What causes split ends?

The causes of split ends and breakage vary. Hot tools, damaging products, and of course, coloring your hair can all lead to issues. Another less-obvious factor comes in the form of environmental conditions, including the weather.

Do split ends stop hair growth?

Yes and no. They do not stop hair growth at the root. However, they cause breakage at the hair ends, and as a result, the hair will often not appear to grow in length.

Does drinking water impact hair growth?

Unsurprisingly, drinking water impacts hair growth positively. Minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium that are essential in maintaining hair health are all found in water. Add it to the long list of reasons that water is key.

The 16 Best Shampoos for Split Ends of 2023

Having split ends essentially means the individual strands of your hair are cracked or otherwise weakened at the tip. Whether it's caused by years of daily flat-ironing, frequent chemical treatments, bleaching, or overbrushing, it can make your hair more prone to breakage and harder to grow out. That said, the right shampoo might help remedy the issue—or at least make your hair look healthier.

"While split ends can't be repaired permanently, there are some ingredients that can help temporarily repair and smooth them," says UK-based trichologist Kate Holden. "These include highly moisturizing ingredients, such as coconut oil, shea butter, and glycerin." She explains that formulas containing proteins and silicone can also be effective, though they might not work for every hair type.

With these expert tips in mind, we rounded up the best shampoos for split ends below.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Aveda Restructuring Shampoo at Amazon

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Best Budget:

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Repairing Shampoo at Amazon

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Best Drugstore:

Aussie Total Miracle Shampoo at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Philip B. White Truffle Shampoo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Repairative:

Kérastase Resistance Strengthening Shampoo at Amazon

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Best Preventative:

Bumble and Bumble Bond-Building Repair Shampoo at Amazon

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Best Fortifying:

Eva NYC Clean It Up Shampoo at Amazon

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Best With Keratin:

Mon Shampoing Gentle Shampoo with Keratin at Amazon

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Best Bond-Building:

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo at Amazon

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Best Moisturizing:

Briogeo Super Moisture Shampoo at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Walmart

What We Like

Moisturizing
Strengthening
Trichologist-recommended

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

Holden recommends Aveda Damage Remedy in the battle against split ends. This reparative shampoo is chock full of hair-loving ingredients, like conditioning glycerin, lubricating squalane, strengthening quinoa protein, and silicone to smooth and protect. It also contains a few moisturizing plant oils, including coconut, olive, and sunflower, plus a blend of gentle, earth-derived cleansers.

The price is undoubtedly steep. But when it comes to improving the look of brittle hair, sealing split ends, and preventing further damage, you'll be glad to have this trichologist-approved 'poo in your arsenal.

Price at time of publish: $29

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Coconut | Size: 8.5 oz. or 33.8 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

L'Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Pump bottle
Contains protein and silicone

What We Don’t Like

Not very moisturizing

On a budget? L'Oreal makes a great fortifying shampoo, and it'll only run you a few bucks. The protein-rich formula works to gently cleanse and strengthen, while silicone delivers silkier, smoother hair.

Price at time of publish: $9

Hair Type: Damaged | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Floral, creamy | Size: 12.6 oz. or 28 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Gopuff.com

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Pump bottle
Moisturizing

What We Don’t Like

Potentially too heavy for fine hair

This drugstore standby calls on a blend of natural oils to deliver much-needed moisture to damaged hair, while silicone protects and smooths split ends.¹ We also appreciate the generously sized, affordable pump bottle.

Price at time of publish: $3

Hair Type: Damaged, dry | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Fresh | Size: 26.2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales

What We Like

Moisturizing
Contains protein and silicone
Leaves hair silky

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

Yes, this is a wild amount to spend on shampoo, but if you can swing it, you won't be disappointed. The exceptionally luxurious formula moisturizes with truffle oil and nourishes with soy protein, while silicone seals and softens and vitamin B5 promotes healthy growth.

Price at time of publish: $75

Hair Type: Thick, coarse, chemically treated, damaged, dry | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Herbal | Size: 7.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.6

KÃ©rastase Resistance Bain Force Architecte Strengthening Shampoo

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Walmart

What We Like

Contains protein
Strengthening
Expert-recommended

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

"Kerastase Bain Force Architecte is a great shampoo to help repair damage," says hairstylist Shelly Aguirre of Maxine Salon, explaining that the formula is particularly beneficial for overprocessed hair. "It has a balance of protein and amino acids that restores the hair instantly."

Price at time of publish: $35

Hair Type: Damaged | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Fresh | Size: 8.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Bumble and Bumble Bond-Building Repair Shampoo

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Repairs broken bonds
Improves elasticity
Smells amazing

What We Don’t Like

Expensive
Contains PEGs

According to Holden, split end prevention is mostly about cutting back on the heat and chemical treatments. However, using this fortifying shampoo from Bumble and Bumble is a great way to supplement your efforts. In addition to mending damage, the bond-building complex promises to improve your hair's elasticity to keep breakage at bay.

Price at time of publish: $26

Hair Type: Damaged, dry, chemically treated | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Citrus, floral | Size: 8.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Courtesy of Ulta

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Moisturizing
Strengthening
Improves elasticity

What We Don’t Like

Potentially too heavy for fine hair

Eva NYC's Clean It Up Shampoo is a game-changer for damaged hair. It contains a medley of moisturizing plant oils like olive, avocado, and argan oil, plus a heaping dose of protein to strengthen and improve your hair's elasticity.

Price at time of publish: $33

Hair Type: Dry, damaged | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Fresh | Size: 16.9 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Strengthening
Hydrating
Smooths brittle hair

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

This gentle shampoo leans on keratin, hair's favorite protein, to smooth and strengthen bleached, chemically straightened, or otherwise over-processed hair. It also contains glycerin, which Holden recommends for hydrating parched hair.

Price at time of publish: $29

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Citrus | Size: 8.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Repairative
Strengthening
Helps prevent breakage

What We Don’t Like

Expensive
Contains PEGs

The Olaplex Bond Maintenance System Kit Transformed My Hair

From the brand that spearheaded the bond-building haircare bandwagon, Olaplex's No.4 Shampoo calls on patented technology to mend broken hair and help prevent more split ends from forming.

Price at time of publish: $30

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Citrus | Size: 8.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Briogeo

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Luxurious formula
Strengthening
Trichologist-approved ingredients

What We Don’t Like

Expensive
Potentially too heavy for fine hair

This luxuriously rich shampoo contains Holden's recommended moisturizing ingredients. We're talking glycerin, shea butter, and coconut oil (among a medley of other earth-derived oils), plus biotin to condition and strengthen weakened hair fibers.

Price at time of publish: $39

Hair Type: Damaged, dry | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Floral | Size: 16 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Moisturizing
Award-winning formula
Trichologist-approved ingredients

What We Don’t Like

Potentially too heavy for fine hair
Contains PEGs

Pattern Hydration Shampoo was created with coily, curly, and tight textures in mind. Containing coconut oil, shea butter, glycerin, protein, and silicone, the award-winning formula checks all of Holden's ingredient boxes.

Price at time of publish: $38

Hair Type: Textured, curly, dry, damaged | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Jasmine, bergamot, sandalwood | Size: 9.8 oz. or 25 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sally Beauty

View On Amazon View On Sallybeauty.com View On Vernonfrancois.com

What We Like

Moisturizing
Adds shine
Trichologist-approved ingredients

What We Don’t Like

Contains PEGs

This super-nourishing hair wash is full of moisturizing ingredients curly hair craves. From shea butter and glycerin to jojoba and olive oil, it helps condition and protects, then leaves shinier, silkier hair in its wake.

Price at time of publish: $14

Hair Type: Curly, dry | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Fresh, herbal | Size: 8.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Langehair.com

What We Like

Improves elasticity
Smooths brittle hair
Promotes healthy growth

What We Don’t Like

Contains PEGs

If you're working with color-treated hair, L'ange is your new best friend. This shampoo is formulated with keratin and silicone to smooth, strengthen, and boost elasticity, plus vitamin B5 for healthy growth.

