Collection: Shampoo for Dry Hair

Dry shampoos can add volume and texture to limp or flat hair, making them a great option for those looking to refresh their style between washes. When choosing a product, consider your hair type, whether it's fine, thick, curly, colour-treated, or normal, as a baseline for comparison.

Fine or thin dry hair: Look for lightweight hydrating formulas that won't weigh your hair down. Dry shampoo can help lift flat hair and add more volume at the roots, giving fine or thin hair a fuller appearance. Some formulas are specifically designed to provide more volume without weighing hair down, so opt for those if you want a boost. Avoid heavy butters and oils, and opt for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera that add moisture without flatness.

Thick or coarse dry hair: Your hair can handle richer formulations. Shea butter, argan oil, and coconut oil work well for deep nourishment. Focus on products that smooth the cuticle and tame frizz.

Curly or textured dry hair: Curly hair is naturally more prone to dryness because sebum has a harder time travelling down the hair shaft. Choose cream-based or oil-infused shampoos that define curls while delivering intense moisture.

Colour-treated dry hair: Colour processing weakens the hair structure and strips moisture. Choose a sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo with protein-rich ingredients like keratin and ceramides to rebuild strength while hydrating. Note: If you have dark hair, consider a tinted version of dry shampoo to avoid white residue and ensure a seamless blend.

Frizz and flyaways: Frizz happens when dry hair absorbs moisture from humid air, causing the cuticle to swell unevenly. Look for smoothing shampoos with natural oils and ceramides that seal the cuticle flat.

Breakage and split ends: Weakened, brittle hair needs protein support alongside moisture. Choose formulas with plant-based proteins, biotin, and strengthening botanicals that rebuild the hair from within. Lifeless hair can also benefit from revitalising shampoos that restore body and shine.

Dry, itchy scalp: If your scalp flakes or feels tight, you need a gentle cleanser that soothes irritation. Itchiness can be a symptom of scalp sensitivity, so look for tea tree, chamomile, or aloe vera, and avoid anything with alcohol or artificial fragrance to prevent further irritation.

Dullness and lack of shine: When hair lacks lustre, it usually means the cuticle layer is rough and not reflecting light. Smoothing ingredients like jojoba oil and argan oil restore shine by conditioning the outer layer of each strand. Revitalising shampoos can transform lifeless hair, adding vibrancy and a healthy appearance.

Oil control and greasy roots: If you struggle with greasy roots, choose a dry shampoo that absorbs excess oil and helps manage sebum production. These formulas keep your scalp feeling fresh and clean between washes.

Sulphate-free: Ideal if your hair is easily stripped or colour-treated. Sulphate-free shampoos use gentler surfactants like coco-glucoside that clean effectively without removing natural oils.

Natural and organic: If you prefer plant-derived formulas, look for shampoos built around botanical extracts, cold-pressed oils, and naturally sourced proteins. Avoid synthetic fragrances and petrochemicals.

Vegan and cruelty-free: Choose brands that use no animal-derived ingredients and are certified cruelty-free. Plant-based alternatives like soy protein and shea butter perform just as well as their animal-derived counterparts.

Silicone-free: Silicones coat the hair to create a smooth feel, but they can build up over time and block real moisture from penetrating. Silicone-free formulas let your hair absorb hydration naturally.

Powder formulas: For those who prefer a lightweight, residue-free application, powder dry shampoos are a convenient option. They absorb oil, add volume, and blend easily into different hair colours without leaving a white cast.

Tip: For best results, apply dry shampoo at the roots, gently massage or brush it in, and wait a few minutes to allow the product to absorb oil before styling. This helps avoid visible residue and maximises volume.

Note: Always check the product instructions for any specific application guidelines or exceptions.

Other ways to refresh or care for dry hair include using leave-in conditioners, hair oils, or scalp treatments. These alternatives can help maintain moisture, add shine, and keep your hair looking healthy between washes.

Start with a sulphate-free shampoo for dry hair and lukewarm water. Hot water opens the cuticle and lets moisture escape, so keep the temperature comfortable but not hot. Focus the shampoo on your scalp and roots where oil and buildup accumulate, and let the lather rinse through your lengths. Resist the urge to wash daily as over-cleansing is one of the most common causes of persistent dryness.

Never skip conditioner. Apply a moisturising conditioner from mid-lengths to ends (your driest areas) and leave it on for 2 to 3 minutes. This gives the hydrating ingredients time to penetrate the hair shaft and seal the cuticle. For an extra boost, gently comb the conditioner through with a wide-tooth comb to ensure even distribution.

A weekly hair mask delivers concentrated moisture that daily products cannot match. Apply a deep conditioning mask to clean, damp hair, wrap in a warm towel, and leave for 10 to 20 minutes. Ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and keratin work to repair damage and restore elasticity. This single step can transform dry, brittle hair within a few weeks.

On days you skip washing, use a dry shampoo to instantly refresh your hair and absorb excess oil at the roots. Spraying dry shampoo at the roots is ideal for quick touch ups throughout the day, especially when you're on the go. For best results, wait a few minutes after spraying to let the product absorb oil and add volume to flat hair.

Dry shampoo is perfect for targeting greasy roots and boosting volume without weighing your hair down. Powder formulas are a great lightweight option, and tinted versions are available for dark hair to avoid white residue. Carry a travel-size dry shampoo in your bag for convenience.

