18 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair, According to Reviewers and Hairstylists

Since curly hair is naturally drier and frizz-prone, it’s important to choose a shampoo that will not strip your curls of moisture. To add shine and nourishment, look out for lightweight ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, rosemary oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and aloe vera. Shea butter, cocoa butter, and castor oil are deeply hydrating and can help define your curl pattern (but may not be the best choices for fine hair, as they’re heavier and can weigh it down). Hydrolyzed proteins (like keratin, collagen, and silk protein) can strengthen your hair and help it retain moisture. Avoid curly-hair products that have a high pH balance and that contain sulfates, parabens, and certain types of alcohol—ingredients that dry out curls and cause frizz.

The best shampoo routine for curly hair is dependent on your curl type and preference. If you have curly or wavy hair, wash it every two to three days. Celebrity hairstylist Derek Yuen recommends sudsing your shampoo in your hands first before applying it to your roots for a more evenly distributed cleanse. You could even consider a double or triple wash. “Shampooing twice can ensure that your hair and scalp are thoroughly cleansed,” says celebrity hairstylist Matilde Campos. “The first wash removes dirt, oil, and product buildup that can lead to dandruff, while the second wash allows the shampoo to work more effectively and deeply cleanse the scalp and hair follicle.”

If you have textured hair, it’s generally recommended to wash it once a week or even less frequently, Min Kim, a celebrity hairstylist, colorist, and L’Oréal Professionnel global ambassador, previously told Glamour. “Overwashing can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to frizz and dryness.”

Monroe advises fully soaking your hair before shampoo application. “Let the water run through your hair for about a minute to help the shampoo spread more easily and work effectively,” she says. “This initial step not only ensures thorough cleansing of your hair but also readies it to absorb moisture properly.”

If you’re active or use a lot of hair products like dry shampoo, you might consider adding a deep-cleansing clarifying shampoo into your routine no more than once a week. This can combat product buildup and grease.

Give your scalp and hair at least two weeks (or three to four washes) to adjust to a new product. After the first couple of washes, you should begin to see improvements in your curl definition and hydration, says Monroe.

Yes—in the right form. Monroe recommends looking for hydrolyzed proteins like keratin, silk, or collagen in shampoos, since they help strengthen curls, improve elasticity, and allow hair to hold moisture better. This is especially helpful for finer curls that are more fragile and prone to breakage.

“Shampoo plays a crucial role in your curly-hair routine, setting the foundation for healthy and defined curls,” says Monroe. From there, most curls benefit from a hydrating conditioner to replenish moisture, followed by leave-in conditioners for curly hair and styling products like curl creams, mousses, or gels. To finish, run a brush for curls through your damp hair and air-dry or use a blow-dryer with a diffuser to lock in definition and smoothness. In between wash days, consider protecting your curls by sleeping with a silk bonnet or silk pillowcase.

Because it’s naturally drier, curly hair doesn’t need to be washed as often as straight hair. Celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble suggests every two to three days, and adds that kinky, natural coily hair should be conditioned before shampooing.

“For application, ensure your hair is fully soaked with water,” says Monroe. “Let the water run through your hair for about a minute to help the shampoo spread more easily and work effectively. This initial step not only ensures thorough cleansing of your hair but also readies it to absorb moisture properly.”

“Frizz isn’t a flaw, it’s feedback,” says Schlabach. It’s your hair’s way of telling you it’s thirsty, overworked, or coated with the wrong products.” The real solution isn’t to fight the hair, but to change the routine. Start by removing harsh shampoos, silicones, and heavy buildup and bring in clean, moisture-balanced products that let your natural texture breathe.”

Schlabach says that, in addition to co-wash days where you cleanse hair using only conditioner, or a specific co-wash formula made up of mostly conditioner with a dab of shampoo, you should still use a separate shampoo and conditioner and work in regular detox washes to balance your routine. The biggest rule: Don’t wash too frequently. “Curly hair is more fragile and dry, so every day is a no-no,” he says.

Certain shampoos, like clarifying and non-moisturizing ones, are meant to be used once per week, while others can be used two to three times a week, depending on your hair and scalp. “Always use a conditioner and detangle gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb,” he adds. Use a deep conditioning mask or treatment periodically, when hair feels dry. If you color your hair, a bond-repairing treatment is essential.

“Always use a leave-in conditioner and go with one that’s right for your hair thickness,” Schlabach says. For example, a lightweight spray for finer hair, a lightweight cream for medium hair, or a more intense oil-in-cream for coarse hair. Do not use a regular towel; you want something with very flat fibers, and blot, don’t rub.”

Vicky Metcalfe, Curlsmith head of product development and education, says that once you’ve nailed a good wash-day routine, it’s all about choosing the right styler. “A high-hold gel may feel strange as you get a cast, but that’s actually there to seal in the moisture and reduce frizz,” she says. If you don’t like the cast, Metcalfe suggests scrunching to soften and break up the hair.

There are also lower-hold products, such as foams, sprays, and creams that deliver a softer finish. “Things to consider are whether you have fine, medium, or coarse hair thickness or texture, and whether you want a low, medium, or high hold,” Metcalfe adds. “They are not mutually exclusive. You can use higher-hold products on finer hair by using less. In the same way, someone with coarser hair may not want so much control and be happy with a lighter hold cream,” she concludes. Once you’ve nailed down the right levels for your hair type, you can experiment with cocktailing them together to get the curl definition you prefer.

• Matilde Campos, celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles
• Derek Yuen, celebrity hairstylist
• Kim Kimble, celebrity hairstylist and creator of Kim Kimble Hair Collection by HairUWear
• Queen Adrienne Monroe, hairstylist and cosmetologist at Curls on 5th in New York City, and founder of Red Carpet Curls
• Min Kim, a celebrity hairstylist, colorist, and L’Oréal Professionnel global ambassador
• Paul Labrecque, creative director and master stylist and colorist for Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa
• Clyde Haygood, celebrity hairstylist and Pura D’Or partner
• Bianca Hillier, celebrity hair colorist
• Glen “Coco” Oropeza, celebrity hairstylist and Prose spokesperson
• Sophie Gutterman, celebrity hairstylist and curly-hair expert