Best shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair

Today, we're diving into the world of hair care to explore the best shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair! Because, let's face it, we all deserve to have healthy, strong, and luscious locks, regardless of our hair's past trials and tribulations. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the ultimate hair care products that'll transform your tresses from drab to fab! 💇‍♀️🌟

In this marvelous article, I'll reveal our top picks for the best shampoo and conditioner to treat damaged hair, as well as share some amazing additional hair care products that'll help you on your journey to hair heaven. We'll also discuss the causes of damaged hair, how to determine if you have it, and how to repair it. Plus, we'll cover what to look for in hair care products and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about damaged hair. So, buckle up, my dears, and prepare for a fantastic hair care adventure! 🚀💕

Best Shampoo for Damaged Hair (Our Top Picks)

🏆💯 Best Overall

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is the Beyoncé of shampoos for damaged hair. It's a sulfate-free shampoo that repairs broken bonds and strengthens hair fibers. The secret ingredient? The patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Chemistry, which promotes hair growth and adds shine. This baby is perfect for all hair types, including color treated hair. So, why is it the best overall? Just like Queen B, it brings the power and performance to make your hair slay!

🎁 Bonus: Free of DEA, Aldehydes & Formaldehyde

🌿 Key ingredients:

• Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate 💪: Repairs disulfide bonds, strengthens hair.

• Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate & Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine 🛁: Mild surfactants that gently cleanse without stripping hair's natural oils.

• Glycerin & Glycereth-26 💧: Attract and lock in moisture, providing hydration.

• Panthenol (Provitamin B5) 🌟: Moisturizes, softens, and adds shine to hair.

• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol 🌱: Improves hair strength and resilience.

• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil & Tocopherol (Vitamin E) 🌻🌿: Nourish and protect hair, promoting healthier hair growth.

💇 Hair type

Suitable for all hair types, including fine, thick, straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair. It is also ideal for color-treated and chemically treated hair, as it helps to repair damage and maintain the integrity of the hair bonds.

🧴📏 Size:

Available in - 30 ml / 1 oz. | 250 ml / 8.6 oz | 1000 ml / 33.8 oz

 💰💵 Best Budget

Saving money never looked so fabulous! The JOICO K-PAK Reconstructing Shampoo is perfect for those on a budget but still want the best for their hair. It's packed with hair-healthy ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and jojoba oil, making it a moisturizing shampoo that your dry and damaged hair will love. And guess what? It strengthens hair strands while being gentle on your wallet. Talk about a win-win! 💰💖

🎁 Bonus: Alcohol Free

🌿 Key ingredients

• Hydrolyzed Keratin - 🦁 Repairs and strengthens hair
• Arginine HCl - 💪 Boosts hair growth and improves thickness
• Rosa Canina Fruit Oil - 🌹 Conditions and adds shine to hair
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice - 🌿 Soothes and moisturizes hair
• Sodium Hyaluronate - 💧 Helps retain moisture and improves elasticity

💇 Hair type:

Suitable for fine hair, as well as coarse, thick strands and color treated hair

🧴📏 Size:

Comes in - 300 ml / 10.1 oz | 1000 ml / 33.8 oz

💰🌟 Best Value

When it comes to value, the L'Oreal Absolut Repair Shampoo takes the cake (or should I say, takes the shampoo bottle?). This magical potion comes in a whopping 1500ml size, which means more shampoo for damaged hair at a great price. Enriched with gold quinoa and protein, it reduces hair breakage, restores hair's health, and leaves your locks feeling soft and smooth. It's perfect for normal to thick hair types, so give it a whirl, sweetheart! 🏆✨

🎁 Bonus: Alcohol free

🌿 Key ingredients

• Dimethicone - 💆‍♀️ Smooths and detangles hair
• Salicylic Acid - 🧼 Exfoliates scalp and removes buildup
• Glycol Distearate - 🌟 Adds shine and luster to hair
• Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract - 🌾 Strengthens and nourishes hair
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein - 🌾 Repairs and strengthens hair

💇 Hair type:

Suitable for dry and damaged hair types

🧴📏 Size:

