If your hair’s been feeling dry, frizzy, or just plain tired, the right moisturising shampoo can make a noticeable difference.
Whether it's heat styling, colouring, or just the weather doing its thing, dry hair needs a little extra care.
We tested and reviewed the best options to help you find the right match for your strands in 2025.
Table of content
Best moisturising shampoo: Our top picks
- Best overall: Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Strength Shampoo
- Best budget option: Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo
- Best for frizz control: LolaVie Restorative Shampoo
- Best drugstore pick: Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo
- Best for damaged hair: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo
- Best for colour-treated hair: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
- Best hydrating cleanse: Aveda Nutriplenish Light Moisture Shampoo
1. Best overall: Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Strength Shampoo
This shampoo is designed to gently cleanse while helping reduce greasiness and strengthen the hair. It’s packed with naturally inspired ingredients like Capilia Longa®, which is linked to reducing hair loss, and an amino acid complex to improve strength. Niacinamide is also in the mix to support keratin production.
What makes it a good choice for dry hair is its balanced formula—it doesn’t strip moisture but instead works to calm the scalp and leave your hair feeling clean, not tight or squeaky. It’s also vegan and dermatologically tested, which adds peace of mind if your scalp is a bit sensitive.
The scent is fresh with eucalyptus notes, which some people may love, though it might be strong for others.
It’s also a bit pricier than drugstore options, but the quality and ingredient list help justify that.
2. Best budget option: Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo
Monday’s Moisture Shampoo is all about hydration without the hefty price tag. It uses shea butter, rice protein, and coconut oil—classic ingredients that dry hair tends to love. You also get vitamin E, which helps smooth things out and adds a little shine.
It’s gentle enough for daily use and doesn’t leave your scalp feeling dry. After a few uses, hair feels softer and less frizzy, and waves or curls tend to look more defined. It doesn’t lather as much as traditional shampoos, but that’s pretty common for low-sulfate formulas.
The packaging is cute and minimal, though the pump can sometimes be tricky. Still, if you’re looking for something affordable and gentle that hydrates without buildup, this is a solid pick.
3. Best for frizz control: LolaVie Restorative Shampoo
LolaVie, created by Jennifer Aniston, brings a well-thought-out formula that works especially well for frizz-prone hair. It’s made with vegetable ceramides, vegan keratin, biotin, and niacinamide—all aimed at repairing and smoothing the hair.
What stands out is how lightweight it feels while still helping with moisture. It doesn’t weigh the hair down, and over time, you’ll likely notice less breakage and fewer flyaways. It also helps make detangling easier, which is a big plus for dry, tangled strands.
The lather is a bit light, and some might find that they need a second wash if there's a lot of buildup. But if your hair gets easily frizzy or puffy, especially in humidity, this one’s worth a try.
4. Best drugstore pick: Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo
Pantene’s Daily Moisture Renewal is one of those tried-and-true shampoos that many have used at some point—and for good reason. It contains a blend of nourishing lipids and antioxidants that help lock in moisture and smooth rough strands.
It leaves hair feeling silky and manageable, even if it’s been through heat styling or color treatments. It’s especially helpful for thick or long hair that needs detangling and softness.
You’ll notice a slicker texture when rinsing, which helps cut down on breakage while brushing.
Some people say it leaves a slight coating, which might not work for finer hair. But if your hair is dry, frizzy, or a bit out of control, this is a dependable and budget-friendly option that’s easy to find anywhere.
5. Best for damaged hair: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo
This shampoo is built for hair that’s been through a lot—think bleach, heat, or chemical treatments. The key is Redken’s bonding technology, which helps repair broken bonds inside the hair shaft while also adding moisture and shine.
Dry hair tends to be fragile, and this formula adds strength without stripping the hair. It helps reduce frizz and keeps the hair feeling soft between washes.
You get better results when used with the full system (shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in), but even on its own, it makes a difference.
It is on the expensive side, and you’ll probably see the biggest impact with consistent use. Still, if your hair feels like straw or breaks easily, this is a solid investment for repair and moisture.
6. Best for color-treated hair: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
Pureology’s Hydrate Shampoo is made for anyone trying to keep their color fresh while also dealing with dry hair.
It’s sulfate-free and uses ingredients like jojoba oil, green tea, and sage to add moisture and keep things balanced. There’s also a nice cooling sensation from the menthol and mint.
It does a good job of cleaning the scalp without making your hair feel stripped. You’ll probably notice your color lasts longer, and your hair doesn’t feel like hay after a few washes. It's especially nice if your hair feels dry at the roots or ends after coloring.
The scent can be pretty strong, especially if you're sensitive to fragrances. But performance-wise, it’s one of the better shampoos for dry, dyed hair that needs a little extra love.
7. Best hydrating cleanse: Aveda Nutriplenish Light Moisture Shampoo
Aveda’s Nutriplenish Light Moisture Shampoo is gentle, lightweight, and focused on hydration. It’s made with pomegranate oil, mango butter, coconut oil, and oat extract—ingredients that all help soften dry strands without making them greasy.
