The 27 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for African-American Relaxed Hair
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Your hair looks sleek and gorgeous. Now, how do you keep it looking that way?
The first step is to use the best shampoo and conditioner for African-American relaxed hair.
I hope that your stylist gave you some suggestions. But you can also consult the reviews below for ideas.
In general, you need mild shampoo and nourishing conditioner for chemically-processed hair.
If you strengthen it with plenty of protein, you’ll prevent breakage.
Now, let’s look at other ways to maintain relaxed hair.
DevaCurl How to Quit Shampoo, Cleanse & Condition Kit
- Sulfate-free
- Doesn’t contain silicone or parabens
- Use the included towel for better hair cuticle
Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Co-Wash Conditioner Set
- Delicious black vanilla scent
- Wheat protein and vitamin B5
- Leaves your hair smooth and soft
Ojon Rare Blend Moisture-Rich Cleansing Conditioner
- Plenty of unsaturated fatty acids
- Ojon oil for extra moisture and strength
- Keeps your hair soft and glossy
How to care for relaxed black hair
The first rule of caring for relaxed hair is to stay on a schedule.
If you use the proper hair care products, you’ll be able to wait at least eight weeks and up to 16 weeks between treatments (1).
These products include a sulfate-free shampoo and a conditioner that prevents tangles.
Then, a leave-in conditioner will reduce frizz, and a hair mask will repair dehydrated strands.
Don’t heat-style every day if you can help it. If you must blow-dry, use low to medium heat.
Also, some conditioners provide heat protection – look for that on the label.
At night, wrap your hair. During the day, protect it from the sun. And if you go swimming, wear a swim cap.
Top Shampoos and Conditioners for African-American Relaxed Hair
But let me back up to the beginning. Let’s start with the gentlest way to wash your hair.
1. DevaCurl How to Quit Shampoo, Cleanse & Condition Kit
Product Overview
DevaCurl isn’t just for Curly Girls. Their products are also suitable for relaxed African-American hair.
Here’s a set with “shampoo,” conditioner, and a microfiber towel.
For example, the No-Poo Original is a conditioning cleanser. It’s sulfate-free and very moisturizing.
- Sulfate-free
- It doesn’t make any lather
- Olive oil and lemongrass extracts
- Very moisturizing and healthy
No, it doesn’t make any lather. But that’s fine if you want frizz-free hair.
Next, the cream conditioner pampers each strand with olive oil and lemongrass to keep it shiny and smooth.
Neither the shampoo and conditioner contain silicone or parabens.
Be sure to use the included towel to prevent roughing up the cuticle of your hair.
Pros
- Provides a deep cleanse and moisturizing effect
- Doesn’ use sulfates and parabens
- Keeps your hair healthy and shiny
The Cons
- Can get your scalp itchy
2. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Co-Wash Conditioner Set
Product Overview
Next, here’s one of the best detangling shampoos and conditioners for relaxed hair.
Again, this is a sulfate-free co-wash product, not a regular shampoo. It doesn’t foam up, but it will leave your hair clean, soft, and smooth.
- Amazing black vanilla scent
- Includes wheat protein
- Provides vitamins and minerals for hari growth
- It doesn’t foam
The delicious black vanilla scent will make you want to stay in the shower longer.
The set includes a leave-in conditioner, too. It’s fortified with wheat protein and vitamin B5 to prevent tangles and breakage.
Pros
- Leaves your hair shiny and soft
- Provides a deep cleanse of your scalp
- Reduces hair damage
The Cons
- Has some chemicals
3. Ojon Rare Blend Moisture-Rich Cleansing Conditioner
Product Overview
Ojon oil comes from palm trees that grow in the Amazon rainforest and the Caribbean islands. It’s packed with unsaturated fatty acids that repair damaged hair.
Therefore, it’s the perfect ingredient for this co-wash shampoo.
- Ojon oil for minerals and vitamins
- Includes unsaturated fatty acids
- Works great with heat-damaged hair
It will keep straightened hair glossy and sleek even if you wash more often than once a week.