Comes in - 1500 ml / 50.7 oz

🌟👥 Best According to Customers

The people have spoken, and they've crowned KEVIN MURPHY HYDRATE-ME.WASH Shampoo as the customer favorite. This sulfate-free shampoo uses a mix of natural oils like avocado oil and olive oil to repair hair and lock in moisture. It's great for color-treated hair and has a lovely scent that will make you feel like you're at a spa. So, if you want to treat your hair like royalty, give this hydrating shampoo a try! 👑🚿

🎁 Bonus: Contains Evening Primrose Oil and Bergamot Fruit Extract

🌿 Key ingredients

• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate - 🧼 Gentle surfactant that helps to cleanse the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
• Glycerin - 🌊 Moisturizing ingredient that attracts water to the hair to keep it hydrated.
• Shea Butter - 🌿 Nutrient-rich ingredient that helps to nourish and strengthen the hair.
• Hydrolyzed Milk Protein - 🥛 Protein that helps to strengthen and repair damaged hair.
• Jojoba Esters - 🌰 Lightweight oil that helps to condition and add shine to the hair.y

💇 Hair type:

Suitable for Naturally dry, or exposed to harsh, dry climates hair

🧴📏 Size:

Comes in - 40 ml / 1.4 oz | 250 ml / 8.4 oz | 1000 ml / 33.8 oz

🌱🧑‍🔬 Best for Sensitive Scalp

A sensitive scalp needs extra love, and the Botanical Bloom Shampoo Sakura & Cassis has got your back (or should I say, your head?). This shampoo for damaged hair is gentle on your scalp while still delivering the goods. Infused with sakura extract and cassis oil, it helps repair hair and maintain your hair's natural oils. Plus, it's free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. Now, that's what I call a soothing shampoo! 💖🌸

🎁 Bonus: Free from: Silicones and Synthetic Pigments

🌿 Key ingredients

• Sakura Extract 🌸: Moisturizes, strengthens, and adds shine.
• Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract 🌺: Soothes scalp and promotes growth.
• Morus Alba Root Extract 🍇: Protects from damage and stimulates growth.
• Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract 🌿: Nourishes, prevents hair loss, and conditions.
• Betula Alba Juice 🌳: Hydrates scalp, reduces hair loss, and adds shine.

💇 Hair type:

Suitable for all hair types (including dry and damaged hair)

🧴📏 Size:

Comes in - 490 ml / 16.5 oz

Best Conditioner for Damaged Hair (Our Top Picks)

🏆💯 Best Overall

We'reback with the OLAPLEX No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner as the best overall conditioner for damaged hair! This superstar product is the perfect partner to the No.4 shampoo. It's a highly moisturizing conditioner that repairs broken bonds, strengthens the stressed hair shaft, and reduces frizz. It's suitable for all hair types, including fine hair and color-treated hair. So, for the best in hair care, this dynamic duo is where it's at! 💪🌟

🎁 Bonus: Alcohol free, Free of DEA, Aldehydes & Formaldehyde

🌿 Key ingredients

• Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate 🛡️💪 - Protects and strengthens hair bonds
• Panthenol 🌿💦 - Moisturizes and improves hair elasticity
• Avocado Oil 🥑🧴 - Nourishes and moisturizes hair
• Grape Seed Oil 🍇🧴 - Moisturizes and adds shine to hair
• Hydroxypropyl Guar 🌱💆‍♀️ - Conditions and detangles hair

💇 Hair type:

Suitable for all hair types

🧴📏 Size:

Comes in - 30 ml / 1 oz | 250 ml / 8.5 oz | 1000 ml / 33.8 oz

💰💵 Best Budget

Attention, budget-conscious beauties! The JOICO K-PAK Reconstructing Conditioner is here to save the day (and your wallet). This conditioner is enriched with shea butter, aloe vera, and jojoba oil, providing the perfect blend of nourishment and hydration for your hair strands. Plus, it helps repair damaged hair without breaking the bank. High-quality hair care on a budget? Yes, please! 💸🌈

