If you have curls, you know they’re feisty and fun, but also drier and more fragile than other textures. That’s why you should consider the best shampoos for curly hair. “While all hair needs cleansing, curly hair has its own set of needs,” says Queen Adrienne Monroe, a professional hairstylist in New York City. Because natural oils don’t travel easily down the spiral shape, curls are more prone to frizz, split ends, and breakage.
The right shampoo is a crucial first step in your curly routine come wash day, with sulfate free formulas and ingredients like aloe vera, hydrolyzed proteins, shea butter, and lightweight oils that boost moisture without weighing strands down. We’ll help you unpack which shampoos for your curly type rise above the rest, based on expert advice and our own editor testing of 11 formulas.
- What are the best ingredients in shampoo for curly hair?
- How should you incorporate curly hair shampoo into your routine?
- How long should it take for you to see results from a shampoo for curly hair?
- Is keratin good for your hair?
- What other products are good for curly hair?
- How often should you wash curly hair?
- How we tested
- Meet our experts
Best Overall: Curlsmith Essential Moisture Shampoo
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- What we love: Packed with natural oils and aloe vera for hydration; affordable and widely available.
- Worth noting: May feel heavy on very fine curls.
After trying more than 21 shampoos for curly hair, we’ve ranked this as top best overall for its affordability and results. It’s packed with expert-recommended natural oils that promote hair growth without weighing down your waves — including sunflower, coconut, rosemary, and avocado oils as well as super-hydrating aloe vera. Our reviewers with different curl types praised the shampoo for how gentle it is and how soft their hair felt after use.
Our review: Like many curly girls, I have trust issues with products that claim to add moisture, definition, and bounce — but in reality do nothing more than cause unnecessary buildup on your hair and scalp. It’s why I avoided trying Curlsmith for so long, but — to no one’s surprise — the University of TikTok finally handed me my diploma in curl care with this shampoo and conditioner set. The combo leaves your hair clean, soft, and with the perfect amount of slip to detangle before styling. — Shanna Shipin, Allure shopping director.
Save when you shop for shampoos for curly hair with these Sephora discount codes at checkout.
Best for Hair Growth: Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo
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- What we love: Rosemary promotes scalp health and volumising; fresh scent.
- Worth noting: Not marketed specifically for curly hair.
Rosemary oil is known as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that supports scalp health and hair growth (some studies suggest it’s as effective as minoxidil). The primary ingredients in Nécessaire’s shampoo for thinning hair is this oil, extract, and water — as well as five strengthening plant proteins and five ceramides that protect your scalp barrier. One of our testers, Maura Benton, who has medium-textured waves, noticed fewer hairs coming out in the shower after using it regularly: “It left my scalp feeling really clean without drying it out, and it performed as well as my usual salon shampoos.”
Our review: This rosemary shampoo has really enhanced the volume and texture of my curls. Its refreshing gel-like consistency with pure rosemary oil tingles the scalp in the best way, providing a thorough cleanse without stripping it. The mix of rosemary, mandarin, jasmine, and cederwood creates a spa-like experience as I’m in the shower. This shampoo addresses anti-aging, thinning, and colour-safety concerns; strengthens hair; and minimises breakage with ceramides and plant proteins. My curls feel clean, hydrated, and bouncier, with a healthier scalp free from dryness and irritation (since it’s noncomedogenic, it also doesn’t clog my pores). — Jade Brito, Glamour contributor.
Best for Coily Hair: Sheamoisture Kalahari Melon Oil Curl Stretch Shampoo
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- What we love: Helps reduce shrinkage; rich, moisturising ingredients; lush scent.
- Worth noting: Gentle cleanse may feel too mild if you need a deep reset.
Tighter curl patterns take on a spiral or “Z” shape, which can cause them to look shorter when your hair is dry versus when it’s wet or stretched (so the curl looks longer). While you can manipulate natural curls to “stretch” with braids or twists, products that help define and moisturise can also assist in this department. This formula is packed with moisturising ingredients (like hyaluronic acid, marula oil, and Kalahari melon) that help coily hair feel soft to the touch, even after it’s completely dry, which helps reduce shrinkage. While this will foam up, it still provides a gentle cleanse that won’t strip your hair of its moisture. Bonus? If you love a fruity, tropical fragrance, this one will make your bathroom smell like you just left a dreamy beach vacation.
Our review: I’ve recently added this to my regular shampoo lineup and I like that my curls don’t feel like wire once I rinse it out. Instead, I get instant slip and ultra-defined coils that drink up conditioner treatments and curl creams thereafter (I love following up with a rinse-out and a leave-in conditioner after using this). I’ve also used this on type-4 hair extensions and found that it got product residue off while keeping the curl pattern defined and frizz-free. — Aimee Simeon, Glamour contributor.
