The 17 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair in 2024Shampoo may seem like a one-size-fits-all essential, but curls and coils have specific needs that not all cleansers can match. Deep hydration is a top priority when selecting one the best shampoos for curly hair, which often feature formulaic bonuses for frizz control, enhanced definition, and more.
Curl specialist Yessenia Reyes tells Bazaar that the top shampoos are ideally free of harsh sulfates, include nourishing ingredients, and leave hair feeling clean—but not stripped. And while it may seem counterintuitive to focus on ingredients in a product that’s going to rinse away, a thorough cleanse is one of the building blocks in a well-rounded hair care routine, and ultimately helps your conditioner and styling products that much more effective.
Reyes also recommends swapping in a clarifying or a micellar water-based shampoo every few weeks to break down product build-up, and help keep curls bouncy and hydrated. “If the hair has a lot of build-up, the curls will be weighed down and not as bouncy or springy. “Removing the build-up will allow the spring factor to return, better performance of styling products, and definition,” she says.
No matter what your curl pattern, the following expert and editor picks are among the best shampoos for curly hair that not only replenish moisture, but set the stage for bouncier, more fortified coils.
Related: The Best Curly Hair Gels for a Flake-Free Hold
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Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Image courtesy of Launchmetrics
Best for Dry Hair
Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo
Best for Dry Hair
Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Sulfate-free
Cons
Over $25
Reyes recommends Redken’s All Soft Mega Curls for severely dry curls in need of a little more nourishment. Its formula gets rid of build up while adding hydration, thanks to ingredients and aloe vera and inca inchi oil.
One satisfied customer writes: “Great product for natural curly hair. It makes your hair nice and soft and it relaxes the curl’s some. My hair is easy to comb after shampooing.” —Dawn
Best Value
Shea Moisture Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo
Best Value
Shea Moisture Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Under $10
Cons
Subtle fragrance may be off-putting to some
Another of Reyes’s top shampoo picks, Shea Moisture’s Intensive Hydration Shampoo works well on a range of curl patterns, and helps attract moisture to curls with shea butter, mafura, and baobab oils. Before even reaching for your conditioner or leave-in, curls are left feeling bouncy and soft.
One satisfied customer writes: “In conjunction with the matching conditioner, Great for senior citizen brittle, dry hair, makes it soft and shiny until the next wash.” —Suzanne T.
Best for Damaged Hair
As I Am Long and Luxe Growash Cleansing Creme Conditioner
Best for Damaged Hair
As I Am Long and Luxe Growash Cleansing Creme Conditioner
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Unscented
Cons
Co-wash isn’t for everyone
This hard-working cleansing conditioner also helps minimize breakage each time you wash on top of its built-in hydration benefits. “As I Am Growash is my absolute favorite for curls that tend to get dried out easily,” Reyes notes.
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Best for Tight Curls
Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo
Best for Tight Curls
Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo
Credit: Ouidad
Pros
Smooths frizz
Cons
Over $20
Here’s a popular shampoo that provides a boost of moisture to dry curls while mending split ends. It uses chamomile flower extract to help smooth down split ends, corn oil to lock in moisture, and wheat amino acids to guard against potential breakage.
One satisfied customer writes: “I have been using this for several years now. My curls are healthier than ever with absolutely no split ends…ever!” —Lani J.
Best for Curl Definition
Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo
Best for Curl Definition
Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Safe for color-treated and keratin-treated hair
Features 97% naturally-derived ingredients
Cons
Cver $20
Although the name of this Briogeo shampoo is technically Curl Charisma, it happens to work well for wavy, 2A textures through coily 4C ones. Its combination of rice amino acids and avocado maintain hair’s moisture as it cleanses, while simultaneously preventing frizz and defining curls.
One satisfied customer writes: “This curl amplifying shampoo is amazing! It smells so good. My husband can’t stop smelling my hair (and I can’t stop smelling it, either haha). It made my curls so bouncy! Seriously the best shampoo for curls.” —Savana S.
