When you are in the market for a shampoo, most times it is convenient to go for over-the-counter ones or just pick anyone you find. Of course, there are a lot of shampoo products for natural hair, but there are different textures, hair needs, and curl types, so finding the right shampoo for your hair is important.
Moreso, when it comes to curly hair, you need to use different styling techniques, care for it gently, and wash it with the right shampoo. To help you on your curly hair journey, we have rounded up the best shampoos you can try, and some factors to consider before you pick one.
5 Things To Consider Before Choosing A Shampoo
While there are many resources online about shampoos, it is important to note that what works for one curly hair may not work for another. With that in mind, here are 5 things you need to consider before choosing a shampoo for your hair.
- Your Hair Needs Moisture - Topping the list of the factors to consider is moisture. Your shampoo should have water as one of its major ingredients. This is what your hair needs the most in order to stay moisturized after every wash.
- Stay Away From Sulfates - This is one enemy of our natural hair. Sulfate contains bonds that strip away moisture from your hair, leaving it frizzy, dry, and brittle. It is recommended to opt for sulfate-free shampoos that are gentler on the hair and scalp.
- Be Specific About Your Hair Needs - Remember that what your hair needs is moisture; hence you need to be deliberate about finding shampoos, especially for dry hair. The result would be a product that can keep your hair moisturized and not strip your hair of its healthy oils.
- Ability to Detangle - Detangling is one thing we struggle with during our wash days. To make your wash days easier, it would be great to buy shampoos that contain detangling ingredients.
- Is Your Hair Dyed? - If your hair is dyed, you would need to pick shampoos that are no-suds. In other words, shampoos that remove build-ups in your hair without foaming. The essence of this is to ensure that you maintain the dye's colour even after washing.
The Best 16 Shampoos To Pick From
Here are some natural hair shampoos for curly hair you can add to your shopping list.
Disclaimer: While we have never used any of these products, we have carefully selected verified reviews on the internet that would help you make the best choice of shampoo for your curly hair.
1. Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Shampoo
Product Claim: Protects hair during aggressive heat styling up to 446 degrees. Also gives hair a thicker volume.
2 Honest Reviews of the Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Shampoo
I have wavy hair, but this shampoo actually gave me curls! I love it; I won’t use anything else now. - J on Amazon
If you have curly hair, I highly recommend this line. Even by the first shampoo and conditioning, I could see more definition in my curls when I got out of the shower. The leave-in conditioner is great. I'll always use this line when I want to wear my hair naturally. It really keeps my hair from getting frizzy and makes my curls look so moisturized and defined. - Joni on Amazon
2. Blueberry Hair Wash
Product Claim: To soften the driest kink and hydrate the driest curl.
2 Honest Reviews of the Blueberry Hair Wash
This lovely cleanser is the first non-sulfate shampoo I've liked, and I've tried several before, including the Deva Lo Poo. If you are looking for a non-sulfate shampoo that does the job, cleanses your hair and scalp well, try it! Nice and creamy, with a pleasant fragrance. I'm impressed and will look at other products made by this company (Curls). - Laurel on Amazon
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this line! This hair wash smells great and moisturizes my curls like no other. I really love how soft it makes my hair and how easy it is to detangle my hair while using this product. I can detangle it while shampooing or when using the repairing conditioner-- it doesn't matter, it's just that good, I have 4B/C hair, and it is a go-to product for me. Did I mention it smells lovely? - Lark on Amazon
3. DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser
Product Claim: Stimulates and cleans the scalp and hair without stripping away the natural oils from your curls.
