18 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair (Tested & Reviewed 2024)
Ahead, the full list of curly hair shampoos for every hair need from brands like Amika, Design Essentials, Pattern Beauty, and more. Plus, everything you need to know about shampoo for curly hair, including how to choose the best one for you and how often to wash curly hair.
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1
Best Shampoo for Loose Curls
Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Shampoo
ProsUses lightweight oils to help offset potential drynessConsContains fragrance, which can irritate some sensitive scalps
One of Cosmo Associate Editor Chaise Sander’s faves is this OG that she’s been using for years, and not to mention, it’s a holy grail in the curl community. If your loose curls are prone to getting stretched out from residue and oils, reach for this shampoo from Design Essentials. It uses a mix of medium-to-strong surfactants (all sulfate-free!) to break down product buildup. It also helps mitigate dryness with avocado and almond oils—two lightweight oils that won’t weigh down your curls after rinsing.
Key ingredients: Avocado oil, sweet almond oilSulfate free? Yes* (but contains other strong surfactants)Hair type: All
Glowing Customer Review: “I have been using this product for two years. It gives my curls the definition and holds that I like. It isn’t sticky like other products nor does it leave a residue.”
2
Best Type 3 Curl Shampoo
Living Proof Curl Shampoo
ProsTesters absolutely love how long this shampoo lasts—good value for moneyConsIn most cases, it won’t be hydrating enough for type 4 curls
Type 3 curls—hi, “S-shaped”, springy, more defined curls and coils—love this shampoo and styling line thanks to its hydration-packed formula and curl-enhancing products. “While Living Proof could be a higher price point for some folks, the products deliver,” says Sam Olson, Cosmo’s Assistant News Editor, who has type 3b curls. “Its entire curl line has been my go-to for the past year. It’s moisturizing and lathers so nicely, and of course, it smells great. My curls hold up so well after a few days, so the bottle lasts me about six months (longer than I thought it would). TL;DR: Living Proof is worth all the hype—and the dollars.”
Key ingredients: Plant extracts and oils, moisturizing alcoholsSulfate free? Yes* (*molecules used will need an occasional clarifier)Hair type: All* (*great reviews for type 3 curls)
Glowing Customer Review: “This shampoo and the leave-in cream just saved my life. I thought my curls were gone for good. It has been months and months of damage to the point where my hair was essentially straight. It just wasn’t curling anymore and I had given up. I got recommended this and the cream and after my FIRST use, I had curly/wavy hair. I was shocked because I tried everything and suddenly this just brought them back. I’ve only used it once so far (trying not to wash my hair too often) but I just know my hair is gonna get better and better after every wash.”
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3
Best Co-Wash for Curly Hair
Salwa Petersen Chébé Cleansing Conditioner
ProsCleans roots without drying out hair using emollientsConsWill need to pair with a clarifier monthly to remove buildup
This shampoo for curly hair is kind of like a shampoo/co-wash hybrid. It’s full of emollients (see: sunflower seed oil, fruit extracts, moisturizing alcohols, shea butter) to seal in moisture on your scalp and hair, but also uses ultra-light cleansing agents to help lift off dirt and grime from your roots. “The magic behind this brand’s products, including this moisturizing co-wash, are seeds from the lavender croton plant, found in central Africa. The benefits are vast, but it’s really known for its power to strengthen your hair,” says Cosmo Beauty Director-at-Large Julee Wilson, who gave this bb a Holy Grail Beauty Award this year.
Key ingredients: Fruit extracts, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, mild surfactants Sulfate free? YesHair type: Dry, damaged, color-treated, relaxed hair
Glowing Customer Review: “This co-wash gently cleaned my dry hair and left it moisturized and bouncy. It lathers slightly and it has a beautiful, earthy scent (same as the OG leave-in conditioner of the brand). The scent fades away quickly in case you are concerned about scent.”
