17 Best Shampoos for Damaged Hair That Need Resuscitation ASAP!

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Feb 12, 2024
Shampoos for Damaged Hair That Need Resuscitation ASAP!
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

When confronted by lifeless locks and chemically damaged hair, one might consider going bald from frustration. Instead of chopping up your hair and starting fresh, why don't we suggest something better? The best shampoos for damaged hair! Dealing with hair harmed by coloring, heat styling, excessive combing, and other stresses is effortless with shampoos specially formulated for these hiccups. 

"Hair most times break as a result of our daily hair care habits and this loss can be a frustrating and painful moment for any woman," explains Ava White, an American author. To fight breakage and dead hair strands, take a gander at the best shampoos for damaged hair here to save the day with solutions for all kinds of hair types!

Damaged hair needs proper nourishment and care — using a shampoo specifically formulated to take care of split ends, hair damage, breakage, and dull hair can help give your tresses TLC it needs. Shampoos for damaged hair are packed with hair-nourishing ingredients such as biotin, argan oil, keratin, aloe vera, etc. that help maintain the pH balance of the scalp and enhance overall hair quality by bringing life back to your dull locks. Based on our observations, we have curated this list of the best shampoos for dry and damaged hair that revitalize the locks, leaving you with thicker and stronger hair.

17 Best Shampoos for Damaged Hair

Those in search of clarifying and strengthening hair cleansers must undoubtedly choose the Sheamoisture Strengthen and Restore Shampoo. The shampoo encapsulates natural ingredients like Jamaican black castor oil, peppermint, apple cider vinegar, and organic shea butter that are blended to make this nourishing product. In complement to being color safe and sulfate-free, it's perfect for heat styling the hair as well as compliments natural hair types. It's a must-have for the best shampoo for damaged hair!

Pros
  • Strengthens hair
  • Cost-effective
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Phthalate-free
Cons
  • Causes tangles
  • Best for Dry Hair

    Virtue Recovery Shampoo

    Virtue Recovery Shampoo
  • Virtue Recovery Shampoo is packed with Alpha Keratin 60ku that repairs damaged hair, tames frizz, prevents breakage, improves color vibrancy, and adds natural luster to the tresses. When used regularly, its nourishing formula gets rid of scalp build-up without making it dry, leaving you with softer hair. This silicone-free shampoo is ideal for hair types and is best suited for dry and color-treated hair. Moreover, it has a mild coconut scent that makes shampooing a soothing and pleasant experience for all. 

    Pros
    • Color-safe formula
    • Suits all hair types
    • Rebuilds damaged hair
    • Helps reduce frizz
    Cons
    • Inconvenient packaging
  • Best Nourishing Shampoo

    MOROCCANOIL Moisture Repair Shampoo

    MOROCCANOIL Moisture Repair Shampoo
  • MOROCCANOIL Moisture Repair Shampoo carries the goodness of oils and keratin to restore the health of lifeless hair strands. Infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil and reconstructive keratin, the clarifying shampoo asserts to remove buildup while restoring elasticity, moisture, and shine. Just massage through wet hair and scalp, add water to activate a rich lather, and get smoother, healthier hair in no time. Dry and damaged hair most affected by humidity will love the nourishing formula of this hair repair shampoo.

    Pros
    • Moisturizes hair
    • Reconstructs hair
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben-free
    Cons
    • Not ideal for curly hair
  • Best Vegan Formula

    Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo

    Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo
  • Nourish your hair strands with the magnificent clarifying shampoo by Malin + Goetz. It is packed with amino acids and peppermint extract, both of which repair damaged skin, maintain skin hydration, soothe irritated skin, and provide an overall healthy appearance. It eliminates buildup from the hair without stripping it of its natural oils and restores the natural pH levels of the scalp. Plus, its soothing peppermint scent will make you feel like you are in heaven. 

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Unisex
    • Balances pH levels of the scalp
    • Moisturizes the hair
    Cons
    • Not suitable for flaky scalp
    • Slightly overpriced
  • Best for Damaged Hair

    NEXXUS Keraphix Shampoo

    NEXXUS Keraphix Shampoo
  • Nexxus Keraphix Shampoo is an impressive shampoo for damaged hair in need of the hearty goodness of keratin. Keratin is the protein that strengthens and when lost can lead to weaker hair strands(1). The formula turns the tables and provides you with keratin proteins and black rice, a rich source of glutamic acid—an amino acid linked to hair growth(2). And the pros? It improves smoothness and lessens breakage, frizz, dullness, and dryness that stand between you and gorgeously glossy hair!