It cleans well but still leaves your hair feeling soft afterward, which isn’t always the case with plant-based shampoos. It’s a good match for normal to slightly dry hair that needs moisture but not too much weight. The scent is herbal and warm, and it sticks around a bit.
For really thick or extra dry hair, this version might feel a little light. They do have a richer version for those who need more moisture, but this one's a good place to start if you're not sure how heavy your shampoo should be.
8. Best for curly hair: Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
This shampoo has argan oil, red algae, and vitamins A and E—ingredients that help bring moisture back into dry, curly, or textured hair. It’s sulfate-free, which is a big deal if you’re trying to avoid drying your curls out.
It lathers well and leaves curls feeling soft and bouncy, not crunchy or flat. With regular use, you’ll probably notice less frizz and more definition. It’s also good at handling build-up without being too harsh.
One thing to note: it’s a pretty rich formula. If your hair is fine or gets greasy quickly, this might be too heavy for daily use. But for thick, dry, or curly hair, it hits the mark.
9. Best natural formula: Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing Shampoo
This one combines honey and royal jelly with plant oils to help repair and moisturize dry, fragile hair. It's a drugstore option, but the formula feels thoughtful. The honey adds softness and a bit of shine, and it smells warm and comforting.
It works best when your hair is really dry or feels like it needs something a bit more nourishing. It won’t fix split ends overnight, but over time, it helps with breakage and keeps your hair feeling smoother.
It does contain sulfates, which could be a downside if you're avoiding those. But if you're okay with that, it's a solid, affordable pick for everyday use—especially for people dealing with dry ends or seasonal dryness.
10. Best for sensitive scalps: Virtue Labs Recovery Shampoo
Virtue’s Recovery Shampoo is made with Alpha Keratin 60ku—a fancy name for a protein that’s supposed to help repair damaged hair. It’s gentle, fragrance isn’t too strong, and it lathers well without drying things out.
What’s nice here is that even if your scalp is dry or gets irritated easily, this shampoo feels calming. It helps soften the hair, but more importantly, it doesn’t leave your head itchy or flaky. It’s a good in-between for people who want repair and moisture but also need something that won’t upset their skin.
It’s on the pricey side, and the bottle design isn’t the most convenient. But if you're dealing with sensitivity and dryness at the same time, this is one of the better options out there.
11. Best volumising hydration: Davines Momo Shampoo
Davines Momo is a lightweight shampoo that hydrates without flattening your hair. It uses cartucciaru melon extract, which is rich in vitamins and minerals. The texture is watery and doesn’t foam a ton, but it still gets the job done.
This one is great for fine or flat hair that’s also dry. It helps make hair feel softer and more bouncy, without that heavy, greasy after-feel. It also smells really fresh—almost like melon or cucumber water.
Some folks may find the low-lather texture unusual at first, and it’s not the best for removing heavy product buildup. But as a daily hydrating wash, especially for limp or lifeless hair, it works really well.
12. Best lightweight moisture: Shu Uemura Urban Moisture Shampoo
This shampoo is meant for dry hair in urban or polluted environments, but even if you’re not living in a city, it still helps with moisture. It’s got moringa oil and red algae, both known for hydration and protection.
It feels lightweight and doesn’t coat the hair, which makes it a good fit for fine to medium hair types. It gives a nice clean feeling and helps reduce dryness without going overboard on oils or heavy butters.
The texture is a little runny, and it’s one of the more expensive shampoos on this list. But if your hair gets dry and weighed down easily, this could be a nice upgrade.
13. Best high-end shine: Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo
Oribe’s Gold Lust is kind of like the luxury version of a moisture-repair shampoo. It’s filled with argan oil, biotin, plant collagen, and other rich ingredients that aim to smooth, soften, and strengthen.
The scent is subtle but really nice, and you’ll probably notice your hair feels sleeker and shinier even after one or two uses. It works best for people dealing with dry, damaged hair that still wants to look polished.
The price tag is steep, no way around that. But if you’re someone who enjoys the little luxuries and wants something that performs well, this one tends to live up to the hype.
14. Best for fine hair: Redken All Soft Shampoo
This shampoo is built for dry, fine to medium hair that needs moisture but not heaviness. Argan oil is the main star here, along with Redken’s “moisture complex” that helps soften and smooth each strand.
It makes the hair easier to manage and adds shine without leaving it flat. If you’ve got breakage or your hair feels rough to the touch, this can help smooth things out over time.
It’s not sulfate-free, and the conditioner can be a bit tough to rinse fully. But the shampoo itself is a reliable option for people with dry hair that still wants some bounce and movement.
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What is a moisturising shampoo?
A moisturising shampoo is a gentle cleanser that helps hydrate dry or damaged hair while keeping it soft, smooth, and easier to manage. It typically contains ingredients like oils, butters, and humectants that help your hair hold onto moisture.
Unlike clarifying shampoos, which are made to strip away oil and product build-up, moisturising shampoos are meant to nourish.
They clean your scalp and hair without leaving it feeling tight or brittle. If your hair feels rough, tangles easily, or looks dull, a moisturising shampoo might be exactly what it needs.