2 Honest Reviews of the DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser
I’ve been using No-Poo for about 6 years now, and it is still the best stuff for curly hair. I’ve tried so many things for my super curly, color-treated hair, but No-Poo still is THE best. If I use regular shampoo, my hair feels as if someone poured glue onto it; it gets all stuck together and hard/dry feeling in the shower. Yuck!! No Poo is life-changing!! I comb my hair with a wide-tooth comb while I leave the conditioner on it, then rinse as I comb. NO MORE combing after that, or you will disturb the curl pattern and have stringy, lifeless curls! - Nate on Amazon
This DevaCurl No-Poo is great for my wavy "locks." It also smells so divine -a clean, fresh smell. I've been using this product for around 9 months and combined it with other DevaCurl products. There is a conditioner and a cream for styling in the curl that is all great together. I also use a micro-fiber towel to place over my hair and scrunch my curls. This has been so beneficial to me and my "Curly Girl' curls! - Sandi on Amazon
4. Redken Curvaceous High Foam Lightweight Shampoo
Product Claim: Strengthens, moisturizes, and reactivates hair shape for increased manageability, frizz control, and shine.
2 Honest Reviews of the Redken Curvaceous High Foam Lightweight Shampoo
Love this! I use this for my curls, along with the curvaceous curl creme by Redken. It leaves my hair soft and bouncy. It even helps with the humidity outside, which I know every girl with thick curls absolutely dreads. I also use my diffuser attachment with this product in my hair, and it also seems to help protect against the heat! This is so worth the price! If you have curls, this is the product to get! - McLane on Amazon
It really makes my hair curly it’s naturally more wavy to a bit curly & with this product, I have lots of curls. I don’t spend much time on my hair; wash & apply this stuff, scrunch a bit & BAM ready to go. I always get compliments when I use it. - Hansen on Amazon
5. Essentials Daily Clarifying Shampoo
Product Claim: Cleanses your scalp without stripping off the natural nutrients in your kinky curls.
2 Honest Reviews of the Essentials Daily Clarifying Shampoo
I really cannot say enough good things about this product, especially the shampoo. I have super oily, fine, shoulder-length hair - I cannot go a day without washing my hair as otherwise, no matter how much dry shampoo I might use, it is greasy and limp. Other clarifying shampoos strip my hair, and it feels like straw. This smells good, lathers up really well, and totally cleans my scalp and hair without over-drying. The conditioner is light and works well too. And you CANNOT beat the price. HIGHLY recommend!! - Jennifer on Amazon
Wonderful stuff for very oily hair that doesn’t strip either the hair or the pocketbook. You only need a little bit of the conditioner at the ends to untangle fine long hair and run a comb through it, so this huge bottle of conditioner will probably last two years. Suave has always been a shampoo that has worked well, has wasted too much money on “fine” shampoos that were absolutely no better than this. - Timbarina on Amazon
6. OUIDAD Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo
Product Claim: Moisturizes your hair and bounces your curls back to life.
2 Honest Reviews of the OUIDAD Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo
Best hair products I have found for my curly frizzy hair. Summer humidity is a killer on my hair. This keeps it under control. RM on Amazon
My daughter's hair is naturally curly, and finding a product to keep her curls smooth has been a challenge. This product does great on her hair and smells nice too. - BusyMom on Amazon
7. Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Combination Pack
Product Claim: This combo pack moisturizes, hydrates, and repairs your curls.
2 Honest Reviews of the Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Combination Pack
This has been great for my hair! I am a Caucasian female with long, curly/wavy, semi-course hair and took a chance on this product because everything else I have tried weighs my hair down. It takes very little of the shampoo (which doesn't foam up as much as regular shampoo, so you need to work it in more) and conditioner to be effective so that the bottles may look small, but they go a long way. The leave-in cream will probably last me for months as I only need to use the tiniest amount. Too much makes my hair greasy, but a small amount allows me not to use any mousse or hair spray and still maintain my soft curls. I have used nothing but this product for about a month during my normal daily shower routine, and I am definitely a believer. I will absolutely repurchase and recommend it! - Andi on Amazon
I ordered the combo pack (shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in) and am very pleased with the products. Smells good and provides a good slip for us curly girls. I am satisfied with each of the items and anticipate ordering again. The package arrived without any damage. Prices were more affordable than my local stores. - KCDJH on Amazon
8. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo
Product Claim: This softens, smoothens, and enhances your kinky curls.
