The 15 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
These gentle, curl-defining shampoos will help you achieve your bounciest, shiniest locks ever
People / Marcus Millan
The shampoo struggle is real for those of us with curly hair. Whether you’re working with loose waves, corkscrew curls, coils, or kinky hair, you need a shampoo that cleanses gently without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
“We know all hair needs shampoo, but most people don’t realize curly hair has different needs than straight hair,” says Queen Adrienne Monroe, founder of Red Carpet Curls and the products expert at Curls on 5th. She explains that all scalps produce their own oil, known as sebum, which helps to “naturally condition the hair and scalp to keep it healthy, moisturized, and thriving.” While the oil is easily able to travel down straight hair and moisturize strands as it goes, it gets blocked by curls. “The curlier your hair is, the slower the sebum will travel trying to get around each twirl of the curl pattern,” she tells PEOPLE.
As a result, curly hair is rendered “vulnerable to becoming dry and in worst cases, causing split ends and breakage.” To keep curls looking healthy, you’ll need to look for shampoos that are formulated with moisturizing, gentle cleansers and without sulfates, which Monroe says are too harsh and strong a clarifier for curly hair.
With this in mind, our PEOPLE Tested team researched 31 popular shampoos for curly hair and tested them out in the real world over six weeks to see which ones made a difference. During the testing period, we carefully considered the ingredients and how effectively they cleansed and nourished our scalp and hair, while also noting the texture, smell, and efficacy of each product. The shampoos that helped us achieve our bounciest, shiniest, most defined curls earned a spot on this list.
Read on for the best shampoos to help your curly hair thrive, whether you’re looking to target buildup, breakage, or just infuse some much-needed hydration into your hair routine.
Best Overall: Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo
Pros
Our tester’s curls were notably more hydrated and moisturized after just one wash.
It has a wonderfully pleasant floral smell that lightly perfumes the hair even after it’s rinsed out.
It’s formulated without sulfates, parabens, artificial colors, and other harsh ingredients that strip hair of its natural moisture.
Cons
We wouldn’t change anything about this hydrating shampoo, which can be used on all types of curly hair — and even on straight hair.
This lightweight, hyper-moisturizing shampoo lived up to its name from the very first wash, delivering an immediate rush of hydration to our parched curls. After the first shampoo, our tester immediately noticed a difference in how moisturized her hair was.
“It locked in the moisture and was very gentle on my hair while still providing it with much-needed hydration,” our tester said, noting that the formula kept her hair feeling bouncy and never weighed down her strands. Packed with frizz-fighting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and reparative squalane, a little of this shampoo goes a long way. We found that it lathers up nicely, and leaves a lightly floral scent that’s addictive. It washes out easily, and our tester loved that it never left a residue. Overall, our tester found that it worked so well that she could even cut down on the amount of leave-in product she applied after washing.
At the end of the testing period, she found that her curls looked a lot smoother and were less frizzy and that her hair feels better since beginning to use the shampoo. Best of all, this shampoo is great for all types of curls and is suitable to use on hair that’s been treated with keratin, chemicals, and color.
Size: 9.2 and 16.9 oz. | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane | Sulfate-Free: Yes
Related: The 12 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Budget: L'Oréal Paris Evercurl HydraCharge Shampoo
Pros
The hydrating formula smooths frizz and doesn’t weigh down fine strands.
Moisturizing coconut oil made our tester’s hair softer after just one wash.
It’s free of sulfates and other drying agents.
Cons
We wish it was available in a larger size, but otherwise feel this is a great hydrating pick for those on a budget.
Our tester found that this affordable shampoo made a difference in her fine, medium-tight curls after just one wash. “I could feel an immediate softness to my hair and the curls were a little looser and not frizzy,” she said, noting that the results got even better throughout the testing period.
Hydrating coconut oil helped to lock in moisture without weighing down hair or stripping any natural oils, making this an excellent choice for our tester’s fine hair. She remarked that the shampoo’s uplifting scent was very pleasant and that it lingered lightly but was very subtle and fresh. By the end of the testing period, she felt her curls’ definition had noticeably improved, and that the effects lasted throughout the days after shampooing.
