Intensive Repair Shampoo For Damaged Hair
Intensive Repair Shampoo For Damaged Hair
Product Description
Product overview
A reparative daily shampoo formulated with Bio-Protein Care technology and Glutamic Amino Serum that works at a molecular level to strengthen hair fibers, stop 98% of visible damage due to breakage, and leave damaged hair feeling 10x stronger with every wash.
Bio-Protein Care Technology
Regenerates hair strength and refills with 1 trillion protein strength builders with every wash to repair damage at a molecular level.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBio-Protein Care Technology
Regenerates hair strength and refills with 1 trillion protein strength builders with every wash to repair damage at a molecular level.
10x Stronger Hair
When used with the matching conditioner or mask, hair feels reborn and 10x stronger against breakage compared to a non-conditioning shampoo.
98% Damage Protection
Stops 98% of visible damage due to breakage versus using a non-conditioning shampoo, protecting against heat, coloring, and styling.
Glutamic Amino Serum
Infused with a key amino acid naturally found in hair that is known to stop damage and strengthen the hair's internal structure.
Nourishing Ceramide Complex
Contains Ceramide NP, AP, and EOP along with coconut oil and hydrolyzed soy protein for deep nourishment and hair fiber reconstruction.
Backed by 10 Years of Research
Dove's damage repair technology is supported by a decade of scientific hair care research, ensuring proven results for all hair types.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, hydroquinone, or concerning active ingredients. Contains only standard cosmetic ingredients safe for pregnancy. Benzyl salicylate is a fragrance component, not the same as salicylic acid.
Contains Glycol Distearate and Coconut Oil, both of which can feed malassezia yeast and trigger fungal acne on the scalp, hairline, and back.
As a rinse-off product, pore-clogging risk is minimal. Coconut oil is comedogenic but is present in low concentrations and is washed away during use.
Gentle enough for color-treated hair. The mild surfactant system helps preserve color while still effectively cleansing.
Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate. While milder than SLS, these may be drying for very sensitive or extremely dry scalps.
Dimethiconol is a non-volatile silicone that conditions hair but may cause buildup over time. Consider a clarifying shampoo once a month if used daily.
Includes Parfum/Fragrance plus individual fragrance allergens (Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate). May irritate very sensitive scalps.
Enriched with Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP along with Phytosphingosine to help repair and reinforce the hair's lipid barrier.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlutamic Amino Serum (Bio-Protein Care)Proven
Dove's proprietary blend featuring glutamic acid, a key amino acid naturally found in hair keratin. It works at a molecular level to fill in gaps in damaged hair fibers and strengthen the protein structure.
- Function: Penetrates the hair cortex to rebuild weakened protein bonds caused by heat, chemical, and mechanical damage.
- Research: Dove claims 10 years of research backing this technology, demonstrating 98% reduction in breakage vs. non-conditioning shampoo.
- Delivery: Refills hair with 1 trillion protein strength builders per wash when used as part of the full system.
Ceramide Complex (NP, AP, EOP)Proven
A trio of ceramides that are identical to those naturally found in the hair cuticle. They help seal the cuticle layer, reduce moisture loss, and strengthen hair against future damage.
- Ceramide NP: Restores the lipid barrier within hair fibers, improving elasticity and reducing breakage.
- Ceramide AP & EOP: Work synergistically to reinforce the cuticle layer and lock in moisture for long-lasting smoothness.
- Phytosphingosine: A ceramide precursor that supports the natural production of ceramides in hair.
Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil)Proven
Rich in lauric acid, coconut oil has a unique ability to penetrate the hair shaft due to its low molecular weight and linear chain structure, reducing protein loss from both damaged and undamaged hair.
- Research: A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found coconut oil significantly reduces protein loss in both damaged and undamaged hair when used as a pre-wash or post-wash treatment.
- Benefit: Provides deep conditioning, adds shine, and smooths the cuticle to reduce frizz.
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein ConditioningProven
A plant-derived protein that mimics the structure of hair keratin. It adsorbs onto the hair surface and fills microscopic gaps in damaged cuticles, improving strength, elasticity, and shine.
- Function: Acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the hair shaft while providing a protective film on the surface.
- Benefit: Particularly effective for chemically treated or heat-damaged hair that has lost natural protein.
