Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands, Allure editorsSave this storySave this story
Addressing and mending brittle strands requires lathering up with the best shampoos and conditioners for dry hair. After all, there are so many daily wear-and-tear factors that can leave your hair feeling drier than straw (cold weather, color treatments, and your heated hair tools are just a few of them), so give your strands some softening solace in the form of these in-shower duos.
The key to these moisturizing shampoos and conditioners is in their formulations, which gently cleanse hair of product buildup (yet another root cause of dry hair) while smoothing it with a blend of hydrators and conditioning agents you might be familiar with—do vitamin E and coconut oil ring a bell? They're not hard to find, either; even drugstore shampoos deliver. Below, we're talking all things dry hair, including hairstylist tips on minimizing dryness and editor-approved shampoos and conditioners to enhance texture and shine.
Our Top Shampoos and Conditioners for Dry Hair
- Best Overall: K18 Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo and Conditioner, $39 each
- Best Softening: R+Co Bleu Essential Shampoo and Conditioner, $49 each
- Best for Split Ends: Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner, $60
- Best for Frizz: Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo ($37) and Conditioner ($42)
- Best for Breakage: Nécessaire The Shampoo and The Conditioner, $30 each
- Best for Flaky Scalps: CosRx Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Shampoo and Hair Bonding Treatment, $23 each
- Best for Curly Hair: Curlsmith Frizz Control Cleanser ($26) and Conditioner ($27)
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What causes dry hair?
- How can I minimize dry hair?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: K18 Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo and Conditioner
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K18
Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo and Conditioner
Amazon (Shampoo)
Amazon (Conditioner)
Why it's worth it: Allure editors and pro hairstylists alike are fans of K18’s Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo and Conditioner, which won a 2024 Best of Beauty Award. Los Angeles-based hairstylist Clayton Hawkins and New York City-based hair colorist Kimberly Ruszczyk call out the brand’s proprietary peptide, K18, which works at a molecular level to support bond maintenance and reduce protein loss, while leaving strands with a softer texture and more vibrant shine. “It strengthens and repairs dry, damaged hair from the inside out, leaving it healthier, smoother, and more manageable without weighing it down,” says Hawkins.
Allure social media director Kassidy Silva before using the K18 Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo and Conditioner
Kassidy Silva
Silva after using the K18 Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo and Conditioner
Kassidy Silva
Tester feedback from social media director Kassidy Silva
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“I use half a dozen hair products on a weekly basis; dry shampoo, hairspray, gel, you name it. To give my hair a reset, I use the K18 shampoo and conditioner once a week and like to keep the shampoo on for at least five minutes to really cleanse my scalp before moving on to the conditioner.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: K18 (peptide), plant-derived surfactants (sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate)
- Key conditioner ingredients: K18, ceramides, polysaccharide
- Scent: citrus
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Fine Hair: R+Co Bleu Essential Shampoo + Conditioner
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R+Co
Bleu Essential Shampoo + Conditioner
Amazon (Shampoo)
Amazon (Conditioner)
Why it’s worth it: Body, bounce, and softness are exactly what you get with R+Co’s Essential Shampoo and Conditioner. The duo gently cleanses and nourishes with coconut and olive oils, while sea buckthorn oil helps prevent breakage, and saffron works to block humidity and tame frizz. Cucumber water seals in hydration for hair that feels soft and healthy, but never looks flat. It’s a universally flattering pair that works across hair types and textures—and leaves strands looking glossy, full, and straight out of a hair commercial.
Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen before using the R+Co Bleu Essential Shampoo + Conditioner Set
Nicola Dall'Asen
Dall’Asen after using the R+Co Bleu Essential Shampoo + Conditioner Set
Nicola Dall'Asen
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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“I have what might be one of the most frustrating genetic hair combinations to exist: naturally dry and finer than your celebrity crush. It makes looking for shampoos and conditioners challenging—I need formulas that provide a hefty dose of moisture but with a feather-light touch, lest my hair be instantly weighed down or my roots become perpetually greasy. When my hairstylist started using R+Co Bleu's Essential shampoo and conditioner during my appointments a year or so ago, I realized I'd found my solution. After using these in tandem with a couple of other lightweight styling products, my hair has far fewer flyaways and no tangles. And with a blow-dryer, I'm able to achieve what is probably the most voluminous hair of my life. Part of the key is to always shampoo twice, making sure to work the suds directly onto the scalp (parting the hair into sections makes this easier). When I condition, I use a wide-tooth comb to (very gently!) distribute the product evenly.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: coconut oil, sea buckthorn oil, saffron, cucumber water
- Key conditioner ingredients: olive oil, sea buckthorn oil, saffron, cucumber water
- Scent: bergamot, coconut water, limoncello
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Split Ends: Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
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Moroccanoil
Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
Amazon (Duo)
Dermstore (Duo)
Why it's worth it: Welcome to argan oil 101: "Argan oil is unique in its composition, offering high amounts of oleic and linoleic acids, which makes it extremely rich and moisturizing," says cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline. Got it? Good, because now you know why Moroccanoil's Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner—which bills argan oil as a top ingredient—is a dryness-diminishing dream. Toss in a dash of scalp-soothing algae and emollient vitamin E, and you've got yourself the ultimate shower duo for softer, shinier hair.