Pros
- Softens and conditions your hair
- Repairs damaged hair
- Does well with split ends
The Cons
- Can make your hair hard
4. Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner
Product Overview
Palmer’s olive oil co-wash doesn’t just moisturize dry hair. It also helps the scalp recover from chemical treatments.
It’s nourishing enough that you don’t need to use a conditioner afterward. Think of what a timesaver that will be.
Moreover, the formula doesn’t have harsh chemicals like sulfates, phthalates, parabens, or artificial colors.
- Contains high levels of vitamins
- With moisturizing natural oils
- Does well with dry hair
- Ideal for hair loss
On the contrary, it’s infused with keratin protein to prevent split ends, and Jamaican black castor oil to promote hair growth.
It’s also nice that the manufacturer sources sustainably-produced ingredients.
Pros
- Leaves no frizziness
- Does great with inflammation
- Perfect for daily usage
The Cons
- Doesn’t smell so good
5. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner
Product Overview
Shea Moisture has roots in Africa. They’ve developed several excellent shampoos and conditioners for textured hair.
This particular set is kind to color-treated and damaged hair.
- Manuka honey for shyness
- Mafura oil
- Beneficial vitamins and minerals
It features a clarifying shampoo that gets rid of residue from styling products. Then it has a creamy conditioner that strengthens and defends fragile strands.
Pros
- Makes your hair soft and shiny
- Works great with color-treated hair
- Gets rid of residue from styling products
The Cons
- Can dry out your hair
6. Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Set
Product Overview
Have you ever tried putting straight castor oil on your hair? It’s a revered remedy for hair growth.
The problem is that it makes the hair greasy.
The alternative is to wash with this shampoo and conditioner based on Jamaican black castor oil. They are rich in the omega oil you need to repair split ends. Moreover, they prevent frizz and tangles.
- Natural pH levels
- Rich in omega oils
- Jamaican blcak castor oil for extra nutrients
- Interesting peppermint scent
Finally, they protect the natural pH of your scalp to prevent dryness.
But what about the smell?
No worries, these products have a perky peppermint scent that will make your skin tingle.
Pros
- Prevents frizziness and tangles
- Works great with dry, damaged hair
- Competely repairs split ends
The Cons
- You might not like the smell
7. Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein-Strong Treatment
Product Overview
I couldn’t resist including one more product from Shea Moisture. This is a hair mask, also known as a deep conditioner.
Tests show that it fixes over-processed hair fiber and reduces breakage up to 76%.
- Completely plant-based formula
- Shea butter and manuka honey
- Less hair breakage
- Rich in proteins from yogurt
Even after only one use, the hair feels more supple.
It’s based on certified organic Shea butter, Manuka honey, and protein-rich yogurt.
Pros
- Doesn’t let your hair break so easily
- Prevents split ends
- Rejuvenates and strengthens hair follicles
The Cons
- Might get spilled
8. Nairobi Normalizing Shampoo
Product Overview
Nairobi has been designing professional-quality products for hair salons for more than 20 years.
There’s a good chance that your stylist used Nairobi brand relaxer on your hair.
- Keeps a natural pH balance
- Relaxing oils usage
- Beneficial nutrients and minerals
If so, I’d recommend this normalizing shampoo, which restores the natural pH balance of your scalp and hair.
If you’re brave enough to relax your hair at home, you absolutely need this product to neutralize the treatment chemicals and get rid of residue.
Pros
- Nourishes and mosturizes your hair
- Helps getting out toxic chemicals
- Get’s rid of toxic residue and relaxes the scalp
The Cons
- A bit pricy
9. Nairobi Humecta-Sil Moisture Replenishing Conditioner
Product Overview
Finish washing by applying Nairobi’s conditioner, which smooths the cuticle of the hair.
It will prevent tangles even if you haven’t straightened your hair.
- Contains high levels of vitamins
- Polyquaternium-II
- Contains aloe vera for extra moisture
- Does well agains heat
It contains aloe vera, vitamins, and polyquaternium-II. This last ingredient defends against damage from heat-styling.
