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Finding the best shampoo for curly hair can be a huge chore, especially if you’ve been using poor-quality shampoos that don’t give your curls the volume and healthy feeling you need. Most people with tight curls need more attention than a simple pharmacy shampoo can provide, and it’s important to find something that prevents your curls from fading or weighing heavily on your scalp.
Thankfully, there are tons of shampoo options for any of your curly hair needs. Whether your hair has natural curls or if you just want to keep your new and sudden curls healthy, several products can give you exactly the kind of support you need in your hair care routine.
If you’re looking for a major change or just want to try something different, here’s a huge selection of options that are perfectly suited for your hair and scalp.
Best Shampoos For Curly Hair
1. Puff.me Volumizing Shampoo – Best Overall
- BOOSTS HAIR VOLUME - Puff.ME Volumizing Shampoo effectively adds volume and body to your hair. It cleanses and hydrates while...
- CLEANSES YOUR HAIR WITHOUT DRYING - This hair volume shampoo gently removes dirt and build-up without stripping the hair or...
- COLOR SAFE SHAMPOO - Lather your color-treated hair with Puff.ME Volumizing Shampoo without worries of losing your hair...
Most curly hair shampoos strive to provide as much volume and bounce as possible without sacrificing the health of your hair. Puff.me has a volumizing shampoo that might be the perfect product.
Their sulfate-free shampoo helps your hair feel weightless, giving a huge amount of bounce and lightness to your curls while giving an effective clean.
It’s suggested to give an extra rich lather with this product, but in return, you’ll feel extremely refreshed as it clears your hair of buildup and creates a weightless feeling throughout your hair from your curls to your roots.
Features
- Gives extreme volume and bounce to your roots and curls
- Moisturizes hair enough to not need intense drying afterward
Pros
- Perfect for both dry and oily curly hair
- Gorgeous product packaging
Cons
- Requires a large amount while showering
- Does not come with a matching conditioner
2. Shea Moisture Curl and Shine Coconut Shampoo – Best For Wavy Hair
- SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo is a phthalate free shampoo, paraben free shampoo and cruelty-free that hair gently...
- This curl enhancing shampoo is a natural hair shampoo that contains coconut oil to moisturize and protect hair while...
- SheaMoisture delivers this silicone free shampoo that is a curl care shampoo and also contains hibiscus flower extracts to...
Finding the best shampoo for wavy hair is essential, but finding one with natural ingredients that won’t harm your scalp is just as important.
Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus shampoo is a spectacular option for anyone who wants defined curls and a bright shine, using cruelty-free ingredients that won’t risk any long-term damage to your hair.
The hibiscus flower is the key ingredient in this hair product, as it improves the elasticity of your hair to avoid growing too stiff.
Otherwise, the shampoo prevents frizz on thick curly hair to ensure your hair won’t be out of control, making it a great and reliable shampoo if you need something to give perfect security.
Features
- Hibiscus flower ingredient to prevent breakage and keep hair strong
- Ethically-sourced and cruelty-free ingredients
Pros
- Natural floral and coconut scent
- Prevents hair from frizzing while drying hair
- Improves the volume and waviness of your curls
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a matching conditioner
- Less effective with thinner curls
3. Maui Moisture Curl Quench & Coconut Oil Curl-Defining Anti-Frizz Shampoo – Best Vegan Product
- Curl-defining coconut oil anti-frizz shampoo
- DE-FRIZZ and DEFINE CURLS: This 13-fluid ounce bottle of Maui Moisture Curl Quench and Coconut Oil Shampoo helps hydrate,...
- CURLY HAIR CARE: Ideal for tight curls, the anti-frizz shampoo is safe for use on color-treated hair to help detangle,...
For those who want an even healthier list of ingredients, there are tons of vegan-friendly options available. Maui Moisture is one of these companies, specializing in using natural fruit and flower extracts with a base of coconut milk in this spectacular curl quenching shampoo.
This product is all about the health of thicker hair, with a key ingredient of aloe vera to add moisture to your hair and let it accept the other plumeria and papaya extracts to satisfy its needs. Afterward, you get extremely shiny and bouncy curls with a wonderful natural scent.
Features
- Loosens coarse and thick hair to give a more lightweight feeling
- Improves shine of your curls to make a brighter look
- Aloe vera blend helps hair remain healthy and nourished
Pros
- Great at preventing your curls from becoming frizzy
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Made with entirely vegan ingredients
Cons
- Small container volume
- Possible allergens due to natural ingredients
4. Pure Nature Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo – Best UV Protection
- SMOOTHING ARGAN OIL: People love how this argan oil shampoo from Pure Nature Lux Spa works hard to smooth flyaways and frizz;...
