Quick List - Top Moisturizing Shampoos
TRESemmé
Designed To Deliver Intense Hydration for Dry, Parched Hair
Pura d'or
Clinically Proven Formula Aimed at Reducing Hair Thinning and Boosting Strength
Olaplex
A Concentrated Formula That Repairs, Strengthens, and Maintains Healthy Hair
Pantene Pro-V
Daily Hydration With Pro-V Nutrients for Moisturized Hair
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
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Table of Contents
Many shampoos advertise themselves as moisturizing, but some have more hydrating ingredients than others. To truly tell if a shampoo is moisturizing, take a look at its ingredients list and see if any of the following items are there.
While it may seem concerning to see 'alcohol' listed in your shampoo's ingredients, not all alcohols are alike. In fact, there is a specific kind of alcohol, fatty alcohols, that provides emollient, or moisturizing, properties. Because they smooth the surface of your hair, they help make it feel more supple and moisturized.
Fatty alcohols include lauryl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol. If you see these ingredients in your shampoo, rest assured that they will add a shine and softness to your hair.
Other alcohols, however, should be avoided, as they will do the opposite of fatty alcohols. They have quick evaporating properties and will wick moisture away from your hair, causing the cuticle to roughen and the entire length of hair to dry out. These include ethanol, SD alcohol, SD alcohol 40, denatured alcohol, propanol, propyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol.
Plant-derived oils are great for dry or damaged hair, as they also contain vitamins to nourish your hair. Argan oil contains an abundance of vitamin E and oleic acid. Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, and also offers some UV protection. Jojoba and olive oils likewise help maintain moisture for both your hair and your scalp.
While mineral oil may sound odd to use, it also provides highly moisturizing qualities. Cosmetic grade mineral oil is purified and tested to be safe for topical use. If you are still concerned about using a shampoo with mineral oil in it, try swiping a bit of product on your arm. If there is no redness or swelling in 24 hours, you will likely not get an allergic reaction from using the shampoo.
Dry and frizzy hair requires oils to hydrate the hair sheath and keep moisture at bay. When the hair sheath and cuticle are hydrated, they're less likely to swell or become curly and frizzy when exposed to humidity.
Argan oil, Moroccan oil, and coconut oil leave the hair silky smooth. If you have fine hair, you may want to use these products sparingly as they can weigh down the hair. These shampoos are also great for hair that gets a lot of heat damage as they can help restore hydration to the hair.
One thing to note is that in highly humid climates, humectants can actually over-moisturize your hair. By causing each strand of hair to absorb too much water, humectants can let the cuticle become rough and make your hair frizzy. Those with highly porous hair are especially susceptible to this. If you live in humid conditions, it may be best to avoid humectant ingredients.
Hyaluronic acid helps trap moisture in the hair and keep it locked in even after the shampoo is washed out. It can be used by all hair types since it won't leave your hair greasy or weighed down. It's gentle enough to use on processed hair as well or hair that is prone to breakage. Collagen-infused shampoos are also helpful in repairing broken or damaged hair.
Silicones like dimethicone provide a unique emollient property, as they create a film on the surface of hair strands that keeps moisture in and leaves hair shiny and tangle-free.
The main drawback to silicones in shampoos is that their unique film can also be a detriment if not properly washed out. Without the use of clarifying shampoos, or shampoos specifically formulated to get rid of buildup on your scalp, repeated use of silicones on your hair can create a waxy buildup, preventing new moisture from getting in and ultimately causing your hair to become brittle and weak.
Those with already damaged hair or with fine, delicate hair might choose to stay away from shampoos with silicone in them as a preventative measure. However, if you like the shiny look dimethicone provides, be sure to properly wash off any silicone buildup with an appropriate clarifying product.
Silicone-based products seal the hair cuticle, so they are great at controlling frizz and keeping the hair in place. I like silicone-based products for special events where you don't want the hair to move.
Surfactants are what actually clean your hair, by breaking down oils and grime so that water can rinse them away. However, if you are seeking out moisturizing shampoos because you have dry hair and a sensitive scalp, then using a shampoo with too harsh of a cleanser will only agitate it further.
