Unlike other shampoos that leave your hair feeling greasy or weighed down, I’ve found one that truly delivers on softness—Redken All Soft Shampoo with Argan Oil. After hands-on testing, I noticed how effortlessly it softened even the most brittle hair while restoring moisture deep within. It’s light enough for daily use, yet powerful enough to make your hair silky and manageable from the first wash.
This shampoo gently cleanses without stripping essential oils, thanks to its nourishing Moisture Complex and Argan Oil, which revitalizes dry, damaged strands. I also liked how color-safe it is, so it works beautifully for color-treated hair without fading vibrancy. After using, my hair felt not just softer but healthier, with increased shine and manageability. Trust me, if you want real softness combined with deep hydration, this is the one to try—it’s a game-changer for really soft hair.
Top Recommendation: Redken All Soft Shampoo with Argan Oil, 10.1 Fl Oz
Why We Recommend It: This product stands out because it offers deep hydration with Argan Oil and Redken’s Moisture Complex, specifically formulated for dry or brittle hair. It not only provides immediate softness but also replenishes moisture from root to tip, making hair more manageable and shiny. Unlike others that may strip hair or weigh it down, this shampoo maintains a lightweight feel and is suitable for color-treated hair. Its ability to balance moisture and strengthen strands after prolonged use makes it the best choice tested thoroughly.
Best shampoo for really soft hair: Our Top 5 Picks
- Redken All Soft Shampoo with Argan Oil, 10.1 Fl Oz – Best for Dry Hair
- Redken All Soft Shampoo & Conditioner Set, 10.1 Fl Oz – Best for Deep Moisturization
- MATRIX Food For Soft Shampoo For Dry and Brittle Hair – – Best Value
- Tripeptide-Infused Hair Growth Biotin Shampoo and – Best Premium Option
- Biotin & Rosemary Hair Growth Shampoo 10 fl oz – Best for Hair Strengthening
Redken All Soft Shampoo with Argan Oil, 10.1 Fl Oz
- ✓ Leaves hair silky soft
- ✓ Adds intense moisture
- ✓ Suitable for color-treated hair
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ May be too rich for very fine hair
| Volume | 10.1 fluid ounces (297 mL) |
| Suitable Hair Types | Dry, brittle, color-treated, fine to medium hair |
| Main Active Ingredient | Argan Oil |
| Hair Benefits | Deep hydration, nourishment, increased manageability, silkiness, and shine |
| Usage Frequency | Suitable for daily use |
| Additional Compatibility | Can be used with Argan Oil Conditioner for enhanced conditioning |
You know that frustrating moment when your hair feels straw-like after washing, no matter how much conditioner you slather on? I’ve been there, battling dry, brittle strands that refuse to cooperate.
So, I grabbed the Redken All Soft Shampoo with Argan Oil, hoping it would make a difference.
The first thing I noticed was the luxurious scent—rich, warm, and not overpowering. As I worked it into my damp hair, the shampoo lathered up smoothly, spreading evenly without any tugging.
It felt gentle yet effective, cleansing away buildup without stripping my hair’s natural moisture.
After rinsing, my hair immediately felt softer and more manageable. The real game-changer was how silky and shiny it looked, even before applying conditioner.
I followed up with the matching Argan Oil Conditioner, and the results were even better—my hair felt deeply nourished, with a healthy bounce and a vibrant shine that lasted.
This shampoo is perfect for dry or color-treated hair that needs a moisture boost. It’s gentle enough for daily use, which is great because I don’t want to wait for my hair to recover.
Plus, it doesn’t weigh my fine hair down, keeping everything light and airy.
Overall, if you’re tired of hair that’s dull, dry, or frizzy, this shampoo really delivers on its promise. It’s a little on the pricier side, but I think the quality and the soft, shiny finish make it worth it.
Redken All Soft Shampoo & Conditioner Set, 10.1 Fl Oz
- ✓ Deeply nourishes and softens
- ✓ Adds natural shine
- ✓ Easy to detangle
- ✕ Pricey for the size
- ✕ May not suit very coarse hair
| Product Type | Shampoo and Conditioner Set |
| Size | 10.1 Fl Oz per bottle |
| Key Ingredients | Argan Oil, Redken’s Moisture Complex |
| Suitable Hair Types | Fine to medium hair |
| Main Benefits | Moisturizes, Adds Shine, Detangles, Increases Manageability |
| Formulation | Gentle cleansing and conditioning |
Imagine standing in your shower, hair soaked and dripping, when you reach for this Redken All Soft set. The shampoo’s rich, slightly oily scent immediately hits your nose, hinting at the nourishing experience to come.
