Even if you spend too much time taking care of your hair, like limiting the use of heat styling tools or avoiding hair dyes or other chemicals, there are still multiple unobvious ways our hair becomes dry and damaged.
For example, your hair can become frizzy, brittle, weak, and dull due to the changing weather, brushing too hard, using a rough towel, air pollution, etc.
We understand how challenging it is to find an authentic solution to damaged hair problems. Still, after much in-depth research, we have learned that the simplest, quickest, and most affordable solution to damaged hair is finding the right repair shampoo.
So if your daily routine consists of 90% crying and 10% praying for strong and healthy hair, go through our list of 17 best and proven shampoos for damaged hair in 2023. Let's begin!
Summary
Maintaining healthy, strong hair is essential for looking and feeling great, but damage from styling and environmental factors is hard to avoid.
Thankfully, using a high-quality, damage-repair shampoo can significantly improve your hair's health and vitality.
By consulting our curated list of the best damage-repair shampoos, you can find the perfect shampoo for your hair type and concerns, ultimately nourishing and strengthening your hair.
At Scandinavian Biolabs, we trust natural ingredients for healthy hair. Our Hair Strength Shampoo, with Capilia Longa, Niacinamide, and Amino Acid Complex, gently repairs and strengthens damaged hair.
Choose our shampoo to revitalize your hair with a formula focused on hair health and wellness.
Can damaged hair truly be repaired?
Damaged hair cannot completely repair itself, as structural damage to the hair shaft is irreversible. However, its appearance and condition can be significantly improved with proper care. Using products designed for damaged hair, moisturizing treatments, and maintaining a healthy hair care routine can minimize further damage.
In some cases, trimming damaged ends is essential for promoting healthy hair growth. Proactive care is key to maintaining the health and beauty of your hair.
30 best shampoos for damaged hair to buy
Here's a comparison table of the top 30 shampoos for damaged hair.
| Shampoo Name | Key Ingredients | Hair Type Targeted | Benefits | Sulfate-Free | Silicone-Free |
| Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Strength Shampoo | Bio-Pixilin, plant extracts, vitamins | All hair types | Strengthens, promotes hair growth, nourishes | Yes | Yes |
| Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate | Damaged, chemically treated hair | Repairs broken bonds, strengthens, protects | Yes | Yes |
| Kérastase Nutritive Shampoo | Iris Rhizome Extract, Lipidium Complex | Dry, damaged hair | Nourishes, restores moisture, smooths | No | No |
| Pureology Hydrate Shampoo | Jojoba, green tea, sage, vitamins | Dry, color-treated hair | Hydrates, protects color, strengthens | Yes | Yes |
| Redken All Soft Mega Shampoo | Argan oil, RCT Protein Complex | Dry, coarse hair | Softens, nourishes, strengthens | No | No |
| L'Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Hydrating Shampoo | Gold Quinoa + Protein | Very damaged hair | Repairs, strengthens, resurfaces, adds shine | Yes | No |
| The Ultimate Reset Shampoo by Shu Uemura Art of Hair | Rice extract, coconut oil | Damaged hair | Restores, nourishes, strengthens, protects | Yes | Yes |
| Kérastase Genesis Homme Bain de Force Quotidien Shampoo | Edelweiss Native Cells, Ginger Root | Weakened hair | Fortifies, prevents hair fall due to breakage, gently cleanses | No | No |
| L'Oréal Professionnel Blondifier Illuminating Shampoo | Açai Berry Extract, Polyphenols | Blonde hair | Brightens, nourishes, restores shine, protects color | Yes | No |
| Matrix Total Results Instacure Anti-Breakage Shampoo | Ceramides, Amino Acids | Damaged, fragile hair | Reduces breakage, strengthens, smooths | Yes | No |
| SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo | Manuka Honey, Mafura Oil, Shea Butter, African Fig | Dry, damaged hair | Hydrates, nourishes, strengthens, adds shine | Yes | Yes |
| Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo | Argan Oil, Keratin, Fatty Acids, Lavender Oil | Weakened and damaged hair | Restores moisture, nourishes, strengthens, repairs | Yes | No |
| K18 Peptide Prep pH Maintenance Shampoo | Bioactive Peptides, Amino Acids | Damaged, chemically treated hair | Balances pH, strengthens, repairs, enhances other treatments | Yes | Yes |
| Briogeo Destined for Density Caffeine + Biotin Peptide Density Shampoo | Caffeine, Biotin, Peptides, Niacinamide | Thinning, damaged hair | Stimulates growth, strengthens, nourishes, improves density | Yes | Yes |
| L'Occitane Intensive Repair Shampoo | Angelica, Sunflower Oil, Ylang-Ylang | Dry, damaged hair | Repairs, strengthens, smooths, protects | Yes | Yes |
