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Home » Hairstyles » The 25 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Curly Hair Reviews

The 25 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Curly Hair Reviews

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aida turner

Published by Aida Turner

Fact checked by Annie

Is it worth it to use a special product to wash curly hair?

The answer depends on you.

Would you like to have healthy, bouncy curls, shiny waves, or luscious coils?

If so, you need the best shampoos and conditioners for curly hair.

Best Overall

Amazon best-selling product B000TK99NU

Our rating

DevaCurl One Condition Original

  • Based on botanicals and olive oil
  • Free of sulfates, parabens and phthalate
  • Has a nice, lemongrass scent
RUNNER-UP

Amazon best-selling product B01JLVSCWG

Our rating

Devacurl No-Poo Decadence Milk Cleanser

  • Based on quinoa protein and chufa milk
  • Works great with color-treated, damaged curls
  • Mild enough for a daily usage
Best Value

Amazon best-selling product B001NZYAYI

Our rating

DevaCurl How to Quit Shampoo, Cleanse & Condition Kit

  • Comes with a microfiber towel
  • Prevents curls from frizziness and damage
  • Provides both cleanisng and conditioning properties

Is shampoo bad for curly hair?

Fans of the Curly Girl Method (1) look down on shampoo.

But shampoo is still the best way to get rid of excess oil, dirt, and impurities.

What matters are the ingredients.

Some shampoos are good for curly hair. They add moisture instead of removing it.

Conditioners help, too.

Instead of washing every day, you can protect your curls by co-washing.

That’s using conditioner instead of shampoo for alternating washes.

How to tell if a shampoo is safe for curly hair

The experts recommend washing with sulfate-free shampoos.

Sodium lauryl sulfate can be very drying, and it could cause frizz (2).

That’s a problem when naturally curly and kinky hair tends to be dry already.

Instead, look for shampoos that have natural oils. They may not lather up as nicely, but they’ll get the job done.

They will make your locks lustrous and manageable.

Also, avoid silicone to avoid weighing down the strands. Look for shampoos and conditioners with protein instead.

In a pinch, shampoos made for dry, damaged hair are generally safe for curly hair.

To fight tangles, try massaging shampoo into your dry scalp before you shower. Then rinse well and apply conditioner.

How to select the right shampoo for your curly hair

You may already know about the different curly hair types.

It’s important to understand what type of hair you have before you purchase shampoo and conditioner.

Most people have a mix of types, but one will be more prominent.

They are rated according to how tight the curls are.

Type II is wavy, type III is loose curls, and type IV are tighter curls. Each type is further divided by how big the curls are.

For example, type II a has wide waves, and type IV C has the tightest kinks.

Next, you need to know how porous your hair is. Does it soak up products quickly, or do they take a while to absorb?

To check the porosity of your hair, all you need to do is dunk your hair ends in a cup of water.

Do they float or sink?

If they float, you can use thick, creamy products.

If they sink, use lightweight products.

After all, the right shampoo and conditioner avoids tangles and enhances the natural beauty of your hair.

1. DevaCurl One Condition Original

Product Overview

Pretty much every curly girl has heard of DevaCurl.

If you can only afford one product, get the original conditioner.

It works best after you wash with the No-Poo Original Shampoo, but it can help rescue your hair no matter what product you’ve used.

  • Ideal for damaged hair
  • Based on olive oil and other botanicals
  • Moisturizing and nourishing effect
  • Free of sulfates, parabens and other toxic chemicals

Like everything that DevaCurl makes, it’s free of sulfates, silicone, and parabens. It doesn’t even have wheat or animal byproducts.

The creamy formula is based on botanicals and olive oil and has a lemongrass scent.

Pros

  • Leaves a nice, lemongrass scent
  • Controls frizziness and split ends
  • Helps your damaged curls

The Cons

  • The package might be broken

2. Devacurl No-Poo Decadence Milk Cleanser

Product Overview

If you have very curly hair, get the Milk Cleanser. It’s based on quinoa protein and chufa milk to fortify damaged, color-treated, and frizzy curls.