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Best for thin hair
    • Less breakage
    • Deals with frizz
    Cons
    • Not moisturizing
  • Best Naturally-Derived Shampoo

    Love Beauty And Planet Hope and Repair Shampoo

    Love Beauty And Planet Hope and Repair Shampoo
  • Add this chic and floral moisturizing shampoo by Love Beauty And Planet to bring hope to damaged hair. This vegan and sulfate-free shampoo comprises ethically sourced Ylang Ylang flower oil, that nourishes hair sabotaged by environment and pollution. Give your hair a vibrant boost of radiance, with moisturizing coconut oil that doesn't seem greasy or sticky. The shampoo performs to stop split ends for smooth and healthy-looking hair - making it the best shampoo for broken hair!

    Pros
    • Cost-effective
    • Nourishes hair
    • Free of parabens and silicone
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Might cause tangles
  • Best Moisturizing Shampoo

    Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo

    Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo
  • Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo is an ultra-hydrating solution to super damaged hair. Fortified with ingredients like algae extracts and panthenol, it enriches hair elasticity and retains moisture and flexibility. This shampoo features an innovative formula that merges intense cleansing with the deep conditioning of a hair mask without weighing the hair down or stripping the color. Add one of the best shampoos for super-damaged hair to your cart for less hair breakage and more repair!

    Pros
    • Moisturizes hair
    • Increases hair elasticity
    • Retains moisture
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • On the pricier range
  • Best Strength

    OGX Extra Strength Hydrate & Repair + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo

    OGX Extra Strength Hydrate & Repair + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo
  • Repairing dull and brittle locks is like a walk in the park with OGX Extra Strength Hydrate & Repair + Shampoo. With over 7,000 positive reviews, the formulation claims to improve strength and elasticity while creating soft, touchable tresses. Cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil is infused into this shampoo where the rich oil helps in reviving hair strands. In addition to the moisturizing qualities, the coconut milk, tangerine, and vanilla scent leaves your hair smelling irresistibly good. It is the ideal shampoo for textured hair to restore its natural health and shine!

    Pros
    • Very cost-effective
    • Softens hair
    • Pleasant scent
    • Sulfate-free
    Cons
    • Might weigh down your hair
  • Best For Colored Hair

    davines NOUNOU Shampoo

    davines NOUNOU Shampoo
  • Procured from the farms of Italy - davines NOUNOU Shampoo is perfect for low-porosity and brittle, lifeless hair strands. Formulated with Fiaschetto tomato extracts - the hair cleanser is gentle on the scalp with hydrating properties. The tomatoes are full of vitamin C and antioxidants that strengthen and invigorate the hair locks from the roots to the tips(3). Plus, as one of the best shampoos for chemically damaged hair, it delivers the ultimate silky-smooth finish you desire.

    Pros
    • Repairs damage
    • Softens hair
    • Fresh scent
    • Great for color-treated hair
    Cons
    • Expensive than others
  • Best For Anti-Breakage

    Vitamins Keratin Shampoo

    Vitamins Keratin Shampoo
  • Keratin is the primary component of your hair, and when lost it can lose the zeal and life your hair has. Vitamins Keratin Shampoo is designed specifically for dry and damaged hair and loaded with a combo of hydrating and repairing ingredients, biotin, keratin, collagen protein, and castor oil. The above-mentioned ingredients restore scalp pH balance and help stabilize the hair quality by dealing with split ends. Maybe this shampoo can give you the thorough detoxification therapy you've been looking for!

    Pros
    • Stops breakage
    • Deals with split ends
    • Restores pH level
    • Hydrates dry hair
    Cons
    • Not suitable for coarse hair
  • Best Protein Infused

    TRUSS Miracle Shampoo

    TRUSS Miracle Shampoo
  • TRUSS Miracle Shampoo comes equipped with the power of Bio-Affinity Complex for damaged hair. It comprises ingredients like keratin and cysteine proteins to awaken hair and restore youthful hair locks. The proteins create a protective barrier, rebuild the cuticle, and repair hair damaged by chemicals and hair dying. This shampoo's formulation is lightweight and offers gentle cleansing, leaving no extra residue on your scalp or around your roots. It's the best shampoo for highlighted damaged hair!