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil | Sulfate-Free: Yes
People / Nellah McGough
Best Investment: Kevin Murphy Hydrate Me Wash
Pros
It’s formulated with kakadu plum, which is naturally rich in vitamin C and helps to lock in moisture.
Antioxidants revive hair’s natural glow in this smoothing, restorative shampoo.
The 15.5-oz. size comes with a convenient pump and is an excellent value compared to the 8.4-oz. option.
After a few washes, our tester’s frizz was noticeably tamed and her hair felt substantially more hydrated.
Cons
We love everything about this moisturizing, radiance-boosting shampoo.
For soft and supple curls, our tester loved this hydrating shampoo from renowned celebrity hairstylist Kevin Murphy. After just a few washes, her locks looked healthy and vibrant. She praised the gentle cleansing effect of this shampoo, which creates a satisfying lather that spreads easily across the scalp and hair and removes dirt without stripping any healthy oils.
The formula is enhanced with kakadu plum, a plant native to Australia that boasts a remarkably high concentration of vitamin C to smooth strands; vitamin A works alongside it to boost elasticity. Shea butter helps reverse the damage and protect against environmental stressors by infusing strands with hydration without ever clogging pores.
While it’s a bit of a splurge, we appreciate that anyone on the fence can try out the travel-size option for less than $10 — and trust us, you’ll be hooked. Ultimately, we think the 15.5-oz. size is the best investment, as it boasts nearly double the amount of the product as the 8.4-oz. size for only $10 more.
Our tester said it even boosted the efficacy of their styling products, making it easier for them to create defined curls from their naturally wavy hair with just a small amount of product. “My curls look great, and my hair feels so much healthier than it did before,” she said, adding that the splurge-worthy purchase allowed her to achieve salon-quality washes at home.
Size: 1.4, 8.4, 15.5, and 33.6 oz. | Key Ingredients: Kakadu plum, vitamin A, vitamin C, shea butter, evening primrose oil | Sulfate-Free: Yes
People / Dawn Turner
Best for Deep Cleans: Adwoa Beauty Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo
Pros
It leaves hair feeling refreshed and salon-quality clean without stripping strands of their moisture.
The formula is enriched with moisturizing aloe leaf juice, which removes dead skin buildup on the scalp to improve hair’s shine and smoothness.
Peppermint oil helps to calm and cool an itchy scalp, while also reducing flakiness.
Cons
While it’s ultra-effective at gently cleansing, we wish this formula was more nourishing for curly hair.
Our tester raved about how clean and refreshed her hair felt after every wash with this moisturizing shampoo made for curly and coily natural hair. The lightweight formula goes on almost like a curl cream, spreading easily along the scalp and strands without working into a lather. A trio of minty essential oils — wintergreen, spearmint, and peppermint — create a cooling sensation.
When it came to cleansing, this shampoo really got the job done. Our tester uses a variety of styling products including a curl cream, mousse, gel, and serum, and the lightweight formula of this shampoo left her hair feeling clean and soft without ever drying it out. While the cleansing formula works wonders for tackling buildup, we wish that it was a bit more nourishing — our tester found that her hair wasn’t noticeably any shinier or less frizzy at the end of the testing period.
If you’re looking for a more frizz-fighting or smoothing shampoo, we’ve got you covered with plenty of other options on this list. For those simply in need of a deep clean, rest assured that you’ll be wowed by this gentle yet effective formula, which leaves hair feeling extra soft thanks to baobab oil. Plus, as our tester noted, the bottle dispenses the perfect amount of product with each pump — and we love the minty scent.
Size: 3.3 and 14 oz. | Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, baobab oil, wintergreen oil, spearmint oil, peppermint oil | Sulfate-Free: Yes
Best for Breakage: Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo
Pros
Our tester’s curls were noticeably more defined and less frizzy after the testing period.
The creamy formula lathers, spreads, and rinses out like a dream.
We liked the subtle floral scent, which enhances the overall wash experience.
Cons
It’s a bit of a splurge, but a little goes a long way with this product.
Designed to target damage, split ends, and breakage, this reparative shampoo had our tester hooked for life by the end of the testing period. She found that the hype around Briogeo’s moisturizing shampoo was well deserved, calling herself "a believer” after witnessing the dramatic difference the formula had on her hair by the end of testing.