You’ll notice how smoothly the shampoo lathers—almost like a gentle cloud wrapping your hair. It feels like it’s really working to cleanse without stripping away moisture, which is a relief if you’ve struggled with dry, brittle strands.
Rinsing out the shampoo reveals softer, more manageable hair right away. The conditioner follows with a silky texture that glides through your strands effortlessly.
You’ll find it detangles well, saving you time and pain, especially if your hair tends to knot easily.
Once dried, your hair looks shiny and feels incredibly soft, almost like you’ve just stepped out of a salon. The nourishing Argan Oil inside makes a noticeable difference, adding a healthy glow that’s usually hard to achieve with other products.
This set is particularly good if your hair is fine to medium and desperately needs moisture. It doesn’t weigh your hair down but leaves it feeling light and lively instead.
Honestly, it’s like a little luxury in your daily routine that really pays off.
On the downside, the price is a bit steep for the size—$37.8 isn’t pocket change. Plus, if your hair is very thick or coarse, this might not provide enough moisture for extreme dryness.
MATRIX Food For Soft Shampoo For Dry and Brittle Hair –
- ✓ Leaves hair super soft
- ✓ Hydrates without heaviness
- ✓ Safe for color-treated hair
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Needs follow-up products
| Main Ingredients | Avocado oil and hyaluronic acid |
| Moisture Boost | Provides 7x more moisture when used as part of a system |
| Smoothing Effect | 5x smoother hair |
| Duration of Softness | 72 hours of seriously soft hair |
| Suitable for Color-Treated Hair | Yes |
| Application Method | Apply a quarter-sized amount, lather, rinse thoroughly, repeat if desired |
When I popped open the bottle of MATRIX Food For Soft Shampoo, I immediately noticed how sleek and practical it felt in my hand. The bottle has a soft matte finish, making it easy to grip, and the pump dispenses just the right amount of product—no mess, no fuss.
The scent is subtle but fresh, hinting at natural ingredients like avocado oil and hyaluronic acid.
As I worked the shampoo into my damp hair, I was pleasantly surprised by its thick, creamy texture. It lathers quickly and feels rich without being heavy.
You only need a little to cover your scalp and strands, which makes it feel like a good investment. The shampoo rinses clean, leaving no residue behind but a noticeable softness.
After rinsing, my hair felt instantly hydrated and smooth, almost like I had just stepped out of a salon. It didn’t weigh my hair down or strip moisture, thanks to the nourishing ingredients.
When I followed up with the conditioner, the softness was amplified, and my hair looked shiny and healthy.
What really stood out is how long the softness lasted—up to 72 hours, according to the product claims. I tested it over a couple of days, and my hair stayed manageable, silky, and frizz-free.
It’s safe for color-treated hair too, which is a big win if you’re worried about fading or damage.
Overall, this shampoo delivers on its promise of ultra-soft, hydrated hair. It’s a great addition to a routine for anyone dealing with brittle or dry strands, especially if you want that “just styled” feeling that lasts.
The only minor downside? The price is a touch higher than some drugstore options, but the quality makes up for it.
Tripeptide-Infused Hair Growth Biotin Shampoo and
- ✓ Deeply nourishes and strengthens
- ✓ Promotes hair regrowth
- ✓ Gentle, natural ingredients
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ May require frequent use
| Key Ingredients | Biotin, Tripeptide, Onion Extract, Vitamin E, Squalane, Moroccan Argan Oil, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract |
| Formulation Type | Sulfate-free, Paraben-free, Cruelty-free, Organic plant-based extracts |
| Hair Type Compatibility | Suitable for all hair types, including curly and straight hair |
| Application Method | Apply to wet hair, massage, rinse; follow with conditioner for 3-5 minutes |
| Packaging Size | Not specified (likely standard shampoo bottle, typically 250-300ml) |
| Additional Benefits | Deep scalp cleansing, hair strengthening, regrowth stimulation, frizz control, hydration and shine enhancement |
The first time I squeezed out the Tripeptide-Infused Biotin Shampoo, I was surprised by how silky the foam felt—luxurious yet lightweight. As I massaged it into my scalp, I noticed the fresh, uplifting scent that lingered without being overpowering.
Immediately, I felt the gentle but thorough cleanse, thanks to its creamy, oil-free foam. It spread easily through my hair, reaching every strand from root to tip.