    Pros
    • Perfect for chemically treated hair
    • Paraben-free
    • Moisturizes the strands
    • Softens hair
    Cons
    • Contains sulfates
  • Best for Daily Use

    Dove Ultra Care Intensive Repair Shampoo

    Dove Ultra Care Intensive Repair Shampoo
  • Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo helps restore damaged and dry hair. It is among the gentlest shampoos available for achieving smooth, thick hair. The product, made with fiber actives, rapidly restores dry strands and damaged hair follicles with every hair wash. This shampoo's powerful damage repair mechanism keeps your hair from breaking and improves its health and beauty. Perfect for dry, color-treated, lifeless, and dull hair, both men and women can use this strengthening shampoo!

    Pros
    • Adds shine
    • Strengthens the hair
    • Suitable for daily use
    • No parabens and dye
    • Improves the appearance of dry hair
    Cons
    • Thin consistency
  • Best Anti-Frizz

    Herbal+osophy Keratin Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner Set

    Herbal+osophy Keratin Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner Set
  • Enriched with the goodness of keratin, this shampoo and conditioner set by Herbal+osophy revitalizes your hair and makes you have a good hair day every day. This pH-balancing salon-quality shampoo is packed with soy protein, sunflower seed oil, argan oil, and keratin protein - all of which work together to add shine to your mane and make your hair stronger. You don't have to worry about nasties lingering in this shampoo for damaged hair as it is devoid of parabens, and sulfates.

    Pros
    • Gluten-free
    • Nourishing formula
    • Ph-balanced shampoo
    • Sulfate-free
    • Provides deep moisturization to the hair
    Cons
    • Defective pump
  • BIOLAGE Strength Recovery Shampoo

    BIOLAGE Strength Recovery Shampoo
  • For those on the lookout for spa-quality hair treatment but in a cost-effective range - BIOLAGE Strength Recovery Shampoo is the right choice! After just three applications, this nourishing shampoo will repair damage and enhance the health and beauty of your hair. Some may consider it the first choice for rescuing sensitized hair on the verge of damaging the strands. The vegan squalane as a natural emollient feels light on the hair and cleanses while adding softness and smoothness. It's the perfect pick to stop hair breakage!

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Budget-friendly
    • Reduces breakage
    • Softens hair
    Cons
    • Too small in size
  • TRESemmé Ultra Keratin Repair Concentrate Shampoo

    TRESemmé Ultra Keratin Repair Concentrate Shampoo
  • TRESemmé Ultra Keratin Repair Concentrate Shampoo is unique for keratin repair power. The 2x more washes feature removes excess oil and buildups, restores your healthy, vibrant hair, boosts volume, and seals split ends and unwanted tangles to make your hair manageable again. Your hair and scalp are gently cleansed as each strand is covered with a Fast-Lather Technology to help it seem thicker and feel healthier. We love that this repairing shampoo is cruelty-free and ideal for thin sleek strands.

    Pros
    • Makes hair manageable
    • Removes grime
    • Perfect for volume
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Not ideal for curls and coils
  • Wella Professionals Fusion Intense Repair Shampoo

    Wella Professionals Fusion Intense Repair Shampoo
  • Wella Fusion Shampoo instantly helps to protect hair against breakage caused by combing. Enriched with silk amino acids and micronized lipids, the shampoo restores the luscious and vital strands with gentle cleansing and eases out the buildup of oils and sweat. It also contains moisturizing nutrients that nourish hair follicles to the core reducing any possible chances of frizz or breakage and leaving your hair smelling fresh as a daisy. Add to the cart if your strands need relief from damage and stress!

    Pros
    • Fresh scent
    • Moisturizes hair
    • Detangles hair
    • Lathers well
    Cons
    • May itch on the scalp
  • L'Oreal Professionnel Absolut Repair Shampoo

    L'Oreal Professionnel Absolut Repair Shampoo
  • Just as the name suggests this shampoo will "absolutely" repair and cleanse your hair with every use! The L'Oreal Professionnel Absolut Repair Shampoo contains gold quinoa and protein, that instantly cleanses and restructures damaged hair while leaving it with a lightweight feel. The mild, sulfate-free composition boosts the health of your hair with natural wheat proteins while safeguarding it from further harm and protecting its color. This hair cleanser is the perfect formulation for thin and weak strands needing a boost.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Rich in lather
    • Helps maintain hair color
    • Glossy hair
    Cons
    • Might be overpriced

    How to Choose a Shampoo for Damaged Hair?

