22 Best shampoos for curly hair in 2023

Curly hair is beautiful and unique. So many people who lack curls use styling tools and products to get them. But those with naturally curly hair know how difficult and time-consuming it can be to make their curls look perfect. From frizziness and dryness to poor control over volume or difficulty untangling knots, the truth is that curly hair can be tough to manage.

Using the wrong products on your curly hair can make the situation worse, drying out your tresses, weighing them down or making them oily. On the other hand, selecting the right brushes and combs or adding a diffuser to a blow-dryer can help you get the results you want: the right amount of volume with smooth, gorgeously defined curls.

In addition to using the styling tools mentioned above, you can also take steps to improve the health and look of your curly locks by switching to hair care products that are specifically formulated for curls. Remember, curly hair is different from straight hair and often has different needs from wavy hair.

So, selecting the right shampoo, conditioner and styling products makes a world of difference. And you might be amazed by how your hair looks and feels once you start using the right shampoo to get your cute curls clean.

But the good news is, these days, you have so many options to choose from, so even if you were disappointed by products in the past, you can still find the ideal shampoo for your specific hair needs.

Feeling a little overwhelmed by all of your shampoo options? Worry not! Start by checking out the list below, which we’ve compiled to help you find the best shampoos for curly hair.

1. Blu Atlas Shampoo

Blu Atlas offers a high-quality shampoo that is a great choice for curly hair. It helps clean your hair and strengthen it—that’s important if you use a lot of styling products or heating tools, such as flat irons. Plus, this shampoo helps prevent the buildup of oil. So, we recommend this product for keeping your curly hair looking and feeling soft and bouncy and your scalp feeling good.

What’s also really nice about this shampoo is that it contains natural ingredients, such as aloe and jojoba, and it doesn’t contain any artificial fragrances. Also, if you prefer to purchase products that don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients, you’ll be happy to know that this shampoo is 100% vegan too.

2. Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo

Maui Moisture is another brand that we recommend checking out when you’re searching for the best shampoos for curly hair. They offer a variety of products for your hair type, whether you’re sporting curls, waves or coils. And their Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo is a good place to start, as it enhances curls and moisturizes them. It’s also sulfate free, silicone-free and color-safe.

One bonus of this particular shampoo is that it contains ingredients like coconut oil that help you tame frizzy hair. Other ingredients include plumeria and papaya, so in addition to helping you get rid of annoying frizz, this shampoo also cleanses, hydrates and softens your pretty locks. Plus, it’s helpful when detangling your hair and defining curls so they look their best.

3. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

If you’ve been on the hunt for hair care products for curly hair, you might have already come across the Shea Moisture brand. This company produces various products, so you can select the one that you think would be just right for your hair. One item we adore is their Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo. It helps you regain control over your curls, and using this shampoo might help you achieve the adorable bouncy curls you want.

This is another shampoo for curly hair that contains natural ingredients like coconut oil, aloe, silk protein and hibiscus. It even has organic shea butter in it. Plus, it smells divine! The formulation works on cleaning the hair gently, while also helping to improve the texture and shine of your curls. You can rest assured it doesn’t contain any sulfates, and if you like a shampoo with a rich lather, this one might be the right choice, whether you have coils, curls or waves.

4. Andalou Naturals Exotic Marula Oil Silky Smooth Shampoo

A popular choice for natural and vegan products for your hair, face, and body is Andalou Naturals. Their Exotic Marula Oil Silky Smooth Shampoo works best with wavy and curly hair, and this is a good choice if you prefer shampoos that don’t create a lot of foam. The ingredients work gently, and this product is color safe too.

This shampoo contains natural ingredients, such as marula oil, coconut milk and heirloom apple and grape stem cells. The formulation cleans and hydrates your hair so your curls look smoother and shinier and feel softer. If you need to gain control over your curls, or your hair has become dry and difficult to manage, we recommend that you give this shampoo a try.

