We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping People Tested After 6 Weeks of Testing, We Found the 13 Best Shampoos (and Conditioners) for Dry Hair Our top pick is the Amika Normcore Hydrating duo By Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors. People Editorial Guidelines Published on February 15, 2024 07:15AM EST In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsOthers We Tried Things to Consider How We Tested FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Kristin Kempa Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner formula for your hair type is one of the most important things to consider in your haircare routine. Some formulas are more cleansing, while others have more hydrating components, so using the correct formula can help you better achieve your hair goals — whether that be to clarify oily roots or provide nourishment to dry, depleted strands. “Using [the correct formula] is crucial because improper use can either weigh down your hair or make it even drier,” Michelle Schindler, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist, tells PEOPLE. “It’s all about finding the right balance for your unique hair needs.” If your hair happens to need more hydration, you’ll want a formula that can soften strands and make them more manageable while also transforming dull and lackluster locks with some shine. This can not only help reverse the common woes of dry hair but also promote overall healthier strands since hair, like skin, needs adequate hydration to be at a healthier state. With this in mind, our PEOPLE Tested team put 42 formulas to the test to determine which cleansing duos are the best for revitalizing parched strands. After six weeks and 504 total hours of testing, the results are finally in. Keep scrolling to discover the best shampoos and conditioners for dry hair. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Amika Normcore Signature Shampoo at Amazon ($24) Jump to Review Best Budget: Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo + Conditioner Set at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Investment: Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin Riche Shampoo at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review Best Smoothing: Aveda Nutriplenish Shampoo Light Moisture at Nordstrom ($39) Jump to Review Best Volumizing: Davines Momo Shampoo at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best for Frizz: LolaVie Restorative Shampoo at Ulta ($29) Jump to Review Best for Curly Hair: Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best Value: Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Repairing: Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best Shine: Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo at Amazon ($53) Jump to Review Best Overall Amika Normcore Signature Shampoo PHOTO: amika $24 at Amazon $24 at Sephora View on Loveamika.com Our Ratings Cleansing Ability 5/5 Hydration 5/5 Consistency 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Pros After just one wash, we noticed a difference in our hair’s overall hydration levels. The shampoo has a thicker consistency that helps evenly coat strands for a more thorough cleanse. With regular use, we saw much fewer flyaways, lots more shine, and less product buildup. Cons We wish the shampoo and conditioner bottles came in larger sizes. These Amika formulas are enriched with coconut acid, sea buckthorn, and shea butter to provide strands with deep, thirst-quenching nourishment — earning themselves the top spot on our list. After just one wash, we noticed a significant difference in our hair’s overall hydration levels. Throughout the testing period, we were most impressed by how well this duo revitalized our dry strands with long-lasting moisture. As a result, we also experienced a lot more shine and fewer flyaways when styling. The shampoo also works really well to cleanse the scalp (no repeat necessary!), and as a result, we saw much less product buildup throughout our strands. In addition to their performance, the shampoo has a thicker consistency that makes it easier to coat the hair in the formula without over-using it. Both products also smell absolutely divine, which is always a nice perk. Pair with the Amika Normcore Hydrating Conditioner for best results. Size: 9.2 oz. | Key Ingredients: Coconut acid, sea buckthorn (shampoo); Shea butter, sea buckthorn (conditioner) | Best For: Improving hair’s overall moisture levels for restorative hydration People / Joie Probst People / Joie Probst People / Joie Probst Best Budget Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo + Conditioner Set PHOTO: Amazon $14 at Amazon Our Ratings Effectiveness 4.8/5 Hydration 4.7/5 Consistency 4.3/5 Cleansing Ability 3.9/5 Pros After the six-week testing period, our hair was noticeably less frizzy, and our waves were more pronounced. The shampoo and conditioner duo are both super gentle on the strands and scalp. Cons The shampoo doesn’t lather as well as some others we tested. For a more budget-friendly option, we also love the Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo + Conditioner Set, which is viral on TikTok. This shampoo and conditioner duo is enriched with a blend of shea butter, rice protein, coconut oil, and vitamin E to give strands a burst of hydration in every wash. And, while we didn’t notice an immediate difference, our hair looked much less frizzy, and our waves were way more