30 Best & Proven Shampoo For Damaged Hair In 2023

Medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Revene M.B.B.S.
Written by Our Editorial Team
Last updated

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

shampoo for damaged hair

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.

Hair Strength Shampoo | For Women
Hair Strength Shampoo | For Women
Aims to cleanse gently while helping to reduce excess oil and balance scalp

2. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

moisturizing 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. 

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3. Kérastase Nutritive Shampoo

hair health, dry and damaged hair

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. 

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4. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

strengthening shampoo, color treated hair

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.

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5. Redken All Soft Mega Shampoo

repair broken bonds, thinning hair, shampoo damaged hair

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. 

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6. L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Hydrating Shampoo

bleached hair

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.

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7. The Ultimate Reset Shampoo by Shu Uemura Art of Hair

repair 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!

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8. Kérastase Genesis Homme Bain de Force Quotidien Shampoo

Damaged hair 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. 

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9. L’Oréal Professionnel Blondifier Illuminating Shampoo

damaged hair

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. 

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10. Matrix Total Results Instacure Anti-Breakage Shampoo

damaged hair

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.

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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:

    1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7276157/
    2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265285712_A_study_of_damaged_hair
    3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-repair-damaged-hair

    Read more:

    Dr Amy Revene M.B.B.S. graduated from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. She is currently working as a General Physician at New Hope Medical Center. Amy has a passion for research and offers her expertise and opinions to help people in their quest to lead healthy, happy lives.