Curl Goals Unlocked! These Shampoos Will Define Your Coils & Boost Shine (2024)

As any curly-headed beauty will tell you, this texture requires an entirely different set of products and styling techniques than straight hair. At the risk of getting overly complex, straight hair has symmetrical follicles while curly hair follicles are asymmetrical. The number of bonds between the keratin (protein) within the hair shaft affects exactly what type of curl pattern you end up with. All of this is a fancy way of saying curly hair has unique needs. "Sometimes, the best ingredients for curly hair are the ones left off the ingredient list," says celebrity hairstylist and curl expert Christin Brown. "For example, sulfates, parabens, and some alcohols (yes, there is such a thing as good alcohols) can create more dryness on already-delicate curls."

With guidance from Brown and other hair experts in mind, we researched and tested today's best shampoos for curly hair, trying several out in our daily lives, and evaluating each based on ingredients, hair type compatibility, intended use, application, effectiveness, and overall value. Here are the shampoos for curly hair we think are worth a try.

Our Top Picks

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What We Like

  • Fights flyaways and static with ceramides

  • Hydrating formula with shea butter

  • Provides UV protection

What to Consider

  • May be too heavy for finer hair

Hair Type: Curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 8.5–33.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Humidity is to curls what kryptonite is to Superman—the arch-nemesis of all arch-nemeses—which is why we're giving this sudser top honors. First, it touts unique anti-frizz nano-technology infused with silk protein that helps lock out humidity and lock in your hair's natural moisture. Couple that with plenty of hydrating ingredients—shea butter, murumuru butter, ceramides—to keep the cuticle smooth, and you've got a surefire way to smooth curls, no matter how humid it gets. We tried this product firsthand and loved how it gave our culrs newfound buoyancy and pizzazz. Beyond catering to your natural hair pattern, it has a UV filter to protect your hair from sun damage.

What We Like

  • Strengthening and nourishing with proteins

  • Sulfate-, silicone, and paraben-free

What to Consider

  • Dry hair types may need more hydration

  • Larger size doesn't come in pump bottle

Hair Type: Curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 12.5–22 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

At just a few bucks, the price tag on this drugstore standout can't be beat. But despite the wallet-friendly price, you still get all the same benefits as many other pricier shampoos. It's a sulfate-free, silicone-free, paraben-free formula containing conditioning coconut, macadamia, and jojoba oils, plus strengthening proteins and B vitamins to keep your curls looking healthy.

What We Like

  • Deeply moisturizing formula

  • Gently cleanses without stripping hair

  • Leaves hair soft and shiny

What to Consider

  • May be heavy for finer hair

Hair Type: Curly, coily, textured | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 12–32 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Curly-headed folks know the pain of constant hair snags when trying to detangle their curls, but this shampoo is here to the rescue. Containing almond and avocado oils, it penetrates hair leaving it softer, more manageable, and noticeably hydrated. Natural hair blogger Courtney Danielle Bryant cites it as one of her favorites of all time. "It's extremely moisturizing, and you can finger-detangle with it in your hair," she tells Byrdie. When we tried it out, we appreciated how much easier it made detangling thick, kinky hair in the shower. It may be a bit much for finer hair.

What We Like

  • Lightweight yet hydrating formula with coconut oil

  • Free of surfactants that can strip colors and diminish curls

  • Holds curl definition for 48 hours

What to Consider

  • Oil content may weigh down thin hair

Hair Type: Curly, color-treated, chemically processed | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fresh, coconut | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Not only is this shampoo sulfate-free, but it's also free of harsh salts and surfactants that can wreak havoc on both your color and your curls. Coconut oil adds the hydration your hair needs, though the vegan formula is still light enough that it won't weigh your hair down (unless you have super fine hair). It also smooths flyaways and increases shine. Perhaps most impressive of all, when used with the accompanying conditioner and treatment, the trio will keep your curls defined for 48 hours. Yes, as in two full days!

What We Like

  • Defines curls with tomato fruit ferment to help them dry evenly

  • Adds fullness and body

  • Won't strip hair color

What to Consider

  • Dry hair types may need more hydration

Hair Type: Curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 2–33.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This sulfate-free formula gently cleanses while tomato fruit ferment (which converts into the amino acid cysteine) seals the hair cuticle to ensure it dries consistently—the secret to maintaining a uniform curl shape. But to the point of volume, it's the addition of hydrating shea butter and avocado oil that increases fullness and body without weighing the hair down. (Because, although curly hair can often look big, it can also easily go limp and fall flat.) We especially love it for our fine-haired friends, but note that you may need a deep conditioner if you're prone to dry hair.

