Best moisturising shampoo for dry and damaged hair: Tried and tested

Experience premium hair care with Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Hydrate Shampoo. Crafted with olive and oat peptides to soothe the scalp and deeply moisturise dry hair, this eco-friendly formula delivers salon-quality results while prioritising sustainability.

"From start to finish, it's a premium shampoo experience without compromising environmental priorities," says our tester. "The fragrance is fresh and wholesome without being overpowering."

This hydrating shampoo is presented in a sleek, bio-based plastic bottle that blends natural ingredients and essential oils to restore vitality and nourish thirsty hair. The pale honey-coloured formula creates a luxurious lather, ensuring that only a small amount is needed for a thorough cleanse.

"I love the feel and shape of the bottle," our tester notes. "The gentle, natural ingredients deliver smooth and visibly healthy results. Upon rinsing, my hair feels cleansed, tangle-free and uniquely soft and pliant."

For optimal results, pair with Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Repair Conditioner for healthier, more manageable, and effortlessly radiant hair.

Combat dryness and damage with Philip Kingsley Moisture Balancing Shampoo, designed to hydrate mid-lengths and ends—the areas most prone to breakage. Its carefully balanced formula smooths, strengthens and protects while maintaining lightweight, touchable softness.

"I have a halo of dry, sun-damaged hair that frizzes despite my best efforts with stylers and serums. This shampoo promised to hydrate that difficult top layer—and it delivered," says our tester.

The pale honey-coloured liquid has a delicate fragrance and creates a moderate yet effective lather. It rinses out effortlessly, leaving hair soft, cleansed and completely tangle-free. "I let my hair dry naturally, and it formed lovely waves that were soft and without tangles," our tester said.

This shampoo, infused with Guar to reduce static, wheat protein to strengthen and hydrate, and antioxidants to protect against environmental damage, supports healthy, resilient hair.

For those with very porous or naturally coiled hair, our tester also tried Philip Kingsley Moisture Extreme Shampoo—a deeply enriching formula that penetrates strands with a blend of oils to restore moisture and smooth frizz. "While it’s not exclusively aimed at my hair type, it deeply nourished and softened my hair, leaving it shinier than usual," said our tester.

For the ultimate hydration boost, our tester recommends finishing with the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer hair mask, a long-time favourite for extra deep conditioning and long-lasting softness.

Plus, there's a limited edition Honey Nectar and Peach Elasticizer that smells absolutely divine. It's a must-have hair treatment and a mood-boosting treat.

Revive over-processed hair with Fudge Damage Rewind Shampoo, powered by Opti-PLEX technology, to reconstruct hair bonds and counteract damage from heat styling, bleaching, pollution, and UV exposure. This professional-quality formula cleanses while repairing for stronger, healthier-looking hair.

"After excessive heat styling, my colour-treated hair was in need of an SOS treatment. This shampoo left it feeling moisturised, full and fortified. We're not talking miracles, but my hair’s condition was definitely improved."

The lightweight, pearlescent formula produces a luxurious lather that removes build-up without stripping moisture. With a subtle scent and smooth application, it rinses out easily, leaving hair soft, tangle-free and visibly thicker—without the heavy feel of product build-up.

"Notably, when I brushed my hair, it didn’t snag, and as the product claims, there was no notable breakage. I’m keen to continue using it and see the long-term results—impressed."

Clinically tested to make hair 90% stronger instantly, this shampoo is ideal for damaged hair in need of intensive care. For best results, follow with Fudge Damage Rewind Reconstructing Conditioner to protect against daily environmental stressors and maintain healthier, more resilient hair.

Gently cleanse and nourish curly hair with Cantu Shea Butter Cleansing Shampoo, a sulfate-free formula designed to reduce breakage, promote healthy hair growth and tame unruly curls. Available on the high street and online, the 400ml bottle offers great value, as only a small amount is needed for each wash.

"This pearlescent liquid shampoo smells of oranges and forms a rich, creamy lather. My scalp and hair felt thoroughly cleansed after rinsing—it’s a lovely product to use for a refreshing morning shower."

Infused with shea butter, this shampoo helps keep curls hydrated, defined and frizz-free while being gentle on natural hair.

For enhanced nourishment, our tester followed with the Cantu Strengthening Biotin-Infused Hair & Scalp Oil, applying a few drops with the provided pipette. "It absorbed easily, smelled of tea tree oil, and definitely tamed my tangles while smoothing my hair."

After air-drying, hair felt soft, tangle-free and beautifully nourished with a lingering fresh fragrance. For best results, pair with the Cantu Strengthening range to maintain strong, healthy coils and curls.

