The 12 Best Shampoos for Dry, Damaged Hair 2025

The 12 Best Shampoos for Dry, Damaged Hair 2025

July 16, 2025

Overview

Is your hair feeling dry, brittle, and damaged? Finding the right shampoo can be a game-changer! This comprehensive guide features the 12 best shampoos of 2025, expertly selected to address the unique needs of dry and damaged hair. We've researched and reviewed a variety of formulas, from hydrating cleansers to restorative treatments, to help you revive your locks and achieve healthy, vibrant hair. Discover the perfect shampoo to repair, strengthen, and protect your hair, bringing back its natural shine and manageability.

Magdalena Fazekas

In this guide

Hydrating Shampoos for Intense MoistureShampoos with Strengthening ProteinsSulfate-Free Shampoos for Gentle Cleansing

Our picks

The Best Hydrating Shampoo for Intense Moisture: Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Shampoo, $41.99

The Best Repairing Shampoo for Damaged Strands: Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo, $37.99

The Best Color-Safe Shampoo for Treated Hair: Strength Cure Shampoo by Pureology, $37.00

The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Dry Hair: EverPure Moisture Shampoo by L'Oreal Paris, $10.49

The Most Luxurious Shampoo for Ultimate Revitalization: Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo, $21.00

The Best Overall Shampoo for Dry Hair 2025: Mielle Rosemary Mint Shampoo, $6.97

The Best Shampoo for Heat-Styled Hair: CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo, $7.62

The Best Shampoo for Brittle, Damaged Hair: NOUNOU Shampoo, $37.00

The Best Gentle Cleansing Shampoo for Dryness: Hard Water Wellness Shampoo, $29.99

Hydrating Shampoos for Intense Moisture

Deeply moisturizing shampoos to combat dryness and restore your hair's natural hydration levels.

5.5

Listful
Score

Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Shampoo

$41.99

Biolage Ultra Hydra Source Shampoo hydrates even the driest of strands with its luxurious formula and pleasant scent. However, our testing highlighted concerns with hair loss and increased breakage, earning it a score of 5.5/10. While it offers substantial hydration, its sulfate-containing formula might not be the best choice for those looking to avoid scalp issues such as flaking or itchiness.

Cvs logo

$41.99

at Cvs

The Good

Effectively hydrates very dry hair, especially the ends.

Pleasant, clean, and luxurious scent.

Leaves hair feeling softer and less coarse.

The Bad

Caused significant hair loss and increased breakage over time.

Led to scalp issues, including flaking and itchiness.

Excessive dryness made hair feel straw-like.

Hydration Level: High / Sulfate-Free: false / Color Safe: true / Repair Properties: true


7

Listful
Score

CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo

$7.62

CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo, priced at just $7.62, prioritizes scalp health with its infusion of ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. While it’s great for sensitive scalps and is fragrance-free, our experience shows that its performance in hydrating dry, damaged hair is mixed. It's best paired with its matching conditioner for optimal results, and its affordability makes it a noteworthy choice for all hair types.

The Good

Contains ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to support scalp and hair health.

Free from sulfates, parabens, and fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive scalps.

Suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair.

The Bad

Some users report it leaves hair feeling dry post-wash.

May not provide a deep clean for those with heavy product buildup.

Effectiveness may vary without the use of the matching conditioner.

Hydration Level: Medium / Sulfate-Free: true / Color Safe: true / Repair Properties: true


8

Listful
Score

Hydrate Sheer Shampoo

$37.00

The Hydrate Sheer Shampoo by Pureology is perfect for those desiring intense hydration without heaviness on their fine hair. This high-scoring shampoo at 8/10 effectively preserves color vibrancy while infusing moisture. However, its thick consistency can be challenging to work with, and some users reported a bit of hair shedding. For $37, it offers a touch of luxury, though its price might deter budget-conscious shoppers.

The Good

Effectively hydrates hair without weighing it down.

Preserves hair color vibrancy over time.

Pleasant scent that enhances the washing experience.

The Bad

Some users find the shampoo's consistency too thick and difficult to dispense.

Higher price point compared to other shampoos.

A few users reported increased hair shedding after use.

