Essential Hydrating Shampoos for Softer, Shinier Hair

Dealing with hair issues can be frustrating, especially when dryness, dullness, and brittleness take center stage. Dry hair often results from a lack of natural scalp oils, compounded by factors such as overuse of styling tools and products, poor dietary habits, or excessive washing. The good news is that choosing the right shampoo can make a noticeable difference in restoring your hair's health and vitality. If you are looking for natural solutions to nourish and strengthen your hair, this article offers valuable tips along with our top picks for shampoos specifically formulated for extremely dry hair. 

• Cost: $24
• Size: 10 fl oz
• Hair type: dry, dull, and frizzy
• Rating: 4.4

JVN Nurture Hydrating Shampoo instantly holds in moisture and hydrates the hair for up to 72 hours after the first use. In a clinical study, 97% found that their hair was smoother, softer, and less frizzy. Furthermore, 100% felt that their hair did not feel weighed down and was silky and hydrated. Additionally, it has a musky, amber wood fragrance with a touch of violet leaf and crisp apple. However, some reviewers have mentioned that the smell can be overpowering. According to NRo on Amazon’s review, “I’ve been using JVN for over a year, and my hair has never looked healthier.”

• Cost: $9.99
• Size: 8.5 fl oz
• Hair type: dry, colored-treated hair
• Rating: 4.5

Ever Pure Deep Nourishing Shampoo contains apricot oil and replenishes brittle, dry hair, leaving it soft and giving it that extra shine. After the first use, you will see a difference, and it is suitable for color-treated hair. It contains no surfactants, sulfates, or salts that cause damage or strip the hair. According to Rehina on Amazon’s review, “Good shampoo. I have thin and porous hair; it dries out very quickly from hard water and climate, so I was looking for a moisturizing shampoo. This is an excellent shampoo at a very cheap price. I've been using it for about a year.”

• Cost: $90
• Size: 33.8 fl oz
• Hair type: color-treated, fine-dry
• Rating: 4.6

Pureology Hydrate Sheer Nourishing Shampoo is perfect for fine hair that needs extra TLC. Its lightweight formula hydrates the hair without weighing it down. Ingredients include sage, jojoba, and green tea. Furthermore, jojoba oil is known for promoting hair growth, strengthening hair follicles, and reducing flyaways and frizz. It also has a lovely fragrance of mint, lavender, and bergamot. According to C.H. on Amazon’s review, “Your hair will love you. This is such a wonderful shampoo; my hair was truly softer after a single use. But it is not weighed down! The smell is great, and a little goes a very long way. I put a small amount in my palm and mix it with water to create a great lather because it is so concentrated. This is one shampoo that is worth the expense.”

• Cost: $69
• Size: 33.8 fl oz
• Hair type: dry, straight hair
• Rating: 4.7

Say bye-bye to dry hair with Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair This ultra-creamy, hydrating shampoo nourishes and protects damaged, dry hair. It works best on damaged, brittle hair and contains rosehip oil, which provides essential fatty acids that control frizz and hydrate the hair. Plant proteins are beneficial because they replace the missing keratin proteins to repair and strengthen the hair. Furthermore, the algal extract supplies the hair with antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids that strengthen and nourish the hair. According to Brenda D. on Amazon’s review, “Best shampoo I’ve ever used. Helps with the dryness I had with my hair. Hair becomes very soft and manageable, smells good. Love this shampoo.”

• Cost: $30
• Size: 8 fl oz
• Hair type: all
• Rating: 4.8

CÉCRED Hydrating Shampoo is a hyaluronic acid-infused formula with its signature blend of antioxidant-rich African oil. It superhydrates the hair, leaving it strong, manageable, and looking well nourished. It contains no parabens, silicones, phthalates, or SLS/SLES. Additionally, it has a beautiful signature fragrance of violet leaves, Australian sandalwood, Haitian vetiver, night-blooming jasmine, and warm musk. According to Chiteca on CÉCRED’s review, “LOVE IT, as a hairstylist, I am a firm believer of using products on my clients that I consider the best. So I order this hydrating shampoo, clarifying shampoo, the protein ritual, and the moisturizing conditioner. I have a client that has come back to me with damaged blonde hair, and she also gets a relax, so just imagine how damaged her hair is. So I used everything exactly as it says, and when I say these products immediately changed her hair, it was unreal how fast this worked on her hair. I have tried a few other things these last 2 weeks, and nothing has worked until today. Her hair felt and looked amazing. I am very very impressed with Cécred; I have to reorder because I don’t want to be without these products.”

• Cost: $26
• Size: 9.2 fl oz
• Hair type: dry, textured, or coarse hair types 2a-4c
• Rating: 4.8

Amika Hyrdo Rush is infused with natural ingredients like coconut water, squalane, blue algae, polyglutamic acid, sea buckthorn, and hyaluronic acid. It provides the hair with 3x more hydration and gently cleanses. It is clinically proven to reduce hair breakage by 50%. According to Sherri R. on Amika’s review, “Natural Curly. This is great for my coarse, natural curly hair!” Furthermore, drinking coconut water is a refreshing morning beverage that can satisfy sugar cravings and benefit your body throughout the day.