Pros
- Repairs damaged hairs
- Protects from heat-styling
- Cleanses your skin and hair
The Cons
- Doesn’t work with oily hair
10. Carol’s Daughter, Coco Creme Set
Product Overview
Carol’s Daughter makes a variety of vegan hair care products for women and men who have coily, curly, and wavy hair.
Fortunately, the same products are also suitable for straight relaxed hair. That’s because they are extra–moisturizing and sulfate-free.
- Works great with curly and wavy hair
- Mango and murumuru butter
- Extra-moisturizing formula
- Sulfate and paraben free
For example, the Cocoa Creme shampoo soothes a dry scalp. Then, the creamy hair mask repairs damage with murumuru and mango butter.
Pros
- Makes your hair silky smooth
- Works perfectly with wavy and curly hair
- Reparis damaged hairs and moisturizes your scalp
The Cons
- Doesn’t smell so good
11. Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Hair Care Set for Extremely Damaged/Over-Processed Hair
Product Overview
The Almond Milk shampoo and conditioner is ideal for relaxed or curly hair, too.
Both are free of sulfates, petrolatum, and mineral oil. They don’t weigh down the hair at all.
- Free of sulfates and mineral oil
- Almond milk for extra smoothness
- Plenty vitamins and minerals
- Nourishes and rejuvenates hair follicles
If you’ve overdone it with too many treatments, too much dyeing, or too much styling, they will help restore shine and softness.
Pros
- Makes your hair soft and smooth
- Repairs hair from over-dyeing
- Helps restore hair’s natural beauty
The Cons
- Hard to lather shampoo
12. Design Essentials Natural Super Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Product Overview
Design Essentials has been creating ethnic hair care products for three decades. It seems like they have shampoo and conditioner for every situation.
What’s more, they offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not impressed with the results.
- Avocado and almond oils
- Wheat protein for extra strength
- Free of mineral oil
- Deeply moisturizing effect
If you wash your hair more frequently, get the Almond and Avocado set. Both the shampoo and conditioner have wheat protein and natural oils to strengthen your hair.
Also, both formulas are free of sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, paraffin, and petrolatum.
Pros
- Nourishing effect from Almond and avocado oils
- Strengthens your hair
- Nourishes and provides nutrients
The Cons
- Has chemicals
13. Design Essentials Natural Instant Detangling Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
Also part of the Almond and Avocado series, this leave-in conditioner is fantastic for relaxed hair.
It overcomes the challenge of high humidity and neutralizes the damage caused by hard water.
- Works well with damaged hair
- Overcomes hard water
- Perfect for curly hair and dreadlocks
- Loaded with vitamins and minerals
Besides people with relaxed hair, it’s appreciated by curly girls and those with dreadlocks.
Pros
- Overcomes high humidity damage
- Protects your hair from external damage
- Cleanses all the impurities left
The Cons
- No perfume
14. Design Essentials Deep Moisture Milk Souffle
Product Overview
The Coconut & Monoi collection is made for curls and relaxed hair, too. The Milk Soufflé is a deep conditioner and styling aid that’s part of the set.
- Milk protein
- Shea butter extract
- Coconut and monoi scent
- Ideal for curly and wavy hairs
It feeds your hair with milk protein and shea butter to keep it moisturized and healthy. Then each strand’s luminous and frizz-free without feeling heavy or greasy.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizing effects
- Nourishing effect from shea butter
- Strengthening effect from milk protein
The Cons
- Not the greatest product for frizzy hair
15. MIZANI True Textures Cream Cleansing Conditioner
Product Overview
Mizani’s co-wash formula is biodegradable. It’s as kind to the environment as it is to your skin and hair as it lacks harsh sulfates, parabens, and silicone.
The antioxidant-rich formula gets rave reviews from users with curly and straightened hair.
- No sulfates or parabens
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Coconut, olive and manura oils
- Rich in vitamins and nutrients
It repairs with a blend of coconut, olive, and marula oil that seals in moisture. Once dry, your hair will be sleek and luminous.
