Best shampoo and conditioner for curly hair 2024
How often should curly hair be washed?
Dryness is a common problem for people with tight curls because the natural oil secreted by the scalp (known as sebum) has a hard time passing through the scalp. Try “co-washing” your hair (using only conditioner and massaging it into your scalp) to add moisture to your hair every three days. Sprays, gels, oils, and mousses are also effective. Shampoo your skin at least once every two weeks to remove product and oil buildup and reduce the risk of dandruff and itchiness.
Aim to wash your hair once every three days if your curls are loose, or every other day if your scalp is oily. This will prevent oils and butters from hair products from building up and dragging your curls, leaving your hair looking limp and lackluster. If you’re a sporty person or too busy to shampoo frequently, try washing your mane in between washes to refresh your mane.
Fine curls tend to look oily, especially if you use hair care products regularly. Try washing your hair at the same time between shampoos every three days or so, or try a water-only washing method (using only water).
What kind of shampoo should I use for curly hair?
The first commandment in the world of curly hair is to use a 100% sulfate-free shampoo unless you need to increase curl definition and remove buildup (known as “purifying”).
In general, avoid products containing sodium lauryl sulfate, harsh salts, and detergents. These products can strip your hair of oil and lift the hair cuticle, increasing frizz. Also avoid alcohol. Your curly hair will look and feel crispy. Instead, look for moisturizing shampoos packed with natural butters and essential oils, or shampoos that claim to have detangling properties.
If your curls need more moisture, consider trying a cleansing conditioner (basically a gentle shampoo/conditioner).
Don’t expect much, if any, shampoo or conditioner for curly hair to lather (boring, I know!). However, expect your curls to look much shinier and healthier than with traditional “all hair types.” product.
What is the best way to dry curly hair?
Regardless of your curly hair type, remember to use a gentle microfiber towel to absorb excess moisture and gently wring it out. This will help your hair dry faster and minimize frizz. Do not rub or ruffle! If you need to use a hair dryer, use a diffuser to dry your curls evenly, and let sensitive ends air dry.
Test method
We tested 12 shampoo and conditioner duos on over 160 curly-haired women with all curl types from 2A (light waves) to 4C (heavy twists or coils). They tried these out for two weeks and provided feedback on curl enhancement, hydration, lathering, and product texture where applicable.
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1
best shampoo for curly hair
Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Wash Shampoo and Curl Jelly Care Defrize Conditioner
Score: 88/100
This bright pink range (the packaging, not the formula!) is formulated for all curls and helps add definition and bounce. The sulfate-free shampoo is infused with moisturizing vitamin B5, and the conditioner removes frizz, detangles, and adds shine.
Our testers found that a small amount of shampoo works well, but you have to squeeze the tube tightly to get it out. The jelly-like texture felt strange at first, but once it lathered up, my hair became softer. The conditioner helped with styling and everyone loved the fresh floral scent.
2
Perfect for deep cleansing
John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curl Shampoo & Conditioner
Score: 85/100
This oil-fighting Dream Curl Shampoo uses nourishing crambe seed oil to revive wavy, loose curls, while the conditioner softens, smooths, and moisturizes.
Both products come in attractive purple squeeze tubes and have an uplifting citrus scent. These provide adequate color protection but are not sulfate or silicone free and may be too drying for curly hair. The treat lathers up and washes off easily, leaving your curls looking fuller and most of our panel happy with the results.
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3
great for defining curls
Bumble and Bumble Curl Sulfate Free Shampoo and Curl Custom Conditioner
Score: 84/100
Bumble and bumble’s Curl range focuses on hydration and aims to remove frizz from your hair, leaving it smooth and bouncy. Shampoos and conditioners designed for all types of curls are enriched with oils and moisturizers. These active ingredients work by pulling moisture from the air to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
Conditioner can be used in three ways. It can be used as a daily moisturizer, as an intensive leave-in treatment, or as a co-cleanse without shampoo. Both products produce a creamy lather and are easy to rinse off, despite being sulfate-free. The packaging feels a little cheap considering the price, but my hair is tangle-free and shiny.
4
Perfect for a healthy scalp
A shampoo and conditioner duo that nurtures gorgeous curls
Score: 83/100
This duo de-frizzes and strengthens all curly hair, including Afro’s, and stimulates hair growth with the help of caffeine. At the same time, the fat in oats cares for your scalp and prevents pesky dandruff. The slightly floral scent reminded me of a professional salon, and the shampoo’s light texture was a big hit.
Our testers said the conditioner detangled their hair (“literally ran my fingers through it”) and left it soft, but a few said their hair felt a little greasy after using it. .