“Good hair days are a lot more consistent,” she reflected, noting that her dense, thick mixture of curls and coils are more springy and maintain their definition longer since using this shampoo. “My hair doesn’t become as frizzy or tangled in between washes as it did prior to testing the shampoo,” she said. The strengthening formula helps to keep damage at bay, and she would recommend it for anyone with dry, brittle hair or hair that is susceptible to breakage.
When it comes to applying the product, we loved the subtle floral scent and how easily the formula spreads throughout the hair. Our tester praised how well it rinsed out, noting that it never left her hair feeling sticky or soapy. While it’s a bit of a splurge, our tester vouches that it’s worth every penny given its incredible efficacy.
Size: 16 and 33.8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Algae extract, panthenol, biotin, rose oil | Sulfate-Free: Yes
Related: The 7 Best Shampoos for Hair Growth of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Curl-Defining: Bumble & bumble Curl Moisturizing Shampoo
Pros
A mixture of butters and oils work together to nourish hair while gently cleansing and reducing frizz.
Our tester’s curls were more defined and bouncier after the first wash.
The effectiveness of the formula helped our styling products go further than usual, as our hair was already in great shape right out of the shower.
Cons
We love this formula — we only wish the standard-size bottle was larger.
Whatever your curl pattern, definition is always desirable — and this magic bottle from Bumble & Bumble delivers time and again. We tested this formula on thick, curly hair that’s prone to frizz and noticed immediate results (which continued to improve over the testing period). Our tester said her curls were more defined after the first wash, and that her hair felt clean but not squeaky clean, noting that the hydrating formula left her natural oils intact.
This nourishing formula, which is enhanced with a blend of deeply hydrating avocado, coconut, and jojoba oils, as well as shea and cocoa butters, earned an almost perfect score across the board, thanks to its shine-boosting and frizz-reducing abilities. We also loved how well it lathered up and how quick and easy it was to rinse out.
Our tester was ultimately blown away by how much of an impact the shampoo had on her curl definition, explaining that while she used to think conditioner played the primary role in what her hair looked like, this shampoo changed her mind. We only wish the standard size was larger — given our impressive results, we’d rather spring for the value size.
Size: 2, 8.5, and 33.8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Avocado, coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, cocoa butter | Sulfate-Free: Yes
Best Curl-Defining, Less Expensive: OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Shampoo
Pros
It’s enhanced with coconut oil and honey, which work to hydrate hair and improve shine.
We found that the formula doesn’t weigh down even fine-textured hair, despite its thick consistency.
Cons
The honeyed coconut-tangerine scent is somewhat divisive — people either adore it or find it slightly off-putting.
This decadently hydrating drugstore shampoo makes luxurious locks affordable for everyone. We tested this coconut oil-infused formula on fine, wavy hair, and found that it infused a healthy dose of moisture without weighing down strands. It revitalized and softened our tester's tired locks and made it so that she could easily run her fingers through her strands. Our tester noticed an immediate difference in how well it tamed her frizz when air-drying, saying it was much better than using her regular shampoo.
She found that the consistency was rich and thick, contributing to a generous and sudsy lather that felt luxurious to spread into the hair. While it took a bit longer to rinse out, it left her hair feeling moisturized and supple. Our tester added that she was able to achieve significantly more definition in her curls since the start of the testing period, with her distinct waves lasting up to four days after cleansing.
The coconut honey scent lingers slightly, and fans of this shampoo either love or could live without the fragrance — our tester found it slightly off-putting but loved the shampoo so much that she felt it was easy to look past in favor of its efficacy.
Size: 13 oz. | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, honey, citrus oil | Sulfate-Free: Yes
Best for Frizz: Curlsmith Frizz Control Cleanser
Pros
If you prefer to wash your curls often, this gentle and hydrating formula is an excellent pick for protecting your natural oils.
It’s free of sulfates, silicones, and other drying agents.
Cons
The formula doesn’t lather easily, so we had to use a fair amount of product each time.
Battling frizz is the bane of many a curly hair care routine, but this smoothing and cleansing shampoo from Curlsmith is here to save the day.
We tested the new formula out on wavy, frizz-prone hair, and found that our locks were immediately more silky and smoother after one wash. The effects only got more noticeable with time: Our tester said her hair looked healthier, more shiny, and more voluminous after the testing period and that her frizz was noticeably calmed.