If you don't have coils and curls, consider the new Cantu Weightless Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioning treatments. This budget hair care range contains Organic Fair Trade Blue Agave, a humectant that helps hair retain moisture, resulting in smooth and shiny locks and no frizz! Our tester was really impressed with the hydrating properties of the Weightless range and thought it was the best for her fine hair.

Deeply nourish and protect colour-treated hair with Evolve Organic Beauty Monoi Rescue Shampoo, a Cosmos Organic certified formula handcrafted in small batches in the UK. Made with 98% natural ingredients and over 50.6% from organic farming, this richly foaming shampoo gently cleanses while hydrating and smoothing dry, frizzy hair.

Our tester loved this shampoo from Evolve Organic Beauty, saying: "It feels like a premium shampoo experience with the most incredible floral aroma."

Infused with quinoa to lock in colour, Monoi oil for deep nourishment, and organic Karkade (Hibiscus) to condition, this shampoo absorbs into the hair shaft to restore moisture and improve scalp health.

"Scent-wise, it has a distinct sweet floral scent of Monoi oil, derived from Gardenia petals, Hibiscus and coconut oil. The pale honey-coloured formula creates a soft, dense lather, and a little goes a long way."

Upon rinsing, our tester said that her hair feels softer, smoother and thoroughly cleansed—even in a hard water area. "It left my hair softer, reduced frizz and relaxed my curls."

For best results, use with Evolve Organic Beauty’s nourishing hair care conditioning products to maintain healthy, hydrated and beautifully fragrant locks.

Hydrate and restore dry, damaged hair with OSMO Deep Moisture Shampoo, an award-winning formula designed to nourish, protect and replenish lost moisture. Infused with Pataua oil from the Amazonian Brazilian palm tree and Keratin Complex, this shampoo helps smooth and strengthen hair without weighing it down.

"I’ve used one too many heated stylers over the years, and parts of my hair break into wispy flyaways. This shampoo claims to ‘provide salvation for heat-traumatised hair’—and it certainly helped."

It comes in a generous 400ml bottle; the pleasantly fruity-scented, pearlescent formula creates a rich, bubbly lather that thoroughly cleanses while leaving hair soft and refreshed.

"It felt like I’d washed my hair with a salon-quality shampoo. My hair was cleansed, softened, and had no added weight, just as the product promised." After air-drying, hair is left with a healthy sheen and long-lasting moisture.

Our tester commented: "Yes, I’d recommend this shampoo for restoring moisture to dry hair. Plus, the large bottle means it will last a while—great value for money."

OSMO Deep Moisture Conditioner and OSMO Intensive Deep Repair Mask are also part of OSMO's Deep Moisture Collection for dry and damaged hair. Pair with your favourite OSMO conditioner for long-lasting hydration and manageability.

Repair and strengthen damaged hair with BondiBoost Rapid Repair Shampoo, formulated to reduce breakage, seal split ends and smooth hair cuticles. This clear liquid gel, dispensed from a convenient pump bottle, is infused with macadamia nut oil and panthenol to increase elasticity and hydrate hair from root to tip.

"A little goes a long way, and the shampoo forms a rich, delicately scented lather—such a luxurious experience," our tester said. Upon rinsing, hair feels soft, tangle-free and thoroughly cleansed, making it an ideal first step in a nourishing hair care routine.

For intensive repair, our tester followed up with the BondiBoost Miracle Hair Mask, packed with argan, abyssinian, macadamia, castor, and jojoba oils. "I applied a little of the thick and creamy mask to the ends of my hair and left it for 10 minutes before rinsing—my hair felt instantly nourished." The BondiBoost Heavenly Hydration Serum was used as a final step to lock in hydration. "Again, you only need a tiny amount for visible results. After drying, my hair looked thicker, softer and healthier, with beautifully defined curls—even after just one wash. These products absorb wonderfully—very impressed."

For lasting hydration and shine, follow with BondiBoost Super Shine+ Strength Oil, a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula designed to replenish moisture-starved hair.

Repair, strengthen and revitalise damaged hair with Wunderbar Vegan Nutri Repair & Strengthening Shampoo, available exclusively at Sally Beauty. This vegan-certified formula features a revitalising Tri-Complex, including Phyto Keratin and argan oil, to restore moisture. It is rich in vitamin E and omega 6, to nourish and protect hair from heat styling, over-processing and environmental damage.

Our tester said: "The formula is packed with enriching oils that strengthen and improve the manageability of dry, damaged hair. It has a lovely strong floral scent and feels more like a salon-quality shampoo than my usual product."