  • Contains quinoa proteins
  • Has chufa milk for extra strength
  • No toxic chemicals in the formula
  • Perfect for daily usage

It’s mild enough to use daily – and that’s great news for those who never want to skip washing after a workout.

Pros

  • Helps with hair damage
  • Provides beneficial proteins
  • Moisturizes and hydrates your scalp and hair

The Cons

  • Doesn’t smell so great

3. DevaCurl How to Quit Shampoo, Cleanse & Condition Kit

Product Overview

Sample what DevaCurl has to offer with this kit. It includes one 8-ounce bottle each of the No-Poo Original Cleanser and the Original Conditioner.

  • Comes with a nice, microfiber towel
  • Works great with curly and wavy hair
  • Combines cleansing and conditioning properties

It also comes with a microfiber DevaTowel that prevents your curls from frizzing.

Pros

  • Nourishes hair follicles
  • Prevents hair from frizziness
  • Protects hair from split ends and future damage

The Cons

  • The packaging might be broken

4. Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Curl Quenching Shampoo

Product Overview

Here is a moisturizing shampoo that’s free of sulfates, one of the best coconut shampoo that you should try.

It’s enriched with mango seed butter, and Vitamin E as well.

  • Infused with mango seed butter
  • Plenty of vitamin E
  • Deep moisturizing effect
  • High level of coconut oil

It’s made by a company that started over two decades ago in Brooklyn.

Pros

  • Helps with split ends and frizziness
  • Reconstructs and strengthens your hair follicles
  • Leaves your hair nice and soft

The Cons

  • Not for oily scalps

5. Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Defining Shampoo

Product Overview

Are you looking for the best shampoo and conditioner for frizzy hair? Then check out Marc Anthony’s products.

The shampoo ads elasticity, shine, and bounce to curls. At the same time, it minimizes tangles and frizz.

  • Plenty of shea butter for moisture
  • Free of sulfates, sodium chloride and parabens
  • Rich in hydrolyzed silk proteins 
  • Packed with vitamins and beneficial oils 

It’s free of sulfates. Instead, it cleanses with hydrolyzed silk and shea butter and gentle surfactants.

Follow up with the conditioner below for perfect results.

Pros

  • Enhances your hair health and elasticity
  • Does great with shyness
  • Improves overall health and minimizes tangles

The Cons

  • Dries your hair if not properly used

6. Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Frizz Sealing Conditioner

Product Overview

The Frizz Sealing Conditioner locks in moisture to smooth dry, damaged strands. Meanwhile, it repels humidity to prevent flyaway.

No, this is not a silicone-free product.

  • Packed with vitamins and proteins
  • Contains aloe vera for extra nourishing
  • Locks in the moitsture of your hair
  • Works great with heat-styling 

Don’t be afraid to use this on your scalp as it nourishes it, too. It’s packed with Vitamin E, aloe, and silk proteins.

Pros

  • Treats and hydrates your hairs
  • Combats dry scalp and hair follicles
  • Moisturizes and reinforces hair roots

The Cons

  • Contains silicones

7. Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Conditioner Leave-in

Product Overview

For extra detangling power, grab the leave-in conditioner. Yes, it has silicone. But it may be just what you need to tame unruly curls.

  • Shea butter for moisture
  • Avocado oil for extra nourishing effects
  • Leave-in conditioner for daily usage
  • Provides nutrients throughout the day

Other ingredients include shea butter and avocado oil. These fortify and moisturize naturally coarse hair.

Pros

  • Protects your hair against damage
  • Nourishes and moisturizes
  • Works perfect with tame unruly curls

The Cons

  • Has silicones

8. Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Shampoo & Conditioner Set

Product Overview

Take the guesswork out of shopping and buy this set.

It includes shampoo and conditioner, but the conditioner also functions as a co-wash and a leave-in product. Both have a subtle grape fragrance.

  • Free of sulfates and silicones
  • Includes subtle grape fragrance
  • Blend with keratin amino acids
  • Has rice proteins and enzymes

The conditioner is fortified with a blend of keratin amino acids, enzymes, and rice. This complex hydrates and protects curls.

Everything is free of sulfates and silicone so that the shine is all-natural.