🎁 Bonus: Alcohol free

🌿 Key ingredients

• Hydrolyzed Keratin - 🛡️ Strengthens hair and helps repair damage
• Coconut Oil - 🥥 Moisturizes and adds shine
• Sunflower Seed Oil - 🌻 Nourishes and protects hair
• Aloe Vera Leaf Juice - 🌿 Soothes and moisturizes scalp
• Sodium Hyaluronate - 💦 Hydrates and improves hair texture

💇 Hair type:

Suitable for all hair types

🧴📏 Size:

Comes in - 250 ml / 8.5 oz | 1000 ml / 33.8 oz

💰🌟 Best Value

When it comes to value, the L'OREAL PROFESSIONNEL Absolut Repair Conditioner is a total knockout! With its gold quinoa and protein formula, this conditioner strengthens, repairs, and protects your precious locks. It's perfect for normal to thick hair and, just like its shampoo counterpart, it offers a great amount of product for the price. So, say goodbye to hair damage and hello to fabulous hair at an amazing value! 🎉🙌

🎁 Bonus: Contains exfoliant: Tartaric Acid

🌿 Key ingredients

• Aqua/Water/Eau 💦 - Provides a liquid base
• Cetearyl Alcohol 🧴 - Emulsifies and conditions hair
• Dicetyldimonium Chloride 💆‍♀️ - Detangles and smooths hair
• Cetrimonium Chloride ✨ - Conditions and adds shine to hair
• Dimethicone 🌡️ - Provides a protective layer and helps with heat styling

💇 Hair type:

Suitable for damaged to very damaged hair

🧴📏 Size:

Comes in - 200 ml / 6.7 oz | 750 ml / 25.4 oz

🌟👥 Best According to Customers

Customers have spoken once again, and KEVIN MURPHY HYDRATE-ME.RINSE Conditioner is the crowd-pleaser! This ultra-hydrating conditioner is packed with natural oils like avocado oil, olive oil, and argan oil, making it perfect for restoring moisture to dry and damaged hair. It detangles, smooths, and leaves your hair feeling soft and silky. 🏅💦

🎁 Bonus: Alcohol free, High in Omega 6

🌿 Key ingredients

• Glycol Distearate: ✨ Adds shine and enhances the appearance of hair.
• Panthenol: 🌟 Provides moisture and improves hair elasticity.
• Shea Butter: 🧈 Nourishes and moisturizes hair, making it soft and smooth.
• Jojoba Esters: 💧 Conditions hair and adds shine without weighing it down.
• Hydrolyzed Milk Protein: 🥛 Strengthens and nourishes hair, promoting healthy growth.

💇 Hair type:

Suitable for normal to dry hair

🧴📏 Size:

Comes in - 40 ml / 1.4 oz | 250 ml / 8.4 oz | 1000 ml / 33.8 oz

🌱🧑‍🔬 Best for Sensitive Scalp

For those with a sensitive scalp, REDKEN Acidic Bonding Concentrate Conditioner is here to save the day! This gentle conditioner is formulated with citric acid to help repair and strengthen damaged hair while being kind to your scalp. It's free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, so your sensitive scalp can breathe a sigh of relief. Hello, healthy hair and happy scalp! 🌸💆‍♀️

🎁 Bonus: Citric Acid, an alpha hydroxy acid help reinforce weakened bonds in the hair

🌿 Key ingredients

• Cetearyl Alcohol: 🌿💧 - Acts as a lubricant and thickener
• Glycerin: 💧 - Helps to retain moisture and hydration
• Behentrimonium Chloride: 💆‍♀️ - Detangles and conditions hair
• Dilauryl Thiodipropionate: 🧪💪 - Functions as an antioxidant and stabilizer
• Dimethicone: 💆‍♀️💦 - Forms a protective barrier on hair to lock in moisture and reduce frizz

💇 Hair type:

Suitable for all hair types and textures

🧴📏 Size:

Comes in - 300ml / 10.1oz 

Other Products for Damaged Hair

OLAPLEX - No.6 Bond Smoother Leave-in Styling Crème

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce the fabulous OLAPLEX No.6 Bond Smoother Leave-in Styling Crème! This magic potion is here to help your damaged hair go from drab to fab! 💫✨