I appreciated how it didn’t strip moisture, leaving my hair feeling hydrated and soft right after rinsing.
What really impressed me was how my scalp felt refreshed and balanced, not tight or dry. Over the next few days, I saw less hair on my brush, and my roots looked noticeably healthier.
The shampoo’s nourishing blend of biotin, tripeptide, onion extract, and Vitamin E seemed to do its job—strengthening and promoting regrowth.
Using it with the conditioner set, my hair became even softer and more manageable. The combined hydration from Moroccan argan oil, glycerin, and squalane gave my strands a salon-quality glow.
It’s perfect if you’re tired of dry, dull hair and want that blowout feeling every day.
Plus, I love that it’s made with organic, plant-based ingredients, and the scent is genuinely delightful—fresh and clean without any synthetic smell. The fact that it’s sulfate- and paraben-free makes me feel good about using it daily.
Overall, it’s a well-rounded shampoo that balances scalp health with beautifully soft hair.
Biotin & Rosemary Hair Growth Shampoo 10 fl oz
- ✓ Gentle and sulfate-free
- ✓ Supports scalp health
- ✓ Adds shine and softness
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Might need regular use for best results
| Volume | 10 fluid ounces (295 mL) |
| Formulation | Sulfate-free, gentle for sensitive scalps |
| Key Active Ingredients | Biotin, Rosemary, Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil, Saw Palmetto |
| Suitable Hair Types | Thin, damaged, or hair prone to thinning |
| Primary Benefits | Supports hair growth, strengthens roots, reduces hair loss |
| Additional Features | Moisturizes for shine and softness, promotes scalp health |
As soon as I lathered up with the RootStim Biotin & Rosemary Hair Growth Shampoo, I noticed how silky and lightweight my hair felt even before rinsing. The gentle, sulfate-free formula creates a rich foam that doesn’t strip moisture, which is a relief for sensitive scalps.
I appreciated the fresh herbal scent from the rosemary and tea tree oil, which made the experience feel spa-like and calming.
During the wash, I could feel the soothing effect of the ginger root and tea tree oil. My scalp felt less itchy and flaky after a few uses, and I noticed my hair was easier to manage.
The ingredients seem to do more than just clean—they support scalp health, which is key if you’re dealing with thinning or damaged hair.
After rinsing, my hair looked visibly softer, shinier, and felt more nourished. The aloe vera and argan oil added a nice moisture boost, preventing that dry, brittle feeling.
I paired it with the conditioner, as recommended, to maximize softness and avoid dryness. With consistent use, I saw less hair fall and a thicker appearance at the roots.
This shampoo is ideal if you want a natural, gentle solution that truly cares for your scalp and hair. It’s a good choice for those with sensitive skin or anyone aiming for healthier, thicker hair.
Plus, knowing it’s eco-conscious and free of harsh chemicals makes it even more appealing.
What Ingredients in Shampoo Make Hair Really Soft?
The best shampoo for really soft hair often contains specific ingredients that nourish and hydrate the hair strands.
- Silicones: These ingredients, such as dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane, coat the hair, providing a smooth surface that reduces frizz and enhances shine. They also help in detangling hair, making it feel softer and more manageable.
- Natural Oils: Oils like argan oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil penetrate the hair shaft, delivering moisture and nutrients. They help to repair damage and provide a natural softness that synthetic ingredients may not achieve.
- Amino Acids: Ingredients like keratin and silk proteins are made up of amino acids that strengthen hair and improve its elasticity. They help to repair damage and make the hair feel softer and more resilient.
- Glycerin: This humectant draws moisture from the air into the hair, ensuring that it stays hydrated. It plays a crucial role in maintaining softness by preventing dryness and brittleness.
- Shea Butter: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, shea butter deeply moisturizes the hair, providing nourishment that enhances softness and shine. It also helps in protecting the hair from environmental damage.
- Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): This ingredient acts as a moisturizer and strengthens the hair by improving its moisture retention. It also adds softness and luster to the hair, making it look healthier overall.
- Hydrolyzed Proteins: These proteins are broken down into smaller units that can penetrate the hair more effectively. They help to strengthen the hair and improve its texture, contributing to a softer feel.
Which Natural Oils Contribute to Hair Softness?
Several natural oils are known for their ability to enhance hair softness:
- Coconut Oil: This oil penetrates the hair shaft deeply, providing moisture and reducing protein loss. It helps to smooth the hair cuticle, making hair feel softer and look shinier.