Best Sulfate-Free
Mizani True Textures Moisture Replenish Shampoo
Best Sulfate-Free
Mizani True Textures Moisture Replenish Shampoo
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Helps minimize frizz
Cons
Subtle fragrance may be off-putting to some
This shampoo makes it easy to start fighting frizz directly in the shower, and uses an antioxidant blend to keep hair strong and healthy. Just like its name suggests, the gentle cleanser aims to replenish curls without stripping them of moisture.
One satisfied customer writes: “This shampoo has really made a big change in my hair. It was so dry and now it is shinning and soft. Yes, I would recommend buying this product.” —Chereice L.
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Best Foaming
Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Micellar Shampoo
Best Foaming
Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Micellar Shampoo
Now 21% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Minimizes shampooing friction
Cons
Won’t feel like traditional shampoo
While you may reach for a clarifying shampoo to get rid of lingering product build-up, consider this cleanser from Carol’s Daughter another option to add to your routine. It uses a micellar-formula to break down dirt and oil without weighing curls down. And the shampoo’s pointed applicator tip allows for a targeted, more thorough cleanse.
One satisfied customer writes: “I love this little shampoo! The nozzle is so handy and the thin texture is heaven! So easy to spread, and my hair has been so much cleaner! I use coconut oil as a pre-poo with this and my hair is so much more manageable.” —Lisa H.
Best for Detangling
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo
Best for Detangling
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Detangles beautifully
Cons
Subtle fragrance may be off-putting to some
This beloved shampoo uses moisture-attracting honey and strengthening pomegranate to cleanse hair while providing plenty of slip to detangle in the shower. Especially ideal for type 4 hair, it helps define curls and coils while enhancing shine.
One satisfied customer writes: “This by far is the best shampoo I’ve ever used! It smells so good and feels so soft! My hair has never looked or felt so good! Honestly this product line can be used for straight or curly hair. My hair is naturally curly, but I prefer to wear it straight. I have this shampoo, conditioner, and the leave in conditioner of the same line. I highly recommend you buy this. You will not regret it.” —Kristyn
Best for Volume
Pacifica Pineapple Curls Curl Defining Shampoo
Best for Volume
Pacifica Pineapple Curls Curl Defining Shampoo
Now 18% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Budget-friendly
Cons
Subtle fragrance may be off-putting to some
If increasing volume is your personal hair goal, we suggest adding Pacifica’s Pineapple Curls Curl Defining Shampoo to your wash day line-up. It combines plumping hyaluronic acid and damage-repairing quinoa extract for a thorough clean with benefits. And as an added bonus, it smells like a tropical vacation in a bottle.
One satisfied customer writes: “I have wavy, curly hair that at 64, is thinning more and more. I don’t wash my hair every day and wanted a product I could use in between shampoos to tame the frizz and define the curls. This product does all that plus adds shine and smells fabulous. I also bought their lipsticks and they’re great too. I’ll be trying more of their products.” —Carrie
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Best for a Deep Clean
Matrix A Curl Can Dream Shampoo
Best for a Deep Clean
Matrix A Curl Can Dream Shampoo
Credit: Sally Beauty
Pros
Hydrating
Cons
Isn’t sulfate-free for those who prefer these formulas
Matrix’s A Curl Can Dream shampoo nicely doubles as a clarifying cleanser to wash away build-up without stripping away natural oils. The Manuka honey extract-infused staple also is perfect for defining curl types 3A to 4C.
One satisfied customer writes: “Love the smell and how it gives my hair life again!” —Carina M.
Best with No-Lather
DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Cleanser For Rich Moisture
Best with No-Lather
DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Cleanser For Rich Moisture
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Great for definition
Cons
May not be ideal for fine curls
This shampoo from DevaCurl keeps curls and coils supremely hydrated while providing serious frizz control. And although its formula doesn’t lather, it still removes lingering scalp build-up with ease, and rinses totally clean—and even leaves behind a subtle rose scent.
One satisfied customer writes: “This product leaves my hair super soft, smelling great and easy to brush. I purchased the small bottle to give it a try and it was worth the money.” —Conch69
Best Clean Shampoo
Monday Haircare Smooth Shampoo
Best Clean Shampoo
Monday Haircare Smooth Shampoo
Now 18% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Contaisn sustainable packaging
Cons
Not only is Monday Haircare’s Smooth Shampoo super budget-friendly, but its curl-friendly formula also happens to contain hydrating shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin to keep frizz at bay.