Pros
- Keeps your hair nice and luminous
- Seals the moisture
- Hydrates your scalp
The Cons
- It doesn’t work with oily hair
16. MIZANI Thermasmooth Anti-Frizz Shampoo
Product Overview
Sometimes you need shampoo to clear away build-up from your scalp. Co-wash doesn’t cut it.
In that case, try Mizani’s Thermasmooth with thermal protection.
- Thermal protection
- Includes coconut oil and ceramides
- Works perfectly with heat-treated hair
Not only does it protect brittle hair, but it also thwarts tangling and repels humidity with cationic polymers. Some of the other key ingredients include coconut oil and ceramides.
After you wash with it, it prevents damage from blow-drying and flat irons.
Pros
- Repairs the damage from flat irons
- Will keep your hair nourished and healthy
- Locks the moisture in
The Cons
- Needs to be used with a conditioner
17. MIZANI Thermasmooth Anti-Frizz Conditioner
Product Overview
Never neglect the conditioner after washing with shampoo. No matter how hydrating shampoo claims to be, you need to moisturize.
- Thermal protection
- Locks the moisture in
- Works perfectly with heat-treated hair
- Nourishes the hair with beneficial nutrients
This conditioner locks in the protection promised by the shampoo above.
Pros
- Repairs the damage from flat irons
- Keeps your hair healthy and good-looking
- Moisturizes your scalp as well
The Cons
- You might not like the floral scent
18. MIZANI Thermasmooth Sleek Guard Smoothing Hair Cream
Product Overview
Here’s the leave-in conditioner you need when you blow-dry your hair. It’s also handy for heat-styling with an iron.
- Leave in conditioner
- Best to apply before heat-treating
- Includes coconut oil and ceramides
- Deals great with frizz
It makes the surface of each strand silky smooth and puts a stop to split ends. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about frizz while you’re using it.
Pros
- Repairs split ends
- You’ll never have to worry about frizz
- Makes your hair silky smooth
The Cons
- Works harder for thick hair
19. Cantu Shea Butter Hydrating Leave-in Conditioning Mist
Product Overview
Cantu’s leave-in conditioner is a product you can use every day on relaxed, permed, color-treated, and texturized hair. It works best on medium to thick textures.
- Perfect for color-treated hair
- Works great with thicker hair
- Is a leave-in conditioner with lots of nutrients
- Shea butter usage
Use it to boost shine and calm frizz.
Pros
- Provides shyness and smoothness all day
- Repairs damaged follicles
- Calms itchiness and frizziness
The Cons
- Dry hair needs a lot of this product
20. OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo
Product Overview
Do you know what tiare is? It’s a gardenia that grows in Tahiti.
You may have heard of Monoi oil, which is a blend of coconut and tiare. It’s a remedy used by islanders to repair sun and saltwater-damaged hair.
- Monoi oil blend with coconut and tiare oil
- Interesting vanilla scent
- Sulfate-free
- Perfect for naturally curly or relaxed hair
Well, now you can get the best of the islands blended with vanilla bean extract, too. The shampoo doesn’t just smell fantastic. It also makes hair silky and touchable as you’ve never seen it before.
It’s sulfate-free and perfect for relaxed or naturally curly hair.
Pros
- Repairs chemical or heat damage
- Smells amazingly good
- Leaves your hair silky and smooth
The Cons
- Contains silicone
21. OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Conditioner
Product Overview
Use coconut milk and coconut oil to hydrate your hair. Yes, you’re going to feel like you went somewhere tropical on vacation.
- Coconut oil and milk
- Feels like a tropical shower
- Smells amazing
In case you’re trying to avoid silicone, though, you’re going to have to look elsewhere.
Pros
- Moisturizes and hydrates your hair
- Does a great deal protecting the scalp
- Makes your hair look healthy
The Cons
- Contains silicone
22. CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
Product Overview
Those of you stuck in the house, unable to get your hair straightened at the salon, will appreciate the spray.
It’s precisely what you need when you use a flat iron or hairdryer.
- Thermal protection
- A must have before heat-styling
- Amazing plant-based formula
- Easy to apply spray
Not only does it stop tangles, but it also keeps heat from sucking the moisture from your strands.
