To prevent hair damage along with its side effects, our experts recommend shopping for a shampoo with the following in mind:
Ingredients: A shampoo for damaged hair ideally has proteins like keratin to strengthen the hair shaft, according to Gaines. You should also look for sulfate-free shampoos since they’ll strip less natural oils from the hair, according to Gaines.
Hair type and texture: Finding a shampoo tailored to your hair type and texture is also essential for the best results, according to our experts. This list has options for all hair types and textures.
Below, I rounded up expert-recommended shampoos for damaged hair with various types and textures in mind. I also included highly rated options that align with our expert’s guidance.
This gentle shampoo, suitable for all hair types, comes recommended by Jenna Pitocco, a hairstylist and co-owner of Love, Dunnette, a New York City-based salon. It rebuilds broken peptide bonds from chemical services and is a fantastic way to begin the recovery process, according to Pitocco. It also mimics the natural pH of your scalp, which prevents your hair cuticle from swelling and becoming damaged, according to the brand. It’s also safe for color-treated hair.
This option is great for those with textured hair who need hydration, according to Gaines. Its nourishing ingredients — including algae extract, panthenol and biotin — also help improve curl definition, says Gaines. Reviewers say their curls look shiny and soft, and have less breakage overall.
This shampoo is like Botox for the hair because it helps correct damage and restores moisture, according to Brooke Jordan, a hairstylist and co-founder of The Bird House, a salon in Brooklyn, NY. The creamy formula is also powered by proteins that help strengthen your hair’s cuticles, according to the brand. It can be heavy for fine hair, so Jordan only recommends it for people with medium/thick hair.
This shampoo can help combat breakage, dullness and dryness for all hair types, according to Jordan. Its formula includes lentils, which are reparative and amino-acid rich (amino acids are the building blocks of the protein found in our hair), to protect and repair the hair, says Jordan. Reviewers say this made their hair — of various textures and types, including those with low porosity hair — feel soft and more manageable.
After years of bleaching my thick, wavy hair, this drugstore shampoo is one of the only products to improve how it looks and feels. My hair feels less brittle and more hydrated with less breakage, especially when I pair it with the matching conditioner. Although it isn’t my favorite scent, it became more subtle after the initial wash.
Using two to three pumps of this shampoo, I can create a rich, foamy lather, which helps remove all excess build-up. Courtesy Bianca Alvarez
This moisturizing shampoo comes recommended by Gaines for those with dry, curly hair. It has ingredients like agave extract to strengthen and soften hair, and mango butter to add moisture, according to the brand. It also has lavender to help soothe the scalp, making it a healthy environment for hair growth.
This strengthening shampoo comes recommended by Jordan for people with fine and dry hair. It has hyaluronic acid, plant-based protein and daisy and honeysuckle extract to reinforce cuticle strength, prevent breakage and fortify brittle ends, according to the brand. Reviewers say a little goes a long way with this shampoo, and that it leaves an overall clean feeling.
For breakage-prone hair, consider this gentle option from Kérastase, which removes calcium buildup from hard water to make hair stronger and shinier, according to the brand. Reviewers say one bottle lasts a long time as a small amount creates a big enough lather to fully cleanse your hair and scalp. The brand also has a non-sulfate-free damage repair shampoo, Kérastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo, which helps increase hair length.
This strengthening shampoo comes recommended by Julie Davis, a hairstylist and owner of Eden West Salon in Charleston, South Carolina. It contains proteins to rebuild bonds within the hair, soybean oil for moisture retention and vitamin B5 and vitamin E for strength, according to the brand.
If you have color-treated hair and are looking to keep it strong and healthy while still maintaining its color vibrancy, consider this option from Pureology. Reviewers say that despite its higher price point, it’s one of the best they’ve tried since it preserves their color and fixes damaged ends. When washed with its matching conditioner, reviewers say their hair looks soft, smooth, and shiny. They also say it’s worth the splurge because of how concentrated it is, so you only need a quarter-size amount to create an even lather that won’t feel greasy or weigh your hair down. It has a 4.6-star average rating from over 6,200 reviews on Amazon.
