Dry hair at the shampoo step has one job: come out cleaner without coming out drier. Most shampoos strip efficiently and leave the rest to conditioner. Sebastian Drench Hydrating Shampoo is built differently — a moisture-boosting formula that cleanses while replenishing dehydrated strands, leaving hair soft, supple, and full of the fluid movement that dry hair loses when it's been stripped one too many times. Nix the dry spell from the first step.

Drench Hydrating Shampoo uses a classic but effective surfactant system that creates a rich, creamy lather for thorough cleansing, with conditioning actives that work simultaneously during the wash to leave hair more manageable at rinse-out than it started.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are the primary surfactants — providing the rich lather and thorough scalp cleansing that removes sebum, product buildup, and environmental deposits that compound dryness on dehydrated hair. Cocamidopropyl Betaine is an amphoteric co-surfactant that moderates the surfactant system, improving foam quality, reducing scalp irritation, and leaving the hair in better condition at rinse-out than SLS or SLES alone would achieve. Glycol Distearate provides the characteristic pearlescent, creamy texture and contributes mild emollient conditioning to the lather.

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride is the in-wash conditioning active — a cationic guar that deposits at negatively charged cuticle damage points during the wash, delivering in-shower slip, detangling action, and frizz-reducing anti-static properties that make a meaningful difference at rinse-out. For dry, frizzy hair where the cuticle is already roughened, the guar deposit reduces the mechanical friction during rinsing and combing that causes additional breakage and frizz activation.

Dimethicone provides lightweight surface smoothing at rinse-out, filling micro-gaps in the cuticle surface to reduce frizz and add a subtle shine. Panthenol (provitamin B5) provides the deeper conditioning contribution — penetrating the cortex and binding moisture structurally for the lasting softness that carries through from the shampoo step into the styling routine.

Salicylic Acid appears in the formula at a low concentration as a gentle clarifying agent — clearing any residue film on the hair shaft that blocks moisture absorption, ensuring the hair arrives at the conditioning step with a clean, receptive cuticle surface rather than one impeded by buildup.

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil contributes a brightening, purifying character to the fragrance and provides mild antioxidant support at the scalp surface. Glycerin provides humectant moisture retention throughout the wash.

Metro Vancouver note: Hard water mineral deposits on the cuticle surface compound dryness and reduce the effectiveness of hydrating shampoos by blocking moisture absorption. If results are less than expected, a chelation step before your routine may improve the shampoo's conditioning actives from reaching the hair shaft more directly. See our Hard Water Hair Damage hub for the protocol.

Who It's For Dry, dehydrated, or frizzy hair of any texture. Colour-safe — suitable for regular use on colour-treated hair. The formula produces a rich, creamy lather and is designed for everyday use as the first step in the Drench hydration system. Follow with Drench Intensely Hydrating Conditioner for the complete moisture-replenishing routine.

Also available in 1 litre size →. Pair with Sebastian Drench Intensely Hydrating Conditioner → for the full Drench system.

Key Ingredients

• Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride — Cationic guar; deposits at damaged cuticle points during washing for in-shower slip, detangling, and anti-static frizz control
• Panthenol (Provitamin B5) — Penetrates the cortex and binds moisture structurally for lasting softness beyond the rinse
• Dimethicone — Lightweight surface smoothing; reduces frizz and adds subtle shine at rinse-out
• Salicylic Acid — Gentle clarifying agent; removes residue film from the cuticle surface to improve moisture absorption
• Glycerin — Humectant; maintains moisture balance at the hair surface through the wash
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine — Amphoteric co-surfactant; moderates lather action and improves rinse-out manageability

How to Use Massage into wet hair to activate the rich lather. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary. Best followed with Sebastian Drench Intensely Hydrating Conditioner.