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Curly hair requires specialized care due to its unique structure—asymmetrical follicles and varying keratin bonds create distinct curl patterns that are often drier and frizzier than straight hair. Finding the right shampoo can make all the difference in nourishing, defining, and enhancing curls while keeping them hydrated and manageable.
After researching and testing 31 shampoos, we’ve curated a list of the best shampoos for curly hair, evaluated for ingredients, compatibility with different curl types, effectiveness, and value. Below, explore our top picks and answers to frequently asked questions to help you choose the perfect shampoo for your curls.
Our Top Picks for the Best Shampoos for Curly Hair
Best Overall: Curlsmith Essential Moisture Shampoo
Price: $26 (Amazon, Sephora, Ulta)
Key Ingredients: Rosemary, sunflower oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, aloe vera, shea butter
Scent: Fresh
Sulfate-Free: Yes
Color-Safe: Yes
Size: 12 oz
Best For: All curl types (2A–4C)
Why We Love It: This shampoo is a standout for its affordability and ability to deliver soft, hydrated, and defined curls without buildup. Packed with natural oils like coconut, avocado, and sunflower, plus aloe vera for hydration, it’s gentle yet effective. Testers with various curl types praised its ability to leave hair clean, soft, and easy to detangle, making it a top choice for versatile curl care.
Tester Quote: “The combo leaves your hair clean, soft, and with the perfect amount of slip to detangle before styling.”
Best Budget: L’Oréal Paris EverPure Curl Shampoo
Price: $10 (Amazon, Walmart, Walgreens)
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil
Scent: Fresh coconut
Sulfate-Free: Yes
Color-Safe: Yes
Size: 8.5 oz
Best For: Curly, coily, wavy, color-treated, chemically processed hair
Why We Love It: This drugstore gem delivers salon-quality results at a budget-friendly price. Its lightweight, vegan formula hydrates with coconut oil, smooths flyaways, and enhances shine without weighing down curls (except for very fine hair). It’s free of harsh salts and surfactants, preserving color and curl definition for up to 48 hours when paired with its conditioner.
Tester Quote: “My curls are better defined and stayed that way throughout the day.”
Best Splurge: Kevin.Murphy Hydrate-Me Wash
Price: $36 (Amazon)
Key Ingredients: Kakadu plum (high in vitamin C), vitamin A, omega-6, shea butter
Scent: Unscented
Sulfate-Free: Yes
Color-Safe: Yes
Size: 1.4–33.8 oz
Best For: Curly, coily, wavy, textured, color-treated hair
Why We Love It: This premium shampoo is worth the investment for its high-quality ingredients, including kakadu plum for vitamin C, which smooths the hair shaft and boosts shine. It hydrates and softens curls, leaving them sleek and defined, though it may not add significant volume.
Tester Quote: “Every time I wash my hair, it feels like I’ve been to a salon.”
Best for Shine: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Shampoo
Price: $9 (Amazon, Ulta, Target)
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil
Scent: Coconut
Sulfate-Free: Yes
Color-Safe: Yes
Size: 13–24 oz
Best For: Curly, thick hair
Why We Love It: This shampoo enhances shine and silkiness with natural butters and oils like shea butter and coconut oil. It defines curls and nourishes dry strands, though its heavier oils may weigh down finer hair types. It’s free of silicones, parabens, and phthalates, making it ideal for sensitive scalps.
Tester Quote: “The shampoo almost acts like a conditioner for curly hair, which is great.”
Best Hydrating: Pattern Hydration Shampoo
Price: $21 (Amazon, Ulta, Target)
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, aloe vera, honey, coconut oil
Scent: Unscented
Sulfate-Free: No
Color-Safe: Yes
Size: 3–25 oz
Best For: Curly, wavy, coily, textured hair
Why We Love It: Packed with 10 nourishing oils, this shampoo repairs damaged, dehydrated curls, leaving them shinier and healthier. It lathers quickly, removes buildup, and hydrates without being too heavy, though it may be overly moisturizing for oily hair types.
Tester Quote: “My dry, brittle ends seemed to repair themselves.”