Oat Peptide (Avena Sativa) ConditioningPromising
A gentle, film-forming peptide derived from oats that provides conditioning, softening, and soothing benefits to the hair and scalp.
- Function: Forms a protective layer over the hair cuticle, reducing friction between strands and improving combability.
- Benefit: Known for soothing properties that can help calm irritated or sensitive scalps.
Glycerin HumectantProven
One of the most effective humectants in hair care. Glycerin draws moisture from the environment into the hair shaft, keeping hair hydrated, soft, and manageable.
- Comedogenicity: 0/5 — non-comedogenic and non-irritating.
- Efficacy: Effective at concentrations as low as 3%, with increasing benefits at higher concentrations.
29 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Gluconate, Fragrance (Parfum), Dimethiconol, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Carbomer, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, PPG-9, TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Cocamide MEA, Disodium EDTA, PEG-45M, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Avena Sativa (Oat) Peptide, Sh-Polypeptide-50, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in your hair care routine. For best results, pair with Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner and use the Intensive Repair Mask once a week.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Hair Thoroughly
Rinse hair with warm water to open the cuticle and prepare strands for cleansing. Ensure hair is fully saturated.
Apply Shampoo
Dispense a quarter-sized amount into your palm. Massage into scalp and roots using fingertips in gentle circular motions to build a rich lather.
Work Through Lengths
Let the lather run through the mid-lengths and ends as you rinse. Avoid scrubbing the ends directly to prevent additional mechanical damage.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Follow immediately with Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner on mid-lengths to ends.
Weekly Boost (Optional)
Once a week, replace your conditioner with the Dove Intensive Repair 10-in-1 Serum Mask. Leave on for 5 minutes for an intensive repair treatment.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- Your hair is damaged from coloring, bleaching, or heat styling
- You want an affordable daily repair shampoo that delivers visible results
- You need a shampoo that softens, smooths, and reduces breakage
- You prefer cruelty-free and vegan hair care products
- You want a shampoo backed by scientific research
- You have normal to dry hair that needs extra nourishment
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne on your scalp, hairline, or back
- You strictly avoid sulfates or silicones
- You have a very sensitive scalp prone to fragrance irritation
- You follow the Curly Girl Method (CGM) — contains silicones
- You prefer completely natural or organic formulations
- Your hair is fine and easily weighed down by rich formulas
Hair type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis is the ideal hair type for this shampoo. The ceramide complex, coconut oil, and protein blend deeply nourish and repair damaged fibers.
Safe for color-treated hair. The gentle surfactant system cleanses without stripping color, while the repair actives strengthen chemically weakened strands.
Works well for normal hair that needs extra smoothing and shine. May be slightly too rich for those who prefer a lightweight feel.
The rich conditioning agents and coconut oil may feel heavy on oily hair. Best applied only to mid-lengths and ends, keeping the scalp area minimal.
Silicones and oils may weigh down fine hair over time. Consider alternating with a volumizing shampoo and using a clarifying wash monthly.
Provides good moisture and detangling benefits. However, contains sulfates and silicones, so not Curly Girl Method approved.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Softness & Manageability
Hair feels noticeably softer, smoother, and easier to detangle right from the first use. The pearlescent lather rinses clean without residue.
85% noticed softer hairReduced Breakage & Frizz
With consistent daily use, visible reduction in hair breakage during brushing and styling. Frizz becomes more manageable and hair appears shinier.
78% reported less breakageVisible Damage Repair
The Bio-Protein Care technology begins to show cumulative results. Split ends appear less prominent and hair feels stronger from root to tip.
72% saw visible improvementHealthier, Stronger Hair
With continued use as part of the full Intensive Repair system, hair is progressively nourished and protected against future damage. Hair looks and feels reborn.