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee before using the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after using the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“So, I only cut my hair twice a year—zero trims in between—so things can get unruly. After a few months, my ends are basically crunchy from being dry. Because of that, I really depend on my in-shower routine to set my hair up for success, and this duo made everything feel instantly softer and silkier. I’m extremely particular about conditioner, and this one has a great slip and a medium-thick texture that coats my hair without immediately slipping off. Scent-wise, I usually lean floral with my hair products, but this woodier vibe was a nice departure. It comes on strong at first, but doesn’t linger.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: argan oil, algae, vitamin A, vitamin E
- Key conditioner ingredients: argan oil, algae, vitamin A
- Scent: spicy amber, sweet florals, musk
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Frizz: Davines Love Shampoo and Conditioner
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Davines
Love Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner
Amazon (Shampoo)
Amazon (Conditioner)
Why it's worth it: Davines’ Love Shampoo and Conditioner might feel a little heavy for fine strands, but thicker hair textures will revel in its creamy, ultra-conditioning formula. It delivers all the cleansing power you expect from a shampoo while going a step further with rich hydration that keeps frizz at bay. The key ingredient? Minuta olive extract, packed with fatty acids and vitamins, boosts shine, elasticity, and leaves behind a soft, touchable feel.
Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner before using the Davines Love Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Lily Wohlner
Wohlner after using the Davines Love Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Lily Wohlner
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
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“I have thick, frizzy hair, so finding a shampoo and conditioner combo that actually tames it hasn’t been easy. What first drew me to Davines was the scent—this one smells like fresh, clean laundry in the best way—but what’s kept me a loyal fan is the way it leaves my hair silky and smooth after every wash. Especially when I blow it out, my hair looks glossy, soft, and effortlessly polished.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: minuta olive extract, glycerin
- Key conditioner ingredients: minuta olive extract, glycerin
- Scent: orange blossom, pink grapefruit, florals, musk
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Scalp Irritation: Nécessaire The Shampoo and The Conditioner
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Necessaire
The Shampoo and The Conditioner
Amazon (Shampoo)
Amazon (Conditioner)
Why it's worth it: If you’re dealing with a sensitive scalp, you’re in luck: Nécessaire’s Best of Beauty-winning The Shampoo and Conditioner are approved by the National Eczema Association and keep things refreshingly simple with a minimalist, fragrance-free, and sulfate-free formula. Both are packed with skin-care staples like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate, calm, and strengthen the scalp while reducing breakage—all without weighing hair down.
The Shampoo also features ApiScalp, a celery seed-derived ingredient that helps address dandruff, itchiness, dryness, and oiliness by keeping the scalp balanced and moisturized. The result is a gentle cleanse, followed by a conditioner that smooths and softens dry ends with a silky (never greasy) finish.
Allure contributing editor Deanna Pai after using the Nécessaire The Shampoo and The Conditioner
Deanna Pai
Pai after using the Nécessaire The Shampoo and The Conditioner
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“This shampoo and conditioner hit it out of the park for both my scalp and my hair. For one, they're among the few formulas that don't dry out my scalp and cause flakes. The same goes for my hair: Together, they leave it soft, shiny, and clean, but never straw-like—which is especially noteworthy since I'm a daily hair-washer.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: hyaluronic acid, aloe, niacinamide, celery extract, avocado oil
- Key conditioner ingredients: hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, avocado oil, aloe, niacinamide, ceramides
- Scent: fragrance-free
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Flaky Scalps: CosRx Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Shampoo and Hair Bonding Treatment
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Cosrx
Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Shampoo and Hair Bonding Treatment
Amazon (Shampoo)
Amazon (Treatment)
Why it's worth it: Whether you’ve been dealing with flakes forever or just pushed wash day one too many times (we’ve all been there), CosRx’s Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Shampoo and Hair Bonding Treatment (this acts like a conditioner and hair treatment in one) are the ultimate reset for your scalp and strands. Packed with strengthening peptides, this power duo repairs damage, melts away buildup, and leaves hair feeling silky and weightless. The pH-balanced formulas also soothe and hydrate your scalp with a calming blend of niacinamide and panthenol, so itchiness and irritation are officially canceled. The result? Clean, soft, ridiculously refreshed hair that feels brand new, sans any itchiness or irritation.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han before using the CosRx Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Shampoo and Conditioner
Sarah Han