Price at time of publish: $23

Hair Type: Color-treated, dry, damaged | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fresh | Size: 8 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Monat

View On Walmart View On Mymonat.com

What We Like

Strengthening
Nice lather
Leaves hair soft

What We Don’t Like

Expensive
Contains PEGs

"I love Monat Damage Repair Bond Support Shampoo for split ends," celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein. It contains glycerin, plant proteins, and coconut oil to replenish brittle hair and leave it silky-soft.

Price at time of publish: $51

Hair Type: Damaged | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Citrus, woody | Size: 8 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Revolve

What We Like

Repairs broken bonds
Smooths brittle hair
Noticeable results

What We Don’t Like

Contains PEGs

Amika developed a bond-repairing complex to help mend breakage and seal split ends. You'll see a noticeable improvement in your hair's overall health, and if the scent is a priority, the vanilla-citrus aroma definitely won't disappoint.

Price at time of publish: $18

Hair Type: Damaged, color-treated, chemically treated | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Vanilla, citrus | Size: 8 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sokoglam.com View On Stylevana.com

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Strengthening
Trichologist-approved ingredients

What We Don’t Like

Small amount
Contains PEGs

This Korean shampoo is a great option too. In addition to keratin, the gentle yet effective formula contains hydrolyzed silk, plant oils, and glycerin to strengthen, hydrate, and nourish weak hair back to health.

Price at time of publish: $16

Hair Type: Damaged | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fresh | Size: 5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

Our top pick is Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo, a trichologist-recommended shampoo that simultaneously conditions, strengthens, smooths, and protects. For something a bit more affordable, go with L'Oreal Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo, a fortifying hair wash that leaves you with silky-soft, healthy-looking hair.

Meet the Expert

Kate Holden, AIT, is a trichologist based in Manchester, United Kingdom. She offers expert consultations, diagnoses, therapeutic recommendations, and treatments for various scalp and hair conditions.
Dr. Shari Sperling is a BosleyMD Certified trichologist, Gretchen Friese, and board-certified dermatologist.
Kevin Hughes is a celebrity hairstylist and Moroccan Oil's Global Artistic Director.
Clariss Rubenstein is a celebrity hairstylist.
Shelly Aguirre is a hairstylist from Maxine Salon.

What to Look For in Shampoo for Split Ends

Oils

If your hair is stripped of its natural oils, you may experience split ends. Seek products with oils that can strengthen and repair the hair, such as argan oil, which helps to feed vitamins and nutrients into hair. "With its high content of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E, the benefits of argan oil naturally help to increase hair's elasticity and consistently restore shine to dull, lifeless hair," says Kevin Hughes celebrity hairstylist. Prickly pear oil is another strong option, as it's a natural ingredient known for its powerful reparative and regenerative abilities.

Vitamins

Vitamins are a second key player in the journey to fixing damaged split ends. They can help repair, soften, restore, and strengthen the hair. Vitamin E, for example, has been shown to increase blood supply to the scalp, increases moisture to the skin and helps those with dry, flaky scalps, and reduce cell damage according to Dr. Shari Sperling.

Hydrators

Keeping your hair hydrated is an important step in preventing or mending split ends. To avoid, seek shampoos and products with hydrating properties and ingredients, such as the amino acids found in Kente Bond Shampoo or the hydrolyzed elastin in Philip Kingsley's shampoo shared above.

FAQ

What causes split ends?

The causes of split ends and breakage vary. Hot tools, damaging products, and of course, coloring your hair can all lead to issues. Another less-obvious factor comes in the form of environmental conditions, including the weather.
Do split ends stop hair growth?

Yes and no. They do not stop hair growth at the root. However, they cause breakage at the hair ends, and as a result, the hair will often not appear to grow in length.
Does drinking water impact hair growth?

Unsurprisingly, drinking water impacts hair growth positively. Minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium that are essential in maintaining hair health are all found in water. Add it to the long list of reasons that water is key.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in beauty and lifestyle products. For this story, she interviewed a trichologist for insight into the best ingredients for split ends, compiled hairstylist-recommended products, and looked at several peer-reviewed journals to cross-reference formulations. She has personally tried shampoo from several brands featured on this list, including Aveda, L'Oreal, Aussie, Philip B, Kerastase, Bumble and Bumble, Olaplex, and Amika.

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Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.