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5
perfect for adding shine
Lee Stafford For The Love Of Curls Shampoo and Conditioner
Score: 81/100
This cheerful shampoo and conditioner duo is sure to win the clever name game. Fortunately, it’s not just about style, it’s also about substance. Free from any major drying ingredients (sulfates, alcohol, etc.), the shampoo contains shea butter and cacao, and the conditioner contains aloe vera leaf and jojoba.
Both products left Panel’s hair soft, shiny, less tangled, and more bouncy. Their waves also lasted longer than usual. Rinse under a cold tap to lock in moisture and achieve even glossier curls. If you have the courage.
6
perfect for curly hair
Phil Smith Curly Locks Shampoo & Conditioner
Score: 80/100
This budget-friendly rich shampoo contains grapeseed oil to smooth hair and achieve flawless silky curls, and the matching conditioner claims to tame frizz and add smoothness. Masu.
After use, my hair becomes more manageable and I no longer need to add oil to moisturize it. The consistency of the conditioner was too thin for some people’s tastes, leaving one tester with a slight coating, but it made combing and styling noticeably easier. The purple and orange design of both packs scored high.
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7
perfect for texture
Curls only All curl cleansers and conditioners
Score: 78/100
This trendy brand’s message is clear. Ditch the chemicals and heat-laden styling tools and embrace your natural curls. Easier said than done, but these sulfate-free products can help. It’s packed with moisturizing oils and has a tropical coconut and citrus scent.
Our panel raved about the lightweight texture of both the shampoo and conditioner, commenting that their hair looked smoother and shinier after use. Neither made my tester’s curls crunchy or sticky, and the texture was just right. Larger bottles are fine, but they are 100% recyclable.
8
best leave-in conditioner
Twisted Sista Luxurious Clarifying Shampoo and Intensive Leave-in Conditioner
Score: 74/100
We love the bold, modern packaging of this affordable shampoo and conditioner. Sulfate-free, scalp-friendly, and enriched with moisturizing coconut, avocado, and almond oils.
The leave-in conditioner instantly detangles and blocks frizz without weighing down your curls. Both consistencies were thin, too thin for some testers, which may have made their hair feel softer. On the plus side, my hair feels moisturized and easier to style.
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9
The best shampoo for sensitive scalps
TRESemmé Pro Pure Curl Hydration Shampoo
Score: 73/100
TRESemmé Pro Pure Curl Series was developed for those who want to give their curls care and attention without irritating their sensitive scalps. Contains no sulfates, silicones, or dyes to help repair damage caused by ultra-exfoliating shampoos.
Formulated with a blend of plant-based cleansers, this moisturizing shampoo is meant to cleanse your scalp while nourishing your naturally bouncy curls and strengthening your waves. Panelists said it kept their curls in good condition and enjoyed the pleasant scent and texture.
It was easy to lather up and helped soften my hair without being too heavy or thick. However, the texture was a bit controversial, with some people saying that the gel-like texture caused it to slip off their hands while applying, but I liked how clean it felt.
10
Ideal for thick or colored hair
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo & Conditioner
Score: 72/100
Are your thick curls feeling unmanageable? Try taming them with this lightweight formula that replenishes moisture and detangles. Contains organic ingredients like silk protein and coconut oil to tame frizz, condition curls, and prevent hair breakage.
Contains no sulfates and is colorant safe. Both the shampoo and conditioner have an appealing coconut scent and rinse off quickly. After washing, we noticed that our hair looked cleaner, shinier, and was easier to comb.
Florence is our senior beauty writer, specializing in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews, from toothbrushes to the latest skin care products. She is committed to sharing product recommendations that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to that, she worked at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab to scrutinize the function of each fresh natural ingredient and communicate its effectiveness to viewers in easy-to-understand language. I did.
With over five years of experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveler, and more, and much of her work incorporates a strong sustainability perspective. .
When she’s not preparing for a trip, working out, eating out, or reading about retinol serums, she’s probably experimenting with a film camera or building a portrait portfolio. You will see Photos of Florence can be viewed at florencereeves-white.com. Her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her Twitter is @flowreadsnwrites
Tester Maria Kumar
Beauty and grooming test manager
Maria is our Beauty and Grooming Testing Manager and since joining us in mid-2022, she has managed testing for multiple categories including scalp scrubs, collagen supplements, and retinol serums. In addition to a master’s degree in chemical engineering and a degree in cosmetic science, she recently completed an MBA at London College of Fashion with a focus on case studies in the beauty industry. Prior to joining the company, she spent more than six years on the global technology team at The Estée Lauder Companies, collaborating with chemists and engineers to launch premium beauty products at scale and quality. She also works as a formulation scientist in the pharmaceutical industry and takes this evidence-based approach to all product testing.
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