22 Best sulfate-free shampoos for curly hair [2022]

Curly hair needs extra nourishment and attention than other hair types. Certain ingredients, like parabens and sulfates, are actually super harmful to curly hair and can cause dryness, flakiness, and breakage. To help your gorgeous locks look their best, we rounded up 22 of the best sulfate-free shampoos for curly hair.

1. Blu Atlas All Natural Shampoo

If you want the bounciest, shiniest curls, you’ve got to try Blu Atlas All Natural Shampoo. This shampoo is formulated only with natural, soothing ingredients that will bring life to your curls and accentuate their structure.

Jojoba Oil—rich in antioxidants and Vitamins E, D, and A—mimics your skin’s natural sebum, meaning that it sends intense moisture all the way from the ends of your hair to the roots. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, also packed with antioxidants and vitamins, gently nourishes the hair, adding hydration to dried-out locks. Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate enhances the formula by adding foam and moisture into your hair as you wash it. Plus, this shampoo is completely sulfate-free, which is great for curly hair.

This shampoo will remove excess oil and buildup from the scalp, hydrate the hair, volumize curls, and add shine where needed. All you need is a small amount of product for great results. After one use, you’ll be amazed at how bouncy and radiant your hair looks.

2. Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo

Your curls deserve long-lasting nourishment without the damaging, drying effects of sulfates. Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo is one of our favorites for curly hair because it gives you the desired blowout look without the usual price tag. Infused with rosemary, peppermint, cucumber, and oats, you’ll feel like you’re relaxing at a luxurious day spa from the comfort of your own shower.

Aveeno Fresh Greens Blend Shampoo thickens the hair, clarifies and removes oil, moisturizes, and adds volume and bounce to your curls. This product is free of dyes, parabens, and sulfates, meaning you can worry about how you’re going to style your hair and not how dry it is.

3. Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo

If you don’t have a solid shampoo that cleanses your hair properly and enhances your curls naturally, then no amount of styling after is going to help.

Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo naturally promotes circulation in the scalp, increasing blood flow and hair growth. Cooling and soothing peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus cleanse the hair by removing scalp and oil build-up, ease dryness and flakiness, heal damaged hair, add moisture and shine, and enhance curls. We love this shampoo because it’s sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. After just one use, your curls will look as stunning as the ones you see in magazines.

4. OGX Renewing+ Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo

Your tresses deserve some serious bounce and curl. Most shampoos over-dry or over-moisturize your hair, leaving your curls looking flat and lifeless. OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo brings new life to your locks by infusing them with only the richest ingredients. Nourishing Moroccan Argan Oil gently hydrates the hair—adding silkiness, shine, and moisture.

Because curls need ample hydration to hold their weight and shape, you want a shampoo that adds moisture to your hair and avoids over-drying. This is one of our favorite drugstore sulfate-free shampoos because it’s affordable, effective, and smells like heaven. This product is free from harmful irritants that dry out the hair—like parabens and sulfates. Give your do a new look with OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo.

5. Adwoa Beauty Blue Tansy Clarifying Gel Shampoo

Adwoa Beauty is the brand you’ve been looking for. More specifically, this is the shampoo you’ve been looking for. Adwoa Beauty Blue Tansy Clarifying Gel Shampoo is an intense, clarifying shampoo that promotes healthy hair, growth, and shine in curly, wavy, or coily hair. Blue-Tansy Flower Oil helps soothe and restore hair follicles, boosting hair growth. Jojoba Oil prevents hair breakage, dryness, and split ends. Nourishing Bamboo Extract adds shine to dull, lifeless hair. All of these ingredients combine to gently cleanse the hair without stripping away vital moisture from your curls.

Most shampoos merely cleanse the surface of your scalp, but this shampoo actually detoxes and removes buildup from deep beneath the surface. Your curls will look happy, healthy, and shiny after a few uses. Plus, you’ll smell like a botanical garden with notes of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and musk. This product is free of sulfates and silicones and is vegan.

6. Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Sulfate Free Shampoo

Imagine you’re sitting on a tropical beach, sipping coconut water, and soaking up some sun. Sounds appealing, right? We think so too. Well, even if you can’t relax at the beach every day, Love Beauty and Planet can at least make you feel like you are. Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Sulfate Free Shampoo will take your hair on a botanical, aquatic vacation. Hydrating coconut water quenches the thirst for dry, brittle hair by gently nourishing your locks with moisture from the root to the tips.

