Curly hair, as any curly-haired lady will tell you, requires a completely different set of products and styling procedures than straight hair. To avoid becoming unduly complicated, straight hair contains symmetrical hair follicles, whereas curly hair follicles are asymmetrical.
The number of links between the keratin (protein) molecules within the hair shaft determines the sort of curl pattern you get. All of this is a long way to stating that curly hair is unique, and as such, it has unique concerns and demands.
“Curly hair tends to be considerably drier than straight hair due to the form of the strands,” explains Emily Burns, a Product Development Haircare Specialist at Hask Beauty.
She notes that natural oils from the scalp are unable to go through the hair strand and uniformly distribute moisture, resulting in dry and brittle hair. As a result, it’s best to wait a few days between washes—and, when it’s time to wash, use a soft, moisturizing, and non-stripping shampoo.
We tested a few top-rated shampoos to determine the best shampoos for various curl types and hair issues. Our testers used them for weeks, grading the texture and feel of each product, as well as the ingredient list and how effectively it defined (and, of course, cleansed) their curls. We then combined these findings with our study and enlisted the help of a few curly hair specialists to build this list.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
- Courtney Danielle Bryant is a New York and New Jersey-based natural hair blogger and expert.
- Michael Dueas is a celebrity hairdresser who has worked with Hillary Duff and Julia Jones.
- Taylor Tugman is a North Carolina-based Devachan stylist.
- Philip Kingsley’s president and chief trichologist is Anabel Kingsley.
Continue reading to learn about the best shampoos for curly hair.
1. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo is the best overall.
Because humidity is to curls what Kryptonite is to Superman—the arch-nemesis of all arch-nemeses—we’re awarding this sudser first place. For starters, it has exclusive anti-frizz nano technology infused with silk protein, which helps seal out humidity while retaining your hair’s natural hydration.
Combine it with lots of moisturizing ingredients to keep the cuticle smooth—shea butter, murumuru butter, ceramides—and you’ve got a certain technique to assure nice curls, no matter how humid it gets. Even better, this shampoo contains a UV filter, which shields your hair from sun damage.
What We Like
- Combats frizz
- UV protection is provided by the hydrating composition.
What We Don’t Like
- For finer hair, it may be too heavy.
2. Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Shampoo is the most affordable option.
This drugstore standout’s pricing is unbeatable at a few dollars. Despite the low price, you get all of the same advantages as many more expensive shampoos. It includes conditioning coconut, macadamia, and jojoba oils as well as strengthening proteins and B vitamins to keep your curls looking healthy. It is sulfate-free, silicone-free, and paraben-free.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Strengthening
- Nourishing
What We Don’t Like
- Dry hair may require extra moisture.
3. Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate-Free Shampoo is best for detangling.
Even the best curly hair requires detangling on occasion, and this ultra-nourishing, sulfate-free shampoo makes it simple. The almond and avocado oil blend enters the hair, leaving it smooth, manageable, and significantly moisturized. Courtney Danielle Bryant, a natural hair blogger, lists this shampoo as one of her all-time favorites. “It’s really hydrating, and you can finger detangle with it in your hair,” she raves. It makes my hair feel really silky.”
What We Like
- The hydrating formula improves radiance
- Cleanses gently without stripping hair
What We Don’t Like
- For finer hair, it may be too heavy.
4. L’Oréal Paris Evercurl HydraCharge Shampoo is ideal for coloured hair.
This shampoo is not only sulfate-free, but it is also devoid of harsh salts and surfactants that can harm both your color and your curls. Coconut oil offers nourishment to your hair, but the vegan composition is light enough that it won’t weigh it down. It also reduces frizz and improves shine.
But, perhaps most impressively, The trio, when used with the accompanying conditioner and treatment, will keep your curls defined for 48 hours. Yes, as in two entire days! If you have curly hair, your washing method is equally as important as the shampoo.
“Curly hair is highly fragile and more prone to breaking when wet,” says Burns. “It’s crucial to be very careful with your hair.” “Begin by massaging the shampoo into your scalp and roots, being sure to keep your fingers under the top layer of hair since too much friction on the top layer may cause breakage.” Finish by gently rubbing the lather down your lengths and rinsing thoroughly.
