Top 15 Shampoos To Get Soft Hair

Reviewed by Yvey Valcin, Hairstylist Yvey Valcin Yvey ValcinHairstylist insta_icon
Written by Pooja Karkala, BA (Psychology & Mass Communication) Pooja Karkala BA (Psychology & Mass Communication) Experience: 2 years
Edited by Krati Darak Krati Darak
Fact-checked by Medha Deb, Integrated MA Medha Deb Integrated MA Experience: 5 years
Last Updated on
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Inner beauty is great, but fabulous hair never hurts! Right, ladies? In this harsh weather, one thing we all have trouble with is dry and rough hair. To fight this nightmare and get soft and luscious hair, you need to pamper it with the right kind of shampoo. With shampooing comes great hair, and with knowledge of the best shampoos in the market comes wisdom of hair care.

Dreaming about soft hair is common among women. But to manifest it into reality, you need to choose the best fit product from the list below![table “532” not found /]

Top 15 Shampoos To Get Soft Hair

1.Best Dry And Lifeless Hair:L’Oreal Paris 6 Oil Nourish Shampoo

L’oreal Paris 6 Oil Nourish Shampoo is a perfect example of science meeting tradition. With the infusion of three traditional oils and three exotic oils, this product is indeed every girl’s best friend. To provide complete nourishment from root to the tip, these micro-oils – namely almond, coconut, argan, jojoba, olive, and camelina oils – are brought together to give you flawless soft hair.

Pros

  • Contains rich ingredients
  • Reduces hair fall
  • Improves hair texture
  • Requires little product
  • Controls frizz
  • Makes hair smooth and soft
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Can make hair look oily

2.Best Frizz-Free:TRESemme Expert Selection Keratin Smooth Shampoo

RESemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo is specially formulated to leave every hair strand gorgeously silky, soft, and shiny. This hair care product promises to leave your hair frizz-free for three days. The goodness of argan oil also add shine and tames your unruly hair. The keratin protein fights dryness and gives you manageable hair in no time.

Pros

  • Cleanses scalp well
  • Imparts natural shine
  • Suitable for wavy, thick, and colored hair
  • Makes your hair silky and soft
  • Contains argan oil

Cons

  • Takes time to show results

3.Best For All Hair Types:Herbal Essences bio:renew Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo

Soft hair is everyone’s dream. Some are blessed to have naturally smooth and straight hair. For some of us, hair maintenance is a chore. However, hair experts out there think that with the right products and a proper routine, anyone can have softer hair. To begin with, make sure that you go for a mild shampoo such as Argan Oil of Morocco shampoo. Enriched with natural argan oil collected from Morocco, it works to restore softness in the hair. Argan oil is a rich source of antioxidants and Vitamin-E and works wonders to make the hair softer. Argan Oil of Morocco shampoo could also strengthen hair by repairing damaged strands. It is free of chemicals such as sulfates and parabens, which could be tough on the hair. It is safe for any type of hair and also colored hair. It could be effective in protecting the locks from the damage caused by styling and UV, adding softness and shine to the hair.

Pros

  • Suitable for all types of hair
  • Contains antioxidants and vitamins
  • Made of natural ingredients
  • Free of sulfates and other harmful chemicals

Cons

  • Do not have anti-dandruff properties

4.Best For Damage Protection:Pantene Pro-V Silky Smooth Care Shampoo

Pantene Pro-V Silky Smooth Care Shampoo promises to give you stronger and shinier hair. Daily use of this shampoo guarantees damage protection. With the help of Keratin Damage Blockers Technology, this shampoo locks in essential moisture and removes excess humidity, keeping your hair shiny all day and in any weather. It is a total winner even on the hottest days!

Pros

  • Cleanses scalp well
  • Imparts shine and softness to your hair
  • Reduces hair fall
  • Controls hair damage
  • Requires little product for application
  • Pleasant fragrance

Cons

  • Contains too many chemicals

5.Best Chemical-Free:OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo

This luxurious shampoo is an exotic blend of creamy coconut oil, keratin proteins, avocado oil, and cocoa shea butter. This goodness-filled shampoo helps in strengthening and smoothing your tresses from root to tip, adding luxurious glow and luminescent shine to it. This chemical-free luscious shampoo is a perfect hair product to tame your wild wavy and curly hair.

Pros

  • Results last even three days after washing
  • Tames unruly hair
  • Leaves hair soft and clean
  • Deeply moisturizes
  • Free from chemicals
  • Contains exotic ingredients
  • Cruelty-free product

Cons

  • Results are delayed
  • Expensive

6.Best For Stubborn Hair:Schwarzkopf Bonacure Smooth Perfect Shampoo

If you are troubled with unruly and unmanageable hair and were looking for a savior, here it is! Schwarzkopf Bonacure Smooth Perfect Shampoo is specially made for stubborn hair. With the Bonacure technology, this shampoo makes your hair frizz-free and smoothens it effectively. The amino cells in it help restore the elasticity and strength of your hair from within, giving it a healthy and soft texture.