pronounced (a sign of healthy and happy hair) at the end of the six-week testing period. In addition to providing hair with a hydrating cleanse and condition, the Monday Haircare shampoo and conditioner set is an excellent option for those looking for something a little more gentle on the strands and scalp. The shampoo doesn’t lather as much as we’d like it to, but its gentle cleanse makes it possible to lift away dirt, excess oil, and product buildup without completely stripping the scalp. Size: 12 oz. | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, rice protein, coconut oil, vitamin E | Best For: Providing a gentle cleanse and condition with noticeably less frizz People / Michelle Leland Best Investment Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin Riche Shampoo PHOTO: Kérastase $40 at Amazon $40 at Sephora View on Kerastase-usa.com Our Ratings Cleansing Ability 4.5/5 Hydration 5/5 Consistency 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Pros The shampoo has a creamy consistency, but it isn’t too heavy, so it doesn’t weigh down strands. With regular use, our hair looks and feels softer, thicker, and more manageable. The shampoo and conditioner duo feature niacinamide, which improves scalp circulation and promotes longer, stronger strands. Cons It caused minor irritation to our tester with very sensitive skin — but she still loves this product (and even recommended it to her sister). If you have the budget, we recommend the Kérastase Nutritive Hydrating Shampoo, which is formulated with plant-based proteins and niacinamide to support longer and stronger hair while also revitalizing dehydrated strands. When used with the conditioner, the duo is clinically proven to make detangling hair easier, so they’re an excellent option for longer hairstyles. When using this shampoo and conditioner duo, we found that our hair felt much softer at the end of the testing period, making it all the more manageable when brushing and styling. Our hair also appeared thicker and had a more voluminous bounce to it, thanks to all of the added hydration. Pair with Kérastase Nutritive Hydrating Conditioner for best results. Size: 2.7 oz., 8.4 oz., 16.9 oz. | Key Ingredients: Plant-based proteins, niacinamide | Best For: Promoting softer and thicker-looking hair People / Donna LaChance People / Donna LaChance Best Smoothing Aveda Nutriplenish Shampoo Light Moisture PHOTO: Aveda $30 at Nordstrom $130 at QVC $11 at aveda.com Our Ratings Cleansing Ability 5/5 Hydration 5/5 Consistency 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Pros After the first wash, we noticed a significant improvement in our texture, and our hair appeared a lot smoother and shinier. The shampoo is effective at cleansing the scalp and strands without stripping them of natural oils, and the conditioner is an excellent follow-up product for that extra burst of hydration. At the end of the testing period, our waves appeared more pronounced with less frizz. Cons This formula has a sweeter aroma, which might not be ideal for some preferences or more sensitive noses. Of all the formulas we tried, the Aveda nutriplenish shampoo and conditioner is one of the most impressive for smoothing strands. This shampoo and conditioner for dry hair is formulated with a deep conditioning blend of pomegranate oil, coconut oil, mango butter, and oat extract to revitalize depleted hair while helping to lock in moisture, soften, and smooth out the strands. After the first wash, we saw a significant improvement in our hair’s texture, and once styled and dried, our locks looked a lot smoother and shinier, too. The shampoo also works well at effectively cleansing the scalp and hair without stripping them of their natural oils — so you get a good cleanse without wreaking havoc on already parched strands. Plus, the Aveda Nutriplenish Conditioner Light Moisture is an excellent follow-up to help add that extra dose of nutrients and further promote a smoothing and de-frizzing effect. Size: 1.7 oz. 8.5 oz., 33.8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Pomegranate oil, coconut oil, mango butter, oat extract | Best For: Smoothing out strands and promoting shine People / Lisa Pezzuto Best Volumizing Davines Momo Shampoo PHOTO: Davines $15 at Amazon View on Davines.com Our Ratings Cleansing Ability 4.7/5 Hydration 4.5/5 Consistency 4.5/5 Effectiveness 4.7/5 Pros This shampoo and conditioner duo helped revitalize our curls while remaining lightweight enough to promote a bouncy texture and lots of volume. They’re enriched with Cartucciaru melon extract, which is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc. The shampoo deep cleans the scalp and strands without stripping natural oils. Cons The shampoo doesn’t lather as much as we’d like it to. Some hydrating formulas can feel too heavy on the strands and, as a result, cause hair to look more weighed down — but not the Davines Momo Moisturizing Shampoo. The formula is enriched with Cartucciaru melon extract to deliver plenty of nutrients (such as vitamins A and C, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc) to strands and revitalize depleted hair without interfering with volume. During testing, we were impressed by how well it cleansed our scalp and strands. After just one wash, we saw a difference in our hair texture, and our curls appeared a lot bouncier. With regular use, we also found that our hair had a lot more body and shape to it, with plenty of