Perm has always been a fashionable hairstyle, and having the best shampoo and conditioner for permed hair can help keep your wavy hair in perfect shape.
As you might know, getting the right perm is not easy. Retaining it, however, is all the more difficult.
Many argue that it is purely dependent on your hair type, but no one can deny the positive effects of quality shampoo and conditioner.
Nevertheless, there are so many products on the market, making it incredibly time-consuming to find the suitable one for your personal needs.
Worry not, for we have put together a list of the best drugstore products for permed hair to nourish your permed hair.
I’ll also recommend sulfate-free products to wash curly hair, plus conditioners to tame frizz and tangles.
How To Choose Good Shampoos And Conditioners For Perm Hair?
- Sulfate-free: Although you can use traditional shampoos to wash your permed hair, the high chemical content can be the main cause of your dry and frizzy hair. The only way to go for better hair maintenance is through sulfate-free hair products.
- Moisture: The best conditioner for permed hair has to specialize in supplying moisture. It is irreplaceable if you want permanent waves that look healthy.
- Types of perms: Keep in mind that there are different variants of conditioners for a specific curly hair type. Some common picks are sprayers for soft curls, gels for large curls, and dense creams for curly hair.
- Side effects: You should make sure whether the product has any side effects when used on colored hair. Should you have color-treated hair, this aspect should be your top concern.
Top 20 Shampoos and Conditioners for Permed Hair
Now, let’s start with the best shampoos and conditioners for permed hair and work our way down to salon selections. Each product has gotten our seal of approval, so browse with confidence!
L’Oréal Paris Hair Care EverCurl Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner Kit
Best Sulfate-Free
This product is the ideal sulfate-free shampoo & conditioner for curly hair, whether or not it’s permed.
Containing no sulfate chemicals, the L’oreal Paris Haircare EverCurl provides users with a creamy, rich texture without causing scalp allergy or faded hair color after use.
Users can exfoliate the scalp and clean the hair, yet not damage it.
The kit features a special formula with vegan ingredients and keratin (lack irritants like gluten, dyes, and parabens) for your specific hair needs, such as anti-frizz hydration, repairing damaged hair.
The coconut oil in this product will also deliver deep and long-lasting moisture for your curly hair while ensuring your fresh curls do not weigh down for 48 hours.
With this shampoo and conditioner, you will have shiny, bouncy, and lightweight, perfect permed hair.
However, the products can have an unpleasant smell while in use. Therefore, I would highly recommend applying some hair tonic to have a better scent after showering if needed.
Pros
- Maintain hair color
- Lack of chemical irritants
- Deep moisturizing
Con
- Unappealing scent
Garnier Hair Care Fructis Curl Nourish Set
Best For Frizz Control
People struggling to keep frizz at bay may want to grab this set of hair care products: Shampoo, Conditioner and Butter Cream Leave In Conditioner.
It offers an exclusive active fruit protein formula. It comes free of chemical processing and packs healthy ingredients.
The coconut oil-infused shampoo and conditioner strengthens the curly locks, while the included leave-in treatment provides extra moisture. All of which results in up to 24 hours of curls intact that are frizz-free and soft to the touch.
This kit specializes in supplying intense moisture, so users with oil build-up should look for other products on this list.
Happily, all three products are free of parabens and sulfates.
Pros
- Great treatment for frizzy hair
- Natural fruit extracts
- Exceptional moisturizer
Con
- Not suitable for oily hair
TRESemmé Flawless Curls Shampoo & Conditioner Set
Best For Deep Hydration
If you want your gorgeous curls to stay hydrated throughout the day, we highly recommend the TRESemmé Flawless Curls kit.
Both the shampoo and conditioner contain a high concentration of Vitamin B3 and olive oil. These compounds are superb curl enhancers.
Dampy humidity is hair’s biggest enemy, and TRESemmé can provide the essential nutrition to refine its resistance against the environment. The company also says that they are safe for color-treated hair.
Unfortunately, this nominee contains unnecessary artificial dyes. They can irritate your hair should you be allergic to them.
The shampoo also contains sulfates. But I think that’s not as big a black mark as you might think, as long as your hair isn’t damaged.
Let me tell you a secret.
If you’re ever in a bind without your favorite sulfate-free shampoo, you have options. Choose a shampoo that’s labeled as “safe for color-treated hair.”
Generally speaking, it should be mild enough for permed hair as well.
Pros
- Intense hydration
- Refine curls against the environment
Con
- Contain chemical compounds
Pantene Shampoo and Sulfate-Free Conditioner Kit
Best For Long-Lasting Scent
If you wish to have your hair still have a wonderful smell after a long day, then this one is the right option for you.
The Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner kit has a complex blend of scent from rose, lily, and mint, which brings up a pleasant smell for your hair after showering.
The shampoo texture also consists of Pro-V nutrients mixed with rose extract to ensure your curl. After using the shampoo, apply the conditioner to ensure your curls are soft and strong since it is silicon-free and anti-mineral oil.
This kit is also free of sulfates and parabens. Both shampoo and conditioner are safe for chemically-treated and color-treated hair.
These products do a wonderful job if you use them daily, but may cause a waxy build if you rarely wash your hair.
Pros
- Appealing Scent
- Containing Pro-V vitamin
- Silicon-free, Sulfate-free, Paraben-free
- Anti-mineral oil conditioner
Con
- Waxy residue
Renpure Beauty Coconut & Vitamin E Hydrate + Replenish Dry Shampoo
Best For Retaining Curls
Extend the longevity of your perm by using this Renpure shampoo. It is the only dry shampoo on our list, and it works like magic!
One tip we have found during our trips to salons is the less water reaches your curls, the longer they will stay in shape.
Furthermore, Renpure’s dry shampoo is more moisturizing than the average product. It’s fortified with vitamin E and coconut for extra shine.
What’s more, it’s free of dyes, parabens, phthalates, and propylene glycol. They even go the extra mile to source sustainable ingredients and produce products ethically.
Though washing your hair without water is something not everyone can get used to. It might not be as clean as regular shampoo.
Pros
- No water application for longer curl retention
- High in vitamin E
Con
- Hard to use efficiently
DevaCurl Low Poo Mild Lather Cleanser
Best For Natural Curls
Do you have naturally curly hair? If your answer is yes then the DevaCurl is a no-brainer.
This “low-poo” product utilizes a lightweight formula for mild cleanse compared to other hair products.
The unit is free of hair irritants, and gently absorbs to your scalp and hair cuticle without removing the natural oil.
As we have mentioned, it is relatively low in cleansing components, making it less effective on damaged hair.
You’ll be amazed at the results.
- The first thing you’ll notice is that there isn’t much lather, if any.
- The second thing you’ll notice is that your scalp and hair feel better. Your hair will be luminous and bouncy.
The mild formula is free of sulfates, parabens, and silicone. The base ingredient isn’t even water – it’s a botanical extract.
Pros
- Irritant-free formula
- No harm to natural hair oil
Con
- Weak cleansing power
Use this shampoo with: DevaCurl One Condition Decadence Conditioner
Design Essentials Natural Super Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo – Almond & Avocado Collection
Best For Detangling
We know that waking up with bad hair is inevitable, but with the Design Essentials, you no longer have to spend ages untangling your hair.
With daily use, you can reduce up to 30 minutes of the detangling process.
How does it work?
Through a combination of almond and avocado, the shampoo rejuvenates brittle hair, keeping curl strands from entwining with each other.
Quality comes with a price, and this is the most expensive product on our list, so you consider carefully before purchasing.
Pros
- Moisturize brittle hair
- Reduce detangling time
Con
- Quite costly
Use this shampoo with: Almond and Avocado Moisturizing and Detangling Conditioner
Pureology | Strength Cure Strengthening Shampoo
Best For Hair Structure
Here is one of our favorite picks of the best shampoo for permed hair to solve chemical damage, specifically for color-treated hair.
It is a fact that dyeing and heat styling can slowly damage your hair, reducing its natural moisture.
For that reason, Pureology designs their shampoo with plenty of antioxidant properties, promoting its healing capability for chemical dyes and excessive styling.
They performed a brush test after only one use of the shampoo, conditioner, and the Split End Salve. The result was a verifiable improvement in hair strength.
Due to its focus on strengthening your hair, this shampoo lacks hair smooth compounds, so ladies should find other alternatives for silky hair.
If you’re curious about the scent, it’s a blend of vanilla, peach, honey, and lavender.
Plus, it’s vegan and free of sulfates. The bottle is also eco-friendly as it’s 95% post-consumer recycled plastic.
Pros
- Vegan, sulfate-free.
- Repairing and strengthening hair
- Work on damaged and colored hair
Con
- Does not contain hair smooth ingredients
Use this shampoo with: Pureology Strength Cure Strengthening Conditioner
HASK COCONUT MILK + HONEY Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner, Curl Care
Best For Technology
The HASK shampoo and conditioner is made for all curly hair types and textures.
Anyone wanting a featureful product can agree with us on this pick. It is the flawless combination of natural ingredients that actively nourish and moisturize your curls.
