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We all want soft, shiny strands that look ultra healthy. Yet, many of us have to contend with dullness and dryness from time to time. If you’re tired of tolerating lackluster locks, there are a few ways to give your mane a makeover at home. To help you get started, we consulted several hairstylists to get their picks for the 12 best shampoos and conditioners for dry hair.
Since no two heads of hair are created equally, we asked the pros to zone in on several different hair types and share some hydrating product suggestions. We also wanted to better understand what dries out hair in the first place and learn how often you should wash dry or damaged hair while you’re trying to repair it.
With so many products out there, we were curious to know if sulfate-free shampoos are better for dry hair, and also asked the pros for their best tips for restoring shine and moisture. Lastly, we’ve peppered in some of the most common haircare mistakes to avoid if you want to steer clear of dryness and dullness.
Related: 10 Best Dry Shampoos, Tested by Celebrity Stylists
Top Shampoo and Conditioner Sets for Dry, Dull Hair
- Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry, Damaged Hair: Eleven Australia Repair My Hair Shampoo and Repair My Hair Nourishing Conditioner
- Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Dull Hair:AIIR Sapphire Shampoo and Conditioner
- Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Fine Dry Hair:K18 Damage Shield Shampoo and Conditioner
- Best Multitasking Shampoo and Conditioner for Dull, Dry Hair: RŌZ The Foundation Shampoo / Conditioner Duo
- Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Thick, Coarse Hair:L’ANZA Healing Moisture Kukui Hydrating Complex Shampoo and Conditioner
- Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Curly, Dry Hair:Maria Nila Coils & Curls Co-Wash
- Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair:Kevin Murphy Angel Wash and Rinse
- Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner: Keranique Color Boost Follicle Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner
- Best Drugstore Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry Hair:L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
- Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Breakage:AROVE Aerious Water-Activated Powder Shampoo and Conditioner
- Best Lightweight Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner: OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo and Conditioner
- Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Split Ends:Iles Formula Shampoo and Conditioner
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What Causes Dry, Dull Hair in the First Place?
If you’re regularly taking care of your hair but are wondering why it’s still dull and dry, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all explanation for this common haircare woe. But there are a few few reasons your hair might be rebelling.
“Dry hair is hair that is lacking in moisture within the hair fiber. Dull hair is the strand’s inability to reflect light from the hair surface. While these are two separate topics, they can be both dry and dull at the same time, or they can be separate characteristics of their own,” salon owner, stylist and trichologist, Carrie Prowantsays.
Celebrity hairstylist Kenna Kennor, who runs Kennaland salon in New York, says a “compromised moisture barrier” is typically one of the main reasons for dull hair.
“The outer cuticle layer of the hair shaft is stuck open or damaged, so the hair can’t hold moisture or natural oils,” he tells Parade. “Dullness mainly happens when the cuticle is open or roughened through damage. When the cuticle lies flat and smooth, light reflects evenly off the surface and hair looks shiny. When it’s lifted, light scatters and the hair appears flat and lacks luster.”
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How Do Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners Actually Work?
“Moisturizing formulas work by replacing lost hydration in the hair shaft, smoothing the cuticle to reduce frizz and increase shine, and adding oils to seal in hydration and softness. All of these will result in hair that looks healthier, feels softer and reflects more light,” celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of The Beachwaver Co.Sarah Potempatells Parade.
Per Prowant, moisturizing shampoos work by “cleansing the hair strand from debris, sweat, oils and buildup while preserving the hair’s natural protective barrier.” In other words, they’re similar to a gentle fabric cleanser versus a harsh degreaser.
“The most effective moisturizing shampoos and conditioners contain humectants, emollients, conditioning polymers and mild surfactants,” she says.
Moisturizing conditioners, on the other hand, work by “temporarily coating and smoothing the cuticle layer to reduce moisture loss, friction, tangling and further damage.”
Prowant explains the best moisturizing conditioners “flatten the hair strand cuticle, improve softness and slip, increase light reflection to help with dullness, reduce static, help prevent breakage and improve manageability.”
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How Often Should You Wash Dry or Damaged Hair?
When it comes to washing dry, damaged hair, Potempa says less is more.
“For dry or damaged hair, aim for two to three washes per week. Over-washing can strip the scalp’s natural oils, which are essential for moisture and protection. On non-wash days, use dry shampoo or refreshing treatments to extend style and preserve hydration,” she says.
According to Prowant, there are multiple variables that determine how often you should wash your hair.
“With a straighter strand of hair, the natural oils travel down the strand more efficiently. However, this type of hair often sees that buildup accumulates faster, which may require washing every one to three days.
Wavy and curly hair may be able to wait longer between washings due to the natural oils having more difficulty traveling down the hair strand. This hair type typically can wait two to 10 days between washings dependent on density, porosity, product use and exercise habits,” she says.
Are Sulfate-Free Shampoos Better for Dry Hair?
Sulfates are the ingredient that’s responsible for that rich lather many people love so much while applying shampoo. However, the ingredient can sometimes dry out your hair.
“Sulfates are powerful detergents that strip oil and buildup very effectively, but they can be too aggressive for dry or damaged hair. Sulfate-free shampoos use gentler cleansing agents that clean without over-stripping the hair’s natural moisture. For dry hair, a sulfate-free formula helps preserve the oils your hair needs to stay hydrated and healthy,” Kennor says.
Prowant notes that sulfate-free shampoos aren’t necessarily “better” for dry hair, but says they “support moisture retention and reduce cuticle disruption.”
According to Potempa, sulfate-free shampoos are particularly helpful for dry and color-treated hair since they “maintain moisture balance” and “extend the life of color and treatments.”
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What Are the Most Common Haircare Mistakes That Cause Dryness and Dullness?
Try as we might to take care of our hair, there are a few common haircare mistakes that can sabotage your efforts.
Kennor, who has worked with Victoria Beckham, Lily Collins and Gigi Hadid, says these are a few common causes of dry, dull hair:
- Over-washing: “This removes the scalp’s natural sebum before it has a chance to travel down the hair shaft and condition the strands naturally,” Kennor says.
- Environmental factors: “Sun exposure, hard water, dry climates and cold weather all pull moisture from the hair,” he says.
- Diet and health: “Nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes and stress can all show up in the hair’s texture and shine,” Kennor says.
- Wrong products: The stylist says product formulas with “harsh sulfates, heavy alcohols or ingredients that aren’t suited to your hair type” can create dullness and dryness.
- Not getting regular haircuts: “Take advice from your stylist on maintenance timing for your particular haircut,” Kennor says.
- Skipping conditioner or not leaving it on long enough: “Rinse-out conditioner needs at least two to three minutes to penetrate and do its job. Don’t rinse it out immediately,” the stylist says.
- Using water that’s too hot: “Hot water opens the cuticle aggressively and rinses away moisture. Finish with a cool or cold rinse to close the cuticle and boost shine,” Kennor says.
Other potential causes include excessive heat styling, chemical processing, rough towel-drying and product buildup.
Related: 12 Best Hair Oils To Soften and Smooth Strands, Tested by Celebrity Stylists
What Do Hairstylists Recommend for Restoring Shine and Moisture?
If your hair is dull and dry at the moment, there are a few things you can do to restore shine and moisture. But first, it’s important to comprehend the process.
“The best way to restore shine and moisture is to understand that we are not just putting moisture back onto the hair long-term. We are improving the hair’s ability to retain water, smoothing the cuticle. Hence, it reflects light more effectively and reduces the factors that continue to strip or roughen the hair fiber,” Prowant explains.
Kennor recommends the following actions if you’re on a mission to restore shine and moisture:
- Add a weekly deep conditioning mask.
- Incorporate a hair oil immediately after any heat styling.
- Turn down the heat on your tools and have designated no-heat days.
Above all, he recommends packing your patience.
“Hair restoration is cumulative. You’ll see a significant difference after four weeks of consistent care,” he says.
12 Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry, Dull Hair, Tested by Stylists
Here are the top products that experts recommend.
1. Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry Damaged Hair: Eleven Australia Repair My Hair Shampoo, $30, and Repair My Hair Nourishing Conditioner, $30
Eleven Australia
Eleven Australia 
Jackie Burke, a master stylist/colorist at Anthony David Salon in Burlington, Massachusetts, always recommends this shampoo and conditioner to her clients with dry, damaged hair.
“They’re perfect for anyone who does routine highlights or loves to style their hair with heat. The products protect hair from heat and nourish strands with hydrolyzed quinoa. When used together, the products transform dry, dull, damaged hair into beautiful, shiny, healthy hair,” she says.
2. Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Dull Hair:AIIR Sapphire Shampoo and Conditioner, $66
AIIR 
If you use a lot of styling products, all that product buildup can quickly lead to dull hair. Sofia Meyer, a hairstylist and colorist at LRN Beauty in New York City, recommends this shampoo and conditioner set to increase shine.
“It will improve your hair’s elasticity using amino acids and reduce frizz to create a glossy and radiant finish. The shampoo won’t strip your hair of its natural oils, which will help enhance your hair’s health and luminosity in the long term,” she says.
3. Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Fine Dry Hair:K18 Damage Shield Shampoo and Conditioner, $64
Target
Lia Hakim, a hairstylist and the founder of Hott Salons and Hott Franchising, says this shampoo and conditioner duo delicately cleanses and moisturizes fine hair.
“For fine hair, the goal is always repair without heaviness or else it will leave the hair looking flat and greasy. I really like K18 because the lightweight formula doesn’t lead to losing volume,” she says.
The color-safe formula is pH-optimized and cleanses hair without removing essential natural oils. The built-in K18PEPTIDE technology also repairs several types of bonds in the hair to leave it feeling and looking healthy.
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4. Best Multitasking Shampoo and Conditioner for Dull, Dry Hair: RŌZ The Foundation Shampoo / Conditioner Duo, $72
Roz Hair
Meyer describes this multitasking duo as “super versatile.”
“I especially love to use this duo on clients with fine waves or curls because it enhances natural texture and provides enough moisture to keep hair feeling healthy and manageable,” the stylist says.
Meyer also appreciates the fact that the products are safe for colored hair and extensions, saying it “works for every hair type.”
“My favorite thing about it is that it doesn’t leave any buildup, so fine hair won’t get weighed down over time despite being sulfate-free. The conditioner nourishes dry hair, but once rinsed out it leaves the hair feeling light and airy,” she says.
5. Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Thick Coarse Hair:L’ANZA Healing Moisture Kukui Hydrating Complex Shampoo and Conditioner, $75
Target
Hakim says this duo is ideal if you have thick, coarse hair.
“This hair type needs moisture that actually penetrates the cuticle rather than sitting on top of it,” she explains. “I always reach for L’ANZA because it makes dense hair more manageable and softer without compromising volume.”
6. Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Curly Dry Hair:Maria Nila Coils & Curls Co-Wash, $32
Maria Nila 
After using this two-in-one conditioning wash on her own curly hair, Burke started regularly recommending it to her clients.
“It’s great for all curl types. It has shea butter in it, which helps keep hair moisturized and makes it easier to detangle. Most two-in-one products leave hair heavy and weighed down, but this one conditions and leaves your hair feeling squeaky clean,” she says of the vegan product.
Related: 12 Best Hair Products for Frizz-Free Hair, According to Stylists
7. Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair:Kevin Murphy Angel Wash, $37, and Rinse, $37
Kevin Murphy
Kevin Murphy 
Burke calls this her “go-to” shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair since the products work overtime to “protect color” all while hydrating strands.
“It does a great job making hair shine. One of the best qualities is the lavender extract. It helps soothe the scalp and has such a relaxing scent,” she says.
The Rinse is filled with mango and cocoa butters that moisturize strands, while the Wash is chockful of essential oils, vitamins and proteins that shield locks from free radicals.
8. Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner:Keranique Color Boost Follicle Strengthening Shampoo, $24, and Conditioner, $24
Ulta
Ulta
If you’re already dealing with a lack of moisture, your best bet could be a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid additional dryness.
“These products contain gentle cleansers that protect the hair from color fading and protect the hair strand from breakage and dryness. This product also reduces shedding, which keeps the hair anchored in the scalp longer. Anytime the hair is attached to its blood source, the hair naturally becomes healthier and stronger,” Prowant says.
9. Best Drugstore Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry Hair: L‘Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner, $10
Target
You don’t necessarily have to splurge on a shampoo and conditioner to give your hair a little bit of TLC. Case in point? Kennor recommends this set that costs less than $11.
“This is accessible, affordable and delivers real plumping and hydration results. The hyaluronic acid adds moisture while creating lift, which is exactly what dry hair needs without weighing it down,” he says.
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10. Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Breakage:AROVE Aerious Water-Activated Powder Shampoo and Conditioner, $61
AROVE 
Celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas suggests giving this duo a try if you want to tackle breakage head-on.
“It uses proprietary LumiLok technology, which encapsulates potent ingredients to release at absolute maximum potency the second they touch water,” he says. “This targeted burst drives hyaluronic acid deep into the hair shaft to restore elasticity and stop snapping, while broccoli seed and abyssinian oils instantly seal the cuticle to eliminate the damaging friction that causes hair to break.”
11. Best Lightweight Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner: OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo, $32, and Conditioner, $32
Sephora
Sephora
Regardless of your hair type, a lightweight shampoo and conditioner can add “moisture without weight,” per Kennor.
These two products are available in varieties that are suited for fine to medium hair.
“They add strength and hydration without making hair feel heavy or greasy. The smell is also incredible, which makes the whole experience a pleasure,” Kennor says.
12. Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Split Ends:Iles Formula Shampoo, $44, and Conditioner, $52
Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's
“While no shampoo can repair split ends (only a haircut can), Iles Formula seals and smooths the cuticle to minimize the appearance of damage and prevent further splitting,” Kennor says.
The hairstylist appreciates the products’ “nutrient-rich ingredients,” which he says “restore softness and protect the hair from environmental stressors that cause breakage.”
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Sources:
- Jackie Burke is a master stylist/colorist at Anthony David Salon in Burlington, Massachusetts.
- Michael Dueñas is a celebrity hairstylist, men’s grooming expert and curl expert.
- Lia Hakim is a hairstylist and the founder of Hott Salons and Hott Franchising.
- Kenna Kennor is a celebrity hairstylist who runs Kennaland, an award-winning salon in Brooklyn, New York.
- Sofia Meyer is a hairstylist and colorist at LRN Beauty in New York City.
- Sarah Potempa is a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of The Beachwaver Co.
- Carrie Prowant is a salon owner, stylist and trichologist.
