The Best Shampoo for Dry Hair, According to Hairstylists

Almost all of our experts recommended Oribe. Senior stylistJay MoralesofBaja Studioin Sohosays “it’s great for high texture, thick, coarse, curly or highly processed hair”. Morales adds that “every time I use this shampoo on my clients, it helps with smoothing and eliminating frizz.” He notes that it’s alsoeasier to blow dry clients’ hair after, whether it’s “a straight smooth blow dry or diffused curly style.”Lorna Pollack, senior stylist atKinloch Salonin Brooklyn, finds that the formulation “attacks dryness and frizz, while also helping to eliminate unwanted volume, leaving the hair feeling sleek and controlled.”

The formula also has a built-in UV protector and includes a cocktail of nourishing ingredients, such as coconut, watermelon, and lychee extract, making it akin to a hydrating smoothie for hair.Saint Latimer, colorist atSuite Caroline, says the brand’sSignature Shampoois “simply perfect.” He adds that the scent is “immediately intoxicating and luxurious.”Tracy Rasmussen, stylist atGem House Salonin Greenpoint, also likes Oribe’sCleansing Creamfor dry hair, recommending it in particular for those who work out regularly and need to wash daily but don’t want to strip their hair. She notes that the formula is “gentle” and leaves the hair feeling soft and fresh.

If you’re not sure how often you should be shampooing in the first place, Amanda Power, founder ofPower Hair BK, offers these general guidelines: “I recommend every other day for fine to medium hair, whereas thick hair could go anywhere between three days to a full week. Coarser, thick hair ranges from five to 14 days between shampoos. The same rules apply for dryhair— don’t overdo it just because your strands feel super-parched.”

“Mondays has created an incredible line of amazing shampoos and conditioners at an affordable price point” Latimer says. “The Moisture Shampoo is a favorite for very dry hair. If my client needs something at an accessible price, I send them straight to those pink bottles.”Clara Leonard, a NYC-based editorial hair stylist, is also a fan of the brand and notes that the selection includes different options for all hair types (we’ve previously recommendedMonday’s fine-hair range). And though this shampoo is under $10, it’s SLS and paraben free and contains enriching ingredients like shea butter and rice-protein extract.

If you arefine hairedand struggling with dryness,Chelsey Pickthorn, master stylist and founder ofPickthorn Salon, suggests staying away from any volumizing shampoos you may use in your daily routine, as they tend to contain ingredients that exacerbate the problem. To pump hydration back into your strands without weighing them down, she tells her clients to go for the Davines Nourishing Shampoo.

Dhiran Mistry, hairstylist and owner ofThe Carriage House NC, recommends Kérastase. For his clients with especially dry, thickerhair, he particularly rates Bain Satin Riche Shampoo. “It contains glucose to replenish hair with an energetic boost of nutrition, lipids which help retain moisture to preventhairfrom drying out. The addition of iris rhizome extract also works as an antioxidant to prolong nutrition.” Mistry adds that the formula is gentle enough that it can be used frequently if needed.

“If you are in dire need of some repair, I would opt for the Ultimate Reset,”Weinbergsays. Though she notes the shampoo is “very rich,” she explains that it is formulated to be used frequently. However, she also importantly says that extremely damaged hair should not be washed daily and says “the natural oils our scalp produces are good for yourhair. And dry hair needs all the moisture it can get. So if you’re using a heavy repair-style shampoo, try to stretch out your washing.” The formula is concentrated, so though it’s expensive, you’ll need a smaller amount to create a good lather — making it last longer.

“Color-treated hair also tends to be more fragile, so gentle nourishment and strength is key,” advisesLatimer, Colorist atSuite Caroline. “JVNNurture Hydration Shampoo is wonderful.” The color-safe formulation also includes aloe-leaf juice and panthenol, a strengthening agent that locks in moisture and seals the hair cuticle to prevent splitting.

To remove product buildup, stylists generally recommend a clarifying shampoo, but those are probably too harsh for already dried-out locks. Shu Uemura’s Cleansing Oil Shampoo is a bit more unconventional than your normal shampoo; it “uses oils to break down dirt and buildup,” giving hair a clean feel without stripping it, according to Rasmussen.

If you need to wash your hair more often,Moralesrecommends Davines Dede Shampoo.He says “its light, gentle formula won’t weigh your hair down. It’s also great for those with sensitive scalps.” Morales also strongly recommends using the right deep-conditioning mask at least once a week to keep fine hair hydrated so it can look and feel its best. For fine hair, his mask of choice is theChristophe Robin Regenerating Mask With Prickly Pear Oil.

Shannon King, owner and education director atHair & Co BKLYN, reaches for Maria Nila True Soft Shampoo when working with dry, wavy hair. King says that it’s his “absolute favorite” for defining curls.The formula is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, which help to retain moisture and repair the hair’s surface.

Weena Jerome-Alexandre, founder ofRenaissance Curlsin Harlem, recommends Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath for her clients withtight coils: “We can literally feel our client’s hair get smoother when we use it at the salon.” She says the shampoo contains ingredients such as certified organic raw shea butter and monoi extract,which work to restore the cuticle of the hair and repair keratin fibers.