Tip: Blend dry shampoo thoroughly with your fingers or a brush to avoid visible residue. Overuse can sometimes cause itchiness, so opt for gentle formulas if you have a sensitive scalp.

After towel-drying, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or hair serum to lock in moisture throughout the day. Focus on your ends and any areas prone to frizz. A good serum also adds shine and protects against environmental stressors like UV rays and humidity. Avoid applying too close to the roots to prevent a greasy look.

If you use a blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron, always apply a heat protectant first. Heat tools can reach temperatures above 200°C, which is more than enough to damage already-dry hair. A good heat protectant creates a barrier that reduces moisture loss during styling. When possible, let your hair air-dry or use the lowest heat setting your tool offers.

Dry hair can result from environmental factors like intense sun exposure, hard water, and low humidity, as well as chemical treatments, heat styling, and over-washing. A quality shampoo for dry hair works by gently cleansing without stripping essential moisture, while delivering hydrating ingredients like botanical oils, shea butter, and plant-based proteins directly to the hair shaft.

The key is choosing a formula that maintains your scalp's natural oil balance rather than disrupting it. Harsh cleansers remove too much sebum, forcing your scalp to overcompensate, creating a cycle of dryness and oiliness. A well-formulated hydrating shampoo breaks this cycle.

Note: If you want to maintain clean hair between washes, dry shampoo can be a helpful option. It absorbs excess oil and refreshes your hair without water, helping you avoid over-washing and keeping your hair looking clean and fresh.

The best shampoos for dry hair contain ingredients that both hydrate and strengthen. Look for:

• Natural oils like argan, jojoba, and coconut oil penetrate the hair shaft to deliver deep moisture
• Shea butter seals in hydration and smooths the cuticle to reduce frizz
• Plant-based proteins strengthen weakened strands and reduce breakage
• Botanical extracts like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea soothe the scalp and add shine
• Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture within the hair

Equally important is what to avoid: harsh sulphates (SLS/SLES), parabens, and silicones that can build up on hair and block genuine moisture absorption.

If you have dry hair, washing 2 to 3 times per week is generally ideal. Over-washing strips your scalp of the natural oils that keep hair moisturised, while under-washing can lead to product buildup that prevents moisture from penetrating.

When you do wash, use lukewarm (not hot) water. Hot water opens the hair cuticle and allows moisture to escape. Always follow your shampoo with a nourishing conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends where dryness is most severe. For extremely dry or damaged hair, consider adding a weekly deep conditioning mask to your routine.

Absolutely. Sulphate-free shampoos are generally much better for dry hair. Traditional sulphates like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) are harsh detergents originally used in industrial cleaning. While they create a satisfying lather, they strip your hair and scalp of natural oils far more aggressively than necessary.

Sulphate-free alternatives use gentler cleansing agents (like coco-glucoside or decyl glucoside) that effectively remove dirt, excess oil, and product buildup without compromising your hair's moisture barrier. The transition to sulphate-free may take a week or two as your scalp adjusts, but most people notice softer, more manageable hair within the first month.

While a quality hydrating shampoo is the foundation of any dry hair routine, severely dry or damaged hair usually benefits from a complete haircare system. Think of shampoo as step one. It cleanses gently and begins the hydration process, but conditioner and treatments lock that moisture in.

For the best results, pair your shampoo with a moisturising conditioner and a weekly deep conditioning mask or hair treatment. A complete routine addresses dryness at every stage: cleansing without stripping, conditioning to seal the cuticle, and treating to repair damage from within.

Yes. Australia has some of the hardest water in the world, particularly in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and many regional areas. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium that deposit onto your hair and scalp over time. These mineral deposits create a film that blocks moisture from penetrating, leaving hair feeling rough, straw-like, and difficult to manage.

A clarifying or chelating shampoo can help remove mineral buildup, and following up with a moisturising shampoo for dry hair restores the hydration your hair has been missing. If you live in a hard water area, consider washing with filtered water or using a shower filter as an added measure.

These are two separate conditions that often get confused. Dry hair is a lack of moisture and oil in the hair shaft itself. It makes your hair look dull, feel rough, and become prone to breakage and split ends. It is typically caused by environmental damage, over-washing, or chemical processing.

Dry scalp is a skin condition where your scalp doesn't produce enough sebum. It causes flaking, itching, and tightness. Unlike dandruff (which involves excess oil and yeast overgrowth), dry scalp flakes are small and white.

You can have one without the other, or both at the same time. The treatment is different for each: dry hair needs moisturising ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner, while dry scalp benefits from gentle, soothing formulas with ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree, and niacinamide.

For severely dry or damaged hair, look for a shampoo that combines deep moisturising oils (argan, coconut, jojoba) with protein repair (keratin, wheat protein, silk amino acids). The oils deliver immediate hydration while the proteins help rebuild the hair's internal structure over time.

Avoid any shampoo with sulphates, as these will undo any moisture gains. A cream-based formula tends to work better than a clear, gel-based one for very dry hair. Pair your shampoo with a rich conditioner and use a deep conditioning mask at least once a week for the best results. Most people see a noticeable improvement in texture and manageability within 2 to 4 weeks of switching to a proper hydrating routine.