volume, too. For best results, pair with Davines Momo Moisturizing Conditioner. Size: 2.5 oz., 8.4 oz. | Key Ingredients: Cartucciaru melon extract | Best For: Lightweight moisture People / Jenny Hughes Best for Frizz LolaVie Restorative Shampoo PHOTO: LolaVie $29 at Ulta View on Lolavie.com View on Credo Beauty Our Ratings Cleansing Ability 4.7/5 Hydration 5/5 Consistency 4.5/5 Effectiveness 4.7/5 Pros After the six-week testing period, our hair looked and felt much smoother, with fewer flyaways and frizz. The shampoo and conditioner duo have a weightless feel on the strands. These formulas have a lightweight scent that doesn’t linger, making them an excellent option for sensitive noses. Cons For the most effective cleanse, we recommend cleansing hair twice. We’ve been obsessed with Jennifer Aniston’s hair since the ‘90s, so we aren’t surprised that her haircare brand makes one of the best shampoos and conditioners for dry hair. The LolaVie Restorative Shampoo is enriched with tons of incredible ingredients for supporting hair health and reversing damage, including a vegan keratin complexion, vegan ceramides, niacinamide, biotin, and chia seeds. When testing this formula, we didn’t see immediate results — but over time, we noticed a significant improvement in our overall hair health and an impressive reduction of frizz. Despite their defrizzing abilities, the shampoo and conditioner are ultra-lightweight and have almost an invisible feel on the strands, making them great for fine or thin hair types. It's also nourishing enough to soften hair and make it more manageable, so it's a great solution for hair prone to tangles, too. Pair with the LolaVie Restorative Conditioner for best results. Size: 2 oz., 8.5 oz., 24 oz. | Key Ingredients: Vegetable ceramides, botanical extracts, niacinamide, biotin | Best For: Keeping frizziness at bay while also repairing damaged strands People / Alicia Dolieslager People / Alicia Dolieslager People / Alicia Dolieslager Best for Curly Hair Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo PHOTO: Moroccanoil $26 at Amazon $25 at Target $12 at Sephora Our Ratings Cleansing Ability 4.3/5 Hydration 4.3/5 Consistency 4.6/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Pros Both the shampoo and conditioner are formulated with argan oil, which helps keep frizz at bay while also warding off dandruff and protecting against damage. We saw an improvement in our hair texture after just one wash. At the end of the testing period, our curls had a lot more definition with a smooth and shiny finish. Cons The shampoo and conditioner might be a little too heavy for thin or fine hair types. Want more curl definition? Reach for the Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner duo from Morocanoil. Like the brand’s famed Treatment Serum, this shampoo is enriched with argan oil for its ultra-nourishing properties that help combat frizz, keep dandruff at bay, and protect against damage. In addition to argan oil, the formula also features red algae (which is ultra-moisturizing) and vitamins A and E for their strengthening and repairing properties. While testing, we were immediately impressed by how well it improved hair texture. After just one wash, our curls not only looked more defined but also appeared smoother and softer with much less frizz. And at the end of the testing period, our overall shine and vibrancy was restored. While the Moroccanoil shampoo might be a little too heavy for thin and fine hair types, we found that it works wonders on thicker, curlier hair that is in serious need of a moisturizing refresh. Pair with the Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner for best results. Size: 2.4 oz., 8.5 oz., 33.8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Argan oil, red algae, and vitamins A and E | Best For: Balancing moisture and repairing damage People / Cecily McAndrews Best Value Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $6 at Target $13 at Ulta Our Ratings Cleansing Ability 5/5 Hydration 5/5 Consistency 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Pros Our hair looked healthier immediately after the first wash and continued to improve throughout the testing period. The shampoo and conditioner formulas come in four different sizes for budget-friendly prices. With regular use, our hair was much easier to style and a lot less frizzy with plenty of healthy shine. Cons They aren’t the most beautiful bottles, but it’s what's on the inside that counts! The Nexxus Therappe Ultimate Moisture Shampoo and Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisture Conditioner is one of our favorite hydrating duos — and they boast excellent value, too. The shampoo and conditioner formulas come in four different sizes with budget-friendly prices and actually live up to their promises, which certainly isn’t always true for drugstore formulas. Enriched with green caviar and elastin protein for a replenishing dose of hydration, the shampoo and conditioner work together to revitalize dry and lackluster strands in just one wash. With regular use, we saw an overall improvement in our hair health, and our strands were much easier to style, a lot less frizzy, and even had some healthy shine, too. Size: 3 oz., 13.5 oz., 16.5 oz., 33.8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Green caviar, elastin protein | Best For: Locking in moisture and restoring flexibility People / Mike Navarro People / Mike Navarro People / Mike Navarro Best Repairing Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo PHOTO: Ulta $30 at Amazon $15 at Nordstrom $15 at Sephora Our Ratings Cleansing Ability 5/5 Hydration 5/5 Consistency 4.7/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Pros The shampoo provides a deep and effective cleanse (almost like a clarifying formula) without stripping strands. After six weeks of testing, our damaged flyaways were much less noticeable. The shampoo and conditioner work in tandem to provide adequate nourishment without leaving hair heavy or greasy. Cons The conditioner is super thick and, as a result, a little tricky to apply evenly. If you have a lot of damage and are looking for a maintenance shampoo that can help repair your strands, reach for the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo. It's formulated with the brand’s coveted Olaplex Bond Building Technology, which works on a molecular level to repair broken bonds caused by heat and styling damage, color and chemical treatment, brushing, and even the environment (yes, cold weather and the sun’s UV rays can impact your hair health!). After six weeks of testing these formulas, we saw an overall improvement in our hair health and noticed that some of the broken flyaway strands around our hairline were much less noticeable. Additionally, we found that the shampoo provides an effective, almost clarifying-like cleanse without stripping strands of natural oil. And, while the conditioner is a little tricky to apply due to its thick consistency, it provides adequate nourishment without leaving hair heavy or greasy. Pair with the Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner for best results. Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Olaplex Bond Building Technology | Best For: Repairing damaged strands People / Jessica Eno People / Jessica Eno People / Jessica Eno People / Jessica Eno Best Shine Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo PHOTO: Nordstrom $53 at Amazon $21 at Nordstrom $21 at Sephora Our Ratings Cleansing Ability 4.7/5 Hydration 4.5/5 Consistency 4.7/5 Effectiveness 4.7/5 Pros Both the shampoo and conditioner feature impressive hair ingredients like caffeine, biotin, and niacinamide to repair damage. Our hair appeared softer, smoother, and shinier after the first use. The conditioner has a silky texture that makes it easier to evenly distribute throughout the hair. Cons It doesn’t work as well as restoring brittle ends compared to others we tried. Dry hair often results in more lackluster strands. If your strands need a little pick-me-up, we love the Oribe Gold Lust Restore & Repair Shampoo for increasing the shine factor. The formula is enriched with lots of impressive haircare ingredients such as plant collagen, caffeine, biotin, and niacinamide, which help replenish nutrients, repair damage, and restore hair health. After the initial wash, we saw an improvement in our hair’s texture, and our strands looked much shinier and healthier overall. With continued use, our hair looked and felt healthier, fresher, and more nourished than before the testing period. While it's a more splurge-worthy shampoo, we think it's well worth the investment (especially if you can swing for the 33.8-oz. value size bottle), considering how well they work at improving hair health. Pair with the Oribe Gold Lust Restore & Repair Conditioner for best results. Size: 1.7 oz., 6.8 oz., 33.8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Plant collagen, caffeine, biotin, and niacinamide | Best For: Protecting and restoring strands while also providing a burst of shine. People / Sophia Devito People / Sophia Devito People / Sophia Devito Best for Color-Treated Hair Pureology Hydrate Shampoo PHOTO: Ulta $37 at Amazon $11 at Sephora $37 at Ulta Our Ratings Cleansing Ability 5/5 Hydration 4.5/5 Consistency 4.5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Pros The Pureology shampoo and conditioner duo features a color-safe formula that doesn’t fade or interfere with hair color in any way. They’re formulated with lightweight jojoba oil for nourishment, green tea for scalp support, and sage for stimulating hair growth. The shampoo provides a deep, salon-worthy cleanse. Cons The shampoo has a more potent aroma, so we don’t recommend it for sensitive noses. If you’re concerned about your shampoo interfering with your hair color, we recommend giving the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo a try. This one is enriched with jojoba oil for lightweight nourishment, green tea for scalp health, and sage for its hair growth benefits. Additionally, the Pureology shampoo and conditioner also feature menthol and mint, which provide a cooling effect and stimulate blood circulation in the scalp. During testing, we were impressed by how well the shampoo worked at cleansing the scalp and strands; it provides a deep, salon-worthy cleanse without a stripping effect. While it worked its hydrating and cleansing magic, it never interfered with our hair color, making it one of the best color-protecting shampoos for dry hair. Pair with the Pureology Hydrate Conditioner for best results. Size: 1.7 oz., 9 oz., 33.8 oz.| Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, green tea, sage, menthol, mint | Best For: Adding in a dose of hydration while also stimulating the scalp People / Michal Hanover People / Michal Hanover Best for Fine Hair Redken All Soft Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $52 at Amazon $26 at Ulta View on Redken.com Our Ratings Cleansing Ability 4.7/5 Hydration 5/5 Consistency 5/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Pros We saw a difference in our hair's health and appearance after just one wash. The shampoo and conditioner feature argan oil for its ultra-nourishing and repairing properties. When dried, our hair felt a lot softer and looked bouncier and more refreshed. Cons The conditioner is a little difficult to fully rinse out, so be mindful during this step (otherwise, it could weigh down fine hair). For fine hair types that need some rich hydration, consider the Redken All Soft Shampoo. The formula features argan oil for its ultra-nourishing and repairing properties, which can support shinier strands with a softer texture. Overall, we found that these are highly effective at cleansing and restoring hair and even saw a difference after just one wash. The shampoo easily works into the scalp and roots and effectively lifts away dirt, debris, and excess oil without stripping strands of natural oils. While the conditioner is a little difficult to rinse out — you’ll definitely want to be mindful during this step — it provides the ends with a burst of moisture that softens and smooths out strands. Pair with the Redken All Soft Conditioner for best results. Size: 1.7 oz., 10.1 oz., 16.9 oz., 33.8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Argan oil, moisture complex | Best For: Providing lightweight hydration that doesn’t weight down locks and leaves behind a glossy shine People / Jamie Fischer People / Jamie Fischer People / Jamie Fischer Best for Sensitive Scalps Virtue Labs Recovery Shampoo PHOTO: Amazon $42 at Amazon $17 at Sephora $42 at Ulta Our Ratings Cleansing Ability 5/5 Hydration 4.8/5 Consistency 5/5 Effectiveness 4.9/5 Pros The shampoo and conditioner have an ultra-thick consistency that is easy to spread all over and provides even coverage. The shampoo formula lathers really well, so you feel like you get an effective cleanse. Neither formula irritates dry or sensitive scalps and, instead, provides a gentle cleanse and condition. Cons There's not much we disliked about this shampoo! Sensitive scalps can still get an effective cleanse and condition thanks to the gentle nature of the Virtue Labs Recovery Shampoo. This shampoo is enriched with Alpha Keratin 60ku, which is ethically sourced from human hair and designed to fill in the cracks of damaged strands, making it one of the most restorative haircare ingredients. When testing out this formula, we were impressed overall by its thick and creamy consistency, which made it much easier to spread all over and provide hair with even coverage. On top of that, the shampoo lathers incredibly well, so you feel like you get an effective cleanse without having to repeat the cleansing step. The shampoo works well with the Virtue Labs Recovery Conditioner to provide strands with a healthier-looking finish, plus softer and more manageable strands. In addition to their performance, we love how this shampoo and conditioner duo don’t irritate dry or sensitive scalps, making them some of the most gentle formulas on our list. Size: 2 oz., 8 oz., 17 oz. | Key Ingredients: Alpha Keratin 60ku | Best For: Providing a gentle cleanse and condition that also repairs damage People / Jordan Provost People / Jordan Provost People / Jordan Provost Others We Tried JVN Nurture Hydrating Shampoo: In addition to the above formulas, we also tested the JVN Nurture Hydrating Shampoo and its corresponding conditioner. This hydrating duo is formulated with aloe leaf juice, camellia seed oil, and amino acids to quench strands with moisture while also supporting a softer texture, stronger strands, and a smoother finish. The shampoo is also super gentle and has a thicker consistency that lathers nicely on the scalp. As much as we loved these formulas, we found that they weren’t as effective at providing a deep cleanse. As a result, we found ourselves washing our strands more than usual while trying these out. If you prefer a regular rinse and repeat and want a gentle and ultra-hydrating formula, this JVN shampoo and conditioner is definitely worth trying. People / Roselynn Lemm Things to Consider When Buying Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry Hair Absorption When testing out formulas, absorption is one of the most important factors to consider. “Moisture comes from filling the hair cuticle with water, and the ingredients from the products seal it all in,” says Schindler. She notes that hair is similar to a sponge and needs to be able to absorb the formula in order to retain its elasticity and bouncy texture. Our top pick for the best shampoos and conditioners for dry hair — the Amika Normcore Hydrating Shampoo and accompanying conditioner — is one of the most hydrating formulas on our list due to its impressive absorption power. Our tester's hair drank up this formula and, as a result, appeared much more hydrated and well-nourished once dried. Ingredients As with most hair and skincare formulas, ingredients are also one of the most important things to consider. Shampoo and conditioner ingredients vary, depending on the type and purpose. For the most part, you want to look for nourishing ingredients such as argan oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and coconut oil, as well as supportive superstars like biotin, niacinamide, and keratin. Consistency