These shampoos are especially handy during colder months or after things like bleaching, colouring, or heat styling—all of which can leave your hair crying out for moisture.
Who should use moisturising shampoo?
Pretty much anyone with dry or stressed-out hair can benefit. That includes:
- People with naturally dry or coarse hair
- Anyone who colours or chemically treats their hair
- Those using heat tools regularly (like straighteners or curling irons)
- People with frizz-prone hair or split ends
- Folks living in dry or cold climates
How we chose the best moisturising shampoos
After testing 41 shampoos across different hair types and concerns, we narrowed it down to the 14 best. We also went through hundreds of customer reviews, checked ingredient lists, and paid attention to real-world use—how the shampoo feels, how hair looks after drying, and whether it holds up after a few washes.
Our picks include everything from affordable drugstore finds to higher-end salon favourites. We considered texture, scent, ease of use, and whether the formula actually made dry hair feel better—not just for a day, but over time.
No shampoo can fix everything overnight, but the ones we chose all showed clear signs of improving dryness, reducing frizz, or making hair softer and more manageable with regular use.
How to choose the right moisturising shampoo for your hair type
Not all dry hair is the same. Here’s how to find something that actually works for your specific needs:
- For fine or thin hair – Go for a lightweight formula. Look for words like “weightless” or “soft moisture” so your hair doesn’t get flat or greasy.
- For curly or coily hair – Thicker, richer shampoos with shea butter or coconut oil tend to work better. These help define curls and cut down on frizz.
- For colour-treated hair – You’ll want something sulfate-free with gentle, colour-safe ingredients. Bonus points if it adds shine.
- For damaged or over-processed hair – Look for bond-building or protein-rich shampoos. These help strengthen and repair from the inside out.
- For sensitive scalps – Choose something fragrance-free or made with calming ingredients like aloe vera or oat extract.
Key moisturising ingredients to look for
The best moisturising shampoos don’t rely on just one magic ingredient—they’re usually a mix of nourishing oils, humectants, and vitamins. Here are some of the ones worth knowing about.
Coconut oil
A long-time favourite in hair care, coconut oil helps reduce protein loss and adds softness. It penetrates the hair shaft rather than just coating it, which makes it more effective at hydrating from the inside out.
It's great for dry, thick, or damaged hair, but it can feel heavy on finer strands.
Argan oil
Often called “liquid gold,” argan oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. It helps smooth frizz, adds shine, and protects the hair from dryness caused by heat or weather.
It's lightweight enough for most hair types and gives that soft, silky finish without feeling greasy.
Shea butter
Shea butter is rich and creamy, making it perfect for coarse or curly hair that needs deep moisture. It helps seal the hair cuticle, which reduces frizz and breakage.
If your hair feels rough or brittle, shampoos with shea butter can help bring back that smoother feel.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant, which means it pulls moisture from the air into your hair. It’s especially helpful if your hair gets dry between washes or feels like it loses moisture too quickly.
It's a common ingredient in shampoos designed to keep hair hydrated long after washing.
Aloe vera
Aloe is soothing and hydrating, making it a solid pick for sensitive scalps and dry hair. It helps reduce itchiness and flakiness while also adding lightweight moisture. It’s often found in more natural or gentle formulas.
How to use moisturising shampoo for best results
Using a moisturising shampoo isn't complicated, but a few small tweaks can help make a noticeable difference.
- Don’t use too much – A little goes a long way, especially with creamy or concentrated formulas.
- Focus on your scalp – Gently massage into the roots and scalp first. That’s where buildup and oil sit.
- Let it sit for a moment – Give the ingredients a bit of time to do their thing before rinsing.
- Follow with a conditioner – Especially one designed to moisturise, to lock in hydration and help detangle.
- Don’t overwash – 2–3 times a week is usually enough for dry hair, but adjust based on your hair type.
Conclusion
Dry hair is a pain—literally, sometimes. But the right moisturising shampoo can bring back softness, shine, and manageability without adding weight or greasiness.
Whether your hair is curly, colour-treated, or just a bit parched from heat styling, there’s something out there that can help.
We tested formulas across different price ranges and hair types to find shampoos that genuinely make dry hair feel better over time.
Look for ingredients like coconut oil, glycerin, or argan oil, and pair your shampoo with a good conditioner to get the most out of every wash.
Your hair deserves a bit of care. And honestly, it shouldn’t be that hard to find something that just works.
FAQs
Can I use a moisturising shampoo daily?
You can, especially if the formula is gentle and sulfate-free. That said, most people with dry hair don’t need to wash every day. A few times a week usually does the trick.
Will it make my hair oily?
Not if you pick the right formula for your hair type. Lightweight options are available if your roots get greasy quickly.
Do moisturising shampoos help with dandruff?
They can help soothe a dry scalp, but they’re not a treatment for dandruff. If flakes are a regular issue, look for something made specifically for that—some shampoos manage to do both.
Can I use it on coloured or bleached hair?
Yes, but go for colour-safe or sulfate-free versions. Many moisturising shampoos are made to be gentle enough for colour-treated hair and actually help extend the life of your colour.
