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Hair serums are great, conditioners are a must, and an occasional hair mask can really get your strands glossy. But all healthy hair roads lead to one fundamental product that deserves more attention than it gets: your shampoo. There are so many shampoos, for so many hair types and hair issues, that you can’t be blamed for closing your eyes and just picking one. You may even think there’s little difference among all of the bottles on shelves. But nothing could be further from the truth.
A quality shampoo can remove oils and product buildup from your scalp while helping to retain moisture to both your scalp and strands. It can also strengthen your hair and promote healthier hair follicles that encourage hair growth. If you’re focusing all of your hair attention to softening conditioners, you’re missing this crucial first healthy-hair step. And if your goal is to strengthen strands that have been weakened by age or damage caused by salon processes, over-styling, and too much heat, you’re in luck: these four super-strengthening shampoos come in a variety of price points and are recommended by reviewers who say they made a huge difference in their hair.
Not Your Mother’s Naturals Rice Water & Himalayan Moringa Superior Strength Shampoo
This budget shampoo retails for just $9 at UIta but contains so many strengthening natural ingredients like protein-rich rice water and moringa seed extract. It’s safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair, and is free of the things you don’t want, like sulfates, silicones, and parabens.
One reviewer wrote: “I've tried a few products by Not Your Mother's in the past and really like the brand. Lately I've been bleaching and dying my hair so it's going through a lot of harsh chemicals. I want to go easier on my hair and this shampoo is perfect for that because it uses rice water and Himalayan moringa to cleanse my hair instead of more harsh chemicals. My hair is looking really good since I began using it, it feels stronger and looks shinier.”
Kevin.Murphy Young.Again Wash
A newer pick from Kevin Murphy that costs $43, this anti-aging shampoo is designed for damaged, brittle hair and counts on amino acids and emollient lotus flower extract to soften and strengthen weakened hair. It’s ideal for dry, damaged hair and is free of parabens and sulfates.
According to one reviewer: “My hair has been so dry lately and since using Kevin Murphy it’s put moisture back in my hair and my curls are looking amazingly!”
JVN Undamage Strengthening Shampoo
We’re big fans of JVN Hair products, which tend to be so nourishing for the hair and are made with great, clean ingredients. This strengthening shampoo, which costs $21, addresses over-processed hair, split ends, brittle hair, and heat damage. It is made with Hemisqualane and jojoba esters that strengthen strands, and it’s free of sulfates and silicones.
This pick has so many fans, including this reviewer who wrote: “This is by far, the love-of-my-life shampoo. I got the conditioner as well, and they have truly nourished my hair back to life! I lighten my hair in order to dye it pink (of course) and this Undamage duo made my hair softer and prevents split ends. It has a gentle and beautiful smell too, which I appreciate so much as I am sensitive to a lot of fragrances. I honestly would buy a perfume of this scent, if you want to make that too JVN!”
Kérastase Resistance Strengthening Shampoo for Damaged Hair
A bit more of a luxury pick that reviewers say is worth every penny, this $38 strengthening shampoo contains a blend of amino acids, moisturizing ceramides, and Resurrection Plant Sap that smoothens and repairs damaged hair. Blended together, these ingredients are ideal for dry hair and designed for all hair types, whether yours is fine and straight or thick and curly.
This pick is a hit among many reviewers, including those who put it to work with one of the most difficult tasks of all: handling processed hair. One reviewer wrote: “I have been searching for the best shampoo and conditioner duo to help maintain my hair health, I have fine hair and I dye it blonde literally tried almost every brand and nothing has beat this. 10/10”
