Kristina is the founder of Lockenbox & Lockenexpertin. She has been intensively involved with the topic of curly hair care since her youth, when her straight hair suddenly turned into curls.
Dry hair can be frustrating, but with the right shampoo you can restore shine and smoothness to your hair. Here you can find out which shampoos are best for dry hair and what you should consider when choosing one.
Why does hair become dry?
Dry hair can be caused by external influences such as heat , cold , sun or frequent coloring . Genetic factors also play a very important role: some people naturally have a lower sebum production , which leads to dry hair. Another important factor is the porosity of the hair. Hair with high porosity tends to absorb moisture quickly, but lose it just as quickly, which can lead to dryness.
Why is curly or wavy hair naturally drier?
Curly or wavy hair is naturally drier because the natural oils produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling along the coiled strands of hair. With straight hair , the oils can more easily travel from the roots to the ends, moisturizing the hair evenly. With curly or wavy hair, this process is made more difficult by the structure of the hair, which often causes the ends to become dry and brittle.
The right shampoo for dry hair
A good shampoo for dry hair should first and foremost clean well , but at the same time be moisturizing and gentle . It is important that it does not dry out the hair further or irritate the scalp. Here are some points to consider when choosing your shampoo:
1. Moisturizing ingredients
Make sure that the shampoo contains moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera , hyaluronic acid or glycerin . These help to intensively hydrate the hair and retain moisture in the hair structure. Natural oils such as argan oil , coconut oil or jojoba oil are also excellent for caring for dry hair and giving it new shine. However, it is normal for the list of ingredients to contain cleansing substances at the top, because despite its caring properties, a shampoo is primarily there to thoroughly cleanse the scalp. In any case, the deep care is taken over by the conditioner afterwards.
2. Free from harmful chemicals
Avoid shampoos that contain harmful chemicals such as sulfates , parabens or silicones . These substances can further dry out the hair and irritate the scalp. Instead, you should use natural and gentle products that gently cleanse and condition your hair.
3. Nutrient-rich formulations
Shampoos that are rich in vitamins and nutrients can strengthen and revitalize dry hair. Vitamins such as B5 (panthenol), E and A as well as proteins and amino acids help to improve hair structure and prevent hair breakage. The following shampoo contains amino acids and is ideal for straight to curly hair:
Our recommendations
1. Use moisturizing shampoos with good humectants
Moisturizing shampoos are specially designed to give dry hair the moisture it needs. They usually contain a combination of moisturizing and nourishing ingredients that strengthen the hair from the inside out and give it new shine. A mild shampoo should therefore contain sufficient humectants to further reduce the drying effect of the shampoo, so that your scalp and hair are stressed as little as possible during the important cleansing process.
Positive humectants are:
- Aloe Vera
- glycerin
- Honey
- sugars (or polysaccharides)
- hyaluronic acid
- panthenol
2. Use care shampoos with natural oils instead of mineral oil or silicone
Shampoos that are rich in natural oils are particularly good for dry hair. Argan oil , coconut oil and jojoba oil are known for their nourishing properties and help to regenerate and smooth the hair. It is better to avoid shampoos with mineral oil (petroleum), silicones or other synthetic polymers, as these substances tend to build up on the hair rather than really nourishing it from the inside out. In addition, they are not exactly environmentally friendly. The following shampoo for dry hair is an absolute customer favorite from our shop and is suitable for straight-curly hair.
3. Use mild surfactants and sulfate-free shampoos
A conventional shampoo contains strong surfactants such as sulfates, which can dry out the hair over time. Curly hair in particular benefits from sulfate-free care, as, as already mentioned, the hair tends to dry out more than straight hair due to its texture. Sulfate-free shampoos are ideal for dry hair as they gently cleanse the hair without stripping it of its natural oils. They are often milder and gentler on the scalp, which is particularly beneficial for sensitive or dry skin. This type of shampoo is also called "low poos."
You should avoid these sulfates:
- sodium laureth sulphate
- sodium lauryl sulphate
- sodium coco sulphate
- ammonium laureth sulphate
- ammonium cocoyl sulphate
- alkylbenzene sulfonates
- ammonium xylenesulfonate
- sodium alkyl sulphate
- sodium cetearyl sulphate
- sodium xylenesulfonate
Instead, make sure your shampoo contains these mild cleansing ingredients:
- coco betaine
- cocamidopropyl betaine
- babassuamidopropyl betaine
- coco glucoside
- decyl glucoside
- disodium laureth succinate
- disodium laureth sulfosuccinate
- disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate
- disodium cocoamphodiacetate
- disodium cocoamphodipropionate
- lauryl glucoside
- sodium cocoamphoacetate
- sodium lauroyl hydrolyzed silk
- sodium lauroyl oat amino acids
- sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate
4. Shampoos with Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its moisturizing and soothing properties. Shampoos with aloe vera help to intensively hydrate the hair while soothing and caring for the scalp. Kalia Nature Nettle Shampoo is a mild shampoo with aloe vera extract and is perfect for all curl types.
5. Finally, the best tip: alternate between different shampoos
It may sound banal, but your scalp and hair need a variety of ingredients just as much as your body. Because every shampoo contains different valuable ingredients and has a slightly different focus. In the long term, your hair will only be healthy and happy if you change your shampoo every now and then. A good set of equipment for home is 3-4 shampoos that you use alternately. Make sure to alternate between shampoos with and without proteins. Here is a great protein-free shampoo for dry hair :
Here is one of our best-selling shampoos for dry hair with proteins :
Why curl shampoos are ideal for dry hair
Curly shampoos are specially designed to meet the needs of curly and wavy hair , which is naturally drier. They combine all the important qualities of the above recommendations: they are rich in moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera and natural oils , free from harmful chemicals such as sulfates and silicones , and full of nutrient-rich formulations. These shampoos provide intense hydration , strengthen the hair structure and protect against dehydration , making them the ideal choice for dry hair.
The 10 Best Shampoos for Dry Hair
These shampoos have received the most 5 star reviews from our customers in the last 24 months.
For fine or wavy hair:
- Flora & Curl | Citrus Superfruit Radiance Shampoo
- Pretty Curly Girl | Peppermint Clean Shampoo
- Inahsi Naturals | Soothing Mint Clarifying Shampoo
- Sumilayi | Ooh So Soft Curls Hydrating Shampoo
- Fix My Curls | Cleansing Shampoo
For thick or very curly hair:
- Les Secrets de Loly | Perfect Match Superfruit Shampoo
- CHEY | Gentle Cleansing Shampoo - Matcha & Avocado
- Innersense Organic | Pure Harmony Hair Bath
- Flora & Curl | Coconut Mint Scalp Refresh Shampoo
- Les Secrets de Loly | Perfect Clean Shampoo
Application tips for dry hair
In addition to choosing the right shampoo, there are a few other tips you should keep in mind when caring for your dry hair:
-
Don't wash too often: Try not to wash your hair every day to avoid drying it out unnecessarily. Two to three times a week is often enough.
-
Use lukewarm water: Hot water can dry out hair further, so use lukewarm water when washing.
-
Gently dry: Do not rub your hair dry after washing, but pat it gently with a T-shirt towel .
-
Regular use of conditioner: After each wash, use a conditioner that is specially designed for dry hair. A good conditioner gives the hair suppleness and shine by smoothing and nourishing the hair structure.
- Leave-in conditioner: A leave-in conditioner can help to provide additional care and moisture to the hair. We highly recommend the Rice Pudding Leave-in Conditioner from Ecoslay.
Conclusion
Dry hair needs special care and attention. Choosing the right shampoo plays a crucial role. Use moisturizing , sulfate-free and nutrient-rich shampoos to give your hair the moisture and care it needs. With the right products and application tips, you can give your dry hair new shine and health. Try it out and find the perfect shampoo for your dry hair!
FAQ
What ingredients should I avoid in a shampoo for dry hair?
Avoid shampoos containing sulfates , parabens and silicones as these can further dry out the hair.
How often should I wash my dry hair?
It is often enough to wash your hair two to three times a week to avoid drying it out unnecessarily.
Can I use home remedies to care for dry hair?
Yes, home remedies such as coconut oil , olive oil or honey masks can provide your hair with additional moisture and care.