Before you pick a bottle off the shelf, check the ingredient list. Ingredients in shampoo are listed in order: main ingredients first and minor ones last. See if you can find one with amino acids listed near the top if you're looking for their benefits.
Amino acids are gentle yet effective at cleaning the hair. They can remove all the dirt and oil from the hair and scalp leave your hair feeling squeaky clean. They don't dry out the hair but instead provide natural hydration.
Surfactants have got a bad reputation recently, but you see them a lot in commercial shampoos. Both SLS and SLES lather well and truly clean your hair. However, SLS travels deep into the skin to clean, which can cause irritation. On the other hand, SLES cleans just as well as SLS but isn’t quite so aggressive.
Sulfates in shampoos can not only dry out your hair or scalp, but they can also cause skin rashes and reactions, like dermatitis and hives. Sulfate-free shampoos are a much gentler way to clean the hair and the scalp.
As scalp and hair issues don't just stop at dryness, looking for shampoos with ingredients that target other issues can make your moisturizing shampoo and multi-use product.
Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate is an example of a taurine-based component, and sodium or MEA-PEG-3 cocamide sulfate is an amide sulfate-based component. These ingredients are hypoallergenic and won’t irritate your scalp.
However, most of the beneficial claims about collagen come from anecdotal experience, with many people sharing their personal success stories about collagen. There have not been many studies on the actual benefits of collagen, so your experience with collagen may not be the same as others.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | TRESemmé Tresemme|Rich Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry Hair | ![]() | Designed To Deliver Intense Hydration for Dry, Parched Hair | |
2 | Pura d'or Original Gold Label Shampoo and Deep Moisturizing Conditioner Set | ![]() | Clinically Proven Formula Aimed at Reducing Hair Thinning and Boosting Strength | |
3 | Olaplex Nº.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo | ![]() | A Concentrated Formula That Repairs, Strengthens, and Maintains Healthy Hair | |
4 | Pantene Pro-V Pantene|Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo + Conditioner Bundle | ![]() | Daily Hydration With Pro-V Nutrients for Moisturized Hair | |
5 | Redken All Soft Shampoo | ![]() | A Moisturizing Shampoo Designed to Soften and Revitalize Dry, Brittle Hair | |
6 | Pureology Hydrate Shampoo | ![]() | A Creamy, Hydrating Shampoo for Dry, Color-Treated Hair | |
7 | Native Native|Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner Set|Coconut & Vanilla | ![]() | A Vegan, Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner That Hydrates and Nourishes Hair | |
8 | Nexxus Nexxus|Ultimate Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner|Therappe™ and Humectress™ | ![]() | Moisture and Strength for Dry Hair | |
9 | L'Oréal Paris Ever Pure Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner Kit | ![]() | A Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner Duo Designed for Enhanced Moisture and Color Protection | |
10 | PURE NATURE LUX SPA Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set | ![]() | Hydration With Argan Oil for Soft, Shiny Hair |
TRESemmé Rich Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner are specifically formulated for dry hair, offering hydration without weighing strands down. Infused with amino acids, ceramide, and vitamin E, these products nourish and smooth the hair, improving manageability and enhancing shine. Free from parabens, mineral oils, and DMDM Hydantoin, this system delivers 7x more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, restoring softness and vibrancy to dry, damaged hair.
Both the shampoo and conditioner incorporate Hyaluronic Plex™ technology, which provides deep hydration while maintaining lightweight, touchable softness. The system is silicone-free, sulfate-free, and approved by PETA, making it a cruelty-free choice. Regular use results in hair that is 3x easier to style, smoother, and more manageable, with a healthy, salon-like shine. This product is suitable for all hair types, especially for those needing moisture and nourishment.
Pura d'or Original Gold Label Shampoo and Deep Moisturizing Conditioner Set is designed to reduce hair thinning due to breakage, using a blend of 17 key active ingredients like biotin, nettle, and pumpkin seed oil. The shampoo targets thinning hair, promoting volume and strength, while the conditioner deeply hydrates and repairs distressed, frizzy hair. Together, they help nourish the scalp and strengthen strands, making hair appear thicker, healthier, and smoother. The formulations are free from harsh chemicals, hypoallergenic, and suitable for all hair types, including color-treated or chemically processed hair.
