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When you’re dealing with dry hair, you need a shampoo that cleanses without stripping away precious moisture.
The best shampoo for dry hair contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, argan oil, and ceramides that restore your hair’s natural barrier.
Look for sulfate-free formulas that won’t leave your strands feeling like straw.
Top-rated options include Olaplex for damaged hair, Redken All Soft for intense hydration, and Herbal Essences Coconut Oil for budget-friendly moisture.
Your hair type matters too – fine dry hair needs lightweight hydration while thick, coarse hair craves richer formulations.
The right ingredients and washing frequency can transform your hair from brittle to bouncy.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Causes of Dry Hair
- Choosing Best Shampoo for Dry Hair
- Top 9 Shampoos for Dry Hair
- 1. Herbal Essences Coconut Oil Shampoo
- 2. Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo
- 3. OUAI Detox Clarifying Shampoo Refill
- 4. Redken Bonding Shampoo Damaged Hair Repair
- 5. Hair Food Color Protect Shampoo
- 6. Garnier Honey Treasures Shampoo Travel Size
- 7. Olaplex Shampoo Conditioner and Bonding Oil
- 8. Redken All Soft Hair Set
- 9. amika normcore signature hair conditioner
- Benefits of Key Ingredients
- Treating Dry Hair Effectively
- Shampooing Frequency for Dry Hair
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the best products for dry hair?
- What is the best shampoo for dry hair?
- Which shampoo is best for damaged hair?
- Why should you choose a dry shampoo?
- What is a good shampoo & conditioner?
- What is the best shampoo for normal hair?
- Which shampoo is best for extremely dry hair?
- What do hairdressers recommend for dry hair?
- How do you rehydrate severely dry hair?
- Which shampoo is best for dry, frizzy, and thin hair?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Choose sulfate-free formulas with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, argan oil, and ceramides to restore moisture without stripping your hair’s natural oils
- Match your shampoo to your hair type: fine hair needs lightweight hydration, while thick, coarse hair requires richer formulations for optimal results
- Wash your dry hair only 2-3 times per week, using lukewarm water and gentle techniques to prevent further moisture loss and allow natural oils to nourish your strands
- Look for proven ingredients that repair and protect: keratin rebuilds damaged bonds, coconut oil penetrates deep for lasting moisture, and hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water
Causes of Dry Hair
Understanding what causes dry hair helps you choose the right shampoo and care routine.
Your hair becomes dry when it loses moisture from environmental factors like sun exposure and heat styling, hair care mistakes such as overwashing or using harsh products, and chemical processing including coloring and perming treatments.
This reorganization allows for clearer understanding by separating the introduction from the explanation of causes.
Environmental Factors
Your hair faces a daily battle against environmental aggressors that strip away natural moisture.
Sun exposure triggers UV damage that weakens hair proteins, while air pollution deposits harmful particles on your strands.
Hard water minerals create buildup that blocks moisture absorption.
Extreme weather conditions—from scorching heat to freezing cold—disrupt your hair’s protective cuticle layer.
High humidity can cause frizz, while dry climates leave hair parched and brittle.
Hair Care Mistakes
Your daily habits can unknowingly sabotage your hair’s moisture balance.
Over-washing strips natural oils, while heat styling creates microscopic damage that lets moisture escape. Product buildup blocks hydrating ingredients, and ignoring scalp health affects oil production.
Common hair care mistakes that cause dryness:
- Over-washing – Shampooing daily removes protective oils your scalp produces
- Heat styling without protection – Blow dryers and straighteners damage the hair cuticle
- Product buildup – Heavy styling products prevent moisturizing shampoo from penetrating
- Ignoring scalp health – A dry, irritated scalp can’t produce adequate natural oils
Chemical Processing
Chemical processing transforms hair structure through powerful chemicals that strip natural oils and weaken strands.
Perm damage, relaxer effects, and color treatment create lasting dryness by breaking protein bonds.
Bleach impact proves especially harsh, lifting cuticles and depleting moisture.