We loved the tropical mango and papaya scent, which was soft enough not to linger or overpower our other products. Our only frustration was that the formula didn’t lather easily, and we had to use a fair amount of product to spread it across our entire scalp. Ultimately, it was worth it, as our tester said her scalp felt more nourished after every wash and that it effectively removed dirt and product buildup.
Size: 12 oz. | Key Ingredients: Coconut butter, sunflower seed oil, squalane, argan oil | Sulfate-Free: Yes
Best for Damaged Hair: Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo
Pros
Our tester’s hair looked shinier and healthier than ever after just a few washes.
The ultra-hydrating formula seals in moisture for thick and coarse hair, helping to repair dry and damaged strands.
SmartRelease Technology releases a bevy of strengthening and protective ingredients throughout the day to keep hair soft and smooth.
Cons
The thicker formula weighed down our tester’s ultra-thick hair slightly and required a fair amount of product to spread evenly.
This isn’t a good option for those with fine hair, as the intense amount of moisture may leave strands greasy.
Treat your dehydrated, damaged locks to a luxurious cleansing with this incredibly hydrating shampoo from cult-favorite brand Joico. The formula is packed with moisturizing sea kelp and jojoba oil, which is rich in fatty acids that instantly improve hair’s natural shine and boost elasticity. SmartRelease Technology, the brand’s proprietary liposome delivery system, injects a major dose of healing ingredients, like rosehip oil and keratin, to help repair and strengthen damaged hair while restoring the hydrolipidic barrier.
Our tester said her hair felt soft and moisturized and her curls felt bouncier after the first few washes, resulting in a lot of good hair days. What really stood out was the drastic impact the shampoo had on her split ends, which looked more pliable and less damaged after use.
Our tester loved how the formula saturated her hair with intensely replenishing moisture, but wished it was a bit more lightweight — she felt that it weighed down her curls slightly, so this would be too heavy for anyone with thin hair. While we had to be a bit heavy-handed to spread the product out, we found it easy to rinse out and appreciated that our hair felt gently cleansed but not stripped or squeaky.
“It felt like my hair's natural oils were left intact but the residue and ‘gunk’ had been cleaned,” our tester explained. She added that she would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a product that moisturizes and brings back the natural texture while eliminating most frizz and flyaways.
Size: 12 oz. | Key Ingredients: Sea kelp, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, arginine, keratin | Sulfate-Free: No
Best for Buildup: Kinky-Curly Come Clean Shampoo
Pros
Phytic acid deeply cleanses buildup and hard water minerals from the scalp without stripping away natural oils.
The citrus scent is energizing and elevates the overall washing experience.
Cons
It’s not the most moisturizing option on this list, so those with particularly parched locks may want to look at some of the other products listed.
This budget-friendly shampoo packs a serious punch when it comes to removing gunk and buildup from hair while still protecting the scalp’s natural oils. It’s formulated with phytic acid, which helps to soften and remove hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium from strands while preventing further buildup.
We love that our hair feels properly cleansed after every wash: Our tester raved that this shampoo lives up to its ‘come clean’ name, adding that it really cleansed her scalp and ends. There was no residue left over after rinsing out the shampoo, but our tester’s hair still felt hydrated and healthy. We loved the energizing mandarin-infused scent, which was subtle and never felt overpowering.
While those in need of serious moisture may prefer one of the thicker, more hydrating formulas on this list for weekly cleansing, this shampoo still makes for an excellent clarifying shampoo. Monroe suggests clarifying your hair at least once a month to remove any dirt and buildup from styling products, environmental pollutants, or hard water.
Size: 8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Phytic acid, mandarin orange extract, sea kelp | Sulfate-Free: Yes
Best Softening: Not Your Mother's Naturals Tahitian Gardenia & Mango Butter Curl Definition Shampoo
Pros
The delightful peachy, pineapple scent brings the vacation vibes to wash day without feeling overpowering.
Our tester’s curls immediately felt softer and bouncier and became noticeably shinier by the end of the testing period.
Cons
The formula isn’t excessively hydrating — those with particularly dry scalps may prefer one of the more moisturizing options on this list.