What We Like

  • Strengthening with amaranth extract

  • Keeps curls tight and defined

  • Combats flyaways and humidity

What to Consider

  • Doesn't help with detangling

Hair Type: Dry, brittle, curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Apple, pear, quince | Size: 7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sometimes, you just have to treat yourself (and your hair) and splurge on a premium product, especially if you have curly hair that needs to be revitalized. Such is the case withLeonor Greyl's Shampooing Reviviscence. It repairs hair from within, reconditioning and restructuring your curls and helpingeach one withstrength and manageability. We love that it does this with natural ingredients like amaranth extract and sea lavender (which is super hydrating) Hairstylist Michael Dueñas is a fan. "This will keep your curls tight and fight frizz all day," he says. However, it probably won't help with detangling, so we suggest using a moisture-rich conditioner along with it.

What We Like

  • Smells lightly sweet and floral

  • Lathers nicely even though sulfate-free

  • Moisturizing ingredients like manuka honey

What to Consider

  • Not great for defining curls

Hair Type: Wavy, curly, coily | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Tuberose, jasmine, white musk | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

This shampoo works equally well on wavy, curly, and coily hair and fine, medium, and thick textures—which is no small feat. Everything about this sudser feels extra luxurious, from the creamy lather (even though it is sulfate-free) to the subtly sweet floral scent. We like that it's formulated for all types of curly and textured hair. Plus, it helps keep your curls moisturized via the addition of manuka honey to add hydration and ceramides that help lock it in. However, it doesn't define curls as well as some other picks on this list.

What We Like

  • Very moisturizing with natural oils

  • Doesn't strip hair shaft

  • Naturally derived fragrance

What to Consider

  • Doesn't lather or foam at all

Hair Type: Curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fruity citrus | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Yes, we know this is technically a conditioner, but we felt it worthy of a place on this list because it also cleans the hair like a shampoo. Cleansing conditioners are exactly what they sound like—super-hydrating formulas that clean without stripping your hair the way some traditional shampoos can. The ingredient list is not only squeaky clean but also jam-packed with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients. Aloe vera is the first one, alongside a variety of natural oils. There's only one cleansing-specific ingredient in the mix, so you know you're getting tons of moisture. However, since it's a conditioner, you won't get that foaming action here.

What We Like

  • Revitalizes the scalp with safflower oil

  • Moisturizes, strengthens, and fortifies hair with plant oils

  • Lathers nicely

What to Consider

  • May weigh down fine hair

Hair Type: Curly, coarse | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Citrus | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This naturally sourced, hydrating formula is great for all curls but works especially well for those with really thick or coarse hair. SmartCurl Hydrating Wash is loaded with earth-derived moisturizing fatty acids, natural oils such as safflower oil, and strengthening amino acids, which work together to define and enhance your natural curl formation. It also lathers surprisingly well for a sulfate-free formula.

What We Like

  • Innovative water-to-foam texture

  • Cleanses scalp and hair equally well

  • Silicone and paraben-free

What to Consider

  • Strong fruity scent

Hair Type: Curly, color-treated | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fruity, sweet | Size: 16.9 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Sulfates are the detergents found in all kinds of beauty products and are why things lather and foam up, but they can be harsh and stripping, especially for curly hair. We like this sulfate-free shampoo, which looks kind of like the micellar water you'd use for skin but transforms into a featherweight, airy foam as you work it into your hair. It effectively removes residue, oil, and product buildup on both scalp and hair while still being gentle. Oh, and there is hyaluronic acid and castor oil in the mix to add tons of hydration, too.

What We Like

  • Removes product buildup

  • Deeply cleanses

  • Formulated for naturally curly hair

What to Consider

  • Can be drying with frequent use

Hair Type: Curly, coily | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Jasmine, bergamot, sweet sandalwood | Size: 7.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Generally speaking, curly hair can require a good amount of styling products, and over time, all those products can build up (on both your hair and scalp). That's why the occasional use of a purifying orclarifying shampoo—like this one from Tracee Ellis Ross's line—is so important. It offers a seriously deep clean and also contains antioxidant-rich matcha green tea, aloe, and panthenol to ensure your hair stays strong and healthy. It can dry your locks out if you use it too often, so we suggest keeping it to once a week at most.

What We Like

  • Moisturizes with argan oil

  • Lathers nicely

  • Paraben and dye-free

What to Consider

  • Contains sulfates

Hair Type: Natural, relaxed, transitioning | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Fresh | Size: 9.1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Pantene's been a staple in the shampoo world for decades for good reason—the brand gets what different hair types need. This entire line was formulated specifically to address the unique needs of natural, relaxed, or transitioning hair. The super hydrating formula was made with natural hair in mind. It contains a generous dose of argan oil to soften and moisturize even the roughest and driest of hair cuticles while still gently cleansing. We also appreciate the nice creamy lather that still rinses out cleanly. The lather effect is due to sulfates in the formula, though.