This shampoo strengthens damaged hair with ingredients like citric acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) to help reinforce weakened bonds in the hair, according to the brand. Apply a dime-size (fine hair), nickel-size (medium hair) or quarter-size (thick hair) amount and work it into a rich lather. Afterward, your hair will feel and look healthier, be easier to brush and appear smoother with reduced split ends and breakage, according to Redken.
This shampoo repairs and moisturizes damaged hair without weighing it down, making it suitable for coarse and curly textures, even those who want to wear their hair in straight styles, says Gaines. The shampoo’s main ingredient is argan oil, a lightweight and nourishing ingredient with restorative properties to help strengthen the hair, reduce breakage, and help with overall manageability, according to Gaines.
Although this is technically not a shampoo, Jordan recommends this pre-wash, which she says helps relink the bonds that make up the molecular core of your hair. Not only does it build up those bonds, but it also helps reduce breakage, split ends, dryness and frizz, according to the brand. To use a pre-wash, dampen your hair and apply it from root to end and leave it on for three to ten minutes before rinsing; you’ll then follow it up with the bond repair shampoo, according to Olaplex.
If you have fine and damaged hair, consider this volumizing and strengthening shampoo, which has a 4.2-star average rating from 1,850 reviews at Target. The shampoo has a combination of vitamins like vitamin B7 and proteins including collagen to help aid the overall health of your hair while thickening it without weighing down your hair, according to the brand. Reviewers say they notice less breakage in their fine hair after using this shampoo and feel and see more volume, moisture and shine.
This shampoo repairs, strengthens and moisturizes all hair types thanks to vegan protein, plant butters, bond technology and sea buckthorn, according to the brand. Reviewers say this bond-repair shampoo, which has a 4.7-star average rating from over 2,675 reviews on Amazon, helps correct damage, moisturize and reduce frizz. For the most effective results, double cleanse your hair by applying a quarter-sized amount of this shampoo to cleanse and then reapply it to maximize its benefits, according to Amika.
Proteins: Ingredients such as keratin or wheat protein help strengthen the hair structure, reducing breakage and promoting overall hair health, says Gaines. You should also look for shampoos with amino acids, which are the molecules that form proteins, says Jordan.
Vitamins and antioxidants: These will help protect the hair from any external, environmental damage, according to Jordan. Some common examples include vitamin A, vitamin B5 (panthenol) vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin C and vitamin E, says Jordan.
Moisturizing ingredients: Since you may experience dryness with damaged hair, finding formulas with ingredients like aloe vera, argan oil, glycerin, and natural oils will help, says Gaines.
Know what to avoid: There are a few ingredients that may worsen the state of your damaged hair, so it’s best to avoid them when/if possible. Sulfates tend to strip the hair of natural oils, parabens can be harsh on the scalp, and alcohol may lead to dryness, according to Gaines.
For damaged hair, a creamy or thicker consistency is preferable as it tends to be more moisturizing. Gels and thinner shampoos may be less hydrating and could potentially strip the hair of its natural oils, according to Gaines.
Choose shampoos specifically formulated for your hair type and lifestyle, says Gaines. For example, those with coarse hair may need extra moisture, those who have curly hair may benefit from formulas with frizz control, while those with coily hair may need moisturizing products that enhance natural curl patterns, according to Gaines.
Frequently asked questions
While you can visit a hairstylist for confirmation, take note of how your hair looks, feels and reacts while wet and dry.
If your hair is dry, straggly or experiencing breakage in the middle or end of your hair, consider it damaged according to Davis. Hair that’s rough or has a Velcro consistency can also be a sign of damage, which can make it hard to manage, says Davis. You may also feel like your fingers or brush tend to get stuck or not flow easily through your hair— this is also a sign of damaged hair, says Pitocco. Like dry hair, damaged hair will lose most of its shine, so you may see some dullness, according to Pitocco.