Chemical straightening further compromises hair integrity.
These processes require specialized shampoo for damaged hair to restore balance and prevent breakage.
Combatting this dryness may require embracing gentle hair brushing to distribute natural oils, which can help mitigate the effects of chemical processing and perm damage, and promote gentle hair brushing and the use of specialized shampoo.
Choosing Best Shampoo for Dry Hair
Finding the right shampoo for dry hair starts with understanding your specific hair type and texture.
Look for formulas containing key moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, argan oil, coconut oil, keratin, and ceramides that target your hair’s unique needs.
Hair Type Considerations
Your hair’s unique characteristics determine which hydrating shampoo works best.
Fine hair needs lightweight formulas that won’t weigh it down, while thick hair handles richer moisturizing shampoos.
Curly hair requires specialized care, and color-treated strands need gentle protection.
Your scalp type also matters—dry scalps benefit from ceramide-rich formulas.
- Fine hair: Choose volumizing dry hair shampoos with lightweight hydration
- Thick hair: Opt for intense moisturizing shampoos with rich conditioning agents
- Curly hair: Select sulfate-free formulas designed for curl definition and frizz control
- Color-treated: Look for shampoos specifically formulated to protect and preserve color
Key Ingredients to Look For
Once you’ve matched your hair type, it’s time to check the label.
For real hair hydration, look for hyaluronic acid, argan oil, coconut oil, keratin, and ceramides.
These ingredient benefits go beyond surface shine, offering deep moisture and repair.
Many consumers find argan oil effective for hair.
Pay attention to concentration levels and ingredient combinations—some synthetic alternatives in dry hair shampoo or moisturizing shampoo can mimic natural sources for dry hair care.
Top 9 Shampoos for Dry Hair
You’ve found expert-tested shampoos that deliver real results for dry hair concerns.
These nine picks combine proven ingredients with clinical testing to restore moisture, reduce breakage, and improve hair texture effectively, addressing dry hair concerns with real results.
1. Herbal Essences Coconut Oil Shampoo
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Nourishing your dry hair starts with choosing the right shampoo, and Herbal Essences Coconut Oil Shampoo delivers impressive results.
This lightweight formula combines camellia oil and coconut oil to deeply hydrate without weighing hair down. The 96% natural-origin ingredients provide gentle cleansing while pure aloe vera locks in moisture.
Natural oils and nourishing aloe vera create the perfect moisture-rich formula for thirsty hair strands.
You’ll notice softer, more manageable hair after just one wash. Its gentle formula is sulfate and paraben-free, which is better for the environment.
It’s paraben-free, cruelty-free, and works well on color-treated hair, making it an excellent choice for your daily routine.
Best For: Those with dry, brittle, or color-treated hair seeking deep hydration and a lightweight, natural formula.
- Deeply hydrates and softens hair without weighing it down
- Free of parabens, dyes, and phthalates; cruelty-free with 96% natural-origin ingredients
- Pleasant scent and suitable for all hair types, including curly and color-treated hair
- Bottle can be slightly unstable when standing on end
- Users with extremely dry hair may need additional conditioning
- Lightweight formula may not provide enough moisture for severely damaged hair
2. Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo
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Pantene’s powerhouse formula delivers 2X more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos, keeping your hair hydrated for 72+ hours.
You’ll love how the Pro-Vitamin B5 and antioxidants strengthen strands while gently cleansing away buildup.
This paraben-free gem works beautifully on color-treated hair without stripping your precious dye.
With over 17,000 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, users consistently praise its ability to transform dry, lifeless hair into soft, manageable locks that shine with the help of antioxidants.
Best For: Anyone with dry, color-treated, or chemically-processed hair looking for long-lasting hydration, softness, and manageable shine.
- Some users report scalp irritation or dryness with the new formula
- Packaging issues, including leaks during shipping, have been noted
- Mixed reviews on effectiveness for controlling frizz
- Delivers 2X more moisture for up to 72 hours, leaving hair soft and manageable
- Color-safe formula with Pro-Vitamin B5, antioxidants, and no parabens
- Consistently praised by users for improved shine and hydration
3. OUAI Detox Clarifying Shampoo Refill
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Product buildup on dry hair can feel like carrying an invisible weight on your strands.
