13 Best Protein Shampoos Of 2024, According To A Cosmetic Chemist
Nourish your tresses from the inside out with the most coveted ingredient – protein!
Hair protein, more specifically keratin, is the key to having fast-growing and super healthy hair. If you have been dealing with lifeless and limp hair or really want to get long tresses, you need the best protein shampoo you can get your hands on. Keratin is responsible for supple, strong, and flexible hair. It also works to stimulate hair growth. While your body naturally produces keratin, several factors including environmental stressors, heat damage, and excessive hair treatments or styling can deplete this component and even hinder its production. That’s where a keratin protein shampoo comes into the picture.
So, if you are looking for a way to inject life into your hair, check out our list of the best protein shampoos in the market curated after careful examination of formulations and reviews.
Though there are umpteen options to choose from, we took the liberty to filter the top ones for you. Check out our list of 13 best protein shampoos for hair growth:
Read on to know more!
In This Article
13 Best Protein Shampoos For Quick Hair Growth – 2024
1. Best Thermal Protection:L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo
Not one or two, L’oreal Paris Repairing Shampoo can tackle 5 signs of damage! Do you have split ends or dehydrated, rough, weak, and dull hair? If yes, then this shampoo can fight them all with its protein and ceramide elixirs! Fortifying each strand to be stronger, healthier, and soft, it’s one of the best options to revive the lost shine of your crown in a hair wash. It revitalizes hair from the root and is ideal for brittle hair. Plus, its intensely nourishing ingredients seal in the nutrients required to stimulate hair growth too. Yep, give it a try already!
Pros
- Can provide thermal protection
- Can strengthen and revive hair fiber
- Detangles knots and can prevent breakage
- Ideal for damaged hair
Cons
- Intense scent
- Thick consistency
2. Best Silicone-Free:Nexxus Keraphix Damage Healing Shampoo
Formulated and tested to recognize and refill the missing protein in your hair, this keratin-packed black rice formula is a godsend for damaged hair. Repairing and revitalizing the strands to look silky and healthier, it also leaves hair smooth, cleansed, and nourished at the same time! With a protein-fusion blend, Nexxus Keraphix heals damaged and weak hair but also fortifies strands to grow quicker and healthier as well. The protein complex promotes healthier-looking hair. A combination of science and nature for your precious mane, it’s worth a try, don’t you think!
Pros
- Restores optimal strength
- Repairs hair fiber inside out
- Clinically-proven and silicone-free
- Suitable for severely damaged and all hair types
Cons
- Slightly greasy
3. Best For Manageability:REDKEN Extreme Shampoo
There are several reasons why your hair could be distressed or damaged, and here’s a shampoo that guarantees to restore them to their natural beauty! Claiming to reduce breakage by 75%, it also eliminates split ends and other hair damages with its intense soy protein formula. Though named extreme, it is gentle on hair but aggressively tackles damages and helps your strands heal back to its optimal strength with every use. And besides this, it leaves your hair clean and fresh too! Give it a try. Here’s an video detailing a tester’s experience of the using product for more understanding.
Pros
- Maintains optimal strength
- Improves manageability
- Ensures healthier hair ends
- Leaves hair silky-soft and shiny
- Restores protein balance of your hair
Cons
- Expensive
- Slightly greasy if not rinsed out thoroughly
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo Best Thermal Protection | Nexxus Keraphix Damage Healing Shampoo Best Silicone-Free | REDKEN Extreme Shampoo Best For Manageability | |
---|---|---|---|
Hair Type | Damaged | Damaged | Damaged |
Dimensions | 2.35 x 3.94 x 9.5 inches | 3.36 x 3.36 x 10.12 inches | 3.15 x 3.15 x 9.76 inches |
Weight | 1.97 Pounds | 2.11 Pounds | 2.27 Pounds |
Rating | |||
Reviews | 31,330 | 7,484 | 10,154 |
Price | $6.58 | $18.97 | $7 |
4. Best For Fine Hair:Design Essentials Deep Cleansing Shampoo
While other shampoos in the market may provide cleansing and nourishing benefits, Design Essentials goes a step ahead to intensely clean impurities and nourish your hair with oat protein and henna! The good part is, the formulation uses advanced technology that cleanses without stripping the natural oils, strengthening and thickening the hair! Smoothing out the hair shaft and strengthening it too, this nourishing hair wash is formulated to leave your hair thicker, shinier, and healthier in a wash. Try it to witness the difference! Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the product.