Consistency isn’t a make-or-break consideration, but it’s worth keeping in mind. Thicker shampoo formulas might be a little too tricky to work into the scalp, while creamier conditioners cover ends with ease. Throughout our testing period, we carefully considered consistency and how it impacted our experiences, from ease of use to efficacy. How We Tested To find the best shampoos and conditioners for dry hair, we researched dozens of formulas before selecting 39 shampoos and conditioners for real-world testing. From there, we began a six-week testing period where we incorporated the formula duos into our regular haircare routine to gain first-hand knowledge of their performance. Effectiveness: Throughout this timeline, we took extensive notes on the overall efficacy of each formula selected for our six-week test. This included our first experience with the products, how well they held up over time, and what the results were at the end of testing. During this time, we also took notes on how well the formulas worked on their own and together. Hydration: In order to be the best shampoos and conditioners for dry hair, these formulas needed to provide plenty of hydration. With this in mind, we also considered their hydration factors, including the ingredients in their formulas, how well our hair soaked in their nutrients, and what the overall texture felt like while wet and dry. Consistency: Consistency isn’t a make-or-break but it can play an important role in the overall ease of use and how well the formulas provide an even coverage. Throughout the testing period, we made note of the shampoos and conditioners’ consistency, including what it was like to slather them onto our ends, whether or not they needed to be worked into the scalp and strands for even coverage, and how well they rinsed out. Cleansing Ability: Shampoos for dry hair need to be hydrating, of course, but they should also cleanse the hair — after all, that is their main purpose. While testing the shampoo formulas, we considered each formula’s lathering capabilities, plus how well they removed dirt, debris, and excess oil. We also considered how many times we needed to rinse and repeat in order to get a more effective cleanse, and how long our hair felt cleansed for, compared to our previous shampoos. Once the six-week testing period was over, we compiled all of our research and notes together to compare our data and narrow down our top selections. After much deliberation, we landed on 13 of the best shampoos and conditioners for dry hair, plus one extra duo worth sharing with our readers for its gentle and nourishing formula. Frequently Asked Questions Which is the best shampoo and conditioner for dry hair? After testing 39 formulas, we found that the Amika Normcore Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner is one of the best formulas for restoring hydration, improving shine, and strengthening strands. In addition to this duo, we also love the Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo + Conditioner Set, which is definitely worth all of the hype on TikTok, and one of the best budget-friendly shampoos and conditioners for dry hair. What is the best shampoo for dry, damaged hair? Aside from the Amika Normcore Hydrating Shampoo, we also loved the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo — especially for more reparative needs. This formula is enriched with the brand’s Olaplex Bond Building Technology, which works on a molecular level to repair broken bonds. It’s a fantastic choice for those who need a maintenance formula that addresses damaged strands caused by heat styling, color and chemical treatments, brushing, or the effects of the sun’s UV rays. What shampoo do hairdressers recommend? According to Schindler, one of the best shampoo formulas on our list is the LolaVie Restorative Shampoo. This duo is formulated with a blend of ceramides, biotin, niacinamide, and botanical extracts to revitalize and repair strands while keeping frizz at bay.Dr. Michael I Jacobs, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, also recommends the Kérastase Nutritive Hydrating Shampoo. “This shampoo works to replenish moisture in the hair with ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide,” he notes, adding that the inclusion of salicylic acid also gently exfoliates the scalp for improved absorption. Why Trust PEOPLE? Jessie Quinn is a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best shampoos and conditioners for dry hair, Jessie began by thoroughly researching the formulas tested and reviewing all of the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to better understand each formula's performance (both on their own and together). As someone with ultra-dry hair herself, she also leaned on her personal experiences of learning what to look for and what actually works when you have parched strands. From there, she connected with hair and scalp experts to learn more about the benefits of hydrating shampoos and conditioners, why it’s necessary to choose a cleansing duo based on your hair type and needs, and their insights on what to look for when shopping for these types of shampoos and conditioners. Meet Our Experts Dr. Michael I. Jacobs is a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Michelle Schindler is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist with over 10 years of experience in the industry. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.