While our tester usually avoids scented products, she said she adored the vibrant tropical vibes of this peachy pineapple-scented shampoo, which felt refreshing rather than overwhelming. The mango butter-backed formula is designed to lock in moisture along the strands and the scalp, helping to prevent hair from drying and breaking and to boost hair’s natural luster.
Our tester noticed that her locks were bouncier than usual after the first wash, and after several weeks her hair felt shinier and softer. Her curl definition was notably improved, which was a major win for a shampoo that comes at such a budget-friendly price. While it didn’t necessarily boost hydration along our tester’s dry, flaky scalp, she found that it still enhanced the texture and softness of her curls.
Size: 15.2 oz. | Key Ingredients: Mango butter, coconut oil | Sulfate-Free: Yes
Best Scent: Oribe Shampoo for Moisture & Control
Pros
Perfumed with Calabrian bergamot and jasmine, this is hands-down the best-smelling shampoo.
Our curls looked and felt deeply moisturized after the first wash and got shinier and silkier throughout the testing period.
The packaging itself is as luxurious as the product within, which elevates the entire wash experience.
Cons
The rich and creamy lather goes a long way — thin hair can end up looking greasy if you use too much.
If you’re looking to turn your wash day routine into a self-care ritual, this luscious and creamy formula from Oribe is a dream. It’s incredibly moisturizing, delivering deep and instant hydration to parched locks. We tested this product on fine hair, and our tester found that she only needed a small amount of product to cleanse and hydrate her locks — anything more tended to leave her hair looking greasy by the next day.
The shampoo itself is formulated for thick and curly or coily hair, so those with thicker strands can likely get away with using a bit more, which our tester said was tempting, given the glorious scent. Oribe created its signature Côte d’Azur scent with one of the oldest French fragrance houses, and it features a glamorous, intoxicating blend of Calabrian bergamot, white butterfly jasmine, and sandalwood.
After testing the shampoo twice a week for several weeks, several people commented on how lustrous and shiny her hair looked. “I am over the moon about the gloss factor,” she said, noting that the nourishing formula also got rid of her dry flakes.
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Amino acid complex, microemulsion smoothing system, Oribe signature complex | Sulfate-Free: Yes
Best Hydrating: Pattern Hydration Shampoo
Pros
This curl-enhancing shampoo revitalized our tester’s dry scalp while gently cleansing away dirt, buildup, and dry flakes.
Our tester’s scalp and hair felt moisturized and bathed in hydration, but the lightweight formula never weighed down strands.
Jojoba oil, coconut oil, aloe leaf juice, and other nutrients make this an ultra-nourishing formula for thirsty locks.
Cons
The rich and creamy lather goes a long way — thin hair can end up looking greasy if you use too much.
After using Tracee Ellis Ross’ Pattern shampoo for six weeks, our tester found that her hair was markedly shinier, more hydrated, and less frizzy. The intensely nourishing formula is packed with softening jojoba and coconut oil, plus aloe leaf juice for an added boost of hydration. We were impressed with how luxurious the creamy lather was, and our tester noted that it washed out quickly and without leaving any residue. The bergamot, jasmine, and sandalwood scent mimics that of the Oribe shampoo, but for nearly half the price.
Those who have buildup from styling products will be glad to know this shampoo thoroughly strips it away, cleansing the scalp and hair while also depositing extra moisture. The product’s full effect came after several weeks of testing, leaving curls looking exceptionally bouncy. Even our tester's brittle and split ends got a much-needed dose of hydration. This product acts as a regular shampoo, clarifying shampoo, and scalp oil all in one; it's basically a one-stop-shop.
Size: 3, 9.8, and 25 oz. | Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, biotin, jojoba oil, coconut oil, honey | Sulfate-Free: No, but free of sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate
Best for Shine: Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo
Pros
Our tester’s curls looked and felt softer and shinier after the first few washes.
We loved the subtle fragrance of citrus, sandalwood, and coconut milk.
Cons
We wish the formula also helped to tame frizz.
The standard size is fairly small, but a little goes a long way with this product.
Our tester loved the light citrus and floral scent of this shine-boosting shampoo. After just a few washes, she noticed that her curls were softer, smoother, and much easier to detangle — and the results only got better over the testing period. Her only lament was that the formula didn’t help tame her frizz.