Pros
- Improves manageability
- Detangles knots easily
- Stimulates hair growth
- Leaves hair bouncy and light
- Adds volume and eliminates buildups
- Silicone-free, sulfate-free, and cruelty-free
- Suitable for fine and weak hair
Cons
- Slightly drying for dry hair
5. Best Ayurvedic:Biotique Bio Kelp Protein Shampoo
Did you know excess oil can clog the pores and thwart hair growth? So, if you have an oily scalp or are dealing with hair fall, then Biotique Bio Kelp Protein Shampoo is a must-try for you. Thoroughly cleaning out the oil, dirt, and other buildups, it also nourishes hair with natural proteins, mint leaf extract, peppermint oil, and pure kelp intensely. It provides essential proteins to the hair and prevents product buildup. A great combination of nourishing ingredients like kelp, neem, and bhringraj offer a deep protein treatment to stimulate hair growth. Do not miss it! Use a moisturizing conditioner after this shampoo for maximum results.
Pros
- Ayurvedic cleanser
- Reduces hair fall
- Boosts volume and shine
- Suitable for oily and fine hair
Cons
- Slightly drying
6. Best Hypoallergenic:Attitude Super Leaves Volume & Shine Shampoo
Flip your hair with confidence when you have this volumizing formula in your kitty! A great option for those with thin or fragile hair, this ultra-mild cleanser will boost the volume and make your hair appear healthier instantly. Infused with soy protein and cranberry that ensure intense nourishing even during cleansing, this easy-lather formula will not weigh down your hair or leave any residue behind as well. Do you still want to stick to your old shampoo? This video will help you understand the product better.
Pros
- Gentle and lightweight
- Leaves hair soft and shiny
- Ideal for sensitive scalp
- Hypoallergenic and EWG-verified
- Dermatologically tested
- Ecologo-certified, vegan, and cruelty-free
Cons
- Overwhelming scent
- Not recommended for dry hair
7. Best For Dry And Damaged Hair: BOLD UNIQ BoldPlex 4 Bond Strengthening Protein Shampoo
Give your dry, dull, and damaged hair a boost of nourishment with the BOLD UNIQ BoldPlex 4 Bond Strengthening Protein Shampoo. It is a damage-repairing formula that suits all hair types, including curly, dry, colored, frizzy, broken, and bleached hair. It is formulated with innovative bond-building technology that works on a molecular level to repair hair proteins. It deeply cleanses your scalp while strengthening the hair follicles and restructuring damaged hair. It boosts hydration by letting active ingredients penetrate your hair and rectifying the stress caused on the hair due by heat styling, color treatments, chemical treatments, and over-processing. The shampoo revitalizes your hair and scalp to strengthen them between your salon visits and styling to prevent further hair damage.
Pros
- Hydrating and strengthening
- Gentle and clarifying formula
- Moisture retaining
- Mineral oil-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Suitable for color hair
- Suitable for chemically treated hair
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- PETA approved
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- May not give your hair shine
8. Best For Chemically-Treated Hair:Aubrey GPB Balancing Protein Shampoo
More like superfood for your hair! Aubrey GPB Balancing Protein Shampoo is packed with 75% organic ingredients such as jojoba oil, shea butter, aloe vera, and more to nourish your hair and scalp as it cleanses. Also, is your hair damaged? No problem. This blend contains not one but two proteins— milk protein and glycoprotein that fortify the strands to soak in the nutrients for healing. Repairing damaged areas, and strengthening and reviving weak hair as well, there’s no reason why you should give this protein-rich hair cleanser a miss. It is ideal for color-treated hair as it brings a balance of protein and prevents hair breakage.
Pros
- Gentle and cruelty-free
- Improves manageability
- Leaves hair soft and moisturized
- Provides light hydration to hair and scalp
- Eliminates split ends and tames the frizz
- Free from phthalates, paraben, sulfates, and gluten
- Suitable for chemically-treated, brittle, and frizzy hair
Cons
- Thin consistency
- Not recommended if you prefer a rich lather
9. Best Gentle Formula:Aveda Damage Remedy Shampoo
Don’t give up on your damaged hair yet, when Aveda has a Damage Remedy Shampoo for you! Get ready to loosen those purse strings as this one lathers up luxuriously to give smooth, manageable hair. Given how chemical treatments, everyday stress, and thermal styling can damage your hair’s optimal strength, this remedy is blended to restore your hair to its healthy state. How? All thanks to its quinoa protein and babassu oil surfactants that rinse out the damage-causing impurities and fortify strands to heal and repair intensely. Moreover, no animal testing has been conducted to determine the product’s effectiveness, which makes it an ideal cruelty-free choice. So, if you want to see your hair healthy, soft, and shiny again, you might as well give Aveda Damage Remedy Shampoo a try.