Save when you shop for shampoos for curly hair with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.
Best Clarifying: Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
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- What we love: Deep-cleans product buildup and chemical deposits; strengthens curls with patented bond-building technology.
- Worth noting: Can feel a bit strong for daily use.
Clarifying shampoo should be an essential once-a-week step in your routine. It combats chemical deposits (from the swimming pool, say), product buildup, an itchy scalp, and oily hair. This stylist-favourite Olaplex shampoo works to rebuild broken bonds most often seen on split, curly ends, says Paul Labrecque, creative director and master stylist and colourist for Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa. “It also has the Olaplex patented bond-building technology, so while you’re removing minerals, you are also building a stronger structure inside the hair,” says celebrity hair colourist Bianca Hillier.
Our review: Whenever a shampoo is “suitable for all hair types,” I kind of give it a side-eye, but Olaplex’s bonding shampoo really does work wonders on my 4A curls. As all curly girls know, we need shampoos that address everything, including dryness, damage, split ends, breakage, and lack of shine — and this does exactly that. It lathers easily, I don’t have to use a ton to get that super-clean feeling, and it doesn’t strip my hair or leave my scalp tight. Overall, I’ve noticed less frizz, nearly no flyaways, and softer, shinier curls. — Francesca Simmons, Glamour reviewer.
Save when you shop for shampoos for curly hair with these LookFantastic discount codes at checkout.
Best for Thick Hair: Ouai Thick Hair Shampoo
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- What we love: Deeply moisturising without weighing down thick strands; strengthens with keratin; luxe scent.
- Worth noting: Heavy for fine or looser curl types.
“This shampoo will ruin all others for you,” says Allure’s Shipin, who has coarse, curly hair with medium-to-low porosity and reaches for Ouai for nourishment and frizz-taming. It’s an excellent choice for coarse curls and/or low-porosity hair (meaning, it has trouble absorbing moisture). The formula features hydrolysed keratin, a protein that strengthens hair and improves its elasticity, as well as avocado and shea butter. The latter is a heavier hydrator that’s best suited for thick hair, which it won’t weigh down in the same way as fine hair, though it will do a hell of a job moisturising.
Our review: These days, there are so many great options for curls of all kinds, and I’ve found one that truly stands out for thick hair. This colour-safe shampoo not only cleanses but also deeply moisturises, strengthens, and fights frizz. It tackles dryness, colour damage, split ends, and breakage — my hair feels stronger, looks shinier, and is less tangled. Marshmallow root helps soften and detangle, shea butter locks in moisture, and avocado oil prevents future breakage. And just like all Ouai products, this smells amazing, with the brand’s Mercer Street scent of Italian lemon, jasmine, and white musk. — Andrea Navarro, Glamour contributor.
Best for Dry, Damaged Hair: Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Silicone-Free Shampoo
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- What we love: Rebuilds broken bonds from within hair shaft, not just on the surface; leaves curls soft and defined.
- Worth noting: Rich formula may feel heavy on fine hair.
This repairing shampoo is excellent for anyone who likes to rotate between curly and straight styles (or who dabbles in colour treatments). It’s formulated with strengthening citric acid and glycine to rebuild those broken bonds deep within the hair shaft (versus just on the surface like most shampoos). The avocado oil, coconut oil, and shea butter in this powerful formula also keeps your curls feeling soft, stronger, and more defined.
Our review: I’ve used my fair share of bond-repair shampoos and some of them can make my curly type 3C hair feel pretty dry. This does the opposite, leaving my coils feeling super smooth and defined before conditioner even touches it. The formula is sulfate-free, but if you’re like me and still love suds, this one foams up really nicely and makes my scalp and lengths feel squeaky clean. I love reaching for this after a silk press or after a long-term hairstyle (like braids or a sew-in) to help revive my curls when they look or feel limp. — Aimee Simeon.
Best for Fine Curls: Aveda Be Curly Advanced Shampoo
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- What we love: Lightweight, slip-enhancing lather; defines curls; refreshing scent.
- Worth noting: Doesn’t cover product buildup as deeply as clarifying or scalp-focused washes.
This sulfate- and silicone-free formula uses a pea-protein peptide to reinforce curl structure, while kokum seed butter provides slip to smooth frizz and boost definition. Its bright, citrusy scent makes wash day feel refreshing, especially for morning showers, and it’s crafted to suit all curl types, including fine and coarse textures.