5. Aveda Be Curly Shampoo

Be Curly Shampoo from Aveda gets our seal of approval as one of the best shampoos for curly hair. This is another great vegan, cruelty-free and eco-friendly brand. And it’s also a good option for those who prefer hair care products that are formulated with natural ingredients.

This shampoo features aloe and wheat protein ingredients to help curly hair look incredible. It can cleanse your curly or wavy hair gently, and it’s a smart choice if your hair tends to get frizzy, or you want to define your curls more easily. Plus, if you want to make your hair shinier—something that can be hard to do when you have curls—this product might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

6. L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Push Shampoo

The Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Push Shampoo from L’Oreal Paris will moisturize your curly hair and prevent frizz—and anyone with curly hair knows how difficult it can be to fight frizz, especially in humid conditions. We love its extra-hydrating abilities.

If you want defined and bouncy curls, rather than weighed down, this shampoo might be perfect for you. So, if you’ve tried other products but have found that they can’t soften your curls, or cause your scalp to feel greasy, this might be a great solution. It nourishes your hair and helps it feel softer with ingredients like castor oil and hyaluronic acid, and it does not contain any parabens. Plus, check out other products from this line that you can use along with this shampoo to get even better results.

7. Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Shampoo

We wholeheartedly back the Curl Nourish Shampoo from Garnier Fructis as a good choice for all types of curly hair, from waves and curls to coils. And it can be a stellar product to include in your hair care routine if you want to reduce frizz and moisturize your tresses. Plus, it’s also an option to consider if you prefer using vegan and cruelty-free products and free of DMDM hydantoin, sulfates, and parabens.

One of the star ingredients in this shampoo is coconut oil, which helps curly hair look so much better by providing hydration. It also makes your hair look and feel smoother with less frizz and more shine. Also, like other shampoos on this list, there are other hair care products from this line, such as a conditioner and leave-in, so definitely consider checking out those as well because you might get the best results by using all of them.

8. Aussie Miracle Curls Shampoo

Bring the scents of the tropics to your shower with the Miracle Curls Shampoo from Aussie. It nourishes your hair while cleansing it, and it will not strip away natural oils in the process. The end result is curls that are properly moisturized, bouncy and soft.

This shampoo is paraben free and features ingredients like jojoba oil and coconut oil, and it has a lovely fragrance too. Plus, if you are the type of consumer who prefers using animal-friendly products, this one is cruelty free.

9. Mineral Fusion Curl Care Shampoo

There are many brands on the market today that provide shoppers with products that are eco-friendly, and Mineral Fusion is one of them. They have various lines of products for the skin and hair and cosmetics, but if you are searching for a shampoo for your curly tresses, zero in on their Curl Care Shampoo. This product is vegan and cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and free of parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and gluten.

Rather than relying on harsh ingredients, this brand uses ingredients like natural minerals, argan oil, flax oil and aloe to help your curls look and feel amazing. Using this shampoo will nourish your hair, reduce frizz, and get defined strong curls. Overall, we recommend this product to try when you want to give your curls the care they need without worrying about exposing yourself to a variety of unwanted ingredients.

10. PURA D’OR Curl Therapy Shampoo

If you have been dealing with curly hair that is dry, you aren’t alone. We’re here to help. A lot of people struggle with properly nourishing and hydrating their tresses with plenty of moisture. That’s when the Curl Therapy Shampoo from PURA D’OR might come in handy because it is made for dry, curly hair.

What can this shampoo do for you, exactly? Well, if you want your curls to be bouncy and defined, it can help with that. Also, the ingredients—which include chia seed extract, aloe, geranium oil, and linseed extract—help you fight embarrassing frizz and protect against damage and breakage. So, if you find yourself in a humid place, you might notice that your hair doesn’t get out of control like it normally would and that your hair feels nicely conditioned too.

11. Earth Science Ceramide Care Curl & Frizz Control Shampoo

When you have naturally curly hair, using products that are made with your type of hair in mind is wise. Earth Science’s Ceramide Care Curl & Frizz Control Shampoo is formulated for hair that is normal to dry, and it is vegan, cruelty free, gluten free, sulfate free and paraben free. It has a neutral pH so you can use it daily and natural ingredients that include passionfruit, acai, and rice bran. We also love its lovely almond scent. Plus, it is safe to use on color-treated hair.