Pros
- Reconstructive formula
- Gentle and improves manageability
- Strengthens and smoothens hair shaft
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Pricey
10. Best For All Hair Types:RICH Pure Luxury Intense Moisture Shampoo
Is lack of moisture turning your hair into a frizz show? Or wondering how to hydrate your thirsty tresses? You need this moisture-packed shampoo for starters! Formulated to restore your scalp and hair to its optimal moisture state, it leaves no reason for your tresses to look dull, dehydrated, or frizz again. Also, it improves hair elasticity with the infused wheat protein and hydrolyzed keratin and strengthens hair as well. It promotes healthy locks and makes the hair manageable. Moreover, this product is a great option for people who prefer cruelty-free choices, as the formula is not tested on animals. Still, want to miss it?
Pros
- Gentle and ultra-moisturizing
- Hair health enhancing
- Leaves hair smooth, soft, and shiny
- Provides intense hydration and conditioning
- Improves manageability and prevents breakage
- Protects from heat damage and detangles knots
- Safe for damaged and dry hair
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Greasy if not rinsed out thoroughly
11. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Made from Earth Tea Tree + Protein Organic Shampoo
Are you dealing with an itchy scalp or dandruff? Go organic with this protein shampoo that is antiseptic and dermatologist-tested. Packed with all-natural ingredients, it contains tea tree oil, plant extracts, vitamins, and aloe vera. With tea tree oil hydrating, soothing, and cleaning the scalp, aloe vera, on the other hand, imparts restorative properties by conditioning and nourishing the tresses back to their shining glory. Chemical-free and a great option to cleanse out the impurities, bacteria, and fungus build-up, do not skip this one!
Pros
- Relieves itchiness
- Locks in natural oils
- Eliminates excess oil and dirt
- Reduces breakage and improves elasticity
- Leaves hair soft, revitalized, and flake-free
- Color-safe, sulfate-free, SLS-free, and cruelty-free
Cons
- May leave hair frizzy
12. Best For Reducing Breakage:Hairdreams Protein Shampoo
Making all your happy hair dreams come true is this gentle cleanser infused with pro-vitamin B5! Reviving weak follicles and fortifying strands to bask in the protein-infused blend, it’s a must-try for those dealing with stressed, damaged, or dull hair due to environmental issues. Also, it leaves your hair soft, shiny, and so smooth that you can’t help but flaunt them! Why skip something that’s bliss?
Pros
- Reduces breakages
- Leaves hair clean, light, and fresh
- Adds a healthy volume and shine
- Improves elasticity and manageability
Cons
- Thin consistency
13. Best Hydrating:LA’DOR Keratin LPP Shampoo
Here’s one from the Asians! Considering how gorgeous and stunning their tresses are, La’dor Keratin LPP Shampoo could be the secret. Also, it’s protein-packed! Infused with hydrolyzed keratin, hydrolyzed wheat protein, and hydrolyzed silk, it strengthens, protects, and repairs damages all in one wash. Besides this, it shields from thermal styling, sun damages, and lockouts humidity too. Want more? It also protects the natural keratin protein of your hair, thus enhancing the shine. Yep, give it a try if you haven’t already!
Pros
- Gentle cleanser
- Ensures intense hydration
- Leaves hair soft, shiny, and smooth
- Reduces breakage and improves elasticity
- Prevents future damages and protects hair color
- Silicone-free, paraben-free, and tar color-free
- Suitable for damaged, dry, chemically-treated, and heat-exposed hair
Cons
- Expensive
Bask in the power of protein for gorgeous hair this season! There you go, those were the 13 best protein shampoos for hair growth. To know more about protein shampoos or how to choose the right one, we’ve revealed it all in our buying guide below.
Buying Guide:
How To Choose The Right Protein Shampoo For Your Hair Type?
Simple! Follow our guide, and we bet you’ll end up with the right one for your hair:
Hair type: Rather than choosing any protein shampoo which promises restorative care, check if it is suitable for your hair type and texture. Protein shampoos are available for dry, normal, oily, curly, and wavy hair. Also, they are formulated for color-treated, damaged, stressed, and chemically-treated hair too. So, choose according to your hair type.
Strengthening formula: To help your hair grow quicker and healthy, you need to replenish the weak strands. Hence, protein may not be enough, so look out for other active ingredients as well that can create an ideal environment for your hair to grow.