Pros

  • Smoothens unmanageable hair
  • Imparts shine
  • Improves hair texture
  • Strengthens hair from within
  • Little product required per usage
  • Pleasant fragrance

Cons

  • Expensive

7.Best Organic Shampoo:WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo


Did you ever imagine that an ingredient lying in your kitchen would be a blessing to your locks? It certainly is! WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is an organic shampoo enriched with natural apple cider vinegar extracted from pure Himalayan apples. This shampoo clears all the impure residue off your scalp and transforms dull and rough hair into smooth and luscious tresses. Apple cider vinegar is known for its healing properties. It generates hair growth and helps clear all the fungus and bacteria clogging your follicles.

Pros

  • Prevents hair damage and split ends
  • Helps balance pH levels
  • Increases hair growth
  • Retains moisture
  • Reduces dandruff and itchy scalp
  • Sulfate- and paraben-free

Cons

  • Testing required before using to ensure you are not allergic to it
  • Expensive

8.Best Hydrating:Godrej Professional Honey Moisture Shampoo

Enrich your hair with Godrej Professional Honey Moisture Shampoo. This shampoo is specially formulated with honey and nourishing oils that enrich the hair with antioxidants and vitamins. Honey infused in the shampoo retains the hair’s moisture and delivers excellent moisturization to damaged and dry hair. In addition, the blend of jojoba, olive, and wheat germ improves the texture, nourishes the scalp, and repairs damaged hair.

Pros

  • Color-safe
  • Ideal for dry, damaged hair
  • Easy-to-use
  • Specially created for Indian hair
  • Available in 3 variants

Cons

  • May not control the frizz


9.Best Anti-Humid Shampoo:Matrix Biolage SmoothProof Shampoo

Infused with water-resistant Camellia flower, Matrix Biolage SmoothProof Shampoo is the perfect to-go product for frizzy and unmanageable hair. This product claims to provide frizz-free hair and acts as a smoothening agent even on the hottest days. This paraben-free shampoo polishes your hair and creates a protective layer around it against pollutants. If you have colored hair and are looking for the perfect shampoo, choose this product as it is color-resistant.

Pros

  • Builds a protective layer over follicles
  • Paraben-free
  • Reduces frizz and breakage
  • Deeply smoothens hair
  • Tames unruly hair

Cons

  • Might leave a greasy layer behind

10.Best For Volume:Biotique Bio Henna Leaf Fresh Texture Shampoo

Are you vexed with chemicals products and are frantically searching for an organic substitute? Then, you can breathe a sigh of relief! Biotique Bio Henna Leaf Fresh Texture Shampoo is brought to you directly from Mother Nature. With the powerful yet subtle combination of henna leaves, soap nuts, brahmi, liquorice root, and aam beej, this shampoo will undoubtedly work wonders on your hair. These essential herbal properties will deeply nourish and condition your hair. The botanical extracts will add shine and volume to your hair within a few applications.

Pros

  • Variety of natural extracts
  • Makes your hair thick and shiny
  • Prevents premature greying
  • Restores natural dark color to your hair
  • Intensely conditions

Cons

  • Might make your hair rough during first few applications

11.Best For Shiny Hair:Dove Intense Repair Shampoo

India’s favourite ‘shampoo next door,’ Dove Intense Repair Shampoo is a familiar one. Thanks to the recurring advertisements from this brand, we are well aware that this product helps nourish our beautiful Indians curls and wavy hair. The keratin actives help repair damaged hair follicles and restore healthy shine. It makes your hair resilient to further damage and retains its softness, making you want to touch your hair constantly. Hence, this shampoo is a perfect product for your daily hair care routine.

Pros

  • Curbs any damage to your hair
  • Softens hair from root to tip
  • Adds natural shine
  • Cleans scalp well
  • Pocket-friendly

Cons

  • Results are short-lived

12.Best For Dry Hair:Sunsilk Nourishing Soft & Smooth Shampoo

Sunsilk Nourishing Soft & Smooth Shampoo is co-created with dry and damaged hair expert Thomas Taw. Enriched with five natural oils – argan oil, babassu oil, camellia seed oil, sweet almond oil, and coconut oil – it promises to transform even the driest and dullest of hair into soft, smooth, and silky hair.

Pros

  • Deeply nourishes your hair
  • Retains natural moisture
  • Contains essential natural oils
  • Reduces dryness and frizz
  • Leaves your hair soft and silky

Cons

  • Contains parabens and SLS

13.Best For Premature Graying:Patanjali Kesh Kanti Hair Cleanser With Milk Protein

Packed with a wide range of natural ingredients, Patanjali Kesh Kanti Milk Protein shampoo brings you the combined goodness of nature. It promises to nourish and condition your hair and remove any bacteria or fungus with its antibacterial properties. Ingredients like neem, aloe vera, shikakai, and amla help in conditioning your hair and repair damaged follicles. Daily use of this shampoo might prevent premature graying of hair too.