We found that the formula was incredibly gentle and didn’t cause any irritation — it felt very cooling and soothing, according to our tester. While we wish that the standard 9.8-oz. size was larger, our tester found that the formula is incredibly generous, creating a rich lather with just a small amount of product every time. It’s enhanced with super-softening ingredients like aloe leaf juice, biotin, jojoba oil, and coconut oil, while honey helps to bring out hair’s natural radiance and shine.
Size: 3, 9.8, and 25 oz. | Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, biotin, jojoba oil, coconut oil, honey | Sulfate-Free: Yes
People / Samantha Saunion
Best for Dyed Hair: Virtue Curl Shampoo
Pros
Specialty rice protein protects hair against solar damage and drying from UV rays.
Jojoba oil boosts hydration, shine, and softness.
The moisturizing formula gently cleanses without stripping hair of moisture or color.
Cons
The rich and creamy lather goes a long way — thin hair can end up looking greasy if you use too much.
While it’s ideal for frequent cleansing, you’ll still need to pair this with a clarifying shampoo at least once a month to fully get rid of buildup.
Color-treated hair is more susceptible to breaking, dryness, and damage, so it’s crucial to look for shampoo and other hair products that improve moisture and hydration. This rice protein-packed formula from Virtue is ideal for building back up damaged tresses while also softening them and locking in moisture. Our tester found that her curls looked more defined and that they were also more manageable to style. The formula is made with a vegetable-derived polymer that’s designed to facilitate curl formation and enhance the curl pattern’s natural definition.
During the testing period, our tester dyed her hair red and orange and said the shampoo kept her strands smooth, shiny, and never brittle. The formula helped keep frizz in check, thanks to softening jojoba oil and made her scalp feel lighter and free of buildup. While the cleansing was effective, this is still a gentle and hyper-moisturizing shampoo — you may want to pair it with a clarifying shampoo to fully get rid of any leftover gunk from styling products.
Our tester also noted that her dyed hair loved how gently this formula cleansed her scalp and strands, as it made it easy to mix in her hair treatments and styling products after washing.
Size: 8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, vegetable-derived polymer, rice protein, sunflower seed oil | Sulfate-Free: Yes
Other Shampoos for Curly Hair We Tried
Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo: We loved the tropical scent of this hydrating shampoo, which was easy to work into a rich, thick lather and left our tester’s hair looking nice and shiny after every wash. Our tester found that it cleansed her scalp and strands effectively without stripping any oils or leaving any residue, but ultimately there were no other standout benefits compared to the others we tested.
Superzero Deep Moisture and Anti-Frizz Shampoo Bar for Curly, Coily & Extremely Frizzy Hair: This concentrated shampoo bar is packed with hydrating and strengthening ingredients, from frizz-fighting hemisqualane to moisturizing shea butter. Our fine-haired tester loved the lightweight formula and sustainable packaging (or rather, lack of packaging altogether) and noted that it easily cleansed her hair of waxy styling products without drying out her scalp. However, she found that her curls remained frizzy after using this for several weeks and that it didn’t smooth them out as much as she’d hoped.
People / Jill Cruchelow
Things to Consider Before Buying Shampoo for Curly Hair
Hydrating Ingredients
Curly hair is more prone to drying and breakage, given how much longer it takes our hair’s natural sebum to travel down our spiraled strands. As a result, “curly hair needs products that contain more moisture,” says Monroe. Look for products with ingredients that infuse and seal in moisture, like nourishing coconut oil or shea butter, but that won’t weigh down your curls. Lightweight but ultra-hydrating shampoos like our top pick, Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo, boast hyaluronic acid, a humectant that helps hair lock in moisture for longer.
Sulfates
Opting for a sulfate-free shampoo is a small change that “makes a huge difference in the overall health of your hair,” says Monroe. “Most shampoos on the market contain sulfates, which are cheap for companies to manufacture but cause chaos on the hair,” she explains.
Sulfates, which are responsible for the sudsy lather we tend to associate with cleansing our hair, are typically too harsh a clarifying agent for curly hair — they’re designed to strip away dirt and buildup but often take away too much of your natural moisture.
“They remove everything from the hair, including silicones and your natural sebum,” she warns. “These types of cleansers are too strong for vulnerable and dry curls. If the curls are already dry you will remove any remaining moisture, leaving hair susceptible to split ends and breakage,” she adds.