Our review: “First thing to note is the scent, which is very distinctive of Aveda products — it’s bright and sharp and kind of smells like incense at church, but in a good way. Refreshing in a morning shower. My 3B curls felt cleaner and held their formations better throughout the day than usual, though it didn’t deliver a full reset. I still had some scalp itch, which I expected since this isn’t marketed as clarifying. It’s not a miracle worker, but I’d add it to my rotation, mostly for the scent.” — Sarah Holden, Glamour contributor.
Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Ever Pure Bond Repair Shampoo
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- What we love: Affordable; repairs and protects with citric acid; gentle on colour.
- Worth noting: May not be rich enough for very coarse or coily curls needing heavy hydration.
One of the best shampoos for curly hair can be found in the aisles of your local CVS — and is far cheaper than some of its competitors. Its key bonding ingredient uses citric acid to repair and prevent split ends and breakage (a problem many curly-haired people face). It also lowers the pH balance in the overall formula, ensuring the cuticle stays closed and doesn’t frizz.
Our review: This shampoo is proof that you can find great options for curly hair at the drugstore. My hairdresser noticed some weakening in my strands over time, due to heat styling, and this bonding shampoo was recommended. The gentle cleansing formula repairs each strand, leaving my hair soft, smooth, and protected from future damage. My curls feel noticeably healthier, more defined, and bouncier, with reduced frizz and improved manageability. It’s also gentle on colour, making it a reliable choice for colour-treated hair. — Breanna Davis, Glamour contributor.
Best Lightweight: Unite Hair Boing Shampoo
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- What we love: Cream-to-foam formula adds hydration and shine
- Worth noting: Hydration is light to medium — coarser curls may. still need a deeper-moisture shampoo in rotation.
This gentle, sulfate-free shampoo foams into a soft lather that cleanses without stripping, while coconut fatty acids, oat, and chamomile help smooth frizz and restore elasticity. It leaves curls frizz-free and shiny without weighing them down, and the fruity coco-pear scent makes wash day feel refreshing. Gentle and sulfate-free, it’s a solid pick if you want a curl shampoo you can reach for multiple times a week.
Our review: I exclusively wear my hair curly, so I don’t mess around when it comes to the right products. I tried Unite’s detangling spray and loved it, so I went ahead and decided to buy its curl shampoo too. What stands out is that it adds a ton of moisture without weighing down my curls or changing the shape. It’s made to be used daily, but I only wash my hair three times a week. I’m also big on avoiding harsh chemicals, so I liked that this shampoo is paraben-free and sulfate-free (plus it’s vegan, and so am I). It has a fruity scent that I couldn’t originally put my nose on, but it’s delicious. — Samantha Vargas, Glamour contributor.
Best for Humidity: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo
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- What we love: Anti-frizz in humid weather; creates base for other hair care products.
- Worth noting: Not the most moisturising.
This shampoo for curly hair is the first step in Ouidad’s best-selling Advanced Climate Control series. Its gel-like formula lathers easily to lift away dirt, oil, and buildup, and is rich in silk protein and ceramides that seal the cuticle and lock out frizz before it starts. This is especially helpful in muggy weather, giving curls a more polished finish and creating a better base for styling products.
Our review: Very few hair gels for curly hair come close to Ouidad Advanced Climate Gel: It’s smoothing, and gives a nice hold and shine without the crunch. It’s truly one of my favourite gels ever. That said, testing this shampoo (an extension of the Advance Climate Control line) was a no brainer. It has a gel-like texture that creates a nice foam that still somehow manages to gently sop up oil and product buildup. My curls felt more defined and smoother after two washes with this, which created the perfect base for my wash and go. — Aimee Simeon.
Best for Slip: Bumble and Bumble Curl Moisturising Shampoo
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- What we love: Gently cleanses with rich slip; nourishing oils and butters add shine.
- Worth noting: Fragrance is on the stronger side; may feel heavy for finer curl types.
“I love to see natural ingredients in shampoos for curly hair,” says celebrity hairstylist Matilde Campos. “Argan oil, jojoba oil, vitamins A and E, and shea butter are all natural derivatives that help with moisture and keep in the shine.” Bumble and Bumble’s curl shampoo blends these ingredients (plus cocoa butter) into a creamy formula with impressive slip, making it easy to detangle as it lathers. The result is smoother, softer curls that feel hydrated and defined after washing.
Our review: The shampoo lathered up fast and had really nice slip, so it felt very smooth and didn’t leave my 3C curls feeling stripped. It left only a minimal amount of frizz after washing, though the fragrance across the line was pretty strong.” — Páton Hardy, Glamour contributor.
Frequently asked questions, answered
What are the best ingredients in shampoo for curly hair?