Pros

  • Makes dry and weak hair healthy again
  • Leaves a nice scent
  • Provides natural shine all day long

The Cons

  • Smell filled with overwhelming perfume

9. Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Combination Pack Curl & Shine Shampoo, Conditioner

Product Overview

When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with Shea Moisture.

Their shampoo and conditioner are trusted by shoppers with wavy, curly, and kinky coils.

  • Perfect for color-treated hair
  • Works great with all types of hair
  • Contains coconut oil and hibiscus

In fact, this could become the default duo in your bathroom for everyone in the family. That’s because they are safe for color-treated, damaged, dry, or oily hair.

The creamy shampoo and conditioner moisturize and detangle as they define curls. Moreover, they avoid artificial ingredients.

Pros

  • Nourishes hair follicles
  • Deeply cleanses and hydrates
  • Moisturizes and detangles curly hair

The Cons

  • Doesn’t help with heat

10. Tigi Catwalk Curls Rock Curly Hair Set

Product Overview

As you can see, there are plenty of options for washing curly hair.

This set from Tigi includes shampoo and conditioner with an orange berry scent.

  • Perfect for normal to dry hair
  • Orange berry scent
  • Perfect for dry and damaged hair
  • Also works with your scalp skin

It’s best for normal to dry hair. The most common complaint we heard was that you might need a leave-in conditioner if your hair is anything other than wavy.

Pros

  • Leaves your hair silky smooth and soft
  • Penetrates deeply into your skin and hair
  • Provides a nice scent 

The Cons

  • Strong perfume

11. Carol’s Daughter Cactus Rose Water Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner

Product Overview

Clear away build-up from styling products with a clarifying shampoo for curly hair.

The Cactus Rose Water set revives fine, limp hair by removing excess oil and gunk. Happily, it works without drying out curls.

  • Contains biotin to add volume
  • Beneficial vitamins and minerals included
  • Doesn’t dry out your hair

It also provides a boost of biotin to add volume.

Pros

  • Repairs and prevents future damage
  • Reduces frizziness and dryness
  • Does a great deal moisturizing

The Cons

  • Not for oily curls

12. Sun Bum Curls & Waves Shampoo

Product Overview

Finally, someone has figured out how to make a shampoo for beach bums and those who love to swim.

It’s designed for women, men, and children who have wavy to kinky hair whether or not it’s color-treated.

  • Protects against UV
  • Only natural ingredients
  • Perfect for frizz and knots
  • Repairs and protects your hair from Sun damage

The formula not only repairs damage, but it also protects against ultraviolet radiation. The end result is hair that’s shiny and hydrated, not frizzy or dull.

The shampoo is vegan and free of sulfates and parabens.

Pros

  • Deeply moisturizing effect
  • Hydrates your scal and hair
  • Leads to a silky smooth hair

The Cons

  • Contains some chemicals

13. Sun Bum Curls & Waves Conditioner

Product Overview

Be sure to apply this conditioner after washing as it seals in moisture.

Like the shampoo, it’s safe for color-treated hair and free of parabens.

  • Kukui nut and coconut oil
  • Moisture and softness
  • Works great with damaged hair
  • Seaweed protein for extra strength

Unfortunately, it has silicones. But it also has Kukui nut, seaweed protein, Monoi, and coconut oil.

Pros

  • Moisturizes and reduces itchiness
  • Strengthens your hair with protein
  • Seals the moisture inside your hair

The Cons

  • Has silicones

14. SILK18 Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry, Damaged Hair

Product Overview

The Silk18 shampoo and conditioner rejuvenate dry hair whether or not it’s curly. They come with a money-back guarantee.

The shampoo strives for salon perfection as it hydrates while removing oil and dirt. It shouldn’t cause flyaway or frizz, especially if you apply the accompanying conditioner.

  • Packed with a deeply nourishing ingredients
  • Great for damaged hair
  • Enriched with silk amino acids
  • Argan oil for extra moisture

The conditioner is enriched with silk amino acids, argan oil, and other natural extracts. It does not contain silicone.