This highly concentrated leave-in smoothing cream is packed with patented Olaplex bond-building technology, which infuses concentrated nourishment to your damaged hair. It strengthens, moisturizes, and speeds up blow-dry times, making it excellent for all hair types, including colored and chemically treated hair. 🌈🕑

Say goodbye to frizz and flyaways, because this wonder cream eliminates them for up to 72 hours, leaving your hair super soft and manageable. Plus, it's pH-balanced (4.0-5.0), so it's gentle on your precious locks. 🌀🎀

This all-star product is free from nuts, parabens, phthalates, phosphates, sulfates, and gluten. Did I mention it's also 100% vegan? Talk about a hair care hero! 🌿🐰

OLAPLEX - No.7 Bonding Oil

Darlings, let me introduce you to another fabulous hair savior - Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil! This little bottle of magic is a highly-concentrated, weightless reparative styling oil that will turn your damaged hair into a silky, shiny masterpiece! 🌟✨

Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil dramatically increases shine, softness, and color vibrancy. It eliminates those pesky flyaways and frizz while providing UV & heat protection of up to 450°F/232°C. So you can easily chill in the oven 😂🌞🔥

This wonder oil detangles, softens, and speeds up blow-dry times, making it excellent for all hair types, especially for those who can't live without their heat tools. Its patented Olaplex bond-building technology infuses concentrated nourishment to your damaged locks. 🧖‍♀️💨

Pro tip: Add a few drops of Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil to No.6 Bond Smoother for an incredibly shiny and smooth finish. Your hair will thank you, and you'll be turning heads wherever you go! 💎💃

JOICO - Defy Damage Pro Series Intro Kit (for colored hair)

Introducing the Joico Defy Damage Pro Series Intro Kit! This two-step system protects and strengthens hair bonds during chemical treatments without compromising color and time. Step 1 features the Ultra-dry Bond Protector, which instantly shields hair, improves color deposit, and provides greater lift when lightening. The Joico Defy Damage Pro 1 Series Bond-Protecting Color Optimizer Spray is a spray-and-go Smart Release technology that reduces breakage by 80% and maintains 90% color vibrancy until your next salon visit. Step 2 involves the Intense Treatment, which hydrates and restores damaged hair for 5x stronger, healthy-looking hair with maintained color vibrancy.

The Joico Defy Damage Pro Series Intro Kit is a hair care miracle! The spray-and-go Smart Release Technology eliminates messy mixing and measuring, making hair care hassle-free. With a net weight of 57ml / 1.34oz for Step 1 and 50ml / 1.7oz for Step 2, this powerful potion is perfect for those who want to save their damaged hair and bring it back to life. 💇‍♀️💖🌟

Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo

Here is one honorable mention, which is not included in our shampoo chart, but it's too good to be outside this article. Let me introduce you to a shampoo that will transform your damaged hair into a silky, shiny masterpiece - Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo! 💜✨

This shampoo acts like a time machine that brings back your good hair days. Underneath all that damaged hair lies the healthy, gorgeous hair you had before, and Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo is here to reveal it! By removing dull residue, your hair becomes stronger, softer, and shinier with maximum growth potential. 💪🌟

Strength Cure features an exclusive Asta-Repair formula with Astaxanthin, a powerful nature-derived antioxidant. Plus, it's enriched with Keravis, Ceramide, and Arginine to help heal and repair damaged, micro-scarred hair. This wonderful shampoo replaces the Cysteine bonds to restore strength and add softness while its exclusive AntiFade Complex protects color vibrancy. 💖🎨

What are the Causes of Damaged Hair?

Damaged hair can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:

• Excessive heat styling (curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers)

• Chemical treatments (perms, relaxers, and coloring)

• Environmental factors (sun, wind, and pollution)

• Poor hair care habits (rough brushing, tight hairstyles, and skipping regular trims)

How to Determine if You Have Damaged Hair?

Make yourself a checklist and see if you have some of these:

• Split ends

• Dryness

• Breakage

• Dullness

• Frizz

• Rough texture

• Tangles easily

If you check 3 of those boxes, your hair is probably damaged.

How Can I Repair My Extremely Damaged Hair?