Luxurious mimosa flowers boost hair growth, thickness, shine, and curls. Because these two key ingredients are so lightweight, they won’t weigh down your hair, allowing your natural curls and coils to stand out. This product is free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and dyes. Plus, it’s vegan and good for the planet. Talk about a win for everyone. In just a few washes, your hair will be beach-ready, with voluminous curls and hair so shiny, you’ll need some shades.

7. L’Oreal Paris Ever Creme Sulfate-Free Deep Nourish Shampoo

If you live in a dry, cold climate, we’re sure you know how frustrating and damaging the weather can be. Not only does it crack and dehydrate your skin, but it can also damage your hair, causing breakage and brittleness. This can be downright detrimental to curly hair types that need extra care and nourishment. So what are you supposed to do? Use L’Oreal Paris Ever Creme Sulfate-Free Deep Nourish Shampoo, of course! We love shampoos that are simple and straightforward—no fluff or frills.

This shampoo’s main goal is to hydrate and nourish your hair, giving your curls the moisture they need to heal and grow. Formulated with soothing apricot oil, your hair will feel and look healthy, thick, and shiny after just a few washes. L’Oreal knows the importance of hydration, which is why they formulated this shampoo without irritating and drying ingredients such as sulfates and salts that strip the hair and scalp of vital hydration. If your hair is long overdue for some serious TLC, this is your sign to pick up one of the best sulfate free shampoos for curly hair.

8. Ouai Detox Shampoo

2022 is the year of fresh starts. It’s the year of good thoughts, healthy habits, and detoxing our hair. Most people think detoxing means cleansing your body internally. However, it’s also important to detox your hair and scalp every so often, especially if you’re switching over to a brand new hair product. It’s time to detox your hair and scalp and we recommend using Ouai Detox Shampoo, one of our favorite sulfate free shampoos for curly hair of the year.

This shampoo is suitable for any hair texture and type. Ouai Detox Shampoo is formulated with clarifying Apple Cider Vinegar that, despite its bad reputation due to its smell and taste, intensely cleanses and exfoliates away oil, residue, buildup, and flakes. Chelating Agents help remove hard water deposits from your hair. Hydrolyzed Keratin visibly softens the hair, removes frizz, and adds shine.

We love Ouai Detox Shampoo because it’s tough on oil and buildup but gentle on your hair, meaning it won’t take away the moisture and nourishment your lovely curls need. This product is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil.

9. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

If you’ve got a curly mane, you understand first-hand how frizzy and unmanageable it can get. A lack of fulfilling moisture can turn your silky locks into a tangled mess. Luckily, we have just the shampoo that will keep your curls under control. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is a creamy dreamscape for dry, thirsty hair. This shampoo can be used on any hair type—including color-treated hair—but is especially beneficial for thick, curly hair.

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is formulated with enriching Jojoba Oil that seals moisture into the hair, Green Tea that restores and repairs the scalp, and sage that promotes healthy hair follicles. We love this shampoo over others because it provides the hair with long-lasting moisture. Your curls will look shiny, bright, and hydrated long after you’ve washed because Pureology Hydrate Shampoo works overtime to make your hair as healthy, moisturized, soft, and curly as possible. This product is free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates and is vegan.

10. Oribe Hair Alchemy Strengthening Shampoo

Having curly hair means you have to take care of it and treat it more than you would with other hair types. Curly hair gets frizzy, dry, and more brittle than other types of hair, which is why it’s important to find a shampoo that tends to all your curly hair needs. Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo is a revitalizing, restorative shampoo that helps strengthen hair and prevent breakage.

A Curative Blend of Chid Seed, Bio-Fermented Bamboo Leaf, and Plant-Based protein penetrate the hair and increase strength, forming a protective barrier around the cuticles to prevent breakage. A Hyaluronic Acid Complex infuses the hair with intense moisture that promotes healthy elasticity. Daisy and Honeysuckle Extracts boost the hair’s strength by reducing brittleness and promoting length.

Free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, this shampoo doesn’t over-dry or damage the hair. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.

11. Amika The Kure Bond Repair Shampoo

Amika is becoming one of the most popular hair care brands of the year. If you’ve never tried their products, you’re sorely missing out. Amika The Kure Bond Repair Shampoo gently removes oil, dirt, and buildup from the hair without overdrying, prevents breakage, and tames frizzy curls. Amika’s Bond Cure Technology bonds and strengthens the hair, creating a healthy look.

Vegan Protein, rich in amino acids, infuses the hair with benefits similar to keratin. Sea Buckthorn Berry, infused with fatty-acid omega 7, clarifies and cleanses the hair, removing impurities and adding shine. This shampoo is also great at targeting damage caused by heat, chemical treatments, dyes, and environmental stressors. After a few washes, your curls will look bouncier, tamer, and fuller than ever. Plus, this product is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates that dry out the hair.