- SULFATE FREE: This sulfate free shampoo has been formulated with your wellbeing in mind; Our dry hair shampoo is totally...
- SOFT AND SHINING HAIR: Moroccan argan oil for hair has been used for generations to help make hair shine; We’ve harnessed...
Moroccan oil shows up frequently when looking for hair products for those with curly hair, particularly with thicker and waiver curls.
It’s a wonderful ingredient that can rejuvenate dry or weaker hair, and with the right vitamins and antioxidants, it can improve the overall health of your hair substantially in just a few washes.
The Pure Nature Moroccan Oil Shampoo is one of these products. It has an additional UV and thermal protectant to help keep your hair safe from getting dried or damaged from too much sunlight, which makes it a great summer product and leaves you with soft and breathable hair while maintaining the bounce of your curls.
Features
- Greatly softens and lightens thick or heavy curly hair
- Clears dandruff and moisturizes dry hair easily
- Made with natural ingredients to improve your hair’s long-term health
Pros
- No sulfates, parabens, or other heavy chemicals that risk damaging your skin
- UV and thermal protection from intense sunlight
- Reasonable price for a generous 16 fluid ounce size
Cons
- Requires an effective blow dryer after use to maintain softness
- Built for all kinds of thick hair, rather than specifically curly hair
5. Luseta Curl Enhancing Coconut Oil Shampoo & Conditioner Set – Best Vitamin Source
- The Luseta Curl Enhancing Coconut Oil Shampoo is a gentle cleanser that can rid the hair strands of build-up adding more...
- The Luseta Curl Enhancing Coconut Oil Conditioner adds intense moisture to all types of curly hair. It penetrates deep into...
- Coconut Oil: Packed with vitamins C, E, B1, B5 and B6 and contains beneficial fats and fatty acids.
Besides natural ingredients, it’s also important that your curly hair is getting enough vitamins to help it remain healthy, as very few hair products can often provide enough to encourage long-term health.
Every wash should give your hair a relieving feeling, and Luseta has a coconut oil shampoo that can provide it.
This shampoo and conditioner pair have a much greater volume than many of the earlier products, but within them is an extremely healthy blend of vitamins and beneficial fats to prevent your hair from becoming dry in the first place. It also includes rosemary leaf oil that can help with growth and maintain the fullness of your hair.
Features
- Encourages hair growth thanks to rosemary leaf oil
- Moisturizes your curls to detangle them and improve their bounce
- Full of various vitamins and healthy fats to properly nourish your hair
Pros
- Designed to moisturize all kinds of curly hair
- Comes with a matching conditioner
Cons
- Strong scent from the essential oils
- Large containers, but also slightly more expensive
6. Quenching Plus Coconut Curls Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle – Best Hydration
Organix and Quenching Plus (or Quenching+) are a much more familiar brand to many people, but their quality is still unmatched compared to many curly hair shampoo products.
This shampoo and conditioner for curls combo has a mixed scent of citrus, honey, and coconut for a sweet and refreshing wash that lets water flow easily through thick hair.
It’s not as natural as many other products, but it’s still a safe product that comes in a massive quantity. Ordering this will give you a reliable amount of care for your curls with every wash, and being able to rely on a product so easily is always important.
Features
- Huge quantity with nearly 20 fluid ounces in each container
- Mixed with citrus oil to improve softness of your hair
Pros
- Nourishing coconut oil and honey mix for easy clean and refreshing scent
- Comes with a matching conditioner to help prevent frizz
Cons
- High cost and heavy product
- Less natural than products from smaller businesses
7. SoCozy Curl Shampoo – Best For Kids And Teens
- CONDITIONS + CLEANSES: Restores curls natural balance, reduces breakage and improves elasticity.
- KEY INGREDIENTS: Keratin, Plum Seed Oil, Olive Oil
- SALON FORMULA: SoCozy has over 20 years of experience and expertise about kid's hair.
For younger teens and kids with curly hair, it’s also important that their hair care products aren’t too heavy, as their hair is still growing and requires them to take extra care of their scalp.
SoCozy has a great option for younger curls, with their curl shampoo restoring hair to its natural state to help it grow healthily and easily.
One of the great ingredients included in this product is the watermelon seed oil, which can help encourage hair to naturally shine and soothes the user’s scalp. It’s a great introductory product for anyone who’s just getting into hair at an early age, but even adults can likely get used to it thanks to its healthy and sensitive ingredient list.