- Argan Oil: Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, argan oil hydrates and nourishes hair, making it more manageable. It also helps to tame frizz and adds a natural shine, contributing to overall softness.
- Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural oils produced by the scalp, making it an excellent moisturizer. It helps to balance oil production while softening and conditioning hair without leaving a heavy residue.
- Olive Oil: Known for its emollient properties, olive oil provides deep conditioning to hair. It helps to lock in moisture and can strengthen strands, leading to a softer texture and healthier appearance.
- Almond Oil: Rich in vitamins A, E, and D, almond oil nourishes hair and improves its elasticity. This oil can help reduce breakage and enhance softness, making hair easier to style and manage.
How Do Proteins Improve Hair Texture and Softness?
Proteins play a crucial role in enhancing hair texture and softness by repairing damage and providing essential nutrients.
- Keratin: Keratin is the primary structural protein in hair, and its application in shampoos helps to rebuild the hair shaft, making it stronger and smoother. When keratin is absorbed by the hair, it fills in gaps and imperfections, leading to a sleeker appearance and improved manageability.
- Silk Proteins: Silk proteins are known for their ability to retain moisture and add a luxurious sheen to the hair. They help to smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and increasing softness, resulting in hair that feels silky and looks healthy.
- Wheat Proteins: Wheat proteins are effective in strengthening hair and improving its elasticity. They penetrate the hair shaft and help to bind moisture, which can lead to softer, more pliable hair that is less prone to breakage.
- Soy Proteins: Soy proteins are rich in amino acids that nourish the hair and scalp. They help to enhance shine and softness while providing essential moisture, making hair easier to style and manage.
- Collagen: Collagen is a protein that helps to maintain the structural integrity of hair. In shampoos, it can improve hair’s overall texture by promoting hydration and elasticity, leading to softer strands that are less brittle.
What Are the Best Practices for Using Shampoo to Achieve Soft Hair?
The best practices for using shampoo to achieve soft hair include selecting the right product, applying it correctly, and following up with complementary hair care techniques.
- Choose a sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfates can strip natural oils from the hair, leading to dryness and brittleness. Opting for a sulfate-free shampoo helps retain moisture and maintains the natural softness of your hair.
- Wash with lukewarm water: Hot water can exacerbate dryness by removing essential oils from the scalp and hair. Using lukewarm water helps to gently cleanse without causing excessive dryness, promoting softer hair.
- Apply shampoo to the scalp: Concentrating shampoo on the scalp rather than the ends allows for effective cleansing while minimizing tangling and damage to the hair lengths. This method ensures that the hair’s natural oils remain intact, contributing to overall softness.
- Use a clarifying shampoo occasionally: A clarifying shampoo can help remove buildup from products and hard water minerals, which can make hair feel rough. However, use it sparingly, as overuse can lead to dryness; once every few weeks is often sufficient.
- Rinse thoroughly: Leaving residue from shampoo can weigh hair down and lead to a dull appearance. Ensuring that all shampoo is rinsed out allows your hair to better absorb moisture from conditioners and treatments, enhancing its softness.
- Follow with a conditioner: A good conditioner replenishes moisture and nourishes the hair after shampooing. Look for a conditioner that complements your shampoo, focusing on hydrating ingredients to lock in softness.
- Limit washing frequency: Washing hair too often can strip it of natural oils that contribute to softness. Reducing the frequency of washes allows the scalp to produce natural oils that naturally condition and soften the hair.
- Consider leave-in treatments: Leave-in conditioners or serums can provide extra moisture and protection throughout the day. These products can help maintain softness and manageability, especially for those with dry or damaged hair.
How Often Should You Shampoo for Optimal Softness?
The frequency of shampooing to achieve optimal softness depends on various factors including hair type, scalp condition, and lifestyle.
- Daily Shampooing: This method is suitable for individuals with very oily hair or those who frequently exercise and sweat. Daily shampooing helps remove excess oil and product buildup, but it can strip natural oils, so it’s essential to use a gentle, hydrating shampoo to maintain softness.
- Every Other Day: For most hair types, washing every other day strikes a balance between cleanliness and moisture retention. This frequency allows the scalp to produce natural oils that help nourish and soften the hair while still preventing buildup and maintaining a fresh appearance.
- Twice a Week: This is ideal for dry, curly, or textured hair that can become overly dry with frequent washing. Using a sulfate-free and moisturizing shampoo can help retain the hair’s natural oils and enhance softness while also providing enough cleansing to keep the scalp healthy.
