If you struggle with dry, damaged hair, finding a shampoo that truly restores moisture and shine can feel like a never-ending quest. With countless options on the market promising hydration, it’s tough to know which ones actually deliver.
In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at two leading moisturizing shampoos: Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo. Both are formulated with natural, nutrient-rich ingredients and designed to revive dry hair—but which one is the better fit for your hair type?
What This Article Covers:
- Overview of Moroccanoil Hydrating and Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo
- Ingredient comparison
- Texture and fragrance differences
- How to use each shampoo effectively
- Price comparison
- Which shampoo should you choose?
Product Overview
Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
Moroccanoil is a pioneer in argan oil-infused hair care, born from a transformative hair treatment experience by founder Carmen Tal. Known for its rich formulations, the brand focuses on revitalizing hair with high-quality, antioxidant-rich ingredients.
The Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo is part of their hydration range, specifically created to restore moisture to dry, brittle hair. It’s gentle enough for daily use and packed with argan oil and nutrient-rich botanicals that nourish the hair from root to tip.
Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo
Amika, a Brooklyn-based beauty brand, started with styling tools and expanded into hair care with a mission to support diversity, sustainability, and cruelty-free practices. Known for bold packaging and clean formulas, Amika products are designed for all hair types.
Their Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo is a standout in their hydration collection. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalane, it promises up to 3x more hydration and 72 hours of moisture retention, making it a go-to for severely dry or textured hair.
Ingredient Breakdown
Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
Formulated without sulfates, phosphates, or parabens, this shampoo uses a powerful blend of hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredients, including:
- Argan Oil – Packed with vitamin E, it enhances shine, elasticity, and smoothness.
- Red Algae – Helps retain moisture and prevent dehydration.
- Vitamin A – Fights free radicals and slows hair aging by maintaining hydration.
Free from: SLS/SLES, formaldehyde, mineral oil, triclosan, and other harsh chemicals.
Eco-conscious: Packaged in recyclable materials.
Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo
Amika’s formula is focused on long-lasting hydration through naturally-derived, bioactive ingredients:
- Squalane – Locks in moisture and restores the scalp’s lipid barrier.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Attracts moisture from the air to deeply hydrate hair strands.
- Polyglutamic Acid – Enhances moisture retention.
- Bio-Fermented Coconut Water – Rich in electrolytes and nutrients for intense hydration.
- Blue-Green Algae – Contains fatty acids, vitamins, and amino acids to nourish the scalp.
- Sea Buckthorn – A star ingredient for scalp and hair health.
Free from: Parabens, sulfates, mineral oils
Ethical: Vegan and cruelty-free certified
Texture & Fragrance
Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
- Texture: Rich, creamy, and lathers easily without leaving residue.
- Scent: Signature Moroccanoil fragrance—a blend of spicy amber, musk, and sweet floral notes.
- Experience: Leaves hair feeling silky, soft, and nourished after each wash.
Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo
- Texture: Lightweight and easy to absorb, yet produces a luxurious lather.
- Scent: A refreshing mix of vanilla, spicy melilot, and citrus—modern and energizing.
- Experience: Deeply hydrates hair while cleansing, without heaviness.
Ideal Usage Instructions
How to Use Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
- Apply a small amount to wet hair.
- Add water to activate the lather.
- Massage into scalp and hair, then rinse thoroughly.
- Suitable for daily use, especially effective when paired with other products from Moroccanoil’s Hydration line, like the Hydrating Mask or Leave-In Conditioner.
Ideal for: Normal to dry, color-treated, and chemically processed hair.
How to Use Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo
- Wet hair thoroughly.
- Apply a generous amount of shampoo and massage into scalp.
- Lather well and rinse completely.
- Follow with the Amika Hydro Rush Conditioner for maximum results.
Best for: Dry, coarse, textured, or highly porous hair needing intense hydration.
Safe for: Color-treated, keratin-treated, and chemically processed hair.
Price Comparison
| Product | Size | Price |
| Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo | 75ml | $12.00 |
| 250ml | $26.00 | |
| 1000ml | $75.00 | |
| Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo | 275ml | $26.00 |
| 500ml | $40.00 | |
| 1000ml | $68.00 |
Note: While Moroccanoil is slightly more expensive at the 1000ml size, both brands are similarly priced for smaller bottles. Prices may vary by retailer—always check for current deals and bundles.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo if:
- You want a luxurious, daily-use shampoo that hydrates without weighing hair down
- You prefer argan oil-based formulas with rich lather and a signature scent
- Your hair is normal to dry, color-treated, or lacks shine
Choose Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo if:
- You need intense, long-lasting hydration for coarse or extremely dry hair
- You prefer a lightweight formula with modern ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane
- You’re looking for a vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly hair care solution
Final Thoughts
Both Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo are excellent choices for dry, dehydrated hair, but they serve slightly different needs.
- Moroccanoil offers a classic, nutrient-rich experience with its iconic scent and daily-use formula infused with argan oil and vitamins.
- Amika provides a modern hydration solution, emphasizing clean beauty, cutting-edge ingredients like squalane, and 72-hour moisture retention.
Your ideal shampoo depends on your hair type, hydration needs, and brand values. Either way, your hair is in for a healthy, revitalizing treat.