At some point, most people have had to deal with damaged hair for one reason or another. I’ve had to act fast in several instances when excessive hair dryness led to split ends. Not only that: my hair was so brittle that a little brushing left a lot of hair strands on the brush. I was advised to look for the best shampoo for dry damaged hair with split ends in a bid to “revive” the tresses.
What causes damage and dryness in hair resulting in split ends?
The best place to start when trying to understand split ends is defining them.
Split ends occur when the ends of your hair strands become frayed.
This is usually common among people with long hair.
When the hair cuticle gets damaged, it exposes the inner part of the hair shaft – the cortex.
The result of split ends is very brittle hair that gets extremely tangled.
Any time you try to untangle it without addressing the root cause of the problem, it only makes things worse.
Soon the cuticle stops protecting your hair, exposing it to further damage and more abrasive split ends.
Split ends lead to stunted hair growth, which is not a good thing especially if you’re a length chaser.
The causes of split ends range from environmental issues to our hair practices.
Maybe you use too much heat and chemicals on your hair. Another cause can be poor nutrition.
Let’s look at some of these causes:
Hair dryness
Hair dryness goes hand-in-hand with split ends.
When you discover you have damaged tips, then check how dry your hair is.
Both dryness and split ends share causes that are important to note.
What is your hair moisturizing routine?
If you have low or high porosity hair, do you follow the LOC and LCO methods of moisturizing your hair?
Well-hydrated hair keeps brittleness at bay and prevents split ends from developing.
Chemical treatments
Chemical treatments such as relaxers, color, and bleach can damage and dry out the hair leading to brittleness and split ends.
For instance, the ammonia contained in hair color lifts the hair cuticle up to let the molecules of the dye in.
Lifting of the cuticle affects the structure of the hair strands, leading to damage.
The outer layer of the hair structure – the cuticle – bears the brunt of the damage and exposes the cortex.
This is how the split ends come about.
Heat damage
I’ve previously written about my heat damage ordeal after the improper use of heat styling appliances.
Frequent use of hot tools such as flat irons, blow dryers, and curling wands (especially without the use of heat protectants) can cause damage to the hair shaft.
This is because these heat styling appliances remove moisture from the hair, leaving it fragile and prone to breakage.
Once the damage has occurred, split ends are inevitable at this point.
UV rays
UV rays can be harmful to all hair types, especially with excessive exposure.
For one, UV rays affect the natural pigment of the hair. Moreover, they damage colored hair causing fading.
Apart from this, the ultraviolet rays damage the hair’s protein and keratin bonds.
You then start to notice excessive dryness on your hair and multiple split ends.
Wearing a hat or using hair products with UV protection can prevent all these.
Genetic conditions
Split ends and hair breakage can be due to genetic disorders such as Trichorrhexis Nodosa and Tricothiodystrophy.
Trichorrhexis nodosa is a congenital and acquired hair problem in which thickened or weak nodes along the hair shaft cause your hair to break off easily.
Split ends, thinning hair, and hair tips that look white are some of the symptoms of Trichorrhexis Nodosa.
Tricothiodystrophy is an inherited condition that is characterized by sulfur-deficient brittle hair and can cause an increased number of split ends.
Poor nutrition
Poor nutrition can contribute to unhealthy hair with split ends, especially if you don’t have enough intake of proteins, minerals and vitamins.
Minerals such as zinc and iron are key to ensuring healthy hair growth.
Lack of zinc, for instance, can result in decreased hair growth.
Best shampoo for dry, damaged hair with split ends
Once you start noticing that your hair is really dry, has split ends, and is basically damaged, there are various measures you can take.
The first course of action should be hydrating and repairing the hair to stop further damage and development of split ends.
A good moisturizing shampoo and one with repairing properties should be enough to kickstart the rescue mission
Below are eleven shampoos that can get the job done:
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Damaged hair requires the best formulations to help with repair and healing. As you work on the cause, use this Olaplex shampoo to help your hair get stronger and healthier.
It’s a unique formulation that not only repairs the affected strands of the hair, but also helps bonds remain intact. Additionally, it’s the ideal way to deal with frizz and flyaways that can be a nightmare to deal.