But, when compared other shampoos for curly hair, what makes this one stand out? Well, it cleanses your hair gently, and it will not strip your hair in the process. It also moisturizes and softens your hair and helps increase its shine so your curls look and feel fantastic. In addition, it can even help you avoid unsightly breakage, which can certainly be a problem if you don’t properly care for your locks. Basically, if you want a shampoo that can help you achieve smoother curls or waves that aren’t frizzy, this might be it.

12. Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Defining Shampoo

With the Strictly Curls Curl Defining Shampoo from Marc Anthony, you can combat dry tresses and make your curls easier to manage and style to your liking. Also, if humidity is your enemy, we endorse this shampoo for helping you win the battle against frizz.

The ingredients in this shampoo include shea butter, hydrolyzed silk, and vitamin E. This product is phthalate-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. So, it can be a great choice if you want to steer clear of certain ingredients. Put simply, it can help you maintain moisturized hair and nourish your locks so they can look and feel nice and smooth. In other words, it might be just what you need to ensure your curls look their best.

13. Attitude Super Leaves Curl Moisturizing Shampoo

Are you searching for a shampoo for curly hair that is also better for the environment? Then definitely check out the Super Leaves Curl Moisturizing Shampoo from Attitude because it is EWG Verified, ECOLOGO certified, vegan and cruelty-free. Plus, it is hypoallergenic, good for all hair types, and a great choice if you have a sensitive scalp. It also features natural ingredients.

This shampoo can be especially helpful for hair that needs hydration, so if you have curls that tend to get frizzy, this might be a good addition to your routine. Ingredients come from minerals and plants, and they include moringa oil and calendula extract. Overall, we recommend this shampoo for helping your curly hair feel softer and properly moisturized, without being weighed down. It even helps improve its elasticity too, so it is definitely worth checking out.

14. HASK Curl Care Moisturizing Shampoo

The Curl Care Moisturizing Shampoo from HASK has a lot of nice features. First off, it is vegan and cruelty-free and free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, silicones, artificial colors, gluten, and drying alcohol. Made for all types of curly hair, it gently cleanses your locks so you can get rid of build-up while maintaining natural oils. We also love this product for taming frizz.

The ingredients in this shampoo include argan oil and coconut oil, which you are probably already familiar with if you have been on the hunt for products that can help your curly hair look and feel awesome. In addition to that, this shampoo also contains vitamin E. Overall, it can help clean your hair and protect it, as well as moisturize your curls so they become smoother, bouncier and more defined. Plus, it is gentle enough to use daily.

15. Cake Beauty The Curl Girl Curl Enhancing Shampoo

Cake’s Curl Girl Curl Enhancing Shampoo is another great option to consider as you shop for the best shampoo for your beautiful hair. It can help restore moisture to your locks, increase your hair’s shine and fight frizz every time you wash your hair.

This shampoo cleans your hair while providing moisture that lasts, so your curls can look shinier and smoother. Ingredients like sunflower seed oil, aloe leaf juice and argan oil can enhance every little curl, helping you achieve a style that you will love showing off. Plus, we love that it’s vegan and cruelty free, and you don’t need to worry about this shampoo containing unwanted phthalates, parabens or sulfates.

16. Pacifica Pineapple Curls Curl Defining Shampoo

Want to smell like summer? Pacifica is another brand to consider shopping from if you want to use vegan and cruelty-free products. Their Pineapple Curls Curl Defining Shampoo contains ingredients like pineapple, hyaluronic acid, quinoa and argan oil, but you won’t find any SLS, phthalates, parabens, mineral oil or sulfates in this formula. Sounds good so far, right?

