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12 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair

These gentle formulas fight frizz.

By Carol Lee
best shampoo for curly hairpinterest icon
Amazon / Bloomingdale's

Pinning down the right products for curly hair can be quite a journey—many of the shampoos and other hair routine essentials that work for straight hair aren't necessarily winners for textured tresses. Here's why: Because of the shape of curly strands, scalp oils have a harder time moving down to the ends of the hair shafts, resulting in dry, frizzy hair that needs additional moisture. All in all, this means that if you have textured hair, you might want to spread out your wash days and only use nourishing, non-stripping shampoos for dry scalp that won't mess with your precious locks.

Our Top Picks

  • 1
    Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Sulfate-Free Shampoo

    Best Overall

    Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Sulfate-Free Shampoo

    $13 at Walmart
    Read more
  • 2
    L'Oreal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo

    Best Value

    L'Oreal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo

    Read more
  • 3
    SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut Shampoo

    Best for Thick Hair

    SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut Shampoo

    Read more
  • 4
    Carol's Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Shampoo

    Best Moisturizing

    Carol's Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Shampoo

    Read more
  • 5
    All Day Everyday Shampoo

    Best Newcomer

    All Day Everyday Shampoo

    Read more

The good news is that there's a shampoo out there that'll make sure your strands stay their shiniest and bounciest, and we're here to help you find it—no matter your curl pattern or budget. Pair one of the best shampoos for curly hair on this curated list with a moisturizing conditioner as well as a great leave-in conditioner and curl cream, and you'll be golden! And once you have your hair regimen down pat and are in need of some hair inspiration, check out the best hairstyles for curly hair!

1
Best Overall

Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Sulfate-Free Shampoo
1
Best Overall

Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Sulfate-Free Shampoo

$13 at Walmart
Credit: Walmart

This drugstore find is infused with coconut oil for a mild cleanse and plenty of moisture. It's wavy and curly hair friendly!

2
Best Value

L'Oreal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo

L'Oreal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo
2
Best Value

L'Oreal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo

Now 28% Off
Credit: Walmart

If you're looking to avoid sulfates (which can be harsh on the scalp and hair) on a budget, search no further. Those with color-treated hair are sure to love this one, too!

3
Best for Thick Hair

SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut Shampoo

SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut Shampoo
3
Best for Thick Hair

SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut Shampoo

Now 11% Off

This cruelty-free shampoo boasts a 4.5-star rating on Amazon with over 18,000 ratings, and that's no accident. Its coconut oil nourishes and protects the hair, and its hibiscus flower extract helps prevent breakage.

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4
Best Moisturizing

Carol's Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Shampoo

Carol's Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Shampoo
4
Best Moisturizing

Carol's Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Shampoo

Now 34% Off
Credit: Amazon

Another sulfate-free fave, this hydrating shampoo works with all kinds of curls, from loose to coiled. It's like a tall glass of water for your tresses!

5
Best Newcomer

All Day Everyday Shampoo

All Day Everyday Shampoo
5
Best Newcomer

All Day Everyday Shampoo

Credit: Bloomingdale's

Launched just this past year, the Arkive Headcare line from hairdresser Adam Reed is all about making hair care into a wellness ritual. This deeply hydrating shampoo is great for all hair types and carries a scent that transports you straight to the spa.

6
Editor's Pick

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Hydrating Shampoo

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Hydrating Shampoo
6
Editor's Pick

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Hydrating Shampoo

Credit: Amazon

Product buildup can weigh down your curls and lead to frizzy strands, and that's where this Kérastase superstar comes in—it clarifies while hydrating the hair for smooth, bouncy curls all day long.

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7
Best for Frizz

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo
7
Best for Frizz

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

Credit: Amazon

Tired of dealing with frizz all the time? This shampoo has your back with a formula that contains shea butter and murumuru butter. It seals moisture in and humidity out!

8
Best Color Safe

PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Clarifying Shampoo

PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Clarifying Shampoo
8
Best Color Safe

PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Clarifying Shampoo

Credit: Sephora

Tracee Ellis Ross' popular hair brand offers a purifying shampoo that deep cleans without dehydrating. In fact, it moisturizes curls with the help of rice water ferment and antioxidant-rich ingredients.

9
Best Nourishing

Olaplex Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
9
Best Nourishing

Olaplex Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Credit: Amazon

Give your mane lots of TLC with this fan favorite shampoo. It was specifically created to repair damaged hair and deliver tons of moisture, making it perfect for curly hair.

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10
Best for Chemically-Treated Hair

Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo

Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo
10
Best for Chemically-Treated Hair

Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo

Credit: Amazon

The curly hair experts over at Briogeo made sure that this shampoo was built to enhance natural curl patterns—the product promises to reduce frizz and give definition.

11
Best Splurge

Davines Love Curl Shampoo

Davines Love Curl Shampoo
11
Best Splurge

Davines Love Curl Shampoo

Credit: Amazon

This non-stripping shampoo is ideal for supporting your curls and giving them some volume. A little goes a long way!

12
Best for Heat Protection

Neuma neuMoisture Replenish Shampoo

Neuma neuMoisture Replenish Shampoo
12
Best for Heat Protection

Neuma neuMoisture Replenish Shampoo

Credit: Amazon

This shampoo is designed to revive dehydrated hair and provides protection against heat and harmful UV rays. And if you're looking for some serious lather, it's a great choice.

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