4
Best Shampoo & Conditioner for Curly Hair
Pantene Pro-V Miracles Curl Define & Shine Coconut + Shea
ProsSuper thick hair loves how this product totally detangles any knotsConsFiner hair types may be weighed down
“Rocking my natural curls isn’t an everyday affair, but this hydrating dream team is changing the game for me,” says Cosmo beauty contributor Marisa Petrarca, who gave the curl shampoo and conditioner duo one of this year’s Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Awards. “We’re talking love-at-first-sight packaging (read: a massive, easy-to-pump shampoo bottle) and a formula that’s like a magic potion for shine and frizz control. Yup, it has me in a chokehold.” If Marisa didn’t sing its praises enough, you’ll love this sulfate-free formula for your medium to thick curly hair if you are prone to knots and tangles—which, hi, is a relatable issue in the curly community. It’s also filled with film-forming humectants that are great for hydration, moisturizing coconut oil, and gentle cleansers.
Key ingredients: Panthenol, panthenyl ethyl ether, coconut oil, gentle cleansersSulfate free? YesHair type: Medium to thick curly hair
Glowing Customer Review: “Love this shampoo! I even bought the conditioner because it was a good one. It really cleans my hair and defines my waves underneath. The smell is INCREDIBLE that is definitely the best part because it lingers on my hair. Got so many compliments. Thank you!”
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5
Best Curl Shampoo for a Wash-and-Go
CurlMix CurlMix Wash and Go Shampoo
Pros4-Step System makes it genuinely very easy to perfect your wash-and-goConsTypically, the products perform best when you use the system, which means you may not be able to use some of your faves
If you’re looking to bring back your natural curl pattern or just haven’t found quite the right products to perfect your wash-and-go, consider opting for CurlMix’s shampoo (and the system!). “This shampoo left my hair and scalp feeling so fresh instead of stripped, says Cosmo’s lifestyle editor, Christen Johnson, when she awarded this shampoo a 2024 Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award. “And my curls were truly so juicy and moisturized after applying the conditioner, it wasn’t even a struggle to detangle.” The winning formula Christen loves? Emollients (hi, jojoba oil) and gentle cleansers that’ll wash your curls without drying them out.
Key ingredients: Jojoba oil, aloe vera, gentle cleansersSulfate free? YesHair type: All (specific system options available depending on curl type)
Glowing Customer Review: “I would recommend the CurlMix Master’s Collection 4-step system to anyone looking to get the best WNG (wash-n-go). The shampoo is amazing and lathers well. The conditioner gives great slip and the stylers help to maintain hydrated and defined curls. I use CurlMix products exclusively and this has allowed me to have a consistent routine. I am confident I can complete a successful WNG using CurlMix products.”
6
Best Shampoo for Damaged, Curly Hair
Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Bond Building Shampoo
ProsContains amino acids to help strengthen your hairConsUses some strong-ish surfactants that might be a bit drying for some curly hair types
If you color or chemically treat your curls, you should 100 percent be incorporating a strengthening shampoo like this one from Not Your Mother’s in your routine at least once a month. It uses amino acids to help re-link the broken bonds in your hair strands, filling in all the cracks and holes in your cuticle that make hair all brittle and stringy.
And unlike lots of other popular bond-building shampoos, this option is perfect for curly hair because it doesn’t contain any silicones. Instead, it helps smooth flyaways with lightweight avocado oil.
Key ingredients: Amino acids, arginine, avocado oilSulfate free? Yes* (but contains other strong surfactants)Hair type: Damaged, color treated, chemically treated
Glowing Customer Review: “This shampoo has been great. My curls seem stronger, and it smells amazing! Even my daughter uses it, and it works great on her curls too. We’re happy with it. And the packaging is very cute.”
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7
Best Customizable Shampoo for Curly Hair
Function of Beauty Pro Bond Repair Custom Shampoo for Curly, Damaged Hair
ProsCan combine different concentrates depending on your hair goalsBase formula is strengthening and moisturizing, reviewers sayConsBoosters are sold separately, which can add up $$ depending on how many you want to add
Sometimes, you want a product that’ll define your curls, balance your scalp oils, and make your hair shinier. The answer? This custom formula by Function of Beauty Pro. The base formula is filled with amino acids to help strengthen your hair, and then you can add in different boosters depending on your hair goals (like color protection, curl definition, or frizz smoothing, for example).
Key ingredients: Alanine, amino acids, panthenol, sodium PCASulfate free? YesHair type: All (plus options for wavy and coily hair too)
Glowing Customer Review: “I have 3a/3b curls that are thick and high density. My curls are very dry, so they require lots of moisture to look their best. I love how you can mix up your concentrates depending on your hair goals and needs. I really like the smell of the products too. After rinsing the products out, my hair feels so soft and looks shiny and hydrated.”