When you use it often, you see changes in your hair’s strength and continuous protection. Dryness leading to split ends can be caused by environmental factors as well.
The shampoo is safe to use even with color on your hair. It guards the vibrancy of the color while reducing excessive hair breakage.
You can use it if you have straight, wavy, curly, coiled, and tightly coiled hair.
For the best results, start by treating the hair with Olaplex No. 3, and follow that with this bonding shampoo on wet hair. Rinse it off and complete the wash with Olaplex No. 5 Maintenance Conditioner.
Pros
- Adds volume to thin hair
- Repairs broken bonds in the hair
- Strengthens the weak strands
- Ideal for many types of hairs
- Gets rid of frizz and flyaways
- Color-safe shampoo
- Helps repair split ends
Cons
- Led to excessive dryness and breakage for some
Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturizing Lather Shampoo
The best shampoos are known to protect the hair and help it heal. The Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger shampoo works to repair damaged hair. Also, you can use it without worry since its color-safe.
Use it on brittle and dry hair that is damaged either by chemicals or other factors. It works to replenish the moisture in your hair, helping ease dryness. Additionally, it repairs damage making the hair stronger and have less split ends.
It contains a one of a kind blend of KeraTriplex that repairs each strand of hair. Using it often makes hair shiny and full of life once more. The formulation is gentle that you can opt to use it daily for the best results.
When you want to use it, start by wetting your hair. You can use it as you take a shower since it can be used every day. Lather the hair with the shampoo then rinse when done.
It leaves your hair with a fresh ginger tea fragrance that is refreshing and appealing.
The shampoo doesn’t contain paraben or sulfates that cause further dryness in hair.
Pros
- Perfect for moisturizing hair
- Helps reduce dryness
- Repairs split ends
- Improves hair shine and makes it soft
- Leaves the hair with a refreshing smell
- Mild formulation that’s ideal for daily use
- Color-safe shampoo
Cons
- Can thin some types of hair
- The smell is not appealing to all
Virtue Recovery Shampoo
The shampoo from Virtue Lab works to mend hair that has been damaged for any reason. It can be from heat, chemical, environmental, or any other factor.
It heals the hair by filling up cracks formed and helping repair split ends. These are characteristics of dry hair in need of some tender love and care.
You can use it on any type of hair and is mild enough to use on colored hair as well. It nourishes the hair by adding moisture which makes it soft and shiny.
The mild formulation contains a unique Alpha Keratin 60ku that behaves similarly to treatment. It means it fills crucial deposits of keratin protein to the hair helping it heal.
The cuticle cracks that form, exposing the inner shaft of the hair is filled up helping repair the damage.
Use it on wet hair by lathering it on your palms first. Massage thoroughly then rinse. You can use it often to help repair your hair.
The shampoo is safe to use and contains no harmful paraben or sulfates. Also, it’s gluten-free.
Pros
- Can help thicken thin hair
- Helps repair split ends
- Nourishes the hair by adding moisture
- Repairs cracks in cuticles for better hair protection
- Can be used on colored hair
- Free from sulfates, paraben, and gluten
- Ideal for making hair strong, soft, and shiny
Cons
- Doesn’t work on all types of hair
- Not the best for reducing product buildup
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo
The Oribe repair and restore hair shampoo works to rebuild your hair to its former glory. Benefit from a formulation that not only clarifies every strand but also smoothens the hair.
Once you start using the shampoo, the hair becomes less tangled and softens up. You can now easily comb it without excessive breakage as it gets healthier with each wash.
The ingredients work in harmony to make your hair even smoother using biotin and amino acids. These nourish the hair by adding vital moisture that reduces dryness.
Likewise, the shampoo penetrates each damaged cuticle to mend it and restore the hair’s protective lining. The repair starts inside the hair shaft then outside sealing the crack completely.
Another essential ingredient in it is Argan oil that helps to manage frizz while adding shine to the once dull hair. Also, there’s Maracuja oil that’s part of the moisturizing formulation that assists it to remain nourished.
Lastly, you have bromelain that is a great way to not only exfoliate but balance the scalp’s pH levels as well.