Best Curl-Defining: Bumble and bumble Curl Moisturizing Shampoo
Price: $38 (Amazon, Sephora, Ulta)
Key Ingredients: Jojoba, avocado, coconut oils, shea and cocoa butters
Scent: Unscented
Sulfate-Free: Yes
Color-Safe: Yes
Size: 2–33.8 oz
Best For: Wavy, curly, coily hair
Why We Love It: This shampoo enhances natural curl patterns with a lightweight, hydrating formula that doesn’t strip natural oils. It lathers easily with minimal product and delivers bouncy, defined curls, though it may not cleanse deeply enough for those prone to buildup.
Tester Quote: “This shampoo makes my curls more defined and bouncier.”
Best for Sensitive Scalp: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo
Price: $39 (Amazon, Sephora, Ulta)
Key Ingredients: Vitamin B, amino acids, panthenol
Scent: Clean, floral
Sulfate-Free: Yes
Color-Safe: Yes
Size: 16–33.8 oz
Best For: Curly, coily, wavy, textured, color-treated, chemically-treated hair
Why We Love It: Ideal for sensitive scalps, this shampoo soothes irritation while hydrating and detangling hair. It’s free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones, making it gentle yet effective, though it may not define curls as strongly as other options.
Tester Quote: “My scalp felt so good… like after a good hair wash at the salon.”
Best for Wavy Hair: OGX Coconut Curls Shampoo
Price: $6 (Amazon, Walmart)
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, citrus oil, honey
Scent: Coconut, vanilla
Sulfate-Free: No
Color-Safe: Yes
Size: 13–25.4 oz
Best For: Wavy, curly, coily hair
Why We Love It: This affordable shampoo transforms loose waves into defined, bouncy curls with coconut oil for shine and honey for moisture. Its rich lather cleanses effectively, though the strong scent may not suit everyone.
Tester Quote: “I’ve been able to achieve way more wave definition that lasts into day four hair.”
Best for Color-Treated Hair: Virtue Curl Shampoo
Price: $78 (Amazon, Sephora, Ulta)
Key Ingredients: Keratin proteins, jojoba oil
Scent: Citrus
Sulfate-Free: Yes
Color-Safe: Yes
Size: 2–17 oz
Best For: Wavy, curly, coily hair
Why We Love It: This shampoo preserves vibrant color while strengthening and defining curls with keratin proteins. Its gentle, nondrying formula enhances texture and shine, though the citrus scent may not appeal to all.
Tester Quote: “My hair still looks full, fluffy, and healthy!”
FAQs About Shampoos for Curly Hair
What is the most recommended shampoo for curly hair?
The Curlsmith Essential Moisture Shampoo is our top pick for its versatility across all curl types (2A–4C). Its blend of rosemary, sunflower, coconut, avocado oils, aloe vera, and shea butter hydrates, defines, and softens curls without buildup, earning praise for its gentle cleansing and detangling properties.
How to choose the best shampoo for curly hair?
When selecting a shampoo for curly hair, consider:
Hydrating Ingredients: Look for natural oils (e.g., coconut, avocado, shea butter), glycerin, or aloe vera to combat dryness.
Sulfate-Free Formulas: Sulfates can strip natural oils, so opt for sulfate-free shampoos, especially for color-treated or sensitive hair.
Curl Type Compatibility: Ensure the shampoo suits your curl type (wavy, curly, coily) and addresses specific needs like definition, hydration, or scalp sensitivity.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients: Steer clear of parabens, silicones, or drying alcohols, though some modern silicones can aid detangling.
Color Safety: For dyed hair, choose color-safe formulas to maintain vibrancy and prevent fading.
Does curly hair need special shampoo?
Yes, curly hair requires specialized shampoos because its asymmetrical follicles make it naturally drier and more prone to frizz than straight hair. Shampoos formulated for curls prioritize hydration, gentle cleansing, and definition without stripping natural oils, unlike generic shampoos that may contain drying sulfates or silicones.
How do I keep my naturally curly hair curly?
To maintain and enhance your natural curls:
Use Curl-Specific Shampoos: Choose shampoos like those listed above to hydrate and define curls.
Follow with Conditioner: Pair with a matching conditioner to lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
Limit Washing: Wash 2–3 times weekly to avoid stripping natural oils.
Detangle Gently: Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers while hair is wet and conditioned to prevent breakage.
Style with Curl Products: Apply curl creams or gels post-wash to enhance definition and hold.
Protect from Heat and Environment: Minimize heat styling and use products with UV protection or anti-humidity properties, like Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo.
By choosing the right shampoo and following a curl-friendly routine, you can keep your curls hydrated, defined, and frizz-free.
Faith Adeniyi
