20 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair, Tested & Reviewed

If you have curly hair, you already know the struggle—finding the right shampoo can feel like a lifelong mission. One formula is too drying, another leaves buildup, and some weigh your curls down completely. But when you finally discover a shampoo that works with your curls instead of against them, it becomes a game-changer for your entire routine.

That’s exactly why we tested and reviewed dozens of formulas to bring you the 20 best shampoos for curly hair in 2025. Whether you’re searching for a sulfate-free shampoo, a hydrating cleanser, or a gentle everyday wash, this curated list will help you achieve healthier, softer, more defined curls.

Let’s get into the top performers your curls will absolutely love.

 

 

What Makes a Good Shampoo for Curly Hair?

Curly hair requires more care and moisture than straight textures, so the right shampoo should:

  • Cleanse without stripping natural oils

  • Reduce frizz and dryness

  • Support curl definition and shape

  • Maintain scalp health

  • Contain nourishing ingredients

  • Be sulfate- and silicone-free when possible

Look for hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, aloe, glycerin, and botanical extracts. These help lock in moisture and smooth the hair cuticle.

 

 

Top Ingredients Curly Hair Loves

To get the most out of your curly hair care routine, choose shampoos featuring:

  • Coconut oil – deep hydration

  • Aloe vera – scalp soothing and moisture retention

  • Argan oil – reduces frizz and adds shine

  • Glycerin – pulls moisture into the hair

  • Shea butter – nourishes dry curls

  • Rice amino acids – enhance definition

  • Apple cider vinegar – clarifies without harshness

The goal: healthy curls that feel soft, bouncy, and manageable.

 

 

The 20 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair (2025 Edition)

Below are the top picks loved by testers with all curl types—from loose waves (2A–2C) to tight coils (4A–4C).

 

 

1. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

Great for dry curls that need moisture without weighing down strands. Softens, smooths, and enhances natural curl pattern.

 

 

2. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

Designed for frizz-prone curls, especially in humid weather. Cleanses gently while maintaining curl integrity.

 

 

3. Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo

Rich and creamy with coconut oil and papaya extract. Perfect for thick, coily textures.

 

 

4. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Shampoo

A strengthening formula packed with nutrients. Ideal for curls damaged by color or heat.

 

 

5. DevaCurl Low-Poo Original Mild Lather Cleanser

A holy grail for curly girls. Mild, sulfate-free, and ultra-moisturizing with a gentle cleanse.

 

 

6. Curlsmith Vivid Tones Vibrancy Shampoo

Best for color-treated curls. Adds shine while protecting against fading.

 

 

7. Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Curl Care Shampoo

Affordable and lightweight. Great for wavy curls that are easily weighed down.

 

 

8. Pattern Hydration Shampoo by Tracee Ellis Ross

Made specifically for textured hair. Deeply cleans without stripping essential moisture.

 

 

9. Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Water-to-Foam Shampoo

A unique liquid formula that cleans easily without friction. Perfect for detangling.

 

 

10. Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo

Clarifying yet hydrating, ideal for removing buildup without harsh effects.

 

 

11. Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Wash

Smells amazing and boosts moisture, strength, and shine with reparative blueberry extract.

 

 

12. TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Loved for its slip and hydrating formula. Excellent for dry, frizz-prone curls.

 

 

13. Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo

Luxurious formula that boosts softness and shine. Works beautifully for loose and tight curls.

 

 

14. Pantene Gold Series Moisture Boost Shampoo

Developed with Black scientists and stylists. Strengthens and moisturizes every strand.

 

 

15. Odele Curl Defining Shampoo

Clean, lightweight, and enhances natural texture. Perfect for everyday washing.

 

 

16. Aveeno Almond Oil Blend Shampoo

Gentle and moisturizing, ideal for sensitive scalps and dry curls.

 

 

17. Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo

Deeply nourishing for extremely dry curls. Delivers softness and manageability.

 

 

18. Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo

Light, moisturizing, and ideal for fine curly hair that needs a gentle cleanse.

 

 

19. Verb Curl Shampoo

Lightweight, curl-friendly, and hydrating. Great for defined, frizz-free curls.

 

 

20. L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo

A budget-friendly sulfate-free option that gives salon-level hydration.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Curl Type

Not all curls are the same—here’s how to pick the perfect formula:

For Wavy Hair (2A–2C)

Choose lightweight, non-greasy formulas to prevent limp curls.

For Curly Hair (3A–3C)

Opt for sulfate-free shampoos with hydrating oils and botanicals.

For Coily Hair (4A–4C)

Choose rich, deeply nourishing cleansers that reduce shrinkage and dryness.

 

 

How Often Should You Shampoo Curly Hair?

Because curly hair tends to be dry, it's best to wash:

  • Wavy hair: 2–3 times per week

  • Curly hair: 1–2 times per week

  • Coily hair: Once weekly or every 10 days

On other days, refresh your curls with a curl spray or co-wash.

 

 

Tips for Healthy Curly Hair

Support your shampoo routine with these curl-friendly habits:

  • Use a microfiber towel to dry your hair.

  • Avoid brushing curls when dry—use a wide-tooth comb instead.

  • Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends.

  • Try leave-in conditioners and curl creams for definition.

  • Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to avoid breakage.

  • Trim ends regularly to maintain shape and bounce.

 

 

Final Thoughts

The right shampoo can completely transform your curls—from dull and dry to hydrated, defined, and full of life. With these 20 best shampoos for curly hair, you're one step closer to building a routine that enhances your natural texture while keeping every strand healthy.

Ready to upgrade your curly haircare routine? Explore our top-rated hair products and find everything you need for soft, hydrated, beautifully defined curls.

 

 

Suggested Internal Links

  • Explore our best-selling curl care essentials

  • Shop our sulfate-free haircare collection

  • Check out our hydrating conditioners and masks

  • Browse our latest beauty and grooming products

 

 

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