8
Best Smoothing Curl Shampoo
Amika Velveteen Dream Anti-Frizz Smoothing Shampoo
ProsUses hydrators to attract water to your hairConsDryer hair types should follow up with an extra moisturizing treatment
Newsflash: There is absolutely nothing (!!) wrong with your frizz and flyaways. But if you want to smooth out your hair, try this moisturizing shampoo from Amika. It’s filled with hydrators—hi, panthenol, and aloe vera—that attract water to your thirsty hair. “My 4b/4c hair is extremely prone to frizz thanks to it being so dry, so I love that this smoothing shampoo contains hydrating panthenol and aloe vera, as well as moisturizing alcohols to keep my hair smooth and healthy-looking after wash day,” says Cosmo Associate Editor, Chaise Sanders.
Key ingredients: Aloe, panthenol, cleansing agents, moisturizing alcoholsSulfate free? YesHair type: All
Glowing Customer Review: “To all my girls with naturally frizzy hair. This one is a keeper! Smooths frizz and makes your hair feel so, so soft. Best thing: It does all this without weighing your hair down, so you still get to keep your volume.”
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9
Best Clarifying Shampoo for Curly Hair
Twist Hit Reset Light Clarifying Shampoo
ProsBreaks down oil, silicones, waxes, and product buildup with strong sulfatesConsMight be too drying for some hair types—especially if overused
Despite what you may have heard, it’s actually beneficial to use sulfate every once in a while to help break down wax and silicone buildup in your hair, which can stretch out and weigh down your curls. Try sudsing up with this clarifying shampoo once a month that uses sulfates to strip silicones, waxes, product buildup, and oils from your roots. And to cut down on any drying side effects, this shampoo has added moisturizing ingredients, including jojoba oil and aloe vera. Both ingredients are favorites of trichologist Kerry Yates for hydrating both the hair and scalp to help offset dryness.
Key ingredients: Ammonium laureth sulfate, aloe vera, jojoba oilSulfate free? NoHair type: All* (*but can be drying if used too often for dry hair)
Glowing Customer Review: “I have long wavy/curly hair, and I use heat, hairspray, and texturizing products two to four times a week,” writes one reviewer. “This stuff is amazing for getting all the product buildup out of my hair without stripping it or drying it out. It’s surprisingly moisturizing too, as I don’t need much conditioner aside from my ends after shampooing. 10/10!”
10
Best Shampoo for Color-Treated, Curly Hair
Sienna Naturals HAPI Shampoo
ProsMoisturizes hair with aloe and baobab-seed oilFree of stripping and color-fading sulfatesConsContains essential oils that some reviewers found irritating
If you’ve ever colored your curls, then you know how drying and damaging hair dye can be and how quickly your color can fade. The solution? This ultra-gentle, moisturizing shampoo for curly hair by Sienna Naturals. It uses mild surfactants to help clean your scalp and roots, as well as moisturizing aloe vera and baobab seed oil to keep your color from looking dull. FWIW, Cosmo Beauty Director-at-Large Julee Wilson gave this formula a 2023 Holy Grail Award, noting it keeps her “curls clean, moisturized, and happy.”
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, baobab seed oilSulfate free? YesHair type: All
Glowing Customer Review: According to a review, “Best shampoo I’ve ever used in my life. It feels clean, but like I used a conditioner, because I can run my fingers through it. Love it!”
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11
Best Shampoo for Dry, Curly Hair
The Doux Bee-Girl Ladies’ First Shampoo
ProsFilled with honey to help moisturize your hair and scalpHelps strengthen hair with silk amino acidsConsContains a strong surfactant, so have to follow with deep conditioner
This creamy cleanser is *chef’s kiss* for dry, brittle, curly hair. It’s full of moisturizers like honey and hyaluronic acid, as well as silk amino acids which also help strengthen your hair over time. Plus, this shampoo uses a strong cleanser to help lift off any oils left on your hair that can build up and weigh your curls down. Just note it can be a bit stripping, so stick to lathering up with this once or twice a week, following with a deep conditioner.