It’s free of gluten, sulfates, and parabens. Moreover, it’s safe for color-treated hair too.
If you want defined curls and no frizz, try these products. They have an interesting technology called Memory Curl Complex, making sure your curls will stay perfect after showering.
The natural oils, coconut milk, and organic honey minimize split ends and add bounce. It’s almost like you used a styling product.
However, the effect does not last long. Therefore, we would recommend you to use it daily.
Pros
- Highly active ingredients
- Memory Curl Complex technology
Con
- Requires daily use
Nexxus Therappe Humectress Combo Pack Shampoo and Conditioner
Best For Dry Hair
This set of hair care products is the ultimate perm solution for dry scalp and coarse hair. Both formulas are silicone-free to avoid weighing down the hair or adding residue.
With a one-of-a-kind ProteinFusion formula of premium elastin and caviar, the unit ensures each strand of curly hair is repaired from the inside.
Additionally, the formula is designed to lock in enough moisture to revitalize your scalp while keeping hair fibers as smooth as silk.
We found that the pump is relatively hard to operate during our usage, requiring extra force on your part.
Pros
- High in hair protein
- Lock in moisture
Con
- Hard pump head
Goddess Strength by Carol’s Daughter Fortifying Shampoo
Best For Fortifying Hair
This shampoo is the go-to perm treatment for those whose hair is severely damaged or weak. It’s also good for preparing your hair for color treatments or chemical processing.
Presented by Carol’s Daughter, the Goddess strength shampoo brings up with the Regimen system containing Castor oil and Black Oil seed to detangle hair easily, reducing the chance of breakage or split hair.
After only one use, your hair will be fifteen times stronger than it was before.
We would highly recommend you to wash your hair with this product a couple of weeks before the date if you’re planning to have curly hair at the salon. Doing so will fortify your hair from the top to the tip and enrich a deep color after dying.
However, the shampoo has a strong scent that may cause you an unpleasant feeling while showering.
Pros
- Regimen System
- Preventing breakage or split hair
- Enriching the dyed color
- No sulfates, artificial colors, or parabens
Con
- Strong scent
Use this shampoo with: Goddess Strength by Carol’s Daughter Fortifying Conditioner
Mixed Chicks Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Best For Oily Scalp & Colored Treated Hair
The Mixed Chicks Sulfate-free shampoo is a perfect option for those who wish to prolong nice curly or wavy hair.
Mixed Chicks understands what it’s like to have textured hair. They designed this mild shampoo to take care of coils, kinks, and waves.
While panthenol adds body, sesame seed oil promotes growth. Aloe treats an itchy scalp while olive oil moisturizes.
This soft and gentle shampoo can present you fresh, clean hair after revitalizing from the top to the tip of each strand.
The mild cleansing blend can keep the natural oil from the scalp and clean all of the greases at the same time.
Your scalp and hair will also have a range of great treatments thanks to the Botanical extracts that facilitate hair growth.
It also won’t harm your color treatment or your perm.
On the flip side, it is advisable to buy a Mixed Chicks conditioner followed by the shampoo as you may quickly get slightly coarse hair by using the shampoo only.
Pros
- Revitalizing the scalp
- Maintaining natural oil
- Great Hair Growing Condition
Con
- Hair might get dry quickly
Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo
Best For Tight Curls
Tight curls are highly sought after in the perming process, and knowing what they need the most will significantly lengthen their longevity.
One thing for sure is they require intense moisture to look healthy. Ouidad will help you moisturize tight curls to keep them in tip-top condition.
It has corn oil, wheat protein, vitamins, and chamomile. This specific mixture works perfectly to stop frizz and hydrate the hair.
With regular use, it will help your hair become stronger, softer, and healthier.
The product is not sulfate-free, unfortunately, making it less desirable to people who have extra care about the ingredient.
Pros
- Rich moisturizer
- Effectively combat frizz
Con
- Contains sulfate
Use this shampoo with: Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner
OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo & Conditioner
Best For Hair Protection
These are the perfect duo that can safeguard your damaged hair against hard weather conditions.
This OGX kit comes up with a unique combination of the Argan oil from Morocco and various excipients, thus supplying your hair with an abundance of vitamins and nutrients.
These items can work together effectively to strengthen every strand. Daily use can help keep your curls shiny, bouncy and soft under the protection against intense sunlight or cozy weather.
On top of that, their smell is irresistible and long-lasting as well.
If you have a sensitive scalp, we would honestly suggest using on the strands only since it may cause you itchy after showering.
Pros
- Good protection from hard condition
- Keeps a bouncy, shiny hair
- Long-lasting, appealing scent
Con
- Causes itchy feