If your hair feels as brittle as a piece of straw, it may be time to invest in a shampoo for dry hair. From bleaching to excessive heat styling, there are so many reasons why your hair feels dry. But fortunately, the shampoo isle is just as busy and exciting as an American cereal isle, with many formulas to choose from.

Now, many shampoos claim to pump moisture back into parched strands. But ~ spoiler ~ some bottles are simply laden with alcohol and silicones that may feel nice, but can actually be even more drying and damaging in the long run. So, with that in mind, here’s a peak at the best shampoos that will combat dryness and leave your lengths feeling soft and healthy.

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When searching for a hydrating shampoo, there are a few things you should consider. “You want something that is hydrating but without weighing your hair down,” says DJ Quintero, Celebrity Stylist for Living Proof. The best ones will contain ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil to nourish and soften the hair, while hyaluronic acid will provide deep hydration to the hair shaft.

It also helps if it is sulphate-free. Sulphates are a normal cleansing agent in soaps, shampoos and body washes. Their job is to remove a build-up of grease and dirt, but if used in too high a quantity, the process can be a little harsh and get rid of all the natural oils, causing more dryness.