentle repair while being sulfate-free and color-safe, but during our review some users reported hair feeling dry after washing and it may struggle with heavy product buildup. If you have reactive skin and use the matching conditioner, we found it can be a dependable, budget-friendly foundation for damaged hair.

Hydrate Sheer Shampoo from Pureology earned an 8/10 in our testing for delivering lightweight hydration that preserves color vibrancy, which we found unusually effective for fine to medium hair. During our review the sulfate-free, color-safe formula left strands moisturized without heaviness and had a pleasant scent, though some users noted the consistency is thick and tough to dispense. Our experience shows the higher price is justified if you need salon-level color care, but be aware a few people reported increased shedding after use.

NOUNOU Shampoo is our top-rated choice at 9.5/10 and in our testing it consistently replenished moisture and nutrients without stripping fragile hair. We found it gently cleanses, leaves hair noticeably softer and more manageable, and supports scalp health while being sulfate-free and color-safe — a clear winner during our review. The trade-offs are real: it's pricier than drugstore options, can weigh down very fine hair, and doesn’t lather like foamy shampoos, but the restorative results justify its ranking for most damaged hair types.

Nexxus Keraphix earned a solid 7.5/10 in our review thanks to keratin protein and black rice extract that we found strengthen strands and mend split ends over time. In our testing it provides high hydration and effective repair for processed hair, but some users experienced hair shedding and an off-putting scent during the trial period. If you prioritize protein-based reconstruction and color safety, this is a dependable mid-range choice, though be mindful of potential sensitivity and follow with a moisturizing conditioner.

Redken Extreme Shampoo & Conditioner Set earned a 7.5/10 in our testing as a solid strengthening system for fine, distressed hair — we found it reinforces strands without weighing them down and leaves a fresh, pleasant scent. During our review the set demonstrated reliable repair properties and color safety, but some users reported increased hair fall and scalp dryness after prolonged use. If your priority is rebuilding fragile length, this is a cost-effective option at about $27, though pair it with nourishing treatments if you notice sensitivity.

Strength Cure Shampoo by Pureology is a concentrated, salon-grade option that earned a solid 8.5/10 in our testing for strengthening damaged hair. We found its sulfate-free, color-safe formula delivers medium hydration and noticeable repair, and a single bottle lasts for 75+ washes so it's efficient despite the higher price. During our review the pleasant scent and soft results stood out, but our experience shows it can be too strong for sensitive scalps and may cause dryness or irritation for some.

Don’t let the drugstore price fool you — EverPure Moisture Shampoo (around $10) scored a middling 6/10 because its high-hydration, sulfate-free formula is gentle on color but inconsistent on dry, damaged hair. In our testing we found it can provide deep moisture without weighing hair down and the rosemary-mint scent is refreshing, yet during our review some users reported hair feeling dry, straw-like or even matted after use. Our experience shows it’s a budget-friendly try if you need color-safe hydration, but be cautious if your strands are fragile.

Hard Water Wellness Shampoo scored a 7/10 and in our testing it’s a standout if you struggle with mineral buildup from hard water — we found it effectively clears deposits and improves overall hair texture. During our review the orange creamsicle scent and vegan, cruelty-free formula were pleasant bonuses, but our experience shows it can be drying and often needs a hydrating conditioner afterward. Note that some customers reported leaking packaging in transit and others balk at the mid-range price, so plan accordingly if you add this to your routine.

Redken’s Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo (score 6.5/10) is a go-to when you need a deep reset— in our testing it stripped product and hard-water minerals effectively and left hair feeling clean and manageable with a bright citrus scent. During our review we found its hydration level is low and, because it’s not sulfate-free or color-safe, our experience shows it can be drying if used too often and may strip color from dyed hair. Treat this as an occasional detox rather than a daily restorative; packaging complaints were also noted.

Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore is a luxury pick that scored 8/10 in our testing for restoring moisture and strengthening strands — we found hair felt silky and noticeably softer after a few uses. During our review the sulfate-free blend and scalp-supporting ingredients made styling easier, but our experience shows it can strip color from highlighted hair and carries a premium price that won’t suit every budget. If color preservation is crucial, weigh that trade-off against its excellent repair performance.

Mielle Rosemary Mint Shampoo is a budget-friendly option (about $6.97) that earned a 6/10 in our testing for scalp support and growth benefits— we found the biotin plus rosemary and mint give a refreshing scent and a light strengthening effect. During our review some users reported increased shedding and our experience shows the added synthetic fragrance can trigger dryness or inflammation on sensitive scalps; the medium hydration is pleasant but may be too lightweight for 3c curls and 4 coily hair. It’s sulfate-free and color-safe, so consider pairing it with a rich conditioner if your strands are fragile.