80% reported healthier-looking hairRatings by platform
67K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely affordable for the quality and size options available
- Leaves hair noticeably softer, smoother, and more manageable after just one wash
- Pleasant, fresh fragrance that lingers without being overpowering
- PETA-approved vegan and cruelty-free formula
- 100% recycled plastic bottles — eco-conscious packaging
- Widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online
- Backed by 10 years of scientific research
- Safe for color-treated hair
Criticized
- Contains sulfates (SLES) which may be drying for very sensitive scalps
- Non-volatile silicones can cause buildup requiring periodic clarifying washes
- Not fungal acne safe due to Glycol Distearate and Coconut Oil
- Contains fragrance and multiple fragrance allergens
- Formula has been reformulated multiple times, confusing loyal customers
- May weigh down fine or thin hair with continued use
- Repair benefits are more cosmetic (surface) than structural
- Not Curly Girl Method (CGM) approved
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESVery similar surfactant base with keratin protein for repair. Even more affordable but less sophisticated ceramide complex. Similar smoothing results for everyday damage.
Uses plant-derived phyto-keratin and amla oil for damage repair. Comparable smoothing and strengthening results. Slightly stronger fragrance but similarly affordable.
Features Pro-V blend with lipids and antioxidants instead of ceramides. Known for shine-boosting properties. Similar target audience but different active technology.
Focuses on anti-frizz and smoothing with keratin protein. Salon-inspired formula that targets manageability. Less emphasis on damage repair, more on styling preparation.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEPantene Pro-V Repair & Protect
L'Oréal Elvive Total Repair 5
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store at room temperature in a dry place. Keep the cap closed between uses to prevent water from entering the bottle.
Squeezable plastic bottle with flip-top cap, made from 100% recycled plastic (PCR).
The 3 oz travel size is TSA-approved and available separately. The 12 oz and 28 oz sizes exceed carry-on limits.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain retinoids, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or high concentrations of salicylic acid. The benzyl salicylate in the formula is a fragrance component and is not the same as the active ingredient salicylic acid. However, if you have specific sensitivities, always consult your healthcare provider.
No, this shampoo is not fungal acne safe. It contains Glycol Distearate (a fatty acid ester) and Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, both of which can feed malassezia yeast and potentially trigger or worsen fungal acne on the scalp, hairline, forehead, and back. If you are prone to fungal acne, consider a shampoo specifically formulated without these triggers.
Yes. Since this is a rinse-off shampoo, it does not interact with facial skincare actives like retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA. These products are applied to the face and left on, while shampoo is rinsed away during use. There are no compatibility concerns between this shampoo and your skincare routine.
This shampoo is best suited for dry, damaged, and color-treated hair that needs repair and nourishment. It works well for normal to thick hair textures. Those with fine, thin, or oily hair may find it too heavy for daily use and might benefit from alternating with a lighter formula. It is suitable for all hair types but excels on damaged strands.
Most users notice softer, smoother hair after the very first wash. Visible reduction in breakage and frizz typically occurs within 1–2 weeks of consistent use. For cumulative repair benefits and noticeably healthier-looking hair, allow 3–4 weeks of regular use, ideally paired with the matching conditioner and weekly mask.
This shampoo is always the first step in your hair care routine. Apply to wet hair, lather, and rinse. Follow with Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner on mid-lengths to ends. Once a week, you can replace the conditioner with the Intensive Repair Mask for a deeper treatment. Finish with a leave-in serum or heat protectant if styling.
The comedogenic rating for this shampoo is 1 out of 5, meaning it has a very low pore-clogging risk. While it contains coconut oil (which is comedogenic at 4/5 on its own), as a rinse-off product the contact time is minimal. To reduce risk of body acne, rinse thoroughly and wash your face and body after rinsing out the shampoo.
Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. This means it should be used within 12 months of first opening the bottle. Store at room temperature with the cap securely closed. There is no need for refrigeration. The unopened shelf life is typically 3 years from manufacture date.
Verdict: Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo is an outstanding value-for-money drugstore shampoo for damaged hair. Its Bio-Protein Care technology with ceramides delivers noticeable softness and reduced breakage from the very first wash, while the PETA-approved vegan formula and recycled packaging add ethical appeal. It falls short for those who need sulfate-free, silicone-free, or fungal acne-safe formulas, and fine-haired users should be mindful of potential buildup. But for the vast majority of people dealing with everyday damage from coloring, heat styling, or environmental stress, this is a proven, affordable workhorse that consistently delivers smooth, manageable, healthier-looking hair.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Sodium C12-13 Pareth Sulfate
Cleansing, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Gluconate
Skin Conditioning, Chelating Agent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Parfum
Masking, Perfuming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dimethiconol
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Moisturising
|
|