Pros
- Quality ingredients to help repair damage
- Replenished moisture in the hair
- Softens and smoothens the hair
- Can be used to detangle
- Restores the hair’s shine
- Safe to use on colored hair
- Protects the hair from UV damage
Cons
- Doesn’t moisturize all types of hair
Verb Ghost Shampoo
The best shampoos are known to leave no residue on the hair and not lead to buildup. This formulation from Verb is weightless and leaves no unwanted product on your hair. You end up feeling clean and refreshed.
The ingredients work in harmony to restore moisture on the hair that lessens excessive dryness. Once the hair is no longer dry, the split ends can start mending.
With every wash, expect your hair to start getting more manageable as it heals from the damage. Also, it gets softer, shiny, and smoother in the process.
You can safely use this shampoo on colored hair without the worry of fading. Additionally, it provides the hair with UV protection which further helps the color remain intact.
The formulation is gentle enough to use daily. It contains moringa seed oil that works to smoothen the hair eliminating frizz. Also, it restores the hair’s natural shine.
Another essential ingredient in it is sunflower seed oil that protects the hair from UV penetration protecting its colour.
Lastly, you have quinoa which is a protein that works to strengthen the hair while helping it to grow.
Pros
- Weightless formulations
- Restores moisture, therefore, easing dryness
- Helps guard against UV damage
- Works to repair damage
- Strengthens the hair
- It’s color-safe
- Free from sulfates, silicone, and paraben
Cons
- Leads to a dry, itchy scalp
Living Proof Restore Shampoo
Damage drains the life out of your hair resulting in dullness and excess brittleness. The good news is no matter what the cause, you can restore the hair to its former glory using this shampoo.
It works best on excessively dry hair with split ends by mending all the cracks on the cuticles. Every time you use it, the hair heals more and gets stronger.
The formulation is gentle enough to use on multiple days in a week. Also, it cleans the hair by removing all the buildup and doesn’t leave any residue.
Likewise, it’s a weightless shampoo that doesn’t pile on more buildup on the hair. After rinsing it off, the result is refreshed and clean hair.
Among the ingredients is a hair molecule that is patented by the company. It’s the primary component that works to repair damaged hair.
Also, mild acid surfactant and conditioning agents that work with the molecule to moisturize the hair while repairing cuticle damage.
Pros
- Removes all buildup from the hair
- Repairs damaged cuticles
- Free from silicone, sulfates, paraben
- Not tested on animals
- Safe shampoo to use on colored
- Can be used on chemically treated hair
Cons
- Needs to be more moisturizing for some types of hair
Pureology Hydrate Moisturizing Shampoo
Damaged hair ends with split ends calls for quick solutions to help ease hair weakness. This moisturizing shampoo from Pureology is the right formulation for mending your hair.
The ideal types of hair to use it on are medium to thick for the best results. Additionally, the formulation is safe to use on color-treated hair without worry of fading.
Use the shampoo to reduce excessive dryness since the shampoo replenishes lost moisture in the hair. Also, the hair becomes manageable since it softens each strand.
Key ingredients in it include green tea, sage, and jojoba. Together they work in harmony to repair cracks in the cuticles, strengthen your hair, and protect from any further harm.
Other essential ingredients you can expect are coconut oil, olive oil, camelina blend, and fennel seed extract. They work together to nourish your hair and protect color vibrancy.
Pros
- Best for protecting color-treated hair
- Gluten-free formulation
- Strengthens the hair
- Repairs damaged cuticles
- Moisturizes the hair easing dryness
- Free from sulfates, silicones, and paraben
Cons
- The fragrance is not appealing to some users
Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo
Excessive styling using heat and chemicals leads to severe damage to the hair. This shampoo is the perfect solution when seeking a way to reverse the harm.
It starts by gently cleansing each strand, providing the best setting for repair. The hair undergoes reviving, and vital moisture is infused to offer relief from excessive dryness.
With each use, your hair gets more robust, softer, and smoother. You can now easily comb through without worry of breakage due to brittle strands.
Among its essential ingredients are fatty acids, keratin protein, and Argan oil that work together to all the weak strands. Also, it helps the hair regain its elastic nature while appearing shiny and healthy.
You can safely use it on color-treated hair without fear of fading. Also, it’s free from sulfates, paraben, and silicone are known to contribute to fading and dryness.