OUAI’s Detox Clarifying Shampoo works like a gentle reset button, using apple cider vinegar to dissolve stubborn residue without stripping your hair’s natural oils.
This sulfate-free formula removes heavy metals and chlorine from hard water while maintaining moisture levels.
For those with sensitive skin, consider that it’s a gentle, non-stripping formula.
Use it once or twice weekly for best results.
The keratin-infused blend leaves hair bouncy and refreshed, though you’ll want to follow with conditioner on the ends.
Best For: People with oily or product-heavy hair, hard water exposure, or itchy, flaky scalps looking for a gentle, deep clean.
- Higher price point than most drugstore shampoos.
- Can cause dryness on hair ends if overused or not followed by conditioner.
- Some users experience a straw-like texture during washing before conditioning.
- Removes stubborn build-up, heavy metals, and hard water residue without stripping natural oils.
- Keratin-infused, sulfate-free formula leaves hair soft, shiny, and refreshed.
- Safe for all hair types, including color-treated and chemically processed hair.
4. Redken Bonding Shampoo Damaged Hair Repair
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When dealing with severely damaged hair, you’ll want something that goes beyond basic hydration.
This vegan, sulfate-free shampoo features citric acid and a bonding care complex that repairs broken hair bonds while gently cleansing.
It delivers impressive results – reducing breakage by 56% and making hair twice as strong when paired with its matching conditioner.
The concentrated formula means you’ll use less product per wash, and it’s particularly effective for color-treated hair, providing a solution that goes beyond basic hydration.
Best For: Those with severely damaged, color-treated, or chemically-processed hair who need intensive repair and conditioning.
- Repairs broken hair bonds for noticeably stronger and healthier hair.
- Reduces breakage by 56% with the full system and preserves salon color.
- Vegan, sulfate-free formula that’s gentle yet effective for all hair types.
- High price point, especially when purchasing the full regimen.
- May cause dryness or increased hair loss in some users.
- Effectiveness varies depending on individual hair type and following the full usage regimen.
5. Hair Food Color Protect Shampoo
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With sulfate-free protection, Hair Food Color Protect Shampoo extends color vibrancy by 30-50% compared to regular shampoos.
You’ll love how white nectarine and pear essences create an invigorating shower experience while panthenol and glycerin hydrate dry strands.
This budget-friendly option under $10 cleanses gently without stripping color, making highlighted hair look richer and more vibrant.
The lightweight formula leaves hair soft and manageable, though some users find it creates flatness on fine hair types.
Best For: Adults with color-treated or highlighted hair seeking a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that maintains color and adds hydration.
- Extends color vibrancy 30–50% longer than regular shampoos
- Pleasant nectarine pear scent and lightweight feel
- Affordable price under $10
- Can leave fine hair looking flat or greasy for some users
- Not specifically formulated for curly hair
- Pump bottle may leave residual product requiring manual extraction
6. Garnier Honey Treasures Shampoo Travel Size
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Looking for convenient hair care while traveling? Garnier’s Honey Treasures Shampoo delivers professional results in TSA-friendly packaging.
This 3-oz formula combines acacia honey, manuka honey, and lavender honey with royal jelly and propolis extracts to repair damaged strands.
You’ll get up to 83% more moisture when paired with conditioner, plus 38% less breakage, which results in stronger hair and a noticeable improvement in hair health.
The creamy texture strengthens hair while leaving a pleasant honey scent that won’t overpower your senses.
Best For: Travelers with wavy, curly, or damaged hair seeking effective, convenient repair and moisture on the go.