One satisfied customer writes: “Life changing, quite frankly. My hair has never been smoother and softer.” —Ericka
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Best for Hair Loss
Color Wow Hooked 100% Clean Shampoo with Root-Locking Technology
Best for Hair Loss
Color Wow Hooked 100% Clean Shampoo with Root-Locking Technology
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Lots of lather without overdrying
Cons
Need to follow with a moisturizing conditioner
Those who prefer using shampoos with a rich lather should bookmark this cleanser from Color Wow. Its formula aims to minimize shedding and hair loss with a signature root-locking technology that’s also sulfate-free.
One satisfied customer writes: “This shampoo has a light scent but really cleans your hair well. I have hard well water and it has made all the difference! My hair was falling out really bad before I started using this shampoo. It has almost stopped now. You only need ti use a small amount! You have to try…you will love it!!” —Cody J.
Best for Thick Hair
Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo
Best for Thick Hair
Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo
Now 26% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Budget-friendly
Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
Formulated for thick hair
Maui Moisture’s Curl Quench and Coconut Oil Shampoo is formulated for thicker hair, and especially tighter curls. Its hydrating, sulfate-free formula lives up to its name, using aloe vera and coconut milk as key ingredients.
One satisfied customer writes: “This product works wonders for my daughter’s natural 4C hair. It provides Great smell and provides softness and moisture as well.” —Tia
It’s been said that this hydrating cleanser smells like Fruit Loops—but in a good way. Its fragrant blend of aloe, Argan, and lemon tea tree oils is nicely modeled after sensitive skin cleansers for the face.
One satisfied customer writes: “I never expected much from this shampoo since I have been disappointed many times before but this product is amazing. The smell, consistency, no mess, no tangles or dryness had me doing a happy dance. Two thumbs up.” —PlumBerry11
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Best for Color-Treated Hair
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Curl Shampoo
Best for Color-Treated Hair
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Curl Shampoo
Now 10% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
Budget-friendly
Cons
Subtle scent may be off-putting to some
This color-safe shampoo is ideal for smoothing hair while reducing frizz, and happens to be available for under $10. And since it’s also sulfate- and surfactant-free, you won’t have to worry about it stripping away a rinse or dulling permanent color.
One satisfied customer writes: “I was looking for a curly hair shampoo that would make a difference for my thick, curly, dry hair and this is it! When I condition my hair I actually feel like it’s working and penetrating my hair. It’s a great price and worth doing a subscribe and save.” —Jess
Moisture-attracting honey and ceramides, plus softening glycerin are the trifecta that powers Kérastase’s Curl Manifesto shampoo. Amazon shoppers love that its formula leaves their curls feeling springy and strong.
One satisfied customer writes: “The difference this line has had on my hair is amazing. Just started using a month ago, but I’m a customer for life!” —sarahe
Meet the Experts
Yessenia Reyes is a hair stylist and curl specialist who is based in New York City.
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How can I make sure I’m using one of the best curly hair shampoos?
According to experts, the best shampoo formula for curly hair ultimately depends on your individual needs, but typically feature a deeply moisturizing ingredients that help make detangling a lot easier. “If the curls tend to be on the dryer side, you’d want to avoid anything too cleansing as this will further dry the hair out,” Reyes adds. “If the hair tends to be oily, you want to avoid shampoos with lots of oils as it can weigh the hair down and not remove build up properly.”
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Nykia Spradley is a beauty journalist with over 10 years of experience. She has served as the interim beauty director at Elle.com, commerce editor for Allure, and beauty editor at Essence. Nykia’s writing has also appeared in ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Coveteur, TZR, and more. She holds a master’s degree in digital journalism from Columbia University. Nykia is a red lipstick and hot sauce enthusiast (respectively) and forever lover of ’90s R&B. Keep in touch on Instagram @nyksprads and learn more at nykiaspradley.com.