The 15 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair
Pros
- Affordable
- Moisturizing
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 & 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
Size: 13 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Naturally, I switch up products frequently, but my 4C hair always loves when I put this on my curls. It hydrates and defines my curls, and the shampoo smells divine, but isn’t overwhelming.” —Danielle James, ELLE digital beauty director
Pros
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Pricey
Two of our favorite moisturizing 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
Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Say hello to hydration. I suffer from breakage, and by the time I finished this bottle, I noticed my hair had less shedding and was shinier, which is always a plus in my book.” —Danielle James
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 moisturizing baobab oil.
Hair type: Fine, dry
Size: 14 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “My hair is typically always in protective styles, so when my scalp and hair scream for a reprieve, Adwoa Beauty to the rescue. The Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo imparts a refreshing, cooling sensation to my scalp and has a moisturizing lather that stops dryness in its tracks.” —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
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
Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I love this shampoo. And the whole line. Wish it wasn’t so dang expensive. I love everything about it though—it cleans but makes my hair silky, my curls look great and soft, it smells good, [and] I even love the packaging. Worked at a hair salon and have tried most lines. BB is my fave.”
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
Size: 13 fl. oz.
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “Smells great, left my hair feeling clean, helped hold my curls. I have naturally wavy hair and I use this shampoo to help hold curls longer and last.”
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
Size: 8.0 fl. oz.
Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “This has transformed my hair. I will never use another product… game changer!”
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
Size: 10.1 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 3.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I’ve been using for about a month and my hair loves it. It is very soft and smooth. I use a little bit of shampoo before just to clarify and I only have to wash my hair 1-2 times a week now. I love it!”
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
Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Olaplex is one of the few shampoos that I’ve gone through more than one bottle of. It makes my hair feel stronger, softer, and adds tons of shine. I like following up with their serum straight out of the shower for the best results.” —Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor
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
Size: 16 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Amazing. I’ve been looking for an everyday shampoo like this for a while. It is so simple and light. Cleans the hair really well and doesn’t leave a gross residue. I use a clarifying shampoo once a week and this every other day! I love this shampoo.”
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
Size: 8.5 fl. oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “So glad Nordstrom is carrying this brand! It tames my curly mess into just enough order to be delightful without weighing it down into flat-ville.”
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 moisturized. With coconut oil, aloe vera, and honey, your curls will thank you for giving them this drink of water.
Hair type: Dry, curly
Size: 25 fl. oz.
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I have 4A-4B hair, and this shampoo leaves it feeling hydrated and cleansed. I also love that the product is scented, but only lightly so. I would repurchase. I have zero complaints.”
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
Size: 10 oz.
Ulta rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I absolutely love this line of curl care. It is absolutely amazing and leaves my scalp and hair hydrated and clean.”
Pros
- No sulfates
Cons
- Can feel greasy
This gentle 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
Size: 8.5 oz.
Target rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Target reviewer says: “This is the only product thus far that enhances my natural waves while also maintaining frizz. I seriously cannot live without the Ever Curl HydraCharge products.”
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
Size: 13 oz.
Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I’ve been searching for months for a non-irritating and moisturizing shampoo and think I’ve found it! My hair is soft and shiny after and my scalp doesn’t feel dried out or itchy with this product. It smells great and isn’t intense like so many shampoos out there. Plus, the price is good!”
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
Size: 12 oz.
Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I love this cleanser, it’s so gentle on the hair, and I have never found a shampoo that’s like this before. I do use conditioner afterward and style as usual. Definitely a staple in my hair routine”
Shop More ELLE Beauty Essentials
What kind of shampoo should someone with curly hair use?
Not all shampoos are created equal, nor is every formula suitable for curly hair. Lund explains that every head of hair has different needs and to get the healthiest, best-looking hair possible, it’s crucial to fulfill or replenish curls based on what it’s craving at the moment. “Curly hair tends to be on the dryer side due to the shape of the strands, so making sure your curls are properly moisturized is vital for healthy, bouncy curls.” A shampoo with protein can help strengthen and repair damaged curls. Additionally, “over time, ingredients, hard water, and pollution can build up on the hair creating a barrier that doesn’t allow ingredients to absorb,” says Lund, which is why a detoxing shampoo is also an essential product to have in your lineup.
Will shampoo make my curls frizzy?
We often think of shampoos as drying and stripping, therefore leading to more frizz. But there are plenty of hydrating cleansers on the market that both combat the fuzz and hydrate hair. “Frizz is best alleviated by the use of moisturizing products like shea butter, murumuru butter, and thicker oils like baobab seed oil. I also look for products with lotus extract as it acts as an emollient, leaving hair silky and soft,” says Lund.
Why trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com editors spoke with hair experts about the absolute best shampoos for curly hair. The editors personally tested a number of these products and scoured reviews for the top-rated products on the market.
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