When you want to use it, start by wetting your hair then lather a good amount on it. After gently scrubbing to eliminate all buildup, rinse the hair.
Pros
- Leaves the hair clean and refreshed
- A weightless formulation that doesn’t lead to build-up
- Restores the hair’s elasticity
- Replenished moisture in the hair
- Free from silicone, sulfates, and paraben
- Repairs damaged cuticles
- Strengthens weak strands
- Color-safe formulation
Cons
- Can cause an allergic reaction for some
SEVEN Kente Bond Shampoo
Excessively dry hair with split ends requires immediate attention to reverse the damage. By using the SEVEN shampoo, you give your hair a fighting chance.
The formulation is manufactured specifically for such hair helping it to heal. Also, the shampoo helps with dryness by moisturizing each strand of your hair. Excessive dryness is one culprit that leads to split ends.
You get to benefit from amino acids that nurture and nourish your hair helping it retain crucial moisture. Furthermore, it has guar that starts off the healing process.
You begin to notice your hair surface getting better after using it for some time. The shampoo comes first in a three-step system that works to reduce brittleness in your hair by 60%. For the best results, use it on wet hair.
Wet the hair and apply a healthy amount of the shampoo, lather it up, and then rinse with clean water.
Pros
- Proper manufacturing process in a solar-powered lab
- Lacks gluten
- Free from sulfates, silicone, and paraben
- Easy to use on wet hair
- Gentle on colored hair
- Helps reverse damage on hair
- Nourishes and moisturizes dry hair
- Lightweight shampoo leaving no residue
Cons
- Led to frizz, stiffness, and excessive tangling
Pai-Shau Replenishing Hair Cleanser
Dry hair that has numerous split ends requires immediate care with a proper shampoo. Use this replenishing hair cleanser from Pai-Shau to restore your hair.
Enjoy a quality formulation meant to nourish every strand by adding moisture to alleviate dryness. Additionally, it repairs split ends helping your hair regain its strength and shine.
The shampoo works by using a combination of amino acids, minerals and vitamins that make up part of its ingredients. On top of that, it contains tea extract that is known as one of the best moisturizers.
The best way to use it is by first wetting your hair. After that, apply a substantial amount of the shampoo then gently scrub. When done, rinse it off and use a convenient conditioner.
You can use the shampoo not only to tackle dryness but as a better detangler. It helps you easily comb your hair removing all knots that lead to breakage.
Pros
- Helps heal damaged hair
- Works as a detangler making hair manageable
- Restores moisture and nourish the hair
- Contains rejuvenating ingredients
- Best for strengthening and restoring the shine on the hair
- Works on sensitive hair and scalp
Cons
- Has a strong scent that lingers after rinsing
Davines Nounou Shampoo
Davines Nounou shampoo works to bring the luster back to your hair. Enjoy its special formulation that enhances a shiny and soft look while repairing each damaged strand.
Despite its creamy texture, the shampoo doesn’t result in the buildup or leave any residue. All the dirt and excess products are removed with each wash.
The shampoo is ideal for colored hair as it protects its vibrancy. Also, it’s free from salt, silicone, sulfates, and paraben.
One key ingredient in it is chestnut milk that not only conditions the hair but replenishes moisture in all the strands.
Other essential ingredients are hydrocreatine and tomato extract that enhances the elasticity of your hair. Additionally, they strengthen weak strands.
Pros
- Mends damaged hair
- Strengthens the hair
- Color-safe formulation
- Free from salt, paraben, sulfates, and silicone
- Doesn’t leave buildup or residue
Cons
- Harsh for colored hair leading to dryness
Conclusion
Split ends need to be trimmed constantly to promote healthy hair growth.
However, to deal with hair dryness and damage, you need to look for products that can hydrate and repair the tresses.
If you’ve been looking for the best shampoo for dry damaged hair with split ends, I hope this review helps to begin reclaiming your once healthy and lustrous hair.
The shampoos included in this review contain the best combination of ingredients to alleviate dryness and mend cracks in the cuticles. They also leave your hair soft and manageable.
Most are mild formulations that you can use multiple times in a week for the best results.
A good number of them are safe to use on color-treated hair.