The 5 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair

Curly hair tends to have needs that straight hair doesn’t. You need something that’s moisturizing without weighing your strands down. And of course you want to combat frizz. So finding that perfect mix can be tricky. Luckily the industry has shampoos that cater to curls of all varieties and there’s something for every density, color and budget. These shampoos are the perfect starting point to styling the hair of your dreams.

Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo

Quenched curls

A leader of the curly hair products, Ouidad’s shampoo cleanses and moisturizes.

Best Overall

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Ouidad makes amazing products for curly hair, so it’s no surprise their shampoo is also a winner for curly girls everywhere. It cleans hair without leaving it feeling totally stripped, which is something a lot of shampoos can’t claim. Besides the cleaning properties, it can even help in styling by allowing other products to penetrate deeper. You might notice less frizz and overall moisturized locks, which is something anyone can appreciate.

Pros:

A quarter size of product is all you need for a rich lather
Works for a variety of curly hair and textures

Cons:

The scent can be overpowering

Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

An oil that doesn’t weigh hair down

For dry hair that truly needs to be moisturized, start your wash process with this shampoo.

Best Argan Oil

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This isn’t just a shampoo, but also comes with a conditioner that completes the set for a one-two combo. Argan oil is known for being super hydrating and that’s what you get in this shampoo and conditioner. Washing with the shampoo and then allowing the conditioner to sit on your hair for a few minutes is sure to result in lush locs. Also, the bottle is more than 16 ounces so you can go through several washes and still be set.

Pros:

Free of parabens or sulfates
Aides hair strength and prevents split ends
Works well for keratin treatments

Cons:

All ingredients aren’t organic

Cantu Cleansing Cream Shampoo

Stay frizz free

This creamy shampoo penetrates thicker curls and moisturizes from the inside out.

Best for Tighter Curls

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Thicker, tighter curls tend to need heavier products that really penetrate strands. Cantu’s cream shampoo contains shea butter to not just get strands clean, but simultaneously moisturize. It’s sulfate free and smells absolutely amazing. A little bit of this product goes a long way. Just apply a dime size amount to hair and watch the lather build and build.

Pros:

Great for frizzy hair
Amazing value

Cons:

May be too heavy for fine hair

Hask Coconut Milk and Honey Shampoo

Keep your color vibrant

This shampoo makes it easy to cleanse while still maintaining your color.

Best Color Safe

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Anyone who’s colored their hair has probably had that moment of watching the color go down the drain on your first wash. And it usually results in a color looking less vibrant and a bit dull. Hask’s shampoo is specifically designed for color treated hair. You won’t find any sulfates, parabens, or other stripping ingredients. But you will find coconut oil and moisturizing properties to leave hair feeling its best.

Pros:

Free of drying alcohol
Great for oily hair

Cons:

The pump can get clogged easily

Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Shampoo

Affordable beauty

The price is wallet-friendly and the formula will be one your hair will thank you for.

Best Budget

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Shampoo is just going to be washed down the drain shortly after applying it to your hair, so it’s understandable if you won’t want to spend a lot of money on a cleanser. But an affordable shampoo can still do its job. Garnier is a known and trusted brand and this curly girl friendly shampoo doesn’t weigh hair down and can even add volume to strands.

Pros:

Great pre treatment for heat styling
Helps reduce frizz

Cons:

Works best when used in conjunction with the conditioner

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a good shampoo for curly hair?

A great shampoo for curly hair can depend on the needs of your hair, as well as the thickness or how tight your curls are. An ideal shampoo won’t have sulfates or parabens, which can dry your hair out even more. For thicker, curly hair, try a heavier cream shampoo.

How often should women with curly hair use shampoo?

How often you wash your hair can depend on how oily your scalp gets. Curly hair tends to be a bit drier, so many women with curly hair can wash their hair once or twice a week for optimal, healthy strands.