- TSA-compliant 3 oz size for easy packing and portability
- Repairs and strengthens hair with honey, royal jelly, and propolis
- Pleasant, long-lasting honey scent
- Contains dimethicone and sulfates, which may not suit all routines
- Travel size not always clearly labeled
- Hair may feel dry for certain hair types
7. Olaplex Shampoo Conditioner and Bonding Oil
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Through innovative bond-building technology, Olaplex’s No.4 shampoo and No.5 conditioner strengthen hair while reducing breakage by up to 77%.
The patented Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate molecule repairs broken bonds at the molecular level. You’ll need just small amounts of these concentrated formulas.
The No.7 Bonding Oil provides 72-hour frizz control and heat protection up to 450°F. Users report healthier, softer hair with enhanced shine—up to 125% improvement compared to untreated bleached hair.
Best For: People with damaged, color-treated, or frizzy hair looking for stronger, healthier, and shinier results.
- Repairs and strengthens hair at a molecular level, reducing breakage and split ends.
- Delivers up to 72-hour frizz control, hydration, and a noticeable shine boost.
- Highly concentrated formula requires only a small amount per use, making it cost-effective over time.
- Expensive compared to typical hair care products.
- Scent and packaging quality may not appeal to everyone.
- Overuse, especially near roots, can lead to oily or weighed-down hair.
8. Redken All Soft Hair Set
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This complete hair care system transforms dry, brittle hair into soft, silky strands.
The Moisture Complex with argan oil delivers 15x more conditioning when used together, while hyaluronic acid provides 72-hour hydration.
You’ll notice immediate results after one wash, with hair becoming 10x smoother and more manageable.
The lightweight formula works well for fine to medium hair types without weighing strands down, making styling easier while adding visible shine.
Best For: Dry, brittle, or color-treated hair needing intense moisture and lasting softness.
- Delivers 15x more conditioning and 72-hour hydration for immediate, visible improvement
- Lightweight formula suitable for fine to medium hair types, enhancing manageability and shine
- Noticeably smooths, detangles, and tames frizz after just one use
- Higher price point and smaller bottle sizes may not suit all budgets or larger households
- Can feel heavy or oily for some users, especially with overuse or on fine/oily hair
- Results may vary; a few users report scalp irritation or hair feeling weighed down
9. amika normcore signature hair conditioner
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This powerhouse conditioner transforms dry, damaged hair with its nutrient-rich sea buckthorn formula.
You’ll experience 7x more conditioning when paired with matching shampoo, delivering lightweight hydration without weighing hair down.
The shea butter and antioxidant blend penetrates deeply, leaving hair soft and manageable.
Users rave about extended wash days and reduced frizz, while the cruelty-free formula proves worth every penny for healthier-looking locks.
Best For: Anyone looking to deeply hydrate, soften, and manage dry or normal hair without heavy buildup.
- Intense hydration and detangling with lightweight feel
- Clean formula with vitamins, antioxidants, and no sulfates or parabens
- Clinically proven conditioning and supports longer time between washes
- Higher price point compared to similar conditioners
- Large bottles lack a pump, making dispensing messy
- Scent may be too intense for some users
Benefits of Key Ingredients
When you’re dealing with dry hair, understanding what makes certain ingredients work can help you choose the right shampoo for your specific needs.
These powerhouse ingredients each target different aspects of dryness, from deep hydration to structural repair, giving you the tools to transform brittle, lackluster hair into healthy, manageable strands.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid acts like a moisture magnet for your hair, holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
This powerhouse ingredient provides deep hydration that lasts, making it perfect for dry hair care.
You’ll find hyaluronic acid in premium hydrating shampoos, where it penetrates your hair cortex to boost water content and reduce frizz by sealing the cuticle naturally.
It primarily benefits the scalp, addressing scalp dehydration issues similar to facial skin.
Argan Oil
Argan oil’s fatty acids and vitamin E create a protective barrier that locks in moisture while smoothing damaged cuticles.
This lightweight ingredient strengthens hair elasticity, reduces breakage, and adds natural shine without weighing down your strands.
Regular use with hydrating shampoo helps repair split ends and controls frizz effectively, making it a great option for those looking for a hydrating shampoo that can help with hair elasticity.
