The 17 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair (2024)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

• Yessenia Reyes is a hair stylist and curl specialist who is based in New York City.