This curl amplifying shampoo is amazing! It smells sooo good. My husband can’t stop smelling my hair (and I can’t stop smelling it, either, haha). It made my curls so bouncy! Seriously the best shampoo for curls. I’ve tried several others, including Redken, Matrix, and Big Sexy Hair, and this shampoo easily out-performs all of them. My new staple shampoo! - Savana on Amazon
I have curly hair, which is dry on the bottom, oily on top. I used the shampoo and conditioner, and my curls were bouncy and pretty. I'm a nurse, and the light scent was great, no complaints. - Lisa on Amazon
9. Malibu C Un-Do-Goo pH Shampoo
Product Claim: This shampoo removes product build-ups and restores shine to your curls.
2 Honest Reviews of the Malibu C Un-Do-Goo
The bottle always lasts me about a whole year, clarifying my hair every two weeks. I have 3c, 4a curly hair, and this stuff works wonders without stripping my hair of all its moisture - Customer on Amazon.
I have curly hair, and this is hands down the best clarifying shampoo I've used. It foams up delightfully and cleans so gently and thoroughly. It really does take care of the buildup on my scalp. It has not interfered with my curl pattern or curly routine at all. I love it. I will be returning to this product for a long time. - Hambalonie on Amazon
10. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
Product Claim: This shampoo moisturizes, reduces frizz, and smoothens your curly hair to give you a soft, silky feel and bouncy curls.
2 Honest Reviews of the Bouclème Hydrating Hair Cleanser
I love this for my low porosity 4a/4b Hair. My hair is so soft, curly, and moisturized after using this curl smoothie. I also do the LCO method on my hair, and it performs well. Even 2-3 days after a twist out, my hair is so soft! - Bonner on Amazon
Great moisturizer! It defines my curls. It even tames my hair. My hair isn't frizzy at the end of the day, and it's easier to manage when using this product. I use this product only when I wear ponytails; it gives it a really nice shiny slick look. I don't use it when I wear it free of ponytails because it's a bit heavy. I use other products for my natural curly bob. However, my daughter uses it for everything...her hair is thicker, and she's a 3b, and I'm a 3a; not sure if that matters. I'm not too fond of the smell, but it doesn't bother my daughter. I hope this helps someone. - Elle'Renee on Amazon
11. Vernon François Curl Shampoo
Product Claim: This nourishing extract contains essential oils, lipids, and vitamins, which leave hair soft, shiny, nourished, and manageable.
2 Honest Reviews of the Vernon François Curl Shampoo
Sooooo goooood! I am 53, and my hair is very damaged by coloring, sun, and wind. It was breaking off so badly, and I was afraid my long hair would very soon be short. With ONE use of just this product, my hair did not break, and it no longer felt dry. I love this product. My search for a good shampoo is over; I found a great shampoo/conditioner! I also use their heat protectant and their pre-shampoo treatment for dry hair... I LOVE Leonor Greyl! - Rebecca on Amazon
Got compliments from my hairstylist and friends on how healthy and shiny my hair looks. I definitely see less hair fall compared to before. I didn't even use any hair conditioner. - Vivian on Amazon
12. Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo
Product Claim: This product claims to clean your hair and scalp of dulling buildups.
2 Honest Reviews of the Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo
This is one of those rare products that I pray will never, ever be discontinued. In my entire life, I have never found a shampoo that leaves my 2c frizzy curls as smooth and silky as this does. When it says 'come clean,' it means it - whatever product buildup I've experienced is instantly gone when using this shampoo, and instead, I'm left with hair that feels squeaky clean. My hair has never felt better and softer before. This shampoo is my holy grail - having a lifetime supply of it is one of my main goals in life. - A.S on Amazon
I've always been a fan of Kinky-Curly products, and this is certainly one of them. Unlike many of the clarifying/chelating shampoos out there, it DOESN'T contains PROTEIN OR SILICONES! Truly a great shampoo if you have fine hair that gets easily overloaded with protein. I have hard water, so I use this once a week to keep the stiffness at bay. It also cleanses my scalp quite nicely. I wouldn't use this more often, though, since it is drying, and I always follow up with a good deep conditioner. I also use this paired with a Malibu-C hard water packet once a month before a standalone Olaplex treatment. It also doesn't send a stream of hair dye down the drain when I use it as your typical SLS clarifiers. Please don't ever discontinue this!!! - Meme of Amazon
13. Redken Clean Maniac Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
Product Claim: Cleans your hair of product build-ups and instantly refreshes your hair in just one use.