The shampoo is also suitable for all hair types, including both men and women.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil transforms dry hair through its unique molecular structure that penetrates deep into hair strands.
Coconut oil’s unique molecular structure lets it penetrate deeper than other oils, delivering lasting moisture and protection from within.
This powerhouse ingredient reduces protein loss by up to 41.8% while providing lasting moisture. Different extraction methods and product formulations affect coconut oil benefits in hydrating shampoos.
Here’s how coconut oil revolutionizes dry hair solutions:
- Deep penetration – Lauric acid molecules slip through hair cuticles better than other oils
- Protein protection – Prevents damage from daily combing and styling routines
- Moisture retention – Forms protective barriers that lock in hydration for hours
- Scalp health – Antimicrobial properties reduce dandruff and irritation naturally
- Heat protection – Acts as natural shield during styling with hot tools
Sustainable sourcing guarantees you’re getting pure, virgin coconut oil in moisturizing shampoos. Coconut oil can also provide anti-inflammatory effects. Fine hair types should use coconut oil sparingly to avoid weighing down strands.
Keratin
Keratin acts as your hair’s natural armor, making up 65-95% of each strand’s structure.
When you lose this protective protein, you’ll notice more dryness, frizz, and breakage.
Keratin shampoos help restore this defense system, with hydrolyzed keratin penetrating deep into damaged areas to boost strength by up to 86%.
This rebuilding process smooths your hair’s surface and reduces styling time substantially, which is a result of the rebuilding process and leads to increased hair strength.
Ceramides
Strengthening your hair’s natural lipid barrier, ceramides prevent moisture loss and repair damaged cuticles.
These essential lipids create a protective shield that locks in hydration while smoothing rough textures.
Clinical studies show ceramide-enriched shampoo formulations improve scalp health and restore hair moisture, making them ideal for treating dry scalp conditions and maintaining superior hair care routines.
Treating Dry Hair Effectively
Finding the right shampoo is just the first step in transforming your dry hair into healthy, hydrated locks.
You’ll need to establish a consistent hair care routine and consider additional treatments to address the underlying causes of dryness and maintain long-term moisture balance, ensuring healthy locks.
Proper Hair Care Routine
Beyond using the best shampoo for dry hair, you’ll need a thorough hair care routine to maintain proper hair moisture and hydration.
Your nighttime routine becomes vital for protecting damaged strands while you sleep.
- Scalp massage during washing stimulates blood flow and distributes natural oils
- Leave-in conditioners provide ongoing hydration between wash days
- Protective styling prevents breakage from friction and environmental damage
- Trim schedule every 6-8 weeks removes split ends before they travel upward
- Gentle towel drying reduces mechanical damage when hair is most vulnerable
Consider using daily hydrating products for best results.
Additional Treatments for Dry Hair
While your shampoo builds the foundation, hair masks and leave-ins provide deeper nourishment your dry strands crave.
These treatments deliver concentrated moisture that penetrates beyond surface-level hydration.
| Treatment Type | Application Frequency |
|---|---|
| Deep conditioning masks | Weekly |
| Hot oil treatments | Bi-weekly |
| Leave-in conditioners | Daily |
| Scalp massage with oils | 2-3 times weekly |
Hair oil treatments using coconut or argan oil reduce breakage by up to 39%. Many people find intensive moisture beneficial for dry hair.
Silk scarves protect overnight moisture retention while you sleep, providing intensive moisture and helping with moisture retention.
Shampooing Frequency for Dry Hair
When you have dry hair, washing it too frequently can strip away natural oils and worsen the condition.
Most experts recommend shampooing dry hair 2-3 times per week, allowing your scalp’s natural oils to nourish and protect your strands between washes, which can help to protect your hair.
Tips for Washing Dry Hair
When washing dry hair, use lukewarm water temperature instead of hot water to prevent further moisture loss.
Apply your shampoo for dry hair gently to the scalp, focusing on cleansing rather than scrubbing.