| St. Botanica Ultra Nourishing Shampoo | Argan Oil, Vitamin E, Silk Protein, Aloe Vera | Damaged, dry hair | Nourishes, strengthens, hydrates, adds shine | Yes | Yes |
| Nexxus Keraphix Damage Healing Shampoo | Keratin Protein, Black Rice Extract | Severely damaged hair | Heals visible signs of damage, strengthens, restores | Yes | No |
| Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Shampoo | Coconut Oil, Argan Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil | Dry, coarse, or brittle hair | Softens, detangles, tames frizz, protects against breakage and UV damage | Yes | No |
| Davines Nourishing Shampoo | Grape Phytoceuticals, Polyphenols | Dry, damaged hair | Nourishes, hydrates, strengthens, adds shine | Yes | Yes |
| Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo | Quinoa Protein, Coconut and Babassu | Damaged, weakened hair | Repairs, strengthens, smooths, protects | Yes | Yes |
| Living Proof Restore Shampoo | Patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA) | Dry, damaged hair | Restores moisture, strengthens, improves manageability, adds shine | Yes | Yes |
| Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo | Caviar Extract, Seasilk, Age-Control Complex | Dry, brittle, aging hair | Restores moisture, nourishes, combats signs of aging, improves elasticity and shine | Yes | Yes |
| R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo | Juniper Berry Extract, Glycerin, Babassu Seed Oil | All hair types, damaged hair | Cleanses, adds body, shine, strengthens, softens | Yes | Yes |
| OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo | Biotin, Collagen, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein | Thin, damaged hair | Thickens, strengthens, nourishes, adds volume | Yes | No |
| Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate Shea Butter Shampoo | Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Macadamia Oil | Dry, damaged hair | Heals, hydrates, softens, nourishes | Yes | Yes |
| Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Shampoo | Quadramine Complex, Keratin, Arginine | Color-treated, damaged hair | Strengthens, repairs, protects color, restores shine | Yes | No |
| Sachajuan Moisturizing Shampoo | Ocean Silk Technology, Argan Oil | Dry, damaged hair | Hydrates, nourishes, repairs, adds shine | Yes | Yes |
| Amika Triple Rx Shampoo | Sea Buckthorn Berry, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein | Damaged, brittle hair | Restores, nourishes, repairs, strengthens | Yes | Yes |
| Pantene Pro-V Repair & Protect Shampoo | Pro-Vitamin B5, Lipids, Antioxidants | Damaged, weak hair | Repairs, protects, strengthens, restores shine | No | No |
| TRESemmé Pro Pure Damage Recovery Shampoo | Pro-Vitamin B5, Glycerin | Damaged, dry hair | Repairs, strengthens, restores moisture, gentle cleansing | Yes | Yes |
We'll write more about our the top 10 that are especially good for damaged hair.
1. Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Strength Shampoo
Scandinavian Biolabs' Hair Strength Shampoo, enriched with essential amino acids, is expertly crafted to strengthen damaged hair, offering a high-quality, gentle solution for dry and damaged hair. It helps reduce excess sebum and encourages a balanced scalp.
This moisture shampoo not only makes hair stronger and more vibrant but also leaves it with a pleasant, fresh eucalyptus scent, promoting healthier looking hair that feels refreshed and lively.
The shampoo is made of 100% vegan and natural ingredients like Niacinamide, amino acids, and Capilia Longa to enhance hair strength, durability, and growth.
2. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
The Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance is a sulphate-free and cruelty-free shampoo that helps prevent hair breakage and repairs brittle hair on a molecular level.
With regular use, this moisture shampoo revives hair from dryness, infusing it with smoothness, shine, and manageability, especially for those with dry and damaged hair.
All thanks to the ultra-moisturizing formula, which prevents frizzy hair and split ends. It works on all hair types but is mainly recommended for colour-treated hair.
3. Kérastase Nutritive Shampoo
In the Kerastase Nutritive Shampoo, the Benjoin resin technology and the irisome complex work together to make a nourishing formula that can repair and replenish hair.
By balancing, protecting, smoothing, and softening dry, brittle hair strands, regular use will make hair much easier to manage every day and cut down on tangles.
4. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
If you've had a dye job or two or three, or even four, this 100% vegan Hydrate Shampoo by Pureology helps to gently clean and moisturise colour-treated hair without causing it to strip or dry.
Its formulation, infused with jojoba, green tea, and sage, is free of sulphates, working to strengthen damaged hair, repair, and protect against breakage or hair fall.