Han after using the CosRx Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Shampoo and Conditioner
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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"I gave my initial samples to our shopping director, Shanna Shipin (simply because I have too much hair care to go through!), and she ended up loving them—so, of course, I had to give them a real shot. The Peptide 132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Shampoo deep-cleansed my scalp without being as harsh as other “typical” clarifying shampoos, and left it feeling really gosh-darn soothed, rather than stripped. It was the ultimate test, as my scalp gets greasy pretty quickly and I hadn't washed my hair in over a week, so I think the zinc PCA did a great job minimizing sebum and irritation." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: peptides, zinc PCA, caffeine, niacinamide, panthenol
- Key conditioner ingredients: peptides, collagen, amino acids, biotin, niacinamide
- Scent: light, clean, floral
- Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Curly Hair: Curlsmith Frizz Control Cleanser and Duo Conditioner
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Curlsmith
Frizz Control Cleanser and Duo Conditioner
Amazon (Shampoo)
Amazon (Conditioner)
Why it's worth it: Curly hair needs extra moisture, since its shape makes it harder for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft—leaving mid-lengths and ends prone to dryness. Add in higher porosity (meaning curls soak up moisture fast but lose it just as quickly) and you’ve got a recipe for frizz. Enter Curlsmith’s Frizz Control Cleanser and Duo Conditioner, an Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning pair. They’re designed to hydrate, define, and help curls actually hold onto moisture from root to tip with coconut butter, sunflower seed oil, and argan oil. Pro tip: If your hair can handle it (aka it doesn't get greasy easily), use the conditioner as a leave-in for extra smoothness.
Allure social media manager Bianca Richards before using the Curlsmith Frizz Control Cleanser and Duo Conditioner
Bianca Richards
Richards after using the Curlsmith Frizz Control Cleanser and Duo Conditioner
Bianca Richards
Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards
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"I thoroughly enjoy how this dynamic curl duo helped whip my curls into shape and tame them without adding additional product after washing out a blowout. The scent is super tropical with notes of milky mango, creamy coconut, and sweet papaya, which all remind me of visits to Puerto Rico." —Bianca Richards, social media manager
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: coconut butter, sunflower seed oil, argan oil, cocamidopropyl betaine
- Key conditioner ingredients: coconut butter, sunflower seed oil, argan oil
- Scent: mango, coconut, papaya
Best for Heat Damage: Beekman 1802 Milk Therapy Peptide Shampoo and Conditioner Set
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Beekman 1802
Milk Therapy Peptide Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Beekman 1802 (Duo)
Why it's worth it: If you’ve gone a little too hard with your heat tools, don’t panic—Beekman 1802’s The Milk Therapy Peptide Shampoo and Conditioner Set has you covered. Like the rest of the brand’s lineup, this duo harnesses the power of goat milk—packed with lactic acid, minerals, and vitamins—to gently exfoliate, hydrate parched strands, and smooth away frizz. Rosemary extract helps calm irritation, while peptides and hydrolyzed collagen work overtime to strengthen, repair, and boost shine. After just one wash, frazzled hair feels soft, bouncy, and full of life.
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin before using the Beekman 1802 Milk Therapy Peptide Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after using the Beekman 1802 Milk Therapy Peptide Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“I have super-thick, frizzy hair that can be tough to tame (and I'm not doing my split ends any favors with my regular at-home blowouts). This shampoo and conditioner is like a total reset—every time I use it, my hair looks noticeably shinier and feels so much softer. The shampoo lathers up satisfyingly and leaves my hair and scalp feeling squeaky clean. And the conditioner is highly moisturizing—I notice a difference the minute I wash it out, and the results are even clearer after I dry and style my hair. Plus, both smell amazing (fresh but also floral, thanks to bergamot and bamboo). I'll definitely be repurchasing these!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: Brazilian flex peptide bond, rosemary extract, goat milk, collagen
- Key conditioner ingredients: Brazilian flex peptide bond, rosemary extract, goat milk, collagen
- Scent: honeydew, mandarin
Best Sulfate-Free: Squigs Gooseberry Delight Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
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Squigs
Gooseberry Delight Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
Amazon (Duo)
Why it's worth it: A 2025 Best of Beauty Award-winning duo, the Squigs Gooseberry Delight Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner deliver serious moisture à la the brand’s ShineShield Complex, which features a blend of vitamin C-rich amla and moringa oils as well as strengthening red algae extract. The shampoo uses gentle, coconut-derived surfactants to cleanse (no sulfates here), so hair feels clean, not stripped. Next, the conditioner offers lightweight hydration from the aforementioned complex, smoothing each strand without weighing it down or leaving a greasy residue. The payoff? Hair that stays silky, detangled, and glossy for days—think full, bouncy, blowout-level shine, no salon visit required.
Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor before using the Squigs Gooseberry Delight Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Jesa Marie Calaor
Calaor after using the Squigs Gooseberry Delight Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Jesa Marie Calaor
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“Between frequent heat-styling and the harsh temperatures of a New York City winter, my hair has been feeling crispy and fragile at the ends. A squeeze of each of these bottles helps restore softness and bounce. The shampoo is emollient, creating a rich lather as I work it from my scalp to my ends. The conditioner is thick yet easy to distribute through my extra-long strands. And I love the scent, which is subtly citrusy and bright.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: amla extract, aloe extract, moringa oil, red algae extract, neem oil, tulsi extract
- Key conditioner ingredients: amla extract, aloe extract, moringa oil, red algae extract, neem oil, tulsi extract, kokum butter
- Scent: fresh, natural
More shampoos and conditioners for dry hair we love:
Best for Deep Moisture: Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
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amika
Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
Amazon (Shampoo)
Amazon (Conditioner)
Why it’s worth it: Sometimes products that promise deep moisture can leave your hair feeling heavy or flat, but Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner strike the right balance. “They’re packed full of plant-based oils, blue algae, hyaluronic acid, and coconut water to hydrate, protect, and lock moisture in,” says Cody Renegar, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist. The shampoo gently cleanses without stripping, while the conditioner deeply nourishes and detangles, leaving dry, coarse hair soft, smooth, and manageable for up to several days before your next wash. However, “if your hair is on the thinner or finer side, the rich, hydrating ingredients in this pair might feel a bit heavy,” says Renegar. “That’s something to keep in mind with any ultra-moisturizing formula.”
If you’re looking for a more intensive treatment, opt for the Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Mask, a deep conditioner that offers an even deeper boost of hydration in as little as five minutes. Ohio- and New York City-based hairstylist Mia Santiago swears by it for even the most desperate 'dos. "This one is great for heat-damaged or overly processed hair," she previously told Allure.
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: squalane, hyaluronic acid, coconut water
- Key conditioner ingredients: squalane, hyaluronic acid, coconut water
- Scent: sea buckthorn and coconut
Best Gentle: Bumble & Bumble Gentle Shampoo and Super Rich Conditioner
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Bumble and Bumble
Gentle Shampoo and Super Rich Conditioner
Amazon (Duo)
Why it’s worth it: When it comes to dry hair, New York City-based hairstylist Marcos Diaz always “gravitates towards shampoo and conditioner duos that cleanse gently while delivering real hydration and softness without weighing the hair down.” If you like to wash your hair a lot (we get it, it feels good!), his top pick for frequent use that won’t strip the hair is Bumble & Bumble’s Gentle Shampoo paired with its Super Rich Conditioner. “This duo is ideal for hair that feels dry from frequent styling and environmental stressors,” he says. Thanks to avocado oil and glycerin in both formulas, it cleanses without removing essential moisture, while the conditioner adds slip, and shine for soft, manageable hair that’s full of movement.
More to know
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- Key shampoo ingredients: avocado oil, glycerin
- Key conditioner ingredients: avocado oil, glycerin
- Scent: bergamot, musk, sandalwood
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dry hair?
Dry hair is caused by a lack of moisture, which can be attributed to a long laundry list of factors, says Hawkins. Our delicate strands are exposed to a lot, including harsh chemical treatments and environmental stressors like cold weather and dry heat inside your home or office, according to Ruszczyk. "Frequent washing or using products that strip moisture can deplete the scalp's natural oils," adds Lordet. According to all three experts, your hairstyling tools can also cause dryness. "Heat-styling tools, like flatirons and blow-dryers, can damage the hair cuticle, leading to moisture loss," says Hawkins.
How can I minimize dry hair?
Both Lordet and Hawkins agree that incorporating hair treatments and products with moisture-replenishing ingredients is key to enhancing the look and feel of your hair. "Look for ingredients that hydrate and restore moisture balance like argan oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, glycerin, panthenol, and honey to help restore moisture, reduce frizz, and keep hair looking healthy and shiny," says Lordet. Hawkins is also a fan of shea butter, which he calls "incredibly moisturizing and helps to smooth frizzy, brittle hair."
Meet the experts
- Clayton Hawkins, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist
- Cody Renegar, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist
- Kimberly Ruszczyk, a New York City-based colorist
- Marcos Diaz, a New York City-based hairstylist
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn't want to pick up a purple shampoo that's only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that's never been tested by anyone with curls—right?
For our review of the best shampoos and conditioners for dry hair, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, hairstylists, and colorists. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
