Let’s see a show of hands: Who actually looks forward to wash day? If you didn’t raise your hand, don’t worry—you’re not alone. We’d be lying if we said cleansing our hair was our favourite thing in the world to do. But we’ve also discovered that the best shampoos for curly hair can help make our lives easier, and wash day feel a lot more relaxing. The right formula alongside a top-tier conditioner can reduce the time you have to spend detangling and otherwise fussing with your hair.
You might still be tempted to stick with your go-to co-wash instead of giving a new shampoo a chance. We truly get it, especially considering all of the sulfate-infused and drying shampoos out there that can throw off the moisture balance and texture of your curls in just one wash. But properly cleansing your hair is essential to maintaining both scalp and strand health. All you have to do is look for formulas that contain deeply moisturising ingredients like oils and honey. “Curly hair tends to be on the dryer side due to the shape of the strands, so making sure your curls are properly moisturised is vital for healthy, bouncy curls,” says hairstylist Sarah Lund.
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Top picks for the best shampoos for curly hair in 2024
1. Best Drugstore
Curl & Shine Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo, $22, SheaMoisture
Pros: Affordable, moisturising.
Cons: Some may dislike scent.
When it comes to curly hair, SheaMoisture knows exactly what it’s doing. The brand’s sulfate- and silicone-free Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo has amassed thousands of loyal fans thanks to its ultra-hydrating formula. You can pretty much find it at any drugstore, and your hair will feel soft and moisturized after every wash.
Hair type: Dry, curly.
2. Best for Salon-Level Results
Curl Manifesto Sulfate-Free Shampoo, $40, Kérastase
Pros: Sulfate-free.
Cons: Pricey
Two of our favorite moisturising ingredients for skin and hair are manuka honey and ceramides—and this formula features both! The dynamic duo combats dryness, prevents breakage, and promotes volume all in one go.
Hair type: Dry, curly.
3. Best for Scalp
Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo, $23, Adwoa
Pros: Soothing.
Cons: Some may dislike scent.
You can’t have healthy hair without a scalp that’s in good shape. This shampoo sets your scalp up for success with nourishing and calming ingredients like aloe leaf juice, which soothes any irritating, itchy, or dry spots. Plus, dehydrated strands will appreciate the formula’s moisturising baobab oil.
Hair type: Fine, dry.
4. Best for Hydration
Curl Moisturising Shampoo, $70, Bumble and Bumble
Pros: Non-stripping.
Cons: Pricey.
Hydration is key for all textures, let alone curly ones. The oils and butters in this formula quench thirsty strands and calm frizz like nobody’s business.
Hair type: Dry, curly.
5. Best for Softening
Quenching + Coconut Curls Shampoo, $13.90, OGX
Pros: Affordable, detangling.
Cons: Some may dislike scent.
Using this shampoo feels a little like going on a tropical vacation; an alluring blend of honey, coconut oil, and citrus oils detangles strands and transports you to your favorite beach. If you crave more definition to your curls, give this one a go.
Hair type: Dry, curly.
6. Best for Anti-Breakage
Curl Shampoo, $70, Virtue
Pros: Reduces breakage.
Cons: Pricey.
Damaged hair can be so hard to treat and often makes curls limp, dry, and prone to further breakage. Virtue’s Curl Shampoo uses the brand’s Alpha Keratin 60ku, which mimics the hair’s natural keratin, to repair damage every time you use it.
Hair type: Damaged, curly.
7. Best for Nourishment
7. Best for Nourishment
Curl Cleanser, $20, Bouclème
Pros: Formulated with a blend of oils.
Cons: Doesn't lather up much.
This shampoo contains so many delectable ingredients that it’s almost hard to list them all. With argan oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, natural extracts, and spearmint, your curls will be protected and soothed from your scalp to your ends.
Hair type: Curly, dry.
8. Best for Repair
No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, $52, Olaplex
Pros: Strengthens damaged hair.
Cons: Pricey.
For severely damaged hair, Olaplex is the brand to turn to. Heat and chemicals can both compromise your curl's integrity, but this shampoo gives hair a hefty dose of repair and moisture, for healthier and more manageable curls.
Hair type: Damaged.
9. Best for Moisture
Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo, $68, Briogeo
Pros: Lightweight.
Cons: Pricey.
You don’t have to choose between cleaning your hair and giving it a moisture boost. This shampoo uses hydrating B vitamins to quench your hair’s thirst, while also effectively cleaning your scalp, so you don’t have to worry about aggravating build-up.
Hair type: Dry.
10. Best for Wavy Hair
Be Curly Shampoo, $40, Aveda
Pros: Defines curls and waves.
Cons: Not best for fine hair.
If you’re looking for extra definition in your curls, Aveda’s option does just that. While cleansing and hydrating, you’ll notice your curls clumping together more to form enviable and consistent spirals.
Hair type: Curly, dry
11. Best for Thick hair
Hydration Shampoo, $45, PATTERN
Pros: A little goes a long way.
Cons: Not best for fine hair.
Created by the curl queen Tracee Ellis Ross, this shampoo ensures that your coils are effectively moisturised. With coconut oil, aloe vera, and honey, your curls will thank you for giving them this drink of water.
Hair type: Dry, curly.
12. Best for Dryness
Hydrating Shampoo, $30, Rizos Curls
Pros: Combines shea butter and moringa.
Cons: Scented.
While shea butter hydrates and repairs dry strands, moringa oil works overtime to tackle dry, itchy scalps. Dandruff doesn’t stand a chance.
Hair type: Curly.
13. Best Clean
Ever Pure Curl Shampoo, $18.50, L'Oréal Paris
Pros: No sulfates.
Cons: Can feel greasy.
This gentle sulphate-free shampoo makes sure your curls are properly nourished, without stripping them of their natural oils. Plus, it's perfect for curls that have been dyed, since it doesn't dull color.
Hair type: Wavy, curly.
14. Best for Scalp
Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo, $30, tgin
Pros: Leaves hair feeling soft.
Cons: Doesn't lather well.
TGIN’s Moisture Rich Shampoo is a must for nourished curls before adding a conditioner. With alma oil, coconut oil, and aloe vera, this shampoo not only adds moisture but also helps prevent breakage.
Hair type: Wavy, curly.
15. Best for Detangling
Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse, $16, Camille Rose
Pros: Helps with dandruff.
Cons: Some dislike the scent.
For those who want an easy wash day, Camille Rose is here to help. The Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse cleans hair with a luxurious lather leaving it feeling dry. It is infused with castor and aniseed oil to hydrate, add shine, and even lightly detangle
Hair type: Dry, curly.
This article was first seen on ELLE.com