Intense cleansing: Cleansing is as essential as nourishing. If your hair and scalp are not free of impurities, excess oils, and sweat, it will block out the nutrients, thus resulting in weak and breakage-prone hair. So, pick a shampoo that not only nourishes with protein but provides intense cleansing too.
Flexible strands: Choose a protein shampoo that ensures supple and flexible strands. This will reduce the chances of breakage and also help your hair grow stronger and quicker.
Chemical-free: Lastly, the shampoo should be free of harsh chemicals that can reverse the effects of protein and end up stripping the natural oils! So, check if the shampoo is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and more.
It is also recommended to purchase protein shampoos with respect to whether you have high or low porosity hair.
How Often Should You Use A Protein Shampoo?
Alternate days at least if you are dealing with very dry, damaged, or fine hair. However, using it daily is not advised because an overdose of protein can lead to greasiness or buildup, which can further cause hair problems.
Benefits Of Protein Shampoo
There are many! Especially if you are dealing with breakage-prone, weak, or lifeless hair, then a protein shampoo is a must-have.
Here are some of its benefits:
- Strengthens hair inside out
- Smoothes out split ends, tames frizz, and reduces breakage
- Provides intense hydration, nourishment, and conditioning
- Improves elasticity, manageability, and adds a healthy volume
- Leaves hair looking thicker, shinier, smooth, and soft
- Restores the optimal moisture and protein levels to stimulate hair growth
The secret to long, healthy, and flaunt-worthy hair is now yours! Adding a healthy volume and stunning shine, there is no better way to bring back your natural and gorgeous hair than with a protein boost! Just what your tresses need to recharge and revive, we hope our list of 13 best protein shampoos has the one for you. Now, what are you waiting for? Go pick your shampoo and let the “hair goals” selfies begin!
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In A Protein Shampoo
A protein shampoo will come in handy if you’ve been struggling with lifeless, limp hair and want to achieve long tresses. It will strengthen your hair and promote healthy hair growth. But, with so many choices, how do you pick the best one? The infographic below will walk you through the key ingredients to look for in a protein shampoo. Check it out!
The Bottom Line
Incorporating a protein-rich shampoo into your hair care routine can lead to stronger, healthier strands. The diverse range of protein shampoos highlighted in the article offers solutions for various hair concerns, promoting vitality and shine. Remember to select a product tailored to your specific needs and hair type, ensuring a nourishing and transformative experience for your locks. Use the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo, to strengthen and protect hair from heat damage, or go for the REDKEN Extreme Shampoo to improve hair manageability. Or if you are interested in repairing dry and damaged hair, use the BOLD UNIQ BoldPlex 4 Bond Strengthening Protein Shampoo. Pick the best shampoo that suits your hair and see how it transforms and becomes silky and smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Protein Shampoo Good For Your Hair?
Protein shampoos are highly recommended for dry, damaged, and chemically-treated hair. The infused keratin protein not only works at strengthening weak follicles but creates an ideal environment for your hair to grow healthy as well.
Does Protein Shampoo Help Hair Grow?
Yes, protein shampoos help revive dull and thin hair by restoring the lost keratin protein, which is required to stimulate healthy hair growth.
Is Protein Shampoo Good For Curly Hair?
Absolutely! Given how curly or textured hair is prone to frizz or split ends, a protein shampoo can help tame the frizz and smoothen out the cuticles to give you healthy, bouncy, and defined curls.
Can A Protein Shampoo Cause Hair Loss?
Overdose of protein can lead to brittleness and hair loss too. Hence, using a protein shampoo daily or frequently is not recommended.
Can A Protein Shampoo Cause Dandruff?
It depends on how often you wash your hair or how thoroughly you rinse out the shampoo residue. Sometimes, too much protein can make your hair greasier, thus leading to build up and dandruff. Also, the lack of keratin protein can result in dryness, which in turn increases flakiness.
How Do You Know If Your Hair Needs Protein?
Loss of keratin protein can make your hair look dull, dehydrated, brittle, and in worse cases, lead to slower hair growth, hair loss, and breakage too. So, if you are suffering from damaged hair, then lack of protein could be the reason.
How often should I use a protein shampoo?
This depends on the condition of your hair – for normal hair once a month is enough, but if your hair requires more care, use protein shampoo twice a month.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Medha Deb, the author of this article, is a haircare aficionado. According to her, if you struggle with lifeless and weak hair and desire long tresses, you need the best protein shampoo. Thus, she has conducted comprehensive research and analyzed numerous reviews to list the top 13 protein shampoos to make your job easier. These products provide intense hydration, improve elasticity, and leave your hair thicker and smoother.
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