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If your scalp is dry, itchy, and constantly flaky, you should know you’re not alone. In this day and age of regular blowouts, chemical treatments, and erratic weather conditions, dry, coarse tresses are hardly uncommon. So how to care for dry hair? Well, the good news is that dry hair isn’t irreversible. As per research, using a hair dryer causes more surface damage than natural drying. So, Start by laying off heat styling tools that can damage your hair texture extensively.
Next, make ‘hydration’ and ‘moisturisation’ the buzzwords and incorporate products that nourish your hair and scalp. When choosing a shampoo for your dry hair, refrain from picking up any product that mentions ‘clarifying’ on the label. This is because these formulations strip hair of anything and everything. Stay away from products that are loaded with chemicals and include a mild shampoo for dry hair. Better yet, choose a good shampoo for dry hair that encompasses proteins to nourish your tresses. Natural shampoos for dry hair, as well as herbal shampoos for dry hair, are also a good idea since they don’t contain harsh chemicals that, in turn, damage your tresses.
If you have always wondered how to take care of dry hair, we have made your life easier and listed the best shampoos for dry damaged hair that will solve all your hair woes and then some! But before scrolling down for the checklist, let’s discuss a few crucial things to consider before purchasing a dry hair shampoo.
Important Things To Consider When Buying A Shampoo For Dry Hair
When shopping for a dry hair-friendly shampoo, ensure you scan the ingredients list to pick the perfect product boasting ultra-moisturising elements. Look for formulations that contain soothing ingredients, including shea butter, argan oil, and glycerin, which help replenish moisture and restore the hair's hydration balance. Non-harsh, sulphate-free shampoos are also recommended for dry, brittle hair.
Here Are The Top 10 Shampoos For Dry Hair
1. Herbal Essences Bio: Renew Hydrate Coconut Milk Shampoo
Looking for an uber-effective herbal shampoo for dry hair? Then make this shampoo from Herbal Essences your best friend. Enriched with pure botanicals and coconut Oil, this shampoo hydrates dry, damaged hair removes impurities as well as protects hair from split ends and environmental damage. A study has revealed that coconut oil also improves scalp health, thereby curbing dandruff, often associated with a dry scalp. What we really love though is the heady mix of vanilla and coconut that this shampoo leaves behind. What’s not to love?
2. Loreal Professionnel Serie Expert B6+ Biotin Inforcer Shampoo
The best moisturising shampoo for dry hair is one that is enriched with hair-strengthening elements that nourish your tresses. The Loreal Professionnel Serie Expert B6+ Biotin Inforcer Shampoo checks all the right boxes. Enriched with Biotin and B6 A, this one is designed to target breakage and split ends, leaving hair soft and healthy. Plus, it deeply replenishes damaged hair, and conditions and also detangles. For best results, we recommend following up with the conditioner.
3. WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
If you wash your daily, what you really need is a light, weightless shampoo that’s also super hydrating. Enter WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo, which is one of the best mild shampoos for dry hair. Infused with 100% pure, unfiltered and unpasteurised Apple Cider Vinegar, Sweet Almond Oil, and Argan Oil, it helps gently detoxify the hair and scalp by clearing up the buildups caused by dust, pollution, dead scalp cells, and styling products. The best part? It’s free of sulphates and parabens.
4. OGX Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo
Ultra-gentle and colour-safe, this nourishing formula is infused with potent Argan Oil that instantly penetrates the hair shaft restoring shine and softness while strengthening. As per a study, pre-treating the hair with Argan Oil is also known to limit oxidative stress and curtail hair damage. OGX’s renewing formula is also free of sulfates and parabens which imparts moisture to dry hair and protects against UV damage while creating soft, seductive, silky perfection. Little wonder it’s hailed as the best shampoo for hair fall and dry hair.
5. Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo
Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo is one of the best natural shampoos for dry hair. Your dry hair will love the restorative, Omega-rich formulation infused with Cherry Almond leaves and Almond oil that offers nourishment to uber-dry hair. The heavenly scent of Tonka Beans, Ylang Ylang and Orange doesn’t hurt either.
6. St.Botanica Biotin & Collagen Volumizing Shampoo
This formula is a powerhouse against frizz and dry, thin strands. A potent blend of Vitamin B7 biotin, Hydrolyzed collagen, Oat Extract, and organic cold-pressed ingredients helps volumise even the skinniest strands into fuller and more voluminous-looking locks. Plus, the Paraben and Sulfate-free formulation ensures your hair remains healthy and strong. Oh, and did we mention this one is perfect for colour-treated hair as well? We rest our case.