2 Honest Reviews of the Redken Clean Maniac Hair Cleansing Cream Clarifying Shampoo
It is an amazing shampoo. I have well water, and my hair became dull, heavy with rusty undertones. This great shampoo removed all residue and made my hair shine like crystal with bounce and flexibility. It is worth the price. - Eloiza on Amazon
I’ve used this shampoo for years and love it. During the summer, I use it once a week to ensure I don’t get chlorine build-up/green hair. I might use it once a month for the rest of the year to strip off any build-up or copper from the shower water. I scrub it in and then let it sit for 5-10 minutes. It leaves my hair feeling very clean. Great cleanser/detox. - Shalom on Amazon
14. CurlFriends Cleanse Daily Shampoo
Product Claim: Promises to soften and free your hair from frizz.
2 Honest Reviews of the CurlFriends Cleanse Daily Shampoo
I have been using Curlfriends for at least 15 years. This product has tamed my frizzy, curly hair. My body has suffered malabsorption, thyroid & chemo, but my hair has stayed beautiful. Every beautician asks what I use. I would recommend to anyone going through health issues to use this shampoo to keep your hair healthy. - Customer on Amazon
I am following the Curly Girl Method, and after taking an online quiz, I figured out that I have 2B waves. I have to shampoo my hair daily but not use a conditioner because it weighs down my hair. I found Curlfriends on the list of approved products for my hair type. Not only is it silicone-free, but it keeps my hair soft and manageable (which I was worried about without conditioner). I love this product and highly recommend it to anyone with wavy or curly hair! - KG on Amazon
15. Argan Shampoo for Dry Damaged Hair
Product Claim: This shampoo gives your hair a healthy boost of shine, moisture, and relieves your hair from frizz.
2 Honest Reviews of the Argan Shampoo for Dry Damaged Hair
I'm the only person with thick and curly hair in my family. I had to figure out how to take care of it on my own, and it's been a long process. I've been experimenting with different things for over 10 years now, and the Argan Curling Defining Gel made my life so much easier. It tames down my frizz a bunch, and it offers great moisture to my curls throughout the day. I try to always keep a bottle on hand to make sure I won't accidentally run out even. It helped me figure out the hair regimen that would keep people complimenting me on my curls all the time and that feels pretty darn good! - Collin on Amazon
I have naturally curly hair and this shampoo does not dry out my hair or leave it greasy. I use it with the Tea Tree or the Silk 18 conditioner from Maple Holistics and it leaves my hair soft and manageable. I also used to struggle with dandruff. After having no luck, and sometimes worse flaking with other popular name brand dandruff shampoos, I was so relieved to finally find a product that got rid of my flakes! I would definitely recommend it, especially for those with a flaky scalp. - Karrie on Amazon
16. Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner SLS
Product Claim: This shampoo hydrates and restores moistures level leaving your hair with a soft and beautiful texture.
2 Honest Reviews of the Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner SLS
I ordered this set at a recommendation from my niece and I am so happy I did. The shampoo and conditioner are both very thick so you need very little of it. There isn't a noticeable scent but I would call it "fresh" if I had to describe it. Nothing offensive about it. I have very fine thin curly hair and these products make my hair thicker and curlier. I would highly recommend these products to anyone. - M on Amazon
I've struggled with frizzy hair my whole life and never found a solution until now. I have semi-thick hair with really wavy hair(had curly hair when I was little) I dyed my hair quite a bit at a time (less than 10), and always lived in a hot humid area. Trying it out I saw a little difference(my hair needs to take a day inside to relax almost) my hair felt a little soft. Then the next day, my hair felt more smooth and my frizz smooth out significantly! My only thing about it is that it smoothens out my wavy hair and looks semi-straight/slightly wavy(I love my curls) but other than that I love this product so much it's my permanent shampoo/conditioner! - Lovesbeat - Amazon
Here you go! 16 varieties of shampoos for curly hair you can try. Which would you go for?