Pros

  • Deeply moisturizes and nourishes your scalp
  • Restores and rejuvenates your hair
  • Doesn’t use silicones or other chemicals

The Cons

  • The package might get broken

15. Not Your Mother’s Coconut Milk & African Marula Tree Oil High Moisture Shampoo

Product Overview

Did you know that keratin comes from animals? But Not Your Mother’s will only use Carroten derived from sheep’s wool after shearing. In other words, they refuse to harm animals to make this product.

If the entertaining name and the eco-friendly behavior isn’t enough to hook you, here’s more to appreciate.

  • Free of sulfates, parabens and other chemicals
  • Packed with nutrients
  • Perfect for light hair colors
  • Natural ingredients only

The formula has 98% naturally-derived ingredients. There’s no gluten or dye. Furthermore, there are no sulfates, phthalates, parabens, or silicones.

Pros

  • Doesn’t need water to work perfectly
  • Eliminates impurities and dirt
  • Detoxifies your scalp and hair

The Cons

  • Can get your hair oily

16. Not Your Mother’s Naturals Coconut Milk & African Marula Tree Oil High Moisture Conditioner

Product Overview

It smells good, but what’s more important is that it works well.

This conditioner prevents tangles even in tight curly hair.

  • Deeply cleanses and purifies your scalp
  • Free of chemical ingredients
  • Restores hair vitamins and nutrients
  • Smells great

It’s also mostly natural and free of problematic ingredients.

Pros

  • Cleanses and makes your hair smooth
  • Prevents tangles in tight curly hair
  • Rejuvenates damaged hair

The Cons

  • Has some chemicals

17. OGX Quenching Plus Coconut Curls Bundle Shampoo & Conditioner

Product Overview

Do you need the best shampoo for fine curly hair? Then try the OGX Coconut Curls. It reduces frizz even in humid weather.

A glance at the label reveals tasty moisturizers like citrus oil, coconut, and honey.

  • Free of sulfates and parabens
  • Contains citrus and coconut oil
  • Does have a great deal of honey
  • Perfect for high humidity

Plus, both the shampoo and conditioner are free of sulfates and parabens.

Pros

  • Works great with fine curly hair
  • Moisturizes and hydrates your curls
  • Reduces frizziness and dryness

The Cons

  • Has some chemicals

18. L’Oréal Paris Hair Care EverCurl Shampoo & Conditioner

Product Overview

L’Oreal makes the best drugstore shampoo and conditioner for curly hair.

The EverCurl set promises to give you 48 hours of curl definition.

  • Packed witu nutrients
  • Provides 48 hours of curl definition
  • Free of sulfates and saltes
  • Perfect for damaged, color-treated hair

They are free of harsh surfactants and salts that strip moisture and damage color-treated hair.

The vegan hair care products don’t have parabens, either.

Pros

  • Moisturizes scalp and hair
  • Relieves itchiness
  • Provides curl definition and overall hair health

The Cons

  • The package can be broken

19. TRESemmé Flawless Curls

Product Overview

You might also see this brand’s shampoo and conditioner in the drugstore or supermarket.

It’s labeled for curly hair.

But I was a little disappointed with its performance and its ingredients.

  • Works great with curly hair

The second ingredient in the shampoo is a sulfate, and things go downhill from there.

Yes, it’s better than some things you could use to wash your curly hair. But it doesn’t provide the shine or bounce that other products do.

Pros

  • Provides a deep cleanse
  • Doesn’t leave any impurities
  • Helps get other styling products out

The Cons

  • Has sulfates

20. L’Oreal Paris Hair Care Advanced Extraordinary Oil Curls Shampoo

Product Overview

What if one wash were enough to make a noticeable difference in your hair?

Then try L’Oreal’s Extraordinary Oil Curls Shampoo.

  • Natural formula with lots of botanics
  • Contains coconut and sunflower oils
  • One wash for a noticeable difference

It has a natural complex that includes amla, coconut, flax, soy, rose, and sunflower oils.