7. Love Beauty And Planet Smooth And Serene Sulfate Free Shampoo
This product is a powerhouse against frizz, dry hair’s biggest (and most common) adversary. Enriched with Lavender, Coconut Oil, and Almond Oil, this smoothening shampoo from Love Beauty And Planet gently cleanses rebellious hair – leaving it softer, smoother, and shinier. What’s not to love?
8. Forest Essentials Hair Cleanser - Japapatti & Brahmi
Forest Essentials Japapatti and Brahmi Hair Cleanser is the ultimate remedy for dry, damaged and chemically treated hair. This hair cleanser is enriched with Hibiscus flower infusion and Brahmi extract which rejuvenates the scalp, deeply nourishes the hair, and restricts hair fall. Nagarmotha and extracts prevent hair loss and premature greying while maintaining your natural hair colour. We approve!
9. The Body Shop Banana Truly Nourishing Shampoo
This cult favourite from The Body Shop has been touted as the best shampoo for dry hair. The ultra-creamy Banana Truly Nourishing Shampoo is enriched with organic Banana puree for major moisturising power – leaving your tresses shiny, softer, and beautifully nourished. Bonus: The heavenly scent will have you smelling like a French patisserie.
10. Wella Professionals SP LuxeOil Keratin Protect Shampoo
One failproof solution to your ‘how to treat dry hair’ woes: transformative care. The Wella Professionals SP LuxeOil Keratin Protect Shampoo gently cleanses impurities while Keratin and Panthenol penetrate the hair to anchor water molecules with hair proteins for strength and hair reconstruction. Result: smooth, soft tresses after just one wash! Convinced yet?
FAQs
1. Why is my hair so dry?
There are numerous reasons behind dry, brittle hair. One of the most common reasons is that your hair lacks moisturisation and natural oils. Sometimes our scalp doesn’t produce enough oil, leading to dry hair and a flaky scalp. Too much exposure to the sun can also be one of the reasons for dry hair. Since heat can naturally dry your hair, it’s imperative to protect your tresses from the sun or oil your hair often to prevent this from happening. This also implies that you should stay away from heat-styling tools such as straighteners and curlers. If you do need to use them, make sure you use a heat protection spray and a potent serum to keep your hair nourished. Overwashing or using a harsh shampoo can also strip your hair of natural oils. Result: dry, coarse hair.
2. How do I know if my hair is dry?
The easiest way to know if your hair is dry is to feel your hair. If it feels like a straw and devoid of any moisture, you will know it’s dry. The other visible signs of dry hair are the absence of flexibility (doesn’t stretch without snapping), you have split ends, dullness and your hair breaks when even pulled lightly.
3. What is the best shampoo for dry hair?
Lucky for you there are many options as far as shampoos for dry hair are concerned. The rule of thumb is to look for shampoos that are uber-hydrating and infused with essential proteins for that extra nourishment boost. Shampoos such as The Body Shop Banana Truly Nourishing Shampoo, L'Oreal Professionnel Hair Spa Smooth Revival Shampoo and OGX Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo are some of the best in the business. They not only offer nourishment but also smoothen your hair texture and impart shine. Herbal and natural shampoos are also a good option since they encompass the goodness of au natural ingredients. The thing to remember is to always opt for alcohol-free products (since it strips your strands of oil) or chemical-heavy shampoos that will end up drying out your tresses even more.
4. How often should I shampoo if my hair is dry?
While those with dry hair can go a bit longer without washing their hair, it's advisable that you shampoo at least once a week to avoid scalp buildup, irritation, and breakage. Ideally, you should cleanse your scalp and strands every two to three days for optimal hair health.
5. How to treat rough hair without using too many chemicals or salon services?
Rough hair is one of the main adversaries of dry hair. Start by washing your hair less often. This is because constant hair washes deplete the natural oil in your tresses. Next, incorporate a mild shampoo into your haircare regimen. RE: fewer chemicals that won’t damage those tresses further. Better yet, choose herbal and natural formulations that are gentler and more effective. Follow shampooing with a nourishing conditioner to close those cuticles. Don’t forget to massage Coconut Oils and Almond Oils in your hair, at least twice a week to replenish the lost moisture. Last but not least, follow up with a potent serum that will smoothen out rough hair in a snap!