There are various reasons why, including diet, playing with your hair and overprocessing it, according to experts. We outline some common factors, below.
Heat damage. If you’re using heat tools, like flat irons or hair dryers , without any protection, you are likely causing damage, says Jordan.
Overprocessed hair. Bleaching or chemically treating your hair can weaken it, says Pitocco. These treatments eliminate the internal structure of your hair, which keeps it strong and healthy, according to Pitocco.
Constant updos and hair twirling. If you put your hair up, and you tie it in the same exact spot every single time, you may be causing damage to your hair, according to Pitocco. This is because you’re putting tension on the same part of the hair. This also applies to hair twirling since, so you might notice minor breakage, according to Pitocco.
Diet. Poor diet can impact hair health, according to Gaines. If your meals tend to lack protein, your hair may also experience the effects of that deficiency because your hair is 95% keratin, which is a protein, says Pitocco.
Uncared for wet hair. When your hair is wet, it is in its most vulnerable and fragile state. Avoid putting your hair up or going to sleep with wet hair (especially if you toss and turn) since doing this can cause a lot of tension to your hair, according to Pitocco.
Every person’s hair, damaged or not, requires different treatments based on texture, lifestyle, and styling choices, so it’s important to adjust the frequency of shampooing based on your individual needs, according to Gaines.
Generally, you should work around your hair’s natural oil production. The less you wash your hair , the better, says Pitocco. If you overwash your hair, you risk stripping your hair of natural oils, which can lead to dryness and damage according to Pitocco.
There are ways you can prevent damaged hair or keep it from worsening, says Davis.
Hair cuts. This is the most recommended way to treat damaged hair, according to all of our experts. While hair grows from the scalp, damaged hair starts to fray from the bottom up because it’s so weak, according to Davis. By getting regular and frequent haircuts, you are able to keep your ends strong while removing those pieces, says Davis.
Bedding. If you want to prevent unwanted breakage, consider purchasing a silk pillowcase. Silk pillowcases will not absorb moisture out of your hair or create tension on weak, fragile hair like a cotton case would, says Davis.
Heat protectant. Always apply a heat protectant to your hair before using a hot tool, even if you’re not consistently using it.The protectant (whether it comes in spray or cream form), will prevent any further damage or future damage regardless of your hair type and texture, says Davis.
Hair masks. To help your damaged hair, consider incorporating a bond repair mask. Bond-building strengthens the internal structure of the hair, preventing breakage, and also helps prevent further moisture loss, according to Gaines.
Increase moisture content. Since your damaged hair is going to feel significantly drier, finding products that have moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter can help combat those side effects, says Davis. Some products will have clear labels, including “hydrating shampoo” and “moisturizing shampoo,” to help narrow your search in the right direction.
Bond treatments. Some hair care brands offer bonding treatments that you can do from the comfort of your home. These hair care products use biometrics, which means they mimic how our bodies naturally create hair bonds to replace old, “dead” ones, according to Jordan. (When your hair is damaged, the internal bonds in your hair break. The biometrics aids the process of building new bonds (just like your body would naturally do if your hair was healthy), according to Jordan. However, our experts say to use these products, which you can find in shampoos, masks, oils and leave-in form, with caution and follow the directions as stated since improper use can further damage your hair.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Julie Davis is a hairstylist, artistic director and owner of Eden West Salon in Charleston, South Carolina.
Piersten Gaines is the founder of Pressed Roots, a group of hair salons throughout Texas.
Jenna Pitocco is a hairstylist and co-owner of Love, Dunnette, a salon in New York City.
Brooke Jordan is a hairstylist, co-founder and creative director of The Bird House, a salon in Brooklyn.
I’m an associate reporter covering skin care and hair care, whose recent stories include roundups of the best leave-in conditioners and dry shampoos. For this story, I interviewed four experts and researched highly rated shampoos for damaged hair that were in line with expert guidance.