Here are some tips to bring your damaged hair back to life:

• Use a strengthening shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for damaged hair

• Incorporate hair mask and leave-in treatment into your routine

• Trim split ends regularly

• Limit heat styling and use heat protectant sprays when necessary

• Avoid harsh chemicals and opt for gentler hair care products

• Be gentle when brushing or combing your hair

What to Look For?

When shopping for the best shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair, keep an eye out for:

• Sulfate-free formulas

• Natural oils and moisturizing ingredients (e.g., argan oil, shea butter, aloe vera, coconut oil)

• Protein and amino acids to help strengthen hair

• Products specifically designed for your hair type (fine, oily, colored, etc.)

Final Verdict

Whether your hair is damaged from heat styling, coloring, or just life's little mishaps, there's a shampoo and conditioner out there for you! Our top picks, like the Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, can help repair and rejuvenate your locks. According to our evaluation, they are overall the best shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair. So, don't let damaged hair get you down – embrace the power of fabulous hair care products and give your hair the love it deserves! 💖✨

How We Evaluated the Products: Our Methodology

When selecting the best shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair, we took a comprehensive approach. We began by analyzing each product's ingredients using online resources like incidecoder.com, assessing their safety and potential effectiveness.

We also gathered firsthand experiences from our customers, considering factors like hair type, level of damage, and specific concerns they wanted to address. Additionally, we reviewed the manufacturer's recommendations for each shampoo and conditioner, seeking insights into usage and expected results. Lastly, we checked every product for its suitability for different hair types.

FAQ

What is so good about Olaplex?

Short answer: 💡👨‍🔬🔬 Their patented bond-building technology

Olaplex uses patented bond-building technology to repair and strengthen hair fibers, making it an effective solution for damaged hair.

What is the difference between “dry” and “damaged” hair?

Short answer: 🔥🔗💧 Damaged means weakened strands, and dry is just lack of moisture

Dry hair lacks moisture, while damaged hair has weakened strands and a rough texture caused by factors like heat styling, chemicals, and environmental damage.

Can shampoo fix damaged hair?

Short answer: 👎 Not by itslelf

Shampoo alone can't fix damaged hair, but using a shampoo specifically designed for damaged hair can help improve its overall health and appearance.

How do I know if I have damaged hair and what causes it?

Short answer: 🔍✂️🌀 Check for split ends, breakage, and rough texture

Damaged hair can be identified by signs like split ends, breakage, and rough texture. Causes include heat styling, chemical treatments, and poor hair care habits.

What ingredients should one avoid in shampoo and conditioners?

Short answer: 🚫🧪 Sulfates and synthetic fragrances

Avoid harsh chemicals, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances that can strip hair of its natural oils and worsen damage.

Are natural/organic shampoos and conditioners better for damaged hair?

Short answer: 👍 Yes

Natural and organic hair care products can be gentler on damaged hair, as they often contain nourishing ingredients and fewer harsh chemicals.

Can damaged hair be fully repaired, or is it permanent?

Short answer: 👍 It can be repaired

Damaged hair can be improved with proper care, but it's essential to maintain healthy hair habits to prevent further damage.

What ingredients should be in shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair?

Short answer: 🌿🛢️🧈 Natural oils, shea butter, and aloe vera, as well as proteins and amino acids

Look for moisturizing ingredients like natural oils, shea butter, and aloe vera, as well as proteins and amino acids to help strengthen hair.

How often should you shampoo damaged hair?

Short answer: 📅 2-3 times a week

Washing frequency depends on your hair type and lifestyle, but generally, aim for 2-3 times a week to maintain your hair's natural oils and prevent over-washing.

What is the purpose of shampoo and conditioner?

Short answer: 🧼🚿 Shampoo - Cleanses, 💆‍♀️🌟 Conditioner - Restores

Shampoo cleanses the hair and scalp, while conditioner restores moisture and softness to the hair, making it easier to manage.

Is Olaplex really worth the money?

Short answer: 👍 Yes

Many people find that Olaplex's bond-building technology delivers noticeable improvements to their hair's health and appearance, making it a worthwhile investment for those with damaged hair.