Hydration Level: High / Sulfate-Free: true / Color Safe: true / Repair Properties: false

Repairing Shampoos for Damaged Strands

Formulas that target and mend split ends and breakage caused by heat or chemical treatments.

9.5

Listful
Score

NOUNOU Shampoo

$37.00

Earning our top score of 9.5/10, NOUNOU Shampoo excels in moisture and nutrient replenishment, making it our preferred choice for damaged hair. It gently cleanses without stripping, yet some users find it slightly heavy for fine hair and its lathering less satisfying. Although the $37 price may seem high, its premium care and effectiveness in restoring health to processed strands make it a worthy investment.

The Good

Gently cleanses damaged hair without further stripping it.

Replenishes moisture and nutrients for improved hair health.

Leaves hair feeling soft, smooth, and more manageable.

The Bad

Can be expensive compared to drugstore shampoos.

May weigh down fine hair.

Doesn't lather as much as some other shampoos.

Hydration Level: High / Sulfate-Free: true / Color Safe: true / Repair Properties: true

Shampoos with Strengthening Proteins

Shampoos infused with proteins like keratin to fortify hair and improve elasticity.

7.5

Listful
Score

Nexxus Keraphix Shampoo

$29.49

With high scores across our tests, the Nexxus Keraphix Shampoo leverages keratin protein and black rice extract to notably strengthen hair. While it repairs effectively, some users noted issues like hair fall and an unpleasing scent, leading to a solid 7.5/10 rating. At $29.49, it offers robust strengthening benefits, but these potential drawbacks may need consideration for users with specific sensitivities.

The Good

Contains keratin protein and black rice extract, known for their hair-strengthening properties.

The Bad

Some users report hair falling out after use.

Some users find the scent unpleasant.

Hydration Level: High / Sulfate-Free: false / Color Safe: true / Repair Properties: true


7.5

Listful
Score

Redken Extreme Shampoo & Conditioner Set

$27.00

The Redken Extreme Shampoo & Conditioner Set delivers professional-strength care for fine hair. Garnering a 7.5/10 score, this hardworking duo nourishes and repairs, though some users experience hair fall and scalp dryness. Priced at $27, it's a cost-effective option for those needing reparative treatment without deep pockets, though it may require more cautious use for susceptible hair types.

The Good

Effectively strengthens and repairs fine hair without weighing it down.

Pleasant, fresh scent that leaves hair smelling clean.

The Bad

Some users experienced increased hair fall after prolonged use.

May cause scalp dryness in certain individuals.

Hydration Level: Medium / Sulfate-Free: false / Color Safe: true / Repair Properties: true

Color-Safe Shampoos for Treated Hair

Protect your color investment with shampoos designed to cleanse gently without stripping color.

8.5

Listful
Score

Strength Cure Shampoo by Pureology

$37.00

Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo is a powerhouse for strengthening damaged hair. We found that its highly concentrated formula provides more than 75 washes, making its $37 price tag more economical over time. Its pleasant scent and ability to leave hair soft and healthy earned it an 8.5/10 from our testing. However, it may not be ideal for sensitive scalps, as some users reported potential dryness or irritation.

The Good

Effectively strengthens and repairs damaged hair, leaving it soft and healthy.

Pleasant scent that enhances the washing experience.

Highly concentrated formula allows for 75+ shampoos in a single bottle.

The Bad

May be too strong for sensitive scalps, potentially causing dryness or irritation.

Some users find the price point to be high compared to other shampoos.

The scent may not appeal to all users.

Hydration Level: Medium / Sulfate-Free: true / Color Safe: true / Repair Properties: true

Sulfate-Free Shampoos for Gentle Cleansing

Discover sulfate-free options that cleanse effectively while being gentle on dry hair.

6

Listful
Score

EverPure Moisture Shampoo by L'Oreal Paris

$10.49

During our review, L'Oreal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo stood out for its deep hydration and sulfate-free formula, making it a budget-friendly option at $10.49. Infused with rosemary and mint, it leaves hair smelling fresh, but scores a 6/10 due to mixed reviews about dryness and potential hair matting. This shampoo may be less reliable for those with very dry, damaged hair, but its affordability makes it worth considering.