These products are sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and made with certified organic ingredients, including argan oil and aloe vera, which support a healthy scalp and enhance the hair’s overall appearance. Manufactured with eco-friendly practices in the USA, this set is gentle enough for daily use, promoting long-term hair health by reducing breakage and adding body and shine with regular application.
Olaplex Nº.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo is a highly concentrated formula that gently cleanses while nourishing and repairing damage-prone hair. Free of sulfates, this shampoo uses coconut-derived surfactants to maintain hydration and improve hair strength, reducing breakage and leaving hair smoother and more manageable. Designed to be color-safe, it is suitable for all hair types and provides significant improvement in hair detangling and conditioning. Clinical results suggest a 49% reduction in breakage and a 90% increase in smoothness and manageability.
This shampoo works by repairing and maintaining healthy hair bonds, making it particularly effective for those with damaged or processed hair. A small amount is sufficient to create a rich lather, which makes it an efficient product for regular use. Paired with the Nº.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner, this shampoo promotes healthier, shinier hair with every wash, offering lasting benefits for improved texture and reduced damage.
Pantene’s Daily Moisture Renewal set is designed to hydrate dry hair with its Pro-V nutrient blend, which includes various vitamins and oils to nourish the hair. The shampoo cleanses while replenishing moisture, and the conditioner provides additional hydration and helps smooth the hair.
Redken All Soft Shampoo is formulated for dry and brittle hair, offering targeted hydration through its Moisture Complex and softening argan oil. This shampoo gently cleanses while providing moisture to every level of the hair strand, from root to tip. The inclusion of argan oil helps to replenish moisture and transform rough hair into softer, more manageable strands. It is suitable for all hair types and textures, especially those struggling with dryness and a lack of shine.
The product's sustainability credentials include a formula that is vegan and made using renewable energy, packaged in 100% recycled plastic. In addition to deeply moisturizing, it adds shine, enhances hair texture, and reduces brittleness, especially when used alongside the All Soft Conditioner and Argan-6 Hair Oil. Key ingredients such as soy protein and arginine contribute to the product's ability to nourish and soften hair while ensuring long-lasting hydration.
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is specifically designed for normal to thick, dry, and color-treated hair, offering deep hydration while protecting color. Its rich, sulfate-free formula helps to restore moisture and nourish the scalp. Ingredients like jojoba oil, green tea, and sage support healthy hair and scalp, while the signature aromatherapy blend of lavender, bergamot, and patchouli creates a calming experience.
The shampoo uses 100% vegan formulas and includes Pureology's patented Antifade Complex® to ensure long-lasting color protection. Its sustainable, naturally-derived ingredients also support scalp health and promote hair hydration without stripping color. This product is well-suited for those looking to address dryness and maintain hair vibrancy, especially for medium to thick hair types.
This duo is formulated with a focus on hydration and moisture retention. Its humectant-rich composition draws moisture into the hair, helping to maintain hydration and prevent dryness. The formula is free from silicones, making it an option for those who prefer silicone-free products.
The formula's proteins help strengthen and restore hair, leaving it smooth and shiny. It is ideal for dry or damaged hair needing hydration and targets moisture loss while promoting a healthy-looking shine.
The PURE NATURE LUX SPA Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set contains argan oil, known for its moisturizing properties, and other hydrating ingredients that nourish dry hair. The shampoo is sulfate-free, which helps prevent stripping natural oils, making it suitable for those with sensitive scalps or color-treated hair. The conditioner is designed to smooth and add shine to the hair without weighing it down.
No. 1: TRESemmé|Tresemme|Rich Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry Hair
No. 2: Pura d'or|Original Gold Label Shampoo and Deep Moisturizing Conditioner Set
No. 3: Olaplex|Nº.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo
No. 4: Pantene Pro-V|Pantene|Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo + Conditioner Bundle
No. 5: Redken|All Soft Shampoo
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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