    • Ingredients:  Whatever we consume or use, can help strengthen weak, damaged hair. They can uplift the roots and help improve hair growth. The main ingredients needed to revitalize damaged hair are aloe vera, coconut oil, rosemary oil,  rice water, castor oil, jojoba oil, and tea tree oil. Others also include lavender oil,  fenugreek seeds, shikakai, gooseberry, salicylic acid, retinol, redensyl, anagain, eggs, etc are some proven ingredients for hair growth. When picking a shampoo for damaged hair, remember that the best shampoo for damaged hair is the one that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, artificial fragrances, and parabens. 
    • Moisture: Certain damage-repair shampoos may have a strong composition, and you may be advised to use less of those. Try to switch it up and alternate them during the week with another moisturizing shampoo. Be sure you properly follow the instructions. Look for hydrating and nourishing formulas for very dry and damaged hair to help regain moisture levels.
    • Safe Formula: Damaged hair is very delicate to the touch, and cannot handle harsh chemicals as it may lead to hair fall, hair loss, or loss of color vibrancy. Choose wisely and avoid sulfates, alcohol, and parabens that may deplete the natural oils from your hair, causing dryness and breakage.
    • Hair Type: Take your hair type and texture into account when buying shampoo. People with dry hair should opt for a shampoo that has moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and honey. For people with oily hair, the best shampoo for damaged hair and hair growth is the one that removes oil and dirt while hydrating the scalp. Those with sensitive scalps should use a product devoid of synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals. 

    Conclusion
    The longer the hair grows, the harder it gets to manage the lovely strands. Though problems are inevitable, we must learn to find solutions that are worth the value and cause. Dealing with damaged hair can be less stressful for the person when good products are suggested for their hair concerns. Opting for natural-ingredient-based products can be key to repairing damaged locks and nourishing the hair. The list consists of the best shampoos for damaged hair, and we recommend you share them with your friends if you think they need a helping hand!

    FAQ's

    Which shampoo is best for damaged hair?
    The best shampoos for damaged hair must repair and restore frizzled and broken hair with the restorative powers of natural ingredients and sulfate-free formulations.
    Can shampoo repair damaged hair?
    Not necessarily, but to help regrow and rejuvenate the scalp, we suggest opting for mild and gentle formulation-based shampoos that might reverse the effects of damaged hair.
    Which shampoo is best for daily use?
    The best choice for cleansing your hair daily is choosing a shampoo with a light formulation that won't be harsh on your strands.
    How to know if your hair is damaged?
    Some of the common signs of damage are thinning of hair, split ends, dull hair, and excessive tangling.
    Can damaged hair truly be repaired?
    Although you can't fully repair hair that's damaged, there are steps you can take to protect your hair from future damage and get healthy and shiny hair. Get regular trims, protect your hair from UV rays, and invest in good hair care products to minimize hair damage.
    How can I repair my damaged hair naturally?
    Use hair masks made with avocado oil, almond oil, eggs, argan oil, aloe vera, shea butter, and honey to repair damage naturally. In addition, cover your hair with a scarf or a hat when stepping out under the sun, and get regular trims to fix damaged hair naturally.
    How often should you shampoo damaged hair?
    You can shampoo once or twice a week for damaged hair.
    What is the fastest way to repair damaged hair?
    Damaged hair needs time and patience to repair - you can use leave-in conditioners, split-end menders, hydrating serums, and hair masks to restore the shine of your luscious mane. However, getting a haircut is the only long-term solution to repair damaged hair.
    What not to do with damaged hair?
    Steer clear of products laden with harsh chemicals, do not skip conditioner, and avoid excessive use of heat styling tools if you have damaged hair.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Dull and damaged hair is a common condition nowadays — many factors like pollution, exposure to sun rays, poor lifestyle, and excessive use of heat styling tools may cause hair damage. Alvira, our in-house hair care expert, suggests using shampoos specifically formulated for damaged hair to provide intense nourishment to the scalp and repair hair damage. She took the help of her friends and our team members to test various products available on the market to see which is best suited for damaged hair. After testing all the products, she has created this list of the top 15 shampoos for damaged hair, and out of these, she found Herbal+osophy Keratin Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner Set to be one of the best shampoos for frizzy hair. What she loved the most about the product was its pH-balanced and nourishing formula that hydrated her hair, added shine, and made her scalp healthier.

    1. Extraction and Formulation of hydrolyzed-wool keratin solution for hair growth

    -http://journal.oiu.edu.sd/index.php/ojps/article/view/2876 

    2. Health benefits of black rice – A review-https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590259819300469 

    3. Tomato-A Natural Medicine and Its Health Benefits-https://www.phytojournal.com/archives?year=2012&vol=1&issue=1&ArticleId=5&si=false

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More