Pros

  • Leaves a nice smel
  • Includes lots of different oils
  • Moisturizes and extra nourishes your scalp

The Cons

  • Can dry your hair out

21. Pantene Pro V Curl Perfection Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner

Product Overview

Pantene’s products are popular as they make hair shiny and smooth.

But they have both sulfates and silicones.

  • Create cleansing properties
  • Does a great deal moisturizing
  • Cleanse the pores and blackheads

Over time, you could end up with dry, dull strands.

Pros

  • Doesn’t leave dead skin cells
  • Helps with flakes
  • Works great with curly hair

The Cons

  • Has both sulfates and silicones

22. Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Shampoo, Conditioner, and Natural Styling Curl Treat Butter

Product Overview

Garnier’s Curl Nourish set is targeted at dry, curly, and kinky hair. It calms frizz for up to 24 hours without making the hair greasy or limp.

Each product is made from 98% naturally-derived ingredients. They explain that each component retains half or more of its original structure even if it’s undergone processing.

  • Natural ingredients only
  • Free of silicones, mineral oil and parabens
  • Calming properties

Also, the shampoo is free of sulfates. All three products are free of silicone, mineral oil, and parabens.

Pros

  • It calms frizziness and itchiness
  • Works great with dry, damaged hair
  • Does a great deal protecting your curls

The Cons

  • Has some chemicals

23. Aussie Miracle Curls Shampoo and Conditioner Set

Product Overview

I know that there are Aussie fans out there. There’s something about the fragrance that’s addictive.

And the way their products smooth hair is attractive.

  • Coconut and jojoba oil
  • Amazing fragrance
  • Smooth, attractive hair

But be aware that alongside coconut and jojoba oils, you’ll be washing with sulfates.

Pros

  • Makes your hair smooth and nice
  • Balances between chemical cleanse and natural moisture
  • Doesn’t dry out your hair

The Cons

  • Contains sulfates

24. Fairy Tales Curly-Q Daily Kid Hydrating Shampoo

Product Overview

Take good care of your kid’s curls with this shampoo. It’s perfect for fine hair.

Wash with this, and you’ll eliminate tangles and frizz. Quinoa, rice amino acids, and murumuru butter smooth and define those cute little ringlets.

  • Quinoa and rice amino acids
  • Murumuru butter
  • Works great with fine hair
  • Free of sulfates and hypoallergenic

Additionally, it’s free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and even soy, nuts, and dairy.

Pros

  • Can be used for kids
  • Eliminates tangles and frizz
  • Adds strength and smoothness

The Cons

  • It’s not tear free

25. SoCozy Curl Shampoo Sweet-Crème, No Frizz or Fuss, Curls Done Right

Product Overview

Here’s another kid’s shampoo that you might be tempted to use yourself. It has a delicious orangesicle fragrance.

Like other premium products for children, it’s free of nasty chemicals and allergens. It doesn’t have sulfates, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, artificial dyes, gluten, wheat, nuts, or propylene glycol.

  • Delicious fragrance
  • Free of chemicals
  • Watermelon and plum seed oil
  • Hydrolyzed keratin

Instead, it features also natural ingredients like watermelon and plum seed oil. These, in combination with hydrolyzed keratin, prevent frizz, strengthen each strand, and add natural shine. They also soothe itchy scalps.

The formula was created by a national children’s hair care expert.

Pros

  • Prevents frizz
  • Helps with itchy scalps
  • Adds natural shine and works great with kids

The Cons

  • It’s not tear free

Conclusion

Take your ordinary curly hair and make it extraordinarily well-defined and gorgeous.

Start with the right shampoos and conditioners.

The way you wash doesn’t just remove dirt – it sets the stage for the performance. It strengthens your hair and prevents frizz and tangles.

If you discovered hair care products today that you love using, tell us about them in the comments below.

Best Choice

Amazon best-selling product B000TK99NU

Our rating

DevaCurl One Condition Original

Based on botanicals and olive oil
Free of sulfates, parabens and phthalate
Has a nice, lemongrass scent

aida turner

Aida

Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist

I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!

Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curly_Girl_Method accessed December 2, 2019

2. https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Curly-Hair by Ashley Adams, published September 6, 2019, accessed December 2, 2019