Maintaining natural curls requires a good hair-care routine filled with hydrating products. But before you get to the hair masks and leave-in conditioners, you'll want to start with a stellar shampoo for curly hair. Much more than cleansers, these formulas deliver and restore hydration to parched curls. It’s easy to lump all shampoos together. But curly-specific formulas tend to include a combination of hydrating and moisture-sealing ingredients that combat frizz and reduce dryness without stripping the hair. They lay the groundwork for restoring curls to their natural state and give them a healthy bounce. Whether you’re in the market for a new product or are looking to add to your existing routine, these shampoos will be beneficial on the road to luscious curls.
Best shampoos for curly hair
2 / 7
If you're looking for a gentle bonding shampoo to repair damage and reduce frizz, this one will quickly become a staple in your routine. It's formulated to target damaged strands and restore your natural curl pattern. Whether your issues stem from mechanical, chemical or heat stress, this shampoo can be an asset in reviving your curls and bringing back their bounce.
BUY NOW - $17
3 / 7
Instead of stripping your strands, Virtue's hydrating formula infuses them with water-soluble jojoba oil and natural polymers. The result is a clean lather that leaves your curls hydrated, moisturized and shiny. Plus, it has a special blend made from rice protein and sunflower seed oil to provide solar protection.
BUY ON VIRTUE - $42
BUY ON SEPHORA - $42
4 / 7
Split ends are often overlooked on curly hair, but they're just as damaging. This shampoo is packed with hydrating ingredients for a surge of hydration that lasts long beyond your wash. Think: coconut water, hyaluronic acid and squalane to plump and lock in moisture.
BUY ON AMIKA - $26
BUY ON SEPHORA - $26
5 / 7
If chemical damage is a top concern, this shampoo will be your new best friend. Not only is it rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, but it also has ingredients to restore elasticity and improve the flexibility of your curls. Forget brittle and dry—one wash removes impurities and leaves you with baby soft supple hair.
BUY ON BRIOGEO - $39
BUY ON ULTA - $39
6 / 7
Fable & Mane's products are designed specifically for thicker hair types, including dense curls. Their hydrating shampoo is packed with deeply moisturizing ingredients that coat strands to prevent breakage and reduce damage. Even better? The formula also relieves dryness on the scalp and aids in balancing its moisture and pH levels.
BUY ON FABEL & MAIN - $30
BUY ON SEPHORA - $30
7 / 7
Like a green juice for your hair, this shampoo nourishes curls with a medley of botanical extracts and oils. From rice and soy protein to fruit and herbal extracts, it's a restorative blend that boosts hydration and overall hair health. It's sulfite-free and won't leave your curls feeling brittle or dry. Instead, you can look forward to soft fluffy curls that feel thoroughly quenched even after towel drying.
BUY NOW - $11