Follow with conditioner focus on mid-lengths and ends.
Practice scalp massage during washing to boost circulation.
Finish with gentle drying techniques using a microfiber towel.
Balancing Moisture and Cleansing
Finding the right balance between gentle cleansing and maintaining hydration levels requires understanding your hair’s unique needs.
The best shampoo for dry hair won’t strip natural oils while still removing product buildup effectively.
Look for moisturizing hair products that promote ingredient synergy – where cleansing agents work alongside hydrating components.
This approach supports scalp health while preserving your hair moisture balance through strategic use of hydrating hair products and targeted shampoo for dry scalp conditions, utilizing ingredient synergy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best products for dry hair?
Your parched strands desperately crave moisture like a desert thirsts for rain.
You’ll want sulfate-free shampoos containing hyaluronic acid, argan oil, or ceramides.
Top picks include Amika Hydro Rush, Redken All Soft, and CeraVe Gentle Hydrating for exceptional results.
What is the best shampoo for dry hair?
You’ll find relief with hydrating formulas containing coconut oil, argan oil, or hyaluronic acid.
Top picks include Herbal Essences Bio:Renew, Kérastase Nutritive, and Amika Hydro Rush for restoring moisture effectively.
Which shampoo is best for damaged hair?
Your damaged hair desperately craves intensive repair treatment.
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo rebuilds broken bonds in bleached, colored hair.
Kérastase Genesis strengthens from roots while Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate smooths frizz effectively.
Why should you choose a dry shampoo?
You’ll save time on wash days and extend your hairstyle’s life. Dry shampoo absorbs excess oil, adds volume, and refreshes your hair between washes without water damage.
What is a good shampoo & conditioner?
Like a desert thirsting for rain, your hair craves nourishment from the right duo.
You’ll want Kérastase Nutritive Bain Magistral shampoo paired with its matching conditioner for ultimate hydration and repair.
What is the best shampoo for normal hair?
You’ll want a gentle, balanced shampoo that cleanses without stripping natural oils. Look for sulfate-free formulas with mild cleansing agents that maintain your hair’s natural moisture balance effectively.
Which shampoo is best for extremely dry hair?
Super-saturated strands suffer seriously from severe dehydration.
You’ll find Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo works best for extremely dry hair, providing 72-hour hydration with hyaluronic acid and squalane to restore moisture balance effectively.
What do hairdressers recommend for dry hair?
Professional hairstylists typically recommend sulfate-free shampoos with moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, hyaluronic acid, or keratin.
They often suggest Kérastase Nutritive, Olaplex No. 4, or Pureology Hydrate for their proven hydrating and repairing properties.
How do you rehydrate severely dry hair?
You’ll need multiple approaches to restore severely dry hair.
Use deep conditioning treatments weekly, sleep on silk pillowcases, limit heat styling.
Choose hydrating shampoos with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or argan oil for maximum moisture retention.
Which shampoo is best for dry, frizzy, and thin hair?
Good things come to those who wait, but great hair comes to those who choose wisely.
For thin, dry, frizzy hair, you’ll want Nutrafol Root Purifier Shampoo’s lightweight formula that strengthens roots while balancing oil production without weighing down delicate strands.
Conclusion
Transforming parched strands into silky perfection isn’t rocket science, but it does require the right formula.
You’ve discovered that sulfate-free shampoos with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, argan oil, and ceramides work wonders for restoring moisture.
Whether you choose budget-friendly options like Herbal Essences or premium treatments like Olaplex, consistency matters most.
The best shampoo for dry hair becomes your secret weapon when you match it to your specific hair type and follow proper washing techniques.
- https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/beauty/best-shampoos-dry-hair
- https://people.com/best-shampoos-for-dry-hair-11747590
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g28900219/shampoo-frizzy-hair/
- https://www.prevention.com/beauty/hair/g30469954/best-shampoo-for-dry-hair/
- https://aromamagic.com/blogs/post/shampoo-and-conditioner-for-dry-hair-ingredients-to-look-for-and-avoid