Features
- Watermelon seed oil to help encourage natural shine
- Designed specifically for children and natural curls
- Free of common children’s allergens like gluten, wheat, or nuts
Pros
- Reasonable price for the product size
- Designed specifically for children’s hair
- Free of synthetic colors and dyes that could harm the skin
Cons
- Not as effective for artificial curls
- Less certain results for adults wanting a sensitive shampoo
8. Royal Locks Clean Curls Shampoo – Best pH Balancer
- BUILT FOR CURLS: A gentle sulfate free shampoo that balances the pH of your hair and scalp. It's low lather cleansing won’t...
- GENTLE CLEANSING FOR CURLS: This pH balanced sulfate-free shampoo gently cleanses without stripping the natural oils that...
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: We use curl enhancing ingredients that work including cleansing agents like Cocamide MIPA and natural...
The Clean Curls Shampoo from Royal Locks might seem formal and built for salons, but this shampoo is a wonderful product that can give strong support to your wavy and curly hair.
This pH balancing shampoo prides itself on its ability to restore its pH balance, eliminating harsh acidic traits with natural oils for nourishment.
The result is a salon-tier softness that you can do yourself, and it helps improve your curls, so they’re healthy and bouncy. It’s a great way to maintain your waves and curls just before special occasions but also a wonderful addition to your regular shower routine.
Features
- Improves pH balance using natural essential oils
- Botanical and cruelty-free ingredients
- Greatly softens hair to make curling easier
Pros
- Helps heal and soften wavy hair, as well as curly hair
- Only requires small amounts for use, extending its use
- Slick salon-style packaging
Cons
- Cruelty-free, but not fully vegan
- Doesn’t come with a matching conditioner
9. True Curl Shampoo and Conditioner Set – Best All-Purpose Shampoo
- Luxurious, hydrating and non-lather shampoo that helps to cleanse and nourish your beautiful curls. Plus, a super creamy curl...
- Apply shampoo to wet hair. Rinse and follow with True Curl Cream Conditioner. Allow your locks to soak it up for 3-5 minutes...
- Formulated to enhance all curl types from wavy to kinky!
One of the great benefits of curl shampoo is that it can often be incredibly versatile, and even if you have light curls or moderately straight hair, you can use these products. True Curl Shampoo is a True Haircare product most notable as a hydrating shampoo to prevent tangling.
This product is also one of the much more scent-heavy products thanks to its great vegan and cruelty-free ingredients, which give your hair a much safer boost of softness without risking long-term skincare.
Regardless of your hair type, this product is almost surely going to provide what you need.
Features
- Hydrating shampoo to help clean hair, as well as defrizz
- Extremely creamy and easy to apply
Pros
- Cruelty-free and vegan ingredients
- Thick chamomile and rosemary scent
- Salon-equivalent product with a much more reasonable price
Cons
- Takes 3-5 minutes to properly apply
- Slightly small 12-ounce container
10. Tibolli Hydrating Shampoo – Best For Dry Hair
- TIBOLLI HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER SET : Hydrates and restores moisture levels Safe and Healthy for Colored & Keratin...
- MOISTURIZING VOLUME AND CONTROL : This Deep Hydra Nourishing Shampoo & Moisture Repair Conditioner gives hair beautiful...
- ULTIMATE MOISTURE : Transform your dry locks into smooth and shiny locks, as if you just came from the salon. The Tibolli...
On a much more defensive and health-focused side of curly hair care products, Tibolli provides a hydrating shampoo that targets many common problems that those with curly hair can experience.
This product hydrates hair directly at the roots, letting it absorb essential nutrients and vitamins easier and improving the health of your overall hair, alongside your curls.
This product also features keratin, so your hair is shiny and silky, something that can be challenging for those with thicker natural hair. It’s wonderful for any form of damaged hair, and its strong keratin infusion also helps prevent general frizz and heat damage for any user.
Features
- Provides a deeper clean than most other curly hair shampoos
- Heavy keratin treatment to improve shine and provide an anti-aging effect
Pros
- Alcohol and cruelty-free ingredients
- Extremely effective for those with damaged or aged hair
Cons
- The larger 33-ounce container is a significantly better deal than the 10-ounce container, although much more expensive
11. LuxeOrganix Moroccan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner – Best For Fragile Hair
For those who want the benefits of Moroccan oil and the effects of keratin, check out this shampoo. LuxeOrganix has a wonderful product that combines these vitamins to create a strong healing and hydrating shampoo and conditioner pair.
This product is extremely safe to use, with extra caution put into ensuring there’s no risk to your health in your anti-aging keratin treatments.
This product is also fairly premium in price compared to the other ones mentioned, but you get your money’s worth thanks to the premium and cruelty-free ingredients.