Key ingredients: Silk amino acids, honey, hyaluronic acidSulfate free? Yes* (but contains other strong surfactants)Hair type: All
Glowing Customer Review: “Cleansing and moisturizing,” writes one tester. “My hair doesn’t feel stripped. My wash ‘n gos are truly that. My hair dries fast after being set, and my curls are super defined! No lie on the label—it has a perfect balance of protein! My elasticity has improved since using it.”
12
Best Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Curly Hair
Hair Rules No Suds Cleansing Cream
ProsTesters say the cream formula makes detangling easyConsMight need a biweekly or monthly clarifying wash to remove other buildup
If your shampoo is super foamy, there’s a good chance it’s filled with sulfates that can not only strip your hair of moisture, but also potentially irritate your scalp. Instead, this “no-poo”—i.e., no shampoo/sulfates—cleanser is formulated with tons of emollients (hi, castor oil and ultra-smoothing crambe oil) and humectants (‘sup, honey) to seriously hydrate your hair, all while giving you a super-light cleanse. Massage a dollop of this cream into your roots, then before rinsing, smooth through conditioner and detangle for an all-in-one kinda wash day.
Key ingredients: Honey, castor oil, crambe oilSulfate free? YesHair type: Dry, damaged, chemically treated, color treated
Glowing Customer Review: “It smells great, feels great, and is great for my hair. This product has significant slip, and keeps my hair moisturized.”
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13
Best Shampoo for Curly Hair and Dry Scalp
Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo
ProsMoisturizes your scalp with shea butter and moringa oilConsReviewers said they had to follow up with a deep conditioner
Fun (annoying?!) fact: A dry scalp can actually lead to itching, flakes, and irritation, which could make your curls look limp. Instead of rinsing with harsh, sulfate-filled shampoos—which can cause your scalp issues to flare—try this hydrating curl shampoo, which uses shea butter and moringa oil to lightly moisturize your scalp without weighing your curls down.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, moringa oilSulfate free? YesHair type: Dry, damaged, color treated, sensitive scalps
Glowing Customer Review “I literally just started using this, and it IMMEDIATELY relieved my dry scalp, itchiness, and dandruff!”
14
Best Shampoo for Fine, Curly Hair
LUS Love Ur Curls Shampoo
ProsSilicone, sulfate, mineral-oil-freeConsReviewers wish it came with more product
If you have fine, thin curls, you know how hard it is to find a curl-friendly shampoo that won’t weigh your hair down with heavy oils. Which is why Cosmo editors love this lightweight—yet still hydrating!—cleanser that’s free of silicones, sulfates, and mineral oil. And they also have a fragrance-free version if you have a sensitive scalp too.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, moringa seed oilSulfate free? Yes* (but contains other strong surfactants)Hair type: All
Glowing Customer Review: “I absolutely LOVE LUS! My curls were severely damaged from not knowing how to care for them, and constantly straightening my hair, but with LUS, they’re coming back soft, bouncy, and my hair even looks thicker!”
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15
Best Shampoo for Chemically-Treated Curls
Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo
ProsUses proteins to help strengthen chemically damaged curlsConsSome testers wished it were more moisturizing
Hey, if you’ve recently chemically treated your hair (relaxers, keratin treatments, etc), you should def incorporate this strengthening shampoo into your wash-day routine. It uses keratin amino acids to help strengthen your damaged hair, while also moisturizing and smoothing with shea butter and avocado oil. Plus, it breaks down buildup and dirt with mild, sulfate-free cleansers that won’t strip your hair of its much-needed moisture.
Key ingredients: Keratin amino acids, shea butter, avocado oilSulfate free? YesHair type: All
Glowing Customer Review: “This shampoo begins the road to beautifully clean and defined curls. My frizz was noticeably diminished and easier to style.”
16
Best Shampoo for Oily, Curly Hair
Adwoa Beauty Blue Tansy Clarifying Gel Shampoo
ProsUses light oils that won’t weigh down hairDeep cleans with strong surfactantsConsSome reviewers wished it came with more product
If heavy, ultra-moisturizing shampoos leave a greasy film on your curls that weigh them down, swap your shampoo for this clarifying shampoo from Adwoa Beauty. It uses jojoba oil and blue tansy flower oil, two super-lightweight oils that will help seal hydration into your curls without stretching them out. Plus, if you already have some oil or product buildup on your roots, you’ll get a deep clean when you massage this in, thanks to strong, sulfate-free cleansers.
