A hydrating shampoo is key for managing frizz, especially if you live in humid areas. This Ouidad shampoo has silk protein and ceramides that seal the cuticle and lock out frizz before it starts. The gel-like formula lathers easily to lift away dirt, oil, and buildup, giving curls a more polished finish and creating a better base for styling products throughout the day. If you deal with muggy weather, add this one to your curly hair routine.
Frequently asked questions
How to find the best shampoo for your curl type
Along with knowing your hair type, when seeking out any hair care products you’ll want to consider your hair texture too. “Fine curls usually need lightweight cleansing so they don’t fall flat, while thicker or coily textures benefit from richer, more moisturizing formula,” says Brittney Aub, Miami-based curly-hair expert and educator. You’ll also want to assess your hair’s condition. For damaged or color-treated hair, “look for reparative formulas,” says celebrity hairstylist and curly hair expert Marcos Diaz.
And once you’ve been using a formula, how do you know that it’s working? “The biggest indicator is how your hair feels after washing,” says Diaz. “It should feel clean, balanced, and soft, never stripped or dry.” Aub concurs, adding that your curls should “feel soft and flexible, never squeaky or tangled. Your shampoo should support your curl pattern, not fight it.”
What are the best ingredients in shampoo for curly hair?
Aub says that in general, curly hair does best with gentle, hydrating formulas that can cleanse the scalp without sacrificing the integrity of the curl pattern. Since curly hair is naturally drier and more frizz-prone, it’s important to choose a shampoo that will not strip your curls of moisture. To add shine and nourishment, look for lightweight ingredients such as 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 they 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.
Which ingredients should people with curly hair avoid?
Both Diaz and Aub cite harsh sulfates at the top of the list of ingredients to avoid when you have curly hair—particularly, says Aub, if your curls are color-treated or especially dry. “They can strip the hair too aggressively and lead to frizz or dullness.” (Diaz notes that sulfates can disrupt your curl pattern too). So flip over to that ingredients list on the back and keep an eye out for sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, both of which are frequently found in shampoo formulas.
“You also want to be mindful of anything that leaves a heavy residue, as that can weigh curls down over time,” says Diaz.
How should you incorporate curly-hair shampoo into your routine?
Your routine depends on your curl type and preference. If you have curly or wavy hair, consider washing 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.
How long should it take for you to see results from a shampoo for curly hair?
It takes 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.
Is keratin good for your hair?
Yes—in the right form. Monroe recommends looking for hydrolyzed proteins like keratin, silk, or collagen in shampoos, as they help strengthen curls, improve elasticity, and help hair hold moisture better. This is especially helpful for finer, more fragile curls that are prone to breakage.
What other products are good for curly hair?
Most curls benefit from a hydrating conditioner or deep 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 curl-friendly brush through your damp hair and air-dry or use a blow-dryer with a diffuser to lock in definition and smoothness. Between washdays, consider protecting your curls by sleeping with a silk bonnet or silk pillowcase.
How often should you wash curly hair?
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.
Monroe recommends letting the water run through your hair for about a full minute to ensure it’s completely soaked. This will help the shampoo spread more easily, providing you with a better clean and improved moisture absorption.
How can you address curly, frizzy hair?
“Frizz isn’t a flaw; it’s feedback,” says curly-hair expert Dusty 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.
Tips for washing curly hair
In addition to co-wash days, when you cleanse hair with only conditioner or a specific co-wash formula made mostly of conditioner with a dab of shampoo, you should still use a separate shampoo and conditioner and incorporate regular detox washes to balance your routine. The biggest rule: Don’t wash too frequently. “Curly hair is more fragile and dry, so washing every day is a no-no,” Schlabach says.
Certain shampoos, especially clarifying and nonmoisturizing 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,” Schlabach says. Use a deep-conditioning mask or treatment periodically, when hair feels dry. If you color your hair, a bond-repairing treatment is essential.“
“Use a leave-in conditioner and go with one that’s right for your hair thickness,” he adds. For example, a lightweight spray for finer hair, a lightweight cream for medium hair, or a more intense oil-in-cream for coarse hair. And 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 washday routine, it’s all about choosing the right styler. “A high-hold gel may feel strange, 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.
Ultimately, Metcalfe says, it comes down to your hair type and texture: “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.” 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.
We started by consulting dermatologists, colorists, and hairstylists for their professional insights on curly-hair shampoos, including what ingredients to look for and their top picks. Then we asked our network of curly-haired testers to evaluate expert-backed and top-rated shampoos based on their ingredients, how well they lathered and washed out, their value, how effective they were at keeping curls healthy and hydrated, if they improved manageability and detangling, and theirscent. The best formulas gave our testers a clean scalp, a frizz-free finish, and moisturized curls.
- 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, 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
- Bianca Hillier, celebrity hair colorist
- Dusty Schlabach, curly-hair specialist based in Los Angeles
- Brittney Aub, Miami-based curly-hair expert and educator
- Marcos Diaz, celebrity hairstylist and curly hair expert