12. Dae Signature Shampoo

Shampoos should be fun. Not only should they work for your hair, but they should look and smell good. We think Dae Signature Shampoo fits the bill. This pretty, little pink bottle contains uses ingredients sourced from the desert, this shampoo will transform your shower into a getaway oasis.

Hibiscus Flower Extract gently cleanses and washes away oil, dirt, dead skin cells, buildup, and other impurities that get trapped in the hair. It also exfoliates and stimulates hair follicles, promoting hair growth. Aloe Leaf Juice—full of Vitamins A, C, and E—adds shine and hydration to the hair, taming frizz and enhancing curls. False Daisy Extract soothes flaky, irritated scalps with its calming antimicrobial properties.

This shampoo is suitable for all hair types and textures and doesn’t strip the hair of its natural moisture and oils. Just because you’re pretending to be in a desert oasis doesn’t mean your hair should actually feel as dry as one. Free of sulfates and other harmful ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re putting on your body.

13. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Wash Shampoo

Tired of dull, boring shampoos that only weigh your hair down or dry it out? Yeah, us too. We love all the shampoos on this list, but we especially love Gisou Honey Infused Hair Wash Shampoo. This nourishing and hydrating that will leave your tresses beautifully cleansed and volumized.

Mirsalehi Honey coats the hair in enriching hydration, restoring strength and shine. This shampoo is stellar at reducing breakage, enhancing curls, taming frizz, and cleansing the hair without stripping away moisture. Notes of spring florals, apricot, and mandarin will overwhelm your nose and transform your bathroom into a tropical day spa.

This shampoo is a must-have in your hair care routine, and if you haven’t already tried it, what are you waiting for? Your locks will look bouncy and beautiful in no time thanks to this sulfate, paraben, and phthalate-free shampoo.

14. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo

How many times have you woken up with the absolute worst hair day? We’ve all been there, scrambling to try and fix our hair into something presentable or just giving up and putting on a hat. We’re here to tell you that you don’t need to do that anymore. Gone are the days of bad hair days. From here on out, we’re only having good hair days with Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo.

Curly hair can go from bad to worse in a matter of minutes. Everyday factors, from the weather to the environment, can influence how well your hair holds up. Living Proof understands that, which is why they’ve crafted a shampoo that can withstand anything. Formulated with Living Proof’s patented OFPMA, this shampoo seals moisture into the hair, polishes and restores cuticles, washes away dirt and oil, enhances curls and shine, and promotes healthy hair.

You can use this product on any hair type, including color-treated hair. With no parabens, sulfates, or silicones, it’s safe to say Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo may become your new best friend.

15. Verb Ghost Shampoo

Verb Ghost Shampoo will easily go down in history as one of the best sulfate free shampoos for curly hairs. It’s weightless, safe for color-treated hair, and hydrating. How many other shampoos can say that? This fruity blend of soothing ingredients will bring out the best in your curls—adding intense shine, hydration, and volume.

Moringa Seed Oil hydrates the hair, reduces frizz, detangles, and softens the cuticles. Quinoa Protein strengthens the hair, infusing it with enriching vitamins and amino acids that promote growth and prevent breakage. Sunflower Seed Extract coats the hair with natural UV protection that prevents brassiness, fading, dryness, and brittleness. Hints of grapefruit and oatmeal will tingle and invigorate your scalp, cleansing it of oil and buildup. Get your curls back into shape with this sulfate, paraben, and phthalate-free shampoo.

16. Drybar Cure Liqueur Strengthening Shampoo

Curls just want to have fun, right? We think so. Your curls are part of your best feature and they deserve ample bounce, hydration, and shine. Drybar Cure Liqueur Strengthening Shampoo will give your curls the time of their life—without the harmful and drying side effects of sulfates. Drybar Cure Liqueur Strengthening Shampoo works by cleansing the hair of buildup and repairing it back to a healthy state.

Micro-Polymer Adhesion Complex creates a protective seal around the hair, enhancing color for up to four washes. Buriti and Amla Oils—infused with rich vitamins and minerals—boost your curls, enhance shine, and nourish the cuticles. Strengthening Protein Complex restores the hair’s natural structure, promoting length and growth.

You can say goodbye to dull, dry, and flat curls because after using Drybar Cure Liqueur Strengthening, your curls will be sleek, sexy, and shiny. Free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates—this magnolia, iris, and bergamot-scented shampoo will take your curls to a whole new level.