Pros

  • Safe for any age group
  • Strengthens hair follicles
  • Reduces hair fall
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Does not treat dandruff

14.Best For Hair Strength:Himalayas Herbals Gentle Daily Care Protein Shampoo

This is the perfect shampoo for you if you are always on the run. Himalaya Gentle Daily Care Protein Shampoo contains natural extracts of chickpea and amla that are high on proteins. These ingredients provide nourishment and cleanse your scalp of dust and impurities. This shampoo helps in promoting hair growth and strengthens your hair from root to tip.

Pros

  • Best for oily hair
  • Contains chemical-free ingredients
  • Removes dust and other residue
  • Pocket-friendly

Cons

  • Might make your hair dry initially

15.Best Daily Care:Head & Shoulders Smooth and Silky Hair Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

You must be well aware of this product even if you haven’t used it. Head & Shoulders Smooth and Silky Hair shampoo promises to leave your hair dandruff-free. You can even use it on chemically-treated and colored hair. This daily care shampoo will help you fight pollution and, with its unique formula, it makes your hair frizz-free in no time.

Pros

  • Reduces dandruff to a great extent
  • Safe for daily use
  • Helps add shine to your hair
  • Safe for any age group
  • Leaves your hair soft and silky

Cons

  • Might make your scalp flaky
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Before buying a shampoo to get soft and smooth hair, consider the points listed in the next section to make the right choice.

Things To Consider When Buying A Hair Softening Shampoo

  • Hair Type

It is imperative to figure out your hair type before buying any softening shampoo. These shampoos are meant for different hair types. If you have curly and coarse hair, opt for a shampoo that smoothens hair and reduces frizz. For thin and dull hair, choose a fortifying shampoo that adds volume to your hair.

  • Ingredients

Softening shampoo should contain hair-moisturizing ingredients. Look for ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, almond oil, argan oil, keratin, and proteins.

Avoid parabens, sulfates, and alcohol as they can strip away the natural oils from your hair and make it dry and dull.

  • Acidity

The pH value of any shampoo is vital. The ideal pH level of hair and scalp is 5.5. Therefore, look for a shampoo that helps in maintaining it. The lower the pH, the better the product as it maintains hair health by keeping it shiny, soft, and smooth. A high pH level can lead to hair fall and breakage and weaken your hair cuticles.

Now that you are of the best products in the market now, hurry up and grab the perfect match to flaunt silky smooth hair. Comment below to let us know about your experience.

There are many shampoos available in the market that can make your hair softer, smoother, and easily manageable. These shampoos tend to provide complete nourishment while rejuvenating your tresses and adding more volume to your locks. Some of these shampoos also tend to improve hair texture while cleansing the scalp well. If you want to bring back your hair’s natural shine, these shampoos can help you do so. While purchasing the best shampoos to make your tresses look softer and shinier, check the ingredients list to steer clear of products that do not have anti-dandruff properties or are laden with harmful chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use shampoo to maintain soft hair?

The frequency of shampooing depends on a lot of factors, such as hair type, oil production, weather conditions, and environmental factors. Those with dry hair should use a shampoo once and a co-wash twice a week. For fine and oily hair types, shampoo your hair 2-3 times a week. Those with a sensitive scalp should use a dermatologist-recommended shampoo as instructed.

What are some common mistakes people make when choosing shampoo for soft hair?

Some common mistakes while choosing a shampoo for soft hair are-

  • Not considering the hair type
  • Using too much product
  • Not rinsing the shampoo out properly
  • Not applying conditioner after shampoo
  • Using hot water for rinsing
  • Not shampooing hair often enough

Can using too much shampoo or overwashing my hair lead to dryness and reduced softness?

Yes, overwashing or shampooing your hair too frequently can strip the scalp and strands of the natural oils (sebum) that help maintain hydration, leading to dry, rough, and weak strands.

Does using a leave-in conditioner after shampooing help in maintaining soft hair?

Yes, using a leave-in conditioner provides hydration and nourishment to your hair all day long, keeping them soft and healthy.

What are some common harmful chemicals in shampoos that can strip away softness from the hair?

Sulfates, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and dimethicone are some common harmful chemicals in shampoos that can strip away softness.


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Yvey Valcin
Yvey ValcinHairstylist
Yvey Valcin is a celebrated master stylist based in Seattle, WA, and was one of the highest rated stylists at the flagship Gene Juarez salon in Seattle. He is known for his superior cutting technique and has styled for top editorial and fashion events, such as New York and Paris Fashion Week.

Read full bio of Yvey Valcin
Pooja Karkala
Pooja KarkalaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Pooja is a Mass Communications and Psychology graduate from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and has two years of experience as a content writer. Her education has helped her develop the perfect balance between what the reader wants to know and what the reader has to know.

Read full bio of Pooja Karkala
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

Read full bio of Krati Darak
Medha Deb
Medha DebCommerce Editor
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

Read full bio of Medha Deb
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