What We Like

  • Defines curl pattern

  • Nourishes and moisturizes with shea butter and coconut oil

  • Free of silicones, sulfates, and parabens

What to Consider

  • Potentially too heavy for fine hair

Hair Type: Curly, thick | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Coconut | Size: 13–24 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This curl-enhancing shampoo provides you with bouncier, more defined locks. Not only that, but it leans on a blend of natural butters and plant oils (including shea butter and coconut oil) to moisturize and nourish your hair, leaving a shinier mane in its wake. We're also big fans of the creamy coconut scent and that the product is free of silicones, sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. It's also cruelty-free. Just a heads up, since the formula is pretty heavy on the oils, it may weigh down finer hair types.

What We Like

  • Mends damage with patented bond-building molecule

  • Strengthening and fortifying

  • Noticeable results

What to Consider

  • High price per ounce

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Sweet citrus | Size: 3.3–8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Olaplex haircare products contain a patented bond-building molecule that mends damaged strands, repairs breakage and leaves your hair stronger and more manageable. We're talking less frizz and flyaways, too. We tried this shampoo ourselves and are pleased to report the results are noticeable. It's safe to use on colored hair and a little goes a long way since it lathers so nicely. Beyond the powerhouse formula, we're big fans of the slightly sweet grapefruit scent. It is a bit on the pricey side, but it'll likely last you longer than other products on this list.

  • Curl Goals Unlocked! These Shampoos Will Define Your Coils & Boost Shine (15)

  • Curl Goals Unlocked! These Shampoos Will Define Your Coils & Boost Shine (16)

  • Curl Goals Unlocked! These Shampoos Will Define Your Coils & Boost Shine (17)

  • Curl Goals Unlocked! These Shampoos Will Define Your Coils & Boost Shine (18)

What We Like

  • Moisturizing yet lightweight

  • Smells amazing

  • Hairstylist-recommended

What to Consider

  • Doesn't prevent oily roots for as long as regular shampoo

Hair Type: Curly, textured | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 12–32 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

No-poo formulas offer a way to cleanse your hair without traditional shampoo. "This has been a tried-and-true staple product for myself and my curlies because it gives us the cleanse we're looking for without the dehydration," says Brown. "It smells incredible, is super moisturizing, even for a cleanser, and still leaves the hair feeling lightweight." However, since it's not a traditional shampoo, it doesn't get sudsy, so you may not get that super clean feeling, and it doesn't seem to keep oily roots at bay as long as traditional shampoo. However, if your curls need all the moisture they can get, this is a great alternative cleanser.

What to Consider When Buying Shampoo for Curly Hair

  • Hydrating Ingredients: Since curly hair is innately drier than straight hair, it's important to pick a formula containing hydrators such as natural oils, plant butters, and glycerin.
  • Sulfates: Though sulfates give shampoo that nice rich later, curly-headed folks (especially those with color-treated hair) may want to avoid formulas containing these surfactants. They can be very drying and stripping while dulling or fading hair dye. All of the shampoos recommended on this list are sulfate-free, except Pantene Gold Series Moisture Boost Shampoo.
  • Silicones: "This is a big debate in the curly world," says Brown, noting that while she used to avoid silicones, she now views them as useful ingredients in certain formulations." Not all silicones are created the same, and the quality of silicones has dramatically improved over the years." Silicones can provide that needed "slip" to detangle curly hair.

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While you're shopping for a shampoo for curly hair, here are a few Byrdie editor-approved products that'll take your curls to the next level.

FAQ

  • Are sulfate-free shampoos better for curly hair?

    Sulfates can be stripping for any hair type, including curly hair, so it's best to go sulfate-free if you can. Devachan stylist Taylor Tugman explains that curly hair already skews toward the dry side, so you don't want to further dehydrate your hair with a harsh product. Consider a "no-poo" cleanser with a gentle, lather-free formula, and don't forget to spend the same amount of time massaging your scalp as you would with a traditional foaming shampoo.

  • How often should you wash curly hair?

    "My recommendation for anyone with waves or coilyhairis one to two times per week," says Brown. "Anything over two times per week calls for a deeper assessment." For instance, you should consider what you're trying to achieve with frequent cleansing and how your hair feels after daily or every-other-day washes. When in doubt, ask your stylist what they suggest for your hair's unique needs.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and product tester specializing in haircare, skincare, makeup, and at-home beauty treatments.

To come up with this list, we researched and tested today's best shampoos for curly hair, trying several out in our daily lives, and evaluating each based on ingredients, hair type compatibility, intended use, application, effectiveness, and overall value. We also received guidance from several hairstylists and a hair expert. The experts we consulted include:

  • Christin Brown is a celebrity hairstylist and curl expert whose clients have included Wanda Sykes, Yara Shahidi, and Tamera Mowry-Housley.
  • Courtney Danielle Bryantis a natural hair blogger and expert based in New York and New Jersey.
  • Michael Dueñasis a celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Hillary Duff and Julia Jones.
  • Taylor Tugmanis a Devachan stylist based in North Carolina.
Curl Goals Unlocked! These Shampoos Will Define Your Coils & Boost Shine (2024)

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