In addition to protecting the colour vibrancy and keeping hair soft, it won't cause "straw-like" fine hair strands in those with dyed hair.
5. Redken All Soft Mega Shampoo
Redken's All Soft Mega Shampoo is full of real cactus extracts that help keep hair hydrated and shiny, aloe vera that strengthens and conditions hair, and Sacha Inchi natural oils that lock in moisture to make hair soft, shiny, and easier to manage.
6. L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Hydrating Shampoo
The L'Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Hydrating Shampoo contains nourishing proteins and the superfood quinoa to strengthen, restructure, and refresh hair.
It protects hair from damage and stops hair follicles from breaking while being gentle on the scalp. This makes hair look softer and healthier.
7. The Ultimate Reset Shampoo by Shu Uemura Art of Hair
This Ultimate Reset Shampoo is exceptionally light on the hair. Using a combination of powerful restoring ingredients, it strengthens and beautifies the hair while gently removing impurities in tiny, fine droplets. The result is healthy, strong, and shiny hair strands!
8. Kérastase Genesis Homme Bain de Force Quotidien Shampoo
Men, like women, experience hair thinning and damage. Hence, the Bain de Force Shampoo by Kerastase is the ultimate answer to all hair problems for men.
This shampoo does a great job of cleaning the scalp by removing excess sebum, which helps hair grow in a healthy way. It also fixes fine hair and stops it from getting worse.
9. L’Oréal Professionnel Blondifier Illuminating Shampoo
As a result of bleaching our hair to achieve our blonde bombshell dreams, this colour needs some serious repair.
L'Oréal's Blondifier Illuminating Shampoo consists of acai polyphenols that help nourish and smooth the damaged and brittle hair strands that have undergone colour treatment.
10. Matrix Total Results Instacure Anti-Breakage Shampoo
If you are suffering from noticeable hair breakage and damage, it is time to invest in the Instacure Anti-breakage Shampoo by Matrix.
With amino acids and liquid proteins, this shampoo will help get rid of excess sebum and buildup on your hair and prepare your dull hair to be shinier, less frizzy, and less likely to break easily.
Can shampoo fix damaged hair?
While shampoo cannot "fix" damaged hair in the sense of reversing the damage completely, it can help improve the appearance and manage the damage.
Using a repair shampoo formulated with nourishing ingredients can help strengthen and moisturize the hair, making it more resilient against further damage.
Things to consider while buying shampoo for damaged hair
Before buying a damage-repairing shampoo of your choice, you must consider the following factors:
Colour-safe formula
Since you are looking for a shampoo to fix your damaged hair, it is important to buy one that is sulphate-free, and paraben-free, as they can leave your hair dull, dry, and brittle.
Moreover, if you have coloured hair, use a shampoo with a colour-safe formula to avoid further damage.
Hair type
While selecting your desired shampoo, remember to keep your individual hair type in mind since everyone has different hair types and problems, like fine hair, curly, straight, natural, dyed, heat-damaged, natural hair, etc.
Before making a decision, make sure to read the item's description. It will say what kind of hair it works for.
Ingredients
One of the most important factors to consider when buying shampoo is its ingredients. For instance, to repair your damaged hair, opt for a shampoo with moisturizing and strengthening ingredients such as coconut milk, honey, keratin proteins, soy protein, caffeine, etc.
Hair concerns
Once you know what kind of hair issues you are dealing with, you can finally decide on the right shampoo for you. For example, if you are dealing with hair problems like thinning, dullness, or dryness, a nourishing, keratin-based, and biotin shampoo would work best for you.
Read this: How To Reverse Thinning Hair After Menopause?
How often should you shampoo your damaged hair?
The frequency of shampooing damaged hair depends on your hair type and specific needs.
Generally, it's recommended to shampoo 2-3 times a week, as over-shampooing can strip the hair of natural oils and exacerbate the damage.
However, it's important to find the right balance for your hair and adjust the frequency accordingly.
What are the other steps to repair damaged hair?
To repair damaged hair:
- Use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask regularly to provide extra moisture and nourishment.
- Minimize heat styling and use a heat protectant when necessary.
- Avoid harsh chemical treatments like perms, relaxers, or excessive hair dyeing.
- Be gentle while detangling your hair, using a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed to minimize breakage.
- Trim damaged ends regularly to prevent further breakage and encourage healthy growth.
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in nutrients that support hair health, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
- Protect your hair from environmental damage by wearing hats or using UV-protective hair products when exposed to harsh sun, wind, or pollution.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7276157/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265285712_A_study_of_damaged_hair
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-repair-damaged-hair
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