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September 25, 2021 — 19:03 PM
Healthy hair starts in the shower with the right shampoo. You’ll absolutely want something that can properly clean the oil, dirt, skin cells, and pollution off the scalp and strand—you know, buildup can do a number on hair, as it can cause inflammation and will weigh down the style. But here’s the key: without being too harsh and stripping. When you use an option with potent cleansers it can disrupt the scalp’s microbiome, irritate the surrounding skin, and turn strands brittle. Who here wants that?
The latter part is especially important for those with already dry hair: You want formulas that are going to infuse the hair with hydration and nutrients while cleansing (ideally with plant-derived, gentle surfactants). Think of it like a hydrating face wash: You’re still getting rid of the debris, but you’re making sure your skin stays supple in the process.
And all of the below options deliver just that—and more.
Adowa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo
A shampoo that’s equal parts hydrating for the strands and refreshing for the scalp. If you often have an itchy, angry scalp—this option is for you. Aloe vera provides anti-inflammatory properties, baobab oil softens strands and aids with elasticity, and the blend of wintergreen, spearmint, and peppermint oils reinvigorate the skin.
From one of our favorite hair inspirations himself, Jonathan Van Ness’s collection of hair care is made for every hair type in mind. Including those with dry, damaged locks: This moisturizing cleanser contains aloe and panthenol (a type of B vitamin) for a splash of antioxidant protection. But what we’re most excited about is the sugarcane-derived Hemisqualane and squalane, which act as better-for-you silicone alternatives.
Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Super Moisture Shampoo
Oftentimes severely dry hair comes as the result of damage—be it from coloring, heat, or just regular wear-and-tear. In those instances, we recommend this healing formula from the popular natural and clean brand. The three primary active ingredients are a hydrating B vitamin, a softening biotin, and an antioxidant-rich algae extract.
Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Super Moisture Shampoo
Josh Rosebrook Nourish Shampoo
This uses a cocktail of natural and organic botanicals that your hair absolutely drinks up. The base is a saponified coconut oil and aloe vera blend, which is topped off with several herbs like rosemary, sage, and evening primrose. These can help increase shine, stimulate circulation in the scalp, and offer antioxidant protection.
A personal favorite, this silky smooth shampoo uses a very special, first-of-its kind keratin that can actually help build back up fragile, brittle hair. See, plant-derived proteins are a popular ingredient in hair products—but this one uses real human keratin, so its able to fill cracks in the cuticle more effectively.
Coconut oil is a popular hydrator for those with curls and coarse hair, as it’s ultra occlusive and contains water (in case you don’t know: water equals hydration). But it doesn’t stop there. It’s also infused with coconut milk, shea oils, and acacia senegal for a hair that feels soft, yet lightweight and effortless.
We love this blend’s vitamin and mineral infused formula. The base is aloe vera (which is deeply hydrating for parched strands), as well as providing soothing antioxidants. It also contains macadamia seed oil for conditioning and softening; Tasmanian sea kelp provides anti-inflammatory benefits, which is great for the scalp.
This is a cult classic formula that made a splashing re-introduction after a decade-long gap off the market. (According to the brand, customers practically begged them to bring it back—to which they obliged with a cleaner formula.) The namesake comes from iceland moss and larch tree sap: These offer loads of moisture but won’t weigh hair down.
Hyaluronic acid has become an increasingly popular hair care ingredient. HA is a humectant that binds and holds in water, meaning it can help your strands retain moisture within the cuticle. Then to help trap in the water, it also contains a blend of oils, like avocado, argan, and almond oil. Finally it’s topped with pineapple enzymes to help dissolve buildup.
We love shampoo bars as they are more eco-friendly (little to no packaging!). However many people can’t use them as they can be very dehydrating for strands. Not this one. The coconut oil-derived surfactants cushion the hair while washing, and then it’s further buffered with cupuaçu butter, argan oil, and castor oil to seal in moisture.
This creamy shampoo is made with several Amazonian botanical extracts that made this brand famous. There’s plant-based proteins, rahua oil, natural protein-bonding sugars, and antioxidant rich teas that drive hydration deep into each strand of hair. It’s topped with passion fruit and mango for a tropical, fruity scent that’s not too overpowering.
This unique cocktail uses vitamin infused water (for antioxidants) and African black soap (to help remove impurities in the hair). The formula is rounded out with argan, organic coconut and organic hemp seed to condition brittle and stressed strands.
