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When you think of naturally curly hair, the first thing that probably comes to mind is full, thick hair. Some people with curly hair have thick hair, while others have thin hair. At the same time, some people with thin hair have hair that appears thicker due to the volume or amount of hair they have. As with any hair type, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with to keep it in the best condition. So, when it comes to caring for thin, curly hair, there are a few things worth knowing. This includes the type of shampoo you want to buy.
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“Fine and curly hair is one of the most vulnerable and brittle hair types,” trichologist Shab Kaspara tells SheKnows. “Fine hair typically lacks the medulla, the innermost layer of the hair shaft, making it structurally less strong. Additionally, the natural shape of curly hair is typically drier than straight hair, making it more susceptible to damage.”
With that in mind, Kaspara says that fine or curly hair needs to be treated with extreme care: “This type of hair needs to avoid overuse of harsh conditioners, masks and bond-building hair products to prevent buildup, flatness, residue and excess protein that can cause dry, dull hair.”
What kind of shampoo should I use if I have thin, curly hair?
There are many different shampoo options on the market, but to find the best one for your fine, curly hair, first check the product’s viscosity. “Use a product with a creamier viscosity,” says trichologist Ladosha Wright. “It won’t dry as quickly as a watery product. A watery viscosity will dry out quickly and be very difficult to style and detangle.”
Wright also suggests using “multitasking” products, such as leave-in conditioners that can double as styling products, so your hair doesn’t end up with a ton of product build-up that weighs it down.
It goes without saying that the products you choose to use on your hair can make a big difference in how it looks, feels, and overall health. If you’re looking for the best shampoo for fine, curly hair, be sure to check the ingredients list before you buy. Related ArticlesI’m a Target-loving shopping writer, and I can’t stop thinking about Quilted Weekender Bags for Under $50
“Choose products that don’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate,” Paul Labrecque, master stylist and colorist at Paul Labrecque Salon and Skin Care Spa, tells SheKnows. Sodium lauryl sulfate can dry out hair, as well as irritate and itch the scalp if you have sensitive skin. Labrecque has his own nourishing shampoo made specifically for curly hair, but he also recommends DevaCurl’s No-Poo for those with fine, curly hair.
If you’re on a budget, you’re in luck: There are plenty of affordable shampoos for fine, curly hair, many from top drugstore brands that shoppers love to buy. So here are some of the best drugstore shampoos for fine, curly hair, according to reviewers.
OGX Lightweight + Coconut Fine Curls Shampoo
Let’s be honest, it’s pretty hard to find a shampoo that’s specifically formulated for fine curls, so this shampoo from OGX is a real gem. It’s gentle, light, and designed to “cleanse and shape curls” without weighing them down. It’s also infused with ingredients like coconut oil for shine and softness, and features a scent of coconut milk, tangerine, and warm vanilla.
“I have fine, frizzy hair and most shampoos either make it worse or make my hair extra oily. So far this shampoo has done neither. The scent is a pleasant coconut scent and is long-lasting,” wrote one shopper. Another said, “I was worried about the sheer build-up at first, but the shampoo lathers well and smells great. It seems to add bounce and definition to my natural curls. Highly recommended!”
OGX Quenching+ Coconut Curl Shampoo for Curly Hair
$7 36% off
Aveeno Fresh Green Refresh & Thicken Shampoo
Aveeno
Aveeno’s Fresh Green Refresh & Thicken Shampoo was created for fine or thin hair. Made with ingredients like oats, rosemary, peppermint, and cucumber, it cools, cleanses, thickens, and moisturizes “lightly.” The shampoo has over 5,000 five-star reviews, with one shopper writing, “Wow, so much volume! I used this shampoo and the matching conditioner as well. It cleanses without stripping my hair and moisturizes without straightening my curls. The scent is so gentle and pleasant.”
Aveeno Fresh Green Refresh & Thicken Shampoo
$8 $11 27% off
Shea Moisture Strengthening & Restoring Shampoo
Shea Moisture
SheaMoisture Strengthen and Restore Shampoo contains castor oil, an ingredient that helps with hair thickness and growth. It is said to be a cleansing shampoo that helps remove product build-up. It is also free of potentially harmful ingredients like silicones, sulfates, and parabens.
One shopper with fine, curly hair wrote, “I love this shampoo. I have super fine, light curly hair. It works great without weighing it down or damaging it. I dye my hair and I love this shampoo.”
Shea Moisture Strengthening & Restoring Shampoo
$11
Maui Moisture Lightweight Curls + Flaxseed Shampoo
Maui Moisture Hair Care
If you have fine, curly hair, you want a product that won’t weigh it down or crush your curls. This Maui Moisture Shampoo is lightweight and hydrating, and is designed to “keep your curly hair fresh and looking fresh.” The ingredients list includes coconut water, aloe, pure flaxseed oil, and citrus oils. One customer said it “completely restored” her natural curls.
Maui Moisture Lightweight Curls + Flaxseed Shampoo
$8 $11 27% off
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