Looking for sulfate-free shampoos is key to maintaining hair’s natural moisture and infusing the much-needed hydration that curls crave. “Sulfate-free shampoos contain gentler surfactants and more moisturizing ingredients, like emollients, to add moisture and shine to the hair while gently cleansing it,” says Monroe. All of the products included on this list are free of sulfates, as well as other drying agents.
People / Kimberly Souza
How We Tested
Over the course of six weeks, our PEOPLE Tested team researched and tested 31 shampoos for curly hair from some of the most trusted brands on the market. We evaluated each and every product against four testing attributes:
Application: After receiving each shampoo, we thoroughly wet our hair and worked a quarter-sized amount of product into a lather before applying it to our scalp and strands.
Consistency: We carefully examined the shampoo’s consistency, how well it lathered and spread, if there was any noticeable scent, how easily it washed out, and if our hair felt thoroughly cleansed afterward.
Hair Changes: We also took note of any changes in our hair throughout the testing period, from enhanced curl definition to reduced frizz and breakage.
Overall Value: After our testing period, we rated each product on a scale of one to five (with five performing the highest), while keeping the price in mind. The products that earned the best average scores and were recommended most highly by our testers for their moisturizing and gentle-cleansing properties made this list and earned the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of shampoo for curly hair?
When it comes to picking the right formula for curl-friendly shampoo, Monroe says it’s simple: “Hands down, go with sulfate-free.” She continues, “By removing harmful sulfates from your routine, you allow your hair to retain moisture for longer periods of time.”
“If you are shampooing weekly, go for a more moisturizing sulfate-free shampoo because they will contain much gentler surfactants,” she says. She suggests looking for ingredients like Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, “which is a gentle surfactant made from the fatty acids of coconut oil,” she explains. It’s one of the key ingredients in L'Oreal Paris EverCurl Sulfate Free Shampoo for Curly Hair, which is one of the most budget-friendly options on our list.
For those with a tighter curl pattern or thick, coarse locks, Monroe suggests co-washing, which means using conditioner to wash your hair instead of shampoo. “Co-washing offers the most moisture of all shampoo types,” she says, noting that it may be too heavy for those with fine hair.
What is the best shampoo for fine curly hair?
The biggest challenge for fine hair is “finding the right light moisture for the hair without weighing it down,” says Monroe. “Think of hair like a tube that can hold water or moisture. Thick, coarse hair has an extra layer of the hair providing more room to store moisture, while fine hair does not,” she explains. As a result, fine hair requires gentle but effective cleansing “to keep the hair light and free from buildup.”
She recommends using a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo twice per month to prevent buildup — her go-to is Inahsi Naturals Soothing Mint Gentle Cleansing Shampoo.
How often should curly hair be washed?
Curly hair should be washed weekly, suggests Monroe — but your individual curl pattern and activity level will determine how often you should wash your hair. “Cleansing is different for everyone, and should be based on how your hair and scalp feels,” she explains.
Those with an oily scalp may need to wash two or three times a week, she says. If you’re just starting on your natural hair journey, she suggests washing your hair once a week. “As you transition, your scalp transitions as well. If you straightened your hair for years your scalp may have gotten used to producing more oil and now has to learn to reprogram itself,” she tells PEOPLE.
For those who need to wash their hair more frequently, she recommends co-washing or using a gentle moisturizing shampoo; our top pick, Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo, is nourishing and gentle enough to use multiple times a week.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Sophie Dodd is a PEOPLE contributor who has been writing for PEOPLE.com since 2018. She has very curly hair and has spent over a decade trying out various curl products, including Bumble & Bumble, Briogeo, and others included on this list. She carefully examined our PEOPLE Tested team’s results and researched each recommended product to narrow down this list of the top shampoos for curly hair. Sophie also received expert insight from Queen Adrienne Monroe, founder of Red Carpet Curls and products expert at Curls on 5th, on what to look for — and what to avoid — in shampoos for curly hair.
Meet Our Expert
Queen Adrienne Monroe is the founder of Red Carpet Curls, an online forum dedicated to natural hair care, and the products expert at Curls on 5th, a curl-focused salon in New York City.
What is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
Related: The 13 Best Purple Shampoos of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.