Key ingredients: Jojoba seed oil and blue tansy flower oilSulfate free? Yes *(but contains some other potent cleansers)Hair type: Oily
Glowing Customer Review: “While the Blue Tansy shampoo is clarifying, it doesn’t leave that stripped feeling that I’m used to, and I’m not mad. While I’ll still keep my stronger clarifiers, I will continue to purchase the Blue Tansy as well. I love how it makes my hair feel clean but not stripped.”
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17
Best Drugstore Shampoo for Curly Hair
Vernon François Curl Shampoo
ProsMoisturizes and plumps up curls with butters and oilsConsCould be heavy for fine curl types
What do Lupita Nyong’o, Serena Williams, and Amandla Stenberg have in common? Celebrity hairstylist and curl guru Vernon François, who not only styles their hair, but also has a namesake curl collection to help you get a similar finish at home. His defining shampoo (filled with shea butter and castor and olive oils) helps dry, limp curls spring back into full, moisturized coils worthy of a red carpet. …Or, at the very least, a selfie.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, castor oil, olive oilSulfate free? YesHair type: All
Glowing Customer Review: “Wow. This product, along with the conditioner, is a game-changer! I have been long exhausted by the search for the perfect shampoo and conditioner that cleans but doesn’t dry out my hair and protects it from frizz, and this is it!”
18
Best Pre-Shampoo for Curly Hair
Pattern Beauty Bounce Back Pre-Shampoo
ProsFilled with butters and oils to help coat your hair and scalp before shampooingConsTesters wish it had a nozzle tip for easier application
Shampoo gets a bad rap for stripping your hair and making your curls look poofy and dry. But you can mitigate some of that moisture loss by massaging in this pre-poo treatment from Pattern Beauty. Basically, it’s a mix of butters and oils that seal your hair with moisture to prevent your shampoo from drying out your strands. It also uses some proteins to strengthen your hair and help reduce damage over time.
While your hair is dry, just massage the formula into your roots and smooth it on your ends, then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then hop into the shower and rinse with cool water, and shampoo and condition as normal.
Key ingredients: Murumuru seed butter, jojoba seed oil, hydrolyzed vegetable proteinSulfate free? YesHair type: Dry, damaged, color-treated
Glowing Customer Review: “This really helps keep my frizz down and enhances my curls. I want to use it every single day! I love that it doesn’t have silicones, so it doesn’t weigh down my curls. If my hair needs an extra kick, I’ll leave it in for a while.”
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What shampoo is best for curly hair?
As mentioned above, the best shampoo for curly hair is entirely dependent on your curl type, porosity (aka how easily your hair absorbs moisture), scalp condition, and hair goals, says hairstylist April Story. This means that you’ll need to consider all of these factors in order to find the best curly hair shampoo for you. In general, though, “If you have a looser curl pattern, low density—meaning how many hairs you have on your head—or fine hair, opt for a lightweight shampoo with light oils and hydration, like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil,” says Story.”
However, if you have tight curls, high density, or thick hair,” Story says, “opt for a moisture-rich shampoo filled with shea butter, castor oil, and coconut oil.” You also might prefer a co-wash or cleansing conditioner instead, which will lightly clean your roots while coating your hair with moisturizing emollients.
Is sulfate-free shampoo best for curly hair?
Yes, sulfate-free shampoo is definitely the best option for curly hair generally. “Sulfates are very harsh surfactants that are far too drying for curly hair, which increases the frizz factor exponentially,” says hairstylist Eric Kelley. Think of it like this, Kelly says: “Your hair is like a sponge. When you apply detergent to a sponge when doing dishes, you can rinse it for hours, and you’ll still have a lather in the sponge.” This is the same thing for sulfates in your hair, because your “hair is porous, it will retain some of the surfactants, which can dry out your hair, leading to potential breakage.”
But of course, the other side of the coin is that you need sulfates to break down silicones and waxes that build up on your hair strands. Once a month, suds up with a sulfate-filled clarifying shampoo (like Twist Hit Reset Light Clarifying Shampoo), but make sure to load up on moisturizing deep conditioner and curl cream afterward, k?
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you “have to try.” Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair ‘do every few months.
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