What can this shampoo do for your curly hair? Well, it can cleanse your locks so they won’t be weighed down anymore, and with this product, your curls might be more defined and bouncier without the unattractive frizz you want to avoid. So, it can basically help you achieve everything that you’d want for your curls. We can’t recommend it enough!

17. Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Gentle Shampoo

Not Your Mother’s has a Curl Talk Gentle Shampoo that might be the perfect fit if you want a keratin shampoo that can help define your curls. It cleanses your hair and scalp gently, and, while it cleanses, it also provides your tresses with much-needed moisture so they look and feel incredible. How does it work? It hydrates hair with the help of the brand’s Rice Curl Complex, which blends keratin amino acids with enzymes and rice.

This shampoo can be used on all types of curls, and it is also safe to use on color-treated hair. It is also sulfate surfactant-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free and silicone-free, as well as drying alcohol-free, dye-free and gluten-free. Plus, it is cruelty free for those who prefer purchasing products that are animal friendly.

18. Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo

The Curl Enhancing Shampoo from Moroccanoil is formulated for all types of curls, and it is color safe. But what you might really like about this product is the fact that it contains ingredients like hydrolyzed vegetable protein, Abyssinian oil and argan oil. The formulation can make your curls feel soft and help them look shiny and smooth. Plus, this shampoo can even help when it comes to your hair’s elasticity.

If you find your curly hair tough to manage, listen to our advice: this shampoo might be just what you need. It can cleanse gently and help when it comes to reducing frizz and defining curls so they look their absolute best without being weighed down. Overall, this could be a good place to start if you want to enhance your curly hair care routine.

19. Sun Bum Curl & Waves Shampoo

Sun Bum’s Curl & Waves Shampoo is vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and color safe. In addition to all of that, it is also paraben-free, DMDM-H free, sulfate free and phthalate-free. Plus, it can also help protect your hair from UV rays that can be damaging, so you can go ahead and spend more time in the sunshine.

Made for those who have wavy or curly hair, this product includes ingredients like monoi coconut oil, seaweed protein and kukui nut oil. It can get to work cleansing your hair gently, and it can also provide your curls with nourishment and moisture, which is super important when you want to fight frizz and keep your hair feeling soft instead of brittle.

20. Luseta Beauty Curl Enhancing Coconut Oil Shampoo

The Curl Enhancing Coconut Oil Shampoo from Luseta features a lightweight formula that can help you tackle dry hair so you can improve the way it looks and feels. It gently cleanses your curls and removes buildup that could weigh them down, so your hair can have the right amount of bounce and volume that you’ll love to show off.

Great for all curl types, including dry and damaged hair, this product provides moisture to your tresses with the help of coconut oil, which, as you can tell by now, is a popular ingredient that is often used in shampoos for curly hair. But, in addition to all of that, this shampoo can even help your hair grow, thanks to the vitamins and fats that are included in the formulation. And you can rest assured that it is free of unwanted ingredients like sulfates and parabens. We love the sleek design too!

21. Biolage Smooth Proof Shampoo for Frizzy Hair

Do you want to use a shampoo that can help protect your hair when it is humid so it won’t get out of control with a ton of frizz? Then we recommend you check out the Smooth Proof Shampoo for Frizzy Hair from Biolage. In addition to cleansing your hair, it can also help you achieve smoother curls with the help of ingredients like camellia.

What’s really interesting about this shampoo is it can help you keep your curly or wavy hair from getting frizzy even in conditions with 97% humidity. In addition, it can also help you maintain smooth locks for upwards of 72 hours. This means your hair can be styled more easily, and you can maintain your look more easily. Plus, this product is safe for color-treated hair, and it’s paraben-free too.

22. Living Proof Curl Shampoo

Finally, the Curl Shampoo from Living Proof is a low-lather option that cleanses your hair gently without stripping it. It is appropriate for all types of curls, so we love this option whether you have curls, waves or coils.

What’s nice about this shampoo is that it can help your curls look their best with better definition. It can also help improve the strength of your tresses. And if you tend to have trouble getting knots out of your hair (something that curly-haired people often struggle with), it could help with detangling too.