The formula also lets the brush or comb glide through your hair so that you don’t break or yank anything.
Pros
- Protects hair follicles from heat
- Keeps the heat from sucking the moisture
- Let’s your easily brush the hair
The Cons
- It’s sticky
23. ApHogee Shampoo for Damaged Hair + ProVitamin Leave-In Conditioner
Product Overview
What to do if you’ve exposed your hair to chlorine or hard water? Use this shampoo and conditioner to fix the problem.
It repairs the destruction caused by chemicals, minerals, heat, and harsh products. Plus, they won’t fade color treatments.
- Pro-Phytamine complex
- Keratin reconstructor
- Works great with color-treated hair
- The best at fighting hard water
Both the shampoo and conditioner have the Pro-Phytamine Complex and Keratin Reconstructor to improve your hair’s health instantly.
Pros
- Repairs your hair from chemical or heat damage
- Works on reconstructing your hair’s health
- Doesn’t fade chemical colors
The Cons
- Can cause dried out scalp
24. Nexxus Keraphix Shampoo, for Damaged Hair
Product Overview
Keratin strengthens relaxed hair. That’s why this Nexxus shampoo is a smart choice. It’s a salon-quality product.
It also has black rice, a traditional Asian hair growth treatment.
- Salon-quality products
- Black rice usage
- Keratin for strength
Remember to grab the company conditioner when you put this shampoo in your cart.
Pros
- Traditional hair growth treatment
- Cleanses all the impurities
- Get’s rid of remaining styling products
The Cons
- Needs a conditioner
25. Pantene Pro-V Gold Series Deep Hydrating, Co-Wash
Product Overview
Pantene’s co-wash is convenient if you’re on a budget.
It’s low-lather and free of sulfates, dyes, and parabens.
- Free of sulfates, dyes or parabens
- Not a leave-in product
- Low-lather products
- Perfect for a low budget
Although it’s not a leave-in product, you can use it to comb out your hair in the shower before you rinse.
Pros
- Repairs the damaged hairs
- Keeps your hair nourished and healthy
- Makes your hair silky smooth
The Cons
- Can left flakes
26. Therapeutic Dandra-Solv Moisturizing Shampoo by Nairobi
Product Overview
Unfortunately, dandruff is common when your scalp is dried out from chemical treatments.
Try Nairobi’s Dandra-Solv shampoo with salicylic acid. The acid gently exfoliates dead skin and opens pores. It clears up a crusty scalp.
- Works great with chemically treated scalps
- Uses salycilic acids
- Soothing menthol and rosemary
- Jojoba oil for extra moisture
At the same time, soothing menthol and potent rosemary alleviate itching. Then, jojoba moisturizes while nettle balances oil production.
Pros
- Gently cleanses and removes dandruff
- Opens pores and moisturizes them
- Balances oil production
The Cons
- Bottle to hard to squeeze
27. Design Essentials Peppermint & Aloe Therapeutics Shampoo
Product Overview
Design Essentials also makes dandruff shampoo for relaxed hair. After only one wash, you’ll have less flaking and itching.
Part of the magic is due to pyrithione zinc, a scientific solution for the fungus that causes dandruff.
- Perfect for flaking and itching scalps
- Pyruthione zinc for the fungus
- Aloe and peppermint for itching
But there are also aloe and peppermint to stop the itching.
Pros
- Actively fights dandruff
- Removes the fungus that causes flaking scalp
- Moisturizes and protects hair and skin
The Cons
- Doesn’t have a pleasant scent
Conclusion
Take good care of your relaxed hair with the right shampoo and conditioner.
Healthy, well-hydrated hair will stay sleek and straight for longer.
If you discovered your new favorite hair care products today, tell us about them in the comments below.
DevaCurl How to Quit Shampoo, Cleanse & Condition Kit
Sulfate-free
Doesn’t contain silicone or parabens
Use the included towel for better hair cuticle
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://www.standardmedia.co.ke/evewoman/article/2000178534/healthy-ways-to-maintain-relaxed-hair by Renee Wesonga, published December 14, 2015, accessed April 25, 2020