Since curly hair is naturally drier and frizz-prone, it’s important to choose a shampoo that will not strip your curls of moisture. To add shine and nourishment, look out for lightweight ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, rosemary oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and aloe vera. Shea butter, cocoa butter, and castor oil are deeply hydrating and can help define your curl pattern (but may not be the best choices for fine hair, as they’re heavier and can weigh it down). Hydrolysed proteins (like keratin, collagen, and silk protein) can strengthen your hair and help it retain moisture. Avoid curly hair products that have a high pH balance and that contain sulfates, parabens, and certain types of alcohol — ingredients that dry out curls and cause frizz.
How should you incorporate curly hair shampoo into your routine?
The best shampoo routine for curly hair is dependent on your curl type and preference. If you have curly or wavy hair, wash it every two to three days. Celebrity hairstylist Derek Yuen recommends sudsing your shampoo in your hands first before applying it to your roots for a more evenly distributed cleanse. You could even consider a double or triple wash. “Shampooing twice can ensure that your hair and scalp are thoroughly cleansed,” says celebrity hairstylist Matilde Campos. “The first wash removes dirt, oil, and product buildup that can lead to dandruff, while the second wash allows the shampoo to work more effectively and deeply cleanse the scalp and hair follicle.”
If you have textured hair, it’s generally recommended to wash it once a week or even less frequently, Min Kim, a celebrity hairstylist, colorist, and L’Oréal Professionnel global ambassador, previously told Glamour. “Overwashing can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to frizz and dryness.”
Monroe advises fully soaking your hair before shampoo application. “Let the water run through your hair for about a minute to help the shampoo spread more easily and work effectively,” she says. “This initial step not only ensures thorough cleansing of your hair but also readies it to absorb moisture properly.”
If you’re active or use a lot of hair products like dry shampoo, you might consider adding a deep-cleansing clarifying shampoo into your routine no more than once a week. This can combat product buildup and grease.
How long should it take for you to see results from a shampoo for curly hair?
Give your scalp and hair at least two weeks (or three to four washes) to adjust to a new product. After the first couple of washes, you should begin to see improvements in your curl definition and hydration, says Monroe.
Is keratin good for your hair?
Yes — in the right form. Monroe recommends looking for hydrolysed proteins like keratin, silk, or collagen in shampoos, since they help strengthen curls, improve elasticity, and allow hair to hold moisture better. This is especially helpful for finer curls that are more fragile and prone to breakage.
What other products are good for curly hair?
“Shampoo plays a crucial role in your curly hair routine, setting the foundation for healthy and defined curls,” says Monroe. From there, most curls benefit from a hydrating conditioner to replenish moisture, followed by leave-in conditioners for curly hair and styling products like curl creams, mousses, or gels. To finish, run a brush for curls through your damp hair and air-dry or use a blow-dryer with a diffuser to lock in definition and smoothness. In between wash days, consider protecting your curls by sleeping with a silk bonnet or silk pillowcase.
How often should you wash curly hair?
Because it’s naturally drier, curly hair doesn’t need to be washed as often as straight hair. Celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble suggests every two to three days, and adds that kinky, natural, coily hair should be conditioned before shampooing.
“For application, ensure your hair is fully soaked with water,” says Monroe. “Let the water run through your hair for about a minute to help the shampoo spread more easily and work effectively. This initial step not only ensures thorough cleansing of your hair but also readies it to absorb moisture properly.”
How we tested
When testing, we focused on formulations and ingredients designed to support curly hair. We examined shampoos with different properties, such as hydrating oils (for moisture and frizz control), gentle surfactants (for cleansing without stripping curls), and protein-enriched blends (to strengthen and define curl patterns). We assessed how well each product performed on various curl types, whether hair was wet or dry. The top-performing shampoos were easy to use, enhanced curl definition, boosted volume, and left hair soft and smooth without weighing it down.
Meet our experts
- Matilde Campos, celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles.
- Derek Yuen, celebrity hairstylist.
- Kim Kimble, celebrity hairstylist and creator of Kim Kimble Hair Collection by HairUWear.
- Queen Adrienne Monroe, hairstylist and cosmetologist at Curls on 5th in New York City, and founder of Red Carpet Curls.
- Min Kim, a celebrity hairstylist, colourist, and L’Oréal Professionnel global ambassador.
- Paul Labrecque, creative director and master stylist and colourist for Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa.
- Clyde Haygood, celebrity hairstylist and Pura D’Or partner.
- Bianca Hillier, celebrity hair colourist.
- Glen “Coco” Oropeza, celebrity hairstylist and Prose spokesperson.
- Sophie Gutterman, celebrity hairstylist and curly hair expert.
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