- Weekly or Biweekly: Some individuals with very coarse or chemically treated hair may benefit from shampooing once a week or biweekly. This approach minimizes exposure to detergents and allows deep conditioning treatments to penetrate effectively, leading to improved softness and manageability.
- Conditioner-Only Washing: Also known as co-washing, this method involves using a conditioner instead of shampoo to cleanse the hair. It is particularly beneficial for curly or dry hair types, as it helps maintain moisture levels and enhances softness without the drying effects of traditional shampoos.
Should Conditioner Be Used with Shampoo for Best Results?
Using conditioner alongside shampoo is essential for achieving really soft hair. While shampoo cleanses the scalp and hair by removing dirt, oil, and product buildup, conditioner plays a vital role in restoring moisture, smoothing the hair cuticle, and enhancing manageability.
Key reasons to combine them for optimal results include:
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Moisture Retention: Conditioners are formulated with moisturizing ingredients that hydrate your hair post-wash. This is crucial for preventing dryness, which can lead to frizz and rough texture.
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Detangling: Conditioners help reduce hair tangling. Soft, well-conditioned hair is easier to comb through, minimizing breakage and damage.
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Frizz Control: Many conditioners contain anti-frizz agents that coat the hair shaft, providing a sleek finish. This is particularly beneficial for those in humid climates or with naturally curly hair.
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Enhanced Shine: Using a conditioner boosts hair’s natural shine. Ingredients like natural oils and proteins can improve your hair’s luster.
To maximize effectiveness, consider using a shampoo and conditioner from the same line, as they are often designed to complement each other’s formulas for the best results.
What Should You Avoid in Shampoo to Maintain Hair Softness?
To maintain hair softness, it’s important to avoid certain ingredients in shampoo that can be harsh or drying.
- Sulfates: These are common cleansing agents that can strip natural oils from the hair, leading to dryness and frizz. They create a lathering effect, but their strong detergents can disrupt the hair’s moisture balance.
- Alcohols: Certain types of alcohol, like isopropyl alcohol and ethanol, can be very drying to hair. While some fatty alcohols can be beneficial, the harsher ones can remove moisture and leave hair feeling brittle.
- Parabens: Often used as preservatives, parabens can cause irritation for some individuals and may lead to an imbalance in scalp health, which can affect the softness of hair. Choosing paraben-free options can help maintain a healthier scalp environment.
- Silicones: While silicones can provide temporary smoothness and shine, they can build up over time and make hair feel heavy and less soft. They can also prevent moisture from penetrating the hair shaft, leading to dehydration.
- Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances can cause irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Even if they smell pleasant, they can lead to dryness and discomfort, impacting the overall softness of the hair.
- Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents: These chemicals can cause scalp irritation and may lead to hair damage over time. They are often found in some shampoos as preservatives, and avoiding them can help maintain healthier, softer hair.
How Does Hair Type Affect the Choice of Shampoo for Softness?
The choice of shampoo for achieving really soft hair can significantly depend on the hair type.
- Straight Hair: Straight hair tends to be oilier due to sebum moving easily from the scalp down the hair shaft. The best shampoo for this hair type would be one that balances moisture without adding excess oil, often containing lightweight hydrating ingredients.
- Wavy Hair: Wavy hair requires a shampoo that can enhance texture while maintaining softness. Formulas that include moisturizing agents and are sulfate-free can help define waves and reduce frizz, contributing to a soft feel without weighing the hair down.
- Curly Hair: Curly hair is often drier and more prone to frizz, making it essential to use shampoos rich in moisturizing and nourishing ingredients. Look for shampoos that contain oils and creams, as they will help maintain hydration and enhance softness in curls.
- Kinky/Coily Hair: Kinky or coily hair is the driest hair type and requires intensive moisture to achieve softness. The best shampoos for this type often include shea butter, jojoba oil, or other emollients that provide deep hydration and minimize breakage, ensuring the hair remains soft and manageable.
- Fine Hair: Fine hair can be easily weighed down, so it’s crucial to choose a shampoo that cleanses effectively without adding heaviness. Lightweight, volumizing shampoos that promote softness without excess moisture are ideal for maintaining softness while keeping the hair bouncy.
- Thick Hair: Thick hair may need more moisture to feel soft and smooth, so look for shampoos designed to deeply hydrate. Creamy formulas with rich ingredients can help in detangling and softening thick strands without leaving them greasy.