What We Like
- Formula for hydration
- Reduces frizz and increases shine
What We Don’t Like
- For finer hair, it may be too heavy.
5. Kérastase Curl Manifesto Shampoo, Best Splurge, Runner-Up
Everything about this sudser seems particularly luxurious, from the rich lather (despite being sulfate-free) to the delicately sweet floral aroma. It works on wavy, curly, and coily hair as well as fine, medium, and thick textures, which is no minor achievement. Furthermore, the use of manuka honey to enhance moisture and ceramides to help seal it in helps keep your curls nourished.
What We Like
- It smells nice.
- It lathers beautifully.
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
6. EVOLh SmartCurly Hydrating Shampoo is the best natural option.
This moisturizing solution is wonderful for all curls, but it works especially well for people with extremely thick or coarse hair. It’s packed with moisturizing fatty acids, natural oils, and strengthening amino acids that can help define and enhance your natural curl development, as many satisfied customers have noted. For a sulfate-free product, it also lathers remarkably effectively.
What We Like
- Formula for hydration
- It lathers beautifully.
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
7. L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths No Build-Up Curls Micellar Shampoo is the best sulfate-free shampoo.
Sulfates are detergents found in a variety of cosmetic products, including shampoo, soap, and face wash. They’re utilized for washing and are responsible for the lather and foam, but they may be harsh and stripping, especially on curly hair, which is already prone to dryness.
Sulfate-free shampoos are widely available for curly hair. This is a high selection, because of the really creative recipe. It appears similar to micellar water but changes into a featherweight, airy foam as you rub it into your hair.
It gets extra marks for successfully removing residue, oil, and product buildup on both the scalp and the hair while being gentle. Oh, plus there’s hyaluronic acid and castor oil in there for extra moisture.
What We Like
- A novel water-to-foam texture
- Affordable
- Cleanses both the scalp and the hair.
What We Don’t Like
- Strong odor
8. Pantene Gold Series Moisture Boost Shampoo is ideal for natural hair.
Pantene’s whole haircare collection was created expressly to address the unique demands of natural, relaxed, and/or transitional hair. This very moisturizing product, for example, includes enough argan oil to soothe and hydrate even the roughest and driest hair cuticles while gently washing. We really like how the lather is smooth and creamy while yet rinsing cleanly.
What We Like
- Formula for hydration
- Affordable
- It lathers beautifully.
What We Don’t Like
- Sulfates are present.
FAQ
What to Look for in a Curly Hair Shampoo Hydrating?
Ingredients
Because curly hair is naturally drier than straight hair, it’s critical to choose a product with hydration such as natural oils, butter, and glycerin. However, there is one component that you should avoid. Silicones. While they are frequently used as a conditioning component to assist add glide and shine to the hair, according to Burns, they tend to build up on the hair strands over time.
This is especially problematic for curls since it causes them to grow heavy and lose their structure.
No sulfates or harsh detergents.
To combat dryness, Burns recommends avoiding shampoos that include harsh surfactants or detergents, the most prevalent of which are sulfates. They can be quite drying and peeling, which your curls do not require.
Is it preferable to use sulfate-free shampoo on curly hair?
Sulfates may be damaging for any hair type, especially curly hair, so avoid them if possible. Taylor Tugman, a Devachan stylist, adds that curly hair already tends to be dry, so you don’t want to further dry it out with a harsh product. Look for a “no-poo” cleanser with a mild recipe, and remember to massage your scalp as much as you would with a foamy lather.
Is dry shampoo harmful to curly hair?
Dry shampoo is acceptable to use as long as your hair is adequately cleaned on a regular basis.
Anabel Kingsley, president, and head trichologist at Philip Kingsley, explains that while dry shampoos are fine to use as a styling aid or for a day or two between shampoos, those who wash their hair less frequently should consider double cleansing and/or adding a scalp toner or mask to their weekly routine.
You’ll preserve your hair from damage caused by unnecessary buildup while still reaping the advantages of dry shampoo.