17. Virtue Recovery Shampoo

When you get injured, you take care of yourself and rest until you’re feeling healed. Why shouldn’t you do the same for your hair? Over time, our hair can sustain damage from the environment, chemical treatments, heat, and stress. Whether you have split ends, brittle hair, or breakage—we have a solution for you. Virtue Recovery Shampoo is a lifesaver for curly, frizzy hair that needs some serious rest and relaxation.

Packed with restorative and nourishing ingredients, this shampoo will have your curls looking perky and radiant in no time. Hydrolyzed Quinoa—a plant-based protein—helps enhance and bring out the hair’s natural color, boost hydration, and increase shine. Baobab Seed Oil—sourced from the African Tree of Life—helps restore damaged hair by retaining moisture and acting as a barrier against environmental irritants, like UV radiant. Vitamin C-rich Grapefruit Extract infuses the hair with restorative antioxidants that increase the hair’s appearance and promote a healthy scalp. Alpha Keratin 60ku® helps bring keratin back to your hair, restoring the hair with every wash.

Not only does this shampoo do an impressive job at repairing your hair and curls, but it also clarifies and cleanses away dirt, oil, dead skin, and buildup from the scalp so your hair can look its best. This shampoo, with notes of coconut and warm woods, is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and other drying irritants.

18. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is clarifying, enriching, and soothing. This shampoo works by removing buildup from the scalp such as oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and grime. It also softens and reduces frizziness, enhances shine, minimizes flyaways, boosts curls, strengthens hair and reduces breakage, and provides long-lasting hydration.

After a few washes, you’ll be impressed with how bouncy and youthful your curls look. Seriously, we guarantee all your friends will be asking how you style your hair. Your secret? Sulfate, paraben, and phthalate-free Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo.

19. Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo

Do you wish your curls were curlier? It may sound redundant but even people with naturally curly hair need a little help to give their curls an extra boost of volume and hydration. Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo is here to help. We love this shampoo because it doesn’t dry out the hair like most products you will find on the market. Instead, this intensely hydrating shampoo infuses the hair follicles with enriching moisture and nourishment that will last long after application.

Argan Oil promotes elasticity and bounciness in the hair, adding smoothness and softness with every wash. Algae coats the hair in long-lasting hydration that prevents dryness, breakage, and frizz. Lastly, Vitamin A fights against visible signs of aging, such as dullness, dryness, and flakiness. All of these ingredients combine to gently cleanse the scalp and hair without stripping your curls of vital moisture. This product is free of sulfates and parabens.

20. Bumble and bumble Bond-Building Repair Shampoo

How does a tropical cocktail of blood orange, guava flower, passionflower, jasmine, wild orchid, vanilla bean, salted musk, warm woods, and kumquat sound? Relaxing? Rejuvenating? Bumble and bumble thinks so too, which is why they bottled the best ingredients and crafted Bond-Building Repair Shampoo—one of the best shampoos of the year. This heavenly shampoo strips the hair of harmful oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and other impurities that causes the hair to look unhealthy and replaces it with nourishing hydration.

Honey Bond-Building Complex restores the hair, building up strength and promoting growth. Wildflower Honey and Honey Ferment increase the hair’s elasticity and bounce, which helps prevent breakage and tangles. This shampoo is suitable for any hair type and texture, especially curly locks that need some TLC. This product is free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates and is cruelty-free.

21. Playa Every Day Shampoo

Playa Every Day Shampoo is a product you have to try if you haven’t already. Seriously—don’t miss out on this one. This coconut, orange blossom, sandalwood, and pacific musk-scented shampoo will turn your dull tresses into a beach-worthy blowout. Coconut Water infuses the hair with rich and supple hydration, softening and smoothing out the hair. Sugar Beet Extract increases strength, growth, and hydration in the hair. Aloe Vera Enzymes balance the hair’s natural pH levels, retaining nourishment and moisture.

Your hair will look shiny, bouncy, clean, and refreshed after just one wash using Playa Every Day Shampoo. And, as the name suggests, you can use this sulfate-free shampoo every single day without overdrying or irritating your hair. Yep, it’s just that good.

22. Susteau Moondust Hair Wash

Rounding off the list is Susteau Moondust Hair Wash, an ultra-soothing shampoo that revitalizes your hair and curls. Formulated with Rice Protein, Aloe Vera, and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate—this shampoo gently cleanses the hair, prevents color fading, adds shine, increases volume, conditions, clarifies, and promotes healthy curls.

Because this shampoo is free of sulfates and other drying ingredients, this product is suitable for daily use and any hair type or texture. What are you waiting for? Get cleaning.