The Good

Provides deep hydration without weighing hair down.

Sulfate-free formula is gentle on color-treated hair.

Pleasant rosemary and mint scent.

The Bad

Some users report it leaves hair feeling dry and straw-like.

A few users experienced hair matting and damage after use.

Scent may be too strong for those sensitive to fragrances.

Hydration Level: High / Sulfate-Free: true / Color Safe: true / Repair Properties: false


7

Listful
Score

Hard Water Wellness Shampoo

$29.99

Hard Water Wellness Shampoo by Malibu C stands out by effectively removing mineral buildup, a common culprit of hair dryness, achieving a respectable score of 7/10. Its vegan formulation and refreshing orange creamsicle scent offer a unique shower experience, albeit with reports of potential hair dryness. Priced at $29.99, its benefits must be balanced with the need for a hydrating conditioner post-use.

The Good

Effectively removes mineral buildup from hard water, improving hair health.

Pleasant orange creamsicle scent enhances the washing experience.

Vegan and cruelty-free formulation appeals to ethically conscious consumers.

The Bad

Some users find the shampoo can be drying, necessitating a follow-up with a hydrating conditioner.

The product is considered expensive by some customers.

Reports of packaging issues, including leaking during shipping.

Hydration Level: Medium / Sulfate-Free: true / Color Safe: true / Repair Properties: true


6.5

Listful
Score

Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo

$37.99

The Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo from Redken is a refreshingly scented antidote for product buildup and hard water minerals. While it leaves hair feeling clean and manageable, we found it may not be suited for frequent use on dry, damaged hair due to its potential to strip moisture and color. Scoring a 6.5/10, this clarifier is best for those prioritizing scalp health but may need pairing with a more hydrating option for regular use.

The Good

Effectively removes product buildup and hard water minerals.

Pleasant fresh citrus scent.

Leaves hair feeling clean and manageable.

The Bad

Can be drying if used too frequently.

Some users find the packaging inconvenient.

May strip color from dyed hair.

Hydration Level: Low / Sulfate-Free: false / Color Safe: false / Repair Properties: false

Luxury Shampoos: Premium Hydration

High-end formulas with nourishing ingredients for ultimate hair revitalization and luxury.

8

Listful
Score

Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo

$21.00

Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo is a top contender for revitalizing dry, damaged hair, boasting a high score of 8/10. During our review, its moisture restoration and strand strengthening capabilities impressed, leaving hair silky and soft. However, it may strip color from highlighted hair, and its $21 price may be steep for some. Ideal for those seeking luxury and effectiveness, though care should be taken with colored hair.

The Good

Effectively restores moisture and strengthens hair strands.

Leaves hair feeling silky and soft after use.

The Bad

Some users report it strips color from highlighted hair.

High price point may not be affordable for all consumers.

Hydration Level: High / Sulfate-Free: true / Color Safe: false / Repair Properties: true

Best Overall Shampoo for Dry Hair 2025

Our top recommendation based on performance, ingredients, and user reviews.

6

Listful
Score

Mielle Rosemary Mint Shampoo

$6.97

If you're looking for a budget-friendly shampoo that promotes hair growth, Mielle Rosemary Mint Shampoo might be worth a try. Infused with biotin and natural scents, it's suitable for diverse hair types, though we found its lightweight formula might not provide enough moisture for type 3c and 4 hair. While it earned a decent 6/10 in our review, some users noted increased shedding and potential dryness, suggesting a careful assessment of its suitability for your needs.

The Good

Contains biotin, which helps strengthen hair and promote growth.

Infused with natural ingredients like rosemary and mint for a refreshing scent.

Suitable for various hair types, including natural and chemically-treated hair.

The Bad

Some users report experiencing increased hair shedding after use.

The added synthetic fragrance may cause dryness and trigger inflammation in sensitive scalps.

Some users find the formula too lightweight for type 3c curls and type 4 coily hair.

Hydration Level: Medium / Sulfate-Free: true / Color Safe: true / Repair Properties: true

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Topics

best shampoos
shampoo for dry hair
shampoo for damaged hair
hair repair
hydrating shampoo
hair care 2025
damaged hair treatment
hair products
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