Despite its rich formulation, only a pea-sized amount creates a generous lather, delivering a deep yet gentle cleanse.

"When dry, my hair had a noticeable, pleasant fragrance—enough for my partner to comment (and he usually doesn’t notice these things!). It also had a healthy shine, and I felt it enhanced my natural tones."

Hair feels cleaner, softer and thicker, while Wunderbar’s commitment to sustainability ensures that its bio-based packaging and vegan accreditation align with eco-conscious values.

For best results, pair with Wunderbar Nutri Repair Conditioner and the Nutri Repair Mask to maintain hydration, shine and long-term hair health.

Revive and nourish curly and textured hair with Flora & Curl’s Rose Water Cream Shampoo & Hydrating Conditioner. Designed for gentle cleansing and deep hydration, this duo enhances waves, coils and curls, restoring vitality to brittle strands.

"On first impressions, I loved the stylish aluminium packaging with a pump dispenser," our tester comments. "Plus, it’s refillable, reusable and recyclable—great for sustainability!"

The Rose Water Cream Shampoo combines rose water to nourish the scalp, oat silk to smooth cuticles and camellia green tea oil for deep hydration. Honey adds softness and antibacterial properties, while hibiscus extract helps prevent premature greying.

"It has a lovely botanical and rose water scent, though it doesn’t create much lather," said our tester. "However, my hair felt squeaky clean after rinsing without being stripped of moisture."

To lock in hydration, our tester followed with the Flora & Curl Hydrate Me Conditioner, enriched with hibiscus, honeysuckle and ylang-ylang essential oils. "It’s thick and took a little effort to dispense, but after applying it to the ends and letting it absorb for 10 minutes, my hair felt noticeably softer."

After air-drying, hair felt bouncier, tangle-free and full of volume, with beautifully defined curls.

For best results, use alongside the Flora & Curl Hydrating range to maintain healthy, nourished and naturally vibrant curls. Flora & Curl's range of haircare is available from Boots.

Indulge in a luxurious yet gentle haircare experience with Moo & Yoo Miracle Shampoo, handcrafted in Edinburgh. Infused with marula oil and Icelandic moss, this nourishing formula locks in moisture, repairs damage and protects against environmental toxins, leaving hair clean, shiny and soft.

"The branding and packaging are absolutely gift-worthy, " our tester comments. "Moo & Yoo has an elegant feel, making it a luxurious experience from unboxing to shampooing." It comes in a beautiful glass bottle, with a reusable plunge dispenser for a premium, effortless application.

"I found that the shampoo lathers wonderfully and has a fresh soap and linen scent. Upon rinsing, my hair felt thoroughly clean and refreshed," said our tester.

For ultimate nourishment, follow with Moo & Yoo Miracle Conditioner and Mask, part of a high-end hair and body care range that makes for the perfect pampering gift.

"I’d be very happy to receive this as a luxurious treat—it’s as much about the experience as the results."

Designed for all curly hair types, Clean Curls Super Softening Shampoo gently cleanses the scalp while softening and nourishing curls. Infused with coconut, this curl care range has been receiving plenty of praise for its hydrating and curl-enhancing formula.

Our tester said: "My hair is naturally curly but dry and brittle in parts, so this shampoo is perfectly suited to my hair type. It’s a clear liquid shampoo, and you don’t need much—just a small amount creates a luxurious lather with a wonderful coconut scent."

After rinsing, hair feels thoroughly cleansed yet still soft. For best results, follow with Clean Curls Super Slip Detangling Conditioner, formulated with argan, coconut and grapeseed oils to deeply hydrate, soften and detangle curls. Our tester was impressed: "My hair drank up the nourishing conditioner—it completely softened and detangled my curls. When dried, my hair felt silky smooth and soft."

For bouncy, healthy curls, look out for the Clean Curls range in Superdrug, it’s a super choice for dry curly hair. Plus, check out Clean Curls on Instagram to find out more.

The Bedhead by TIGI Resurrection Shampoo and Conditioner Set is said to reform dry, heat-damaged hair into smooth and sleek strands. Reviewers have said that the glossy treatment left their hair feeling "so silky smooth". People also "noticed improvement" with their itchy scalp and dandruff" and were left with a healthier look.

REDKEN Shampoo for Damaged Hair is enriched with protein, which is said to strengthen dry and damaged hair. You can expect to see less hair fall out, even after one use! Many users have noticed an improvement, and one said, "If you did have fine fly-away hair, it would really give it some body and sheen."