Features
- Paraben and salt-free, and all cruelty-free ingredients
- Thick and full product despite the small 8 and 16 ounce sizes
Pros
- Especially effective at nourishing curly hair that’s frizzy or dry or
- Comes with a matching conditioner
Cons
- Far more expensive than many products
12. Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Shampoo – Best For Short Hair
- Moisturizing Shampoo: Let your hair soak up this creamy moisturizing sulfate-free shampoo that softens while it cleanses,...
- Extra Moisture For Curly Hair: Quench the thirst of extremely dry hair with Coco Crème Sulfate-Free Shampoo, Creamy...
- Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner are ideal for curly hair, hair prone to dryness, and any hair type that needs a little...
While not as oriented to aging hair, Carol’s Daughter provides an extremely effective Coco cream that does wonders for dry curly hair, regardless of the form your curls take.
Whether you have loose natural curls or extremely tight coils, this shampoo provides moisture with a great combination of coconut and mango ingredients.
It’s also a great item to get as a package, with many other products from conditioners to hair masks providing just as much powerful support to a diverse variety of curly hairstyles.
Features
- Moisturizing shampoo that helps make hair additionally soft and prevent dryness
- Great for all kinds of loose and tight curly hair
Pros
- Extremely heavy moisturizing effect for dry hair
- Sulfate-free ingredient list
Cons
- Strong fruity scent due to the product’s natural ingredients
- Additional products like conditioners and masks are suggested to get the full effect
13. VERB Curl Shampoo – Best For Beginners
- CURL DEFINING SHAMPOO: Verb Curl anti-frizz shampoo gently cleanses curls and waves as it preserves moisture; it delivers...
- INGREDIENTS: This shampoo provides added softness, and deeply nourishes and increases manageability while preventing color...
- ONLY GOOD STUFF: This shampoo for women and men is vegan and cruelty free; the hydrating shampoo is safe for use on color...
Verb provides another wonderful moisturizing shampoo that’s exceptionally easy to apply and simple in ingredients.
It’s not as unusual in its scent or ingredients compared to the earlier products but does a wonderfully effective job that will always leave you satisfied with each shower.
It’s not going to break your expectations of a curl-friendly shampoo, but it’ll do exactly what you need and quickly become a valuable part of your routine whether you have heavy curls with tons of color or just short and natural coils.
Features
- Less-scented than many premium products
- Color-safe and great for keeping a balanced scalp
Pros
- Safe and basic ingredients
- Efficient cost and size
Cons
- Not as ethically sourced as other independent hair products
- Unexpectedly fragrant
14. Majestic Pure Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo – Best For Oily Hair
- 100% Pure and Natural: Majestic Pure products are 100% pure and natural. This means they are free from toxins, additives, or...
- Nutritious Hair care: Detoxify and give your hair the cleanse it needs after a rough day with Majestic Pure Apple Cider...
- Tame that Frizz: Getting your frizzy hair in control is a very tedious task, but this shampoo will help ease that process,...
Much attention has been given to hydrating shampoos because it’s far more common that thick and curly hair ends up growing dry rather than becoming oily.
Nonetheless, different lifestyles and hair can often result in much slicker hair that needs rejuvenating, and Majestic Pure has a wonderful clarifying shampoo that can restore shine and hydrate oily hair, as well as dry.
It’s also made with extra natural fruit ingredients, including the titular apple cider vinegar, traditional coconut oil, and even some avocado oil to add extra hydration and nutrients to heal all sorts of hair and scalp concerns.
Features
- Natural and fruit-based ingredients
- Helps take care of oily hair, as well as dry and normal curls
Pros
- No sulfates and cruelty-free
- No animal testing in its production
Cons
- Heavy and prominent fruit scent
15. Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo – Best Clean
- CLEANSE & REFRESH: Wash away heavy build up to leave hair and scalp refreshed
- NOURISH: Shea butter formula helps reduce breakage & nourish hair
- GREAT FOR: Type 2 waves, Type 3 curls, & Type 4 coils
While many curly hair shampoos aim to add moisture and minerals, there’s a lot to be said for cleansing shampoos for hair that needs more deep cleaning than most typical straight hair.
Cantu’s Cleansing Cream Shampoo is a great way to treat your curly, wavy, and coily hair when it takes in a lot of sweat and grime through the day, cleaning it with a shea butter mixture that glides smoothly through your curls.
This shampoo has an added benefit for those with wavy, coily, and curly hair to strengthen it, making it much more resistant to breakage with future cleaning and when putting pressure on it while sleeping at night.
Features
- Breakage prevention thanks to removing heavy grime buildup
- Pure shea butter mixture
Pros
- Wonderful and relaxing soft mixture
- Extremely affordable cost
Cons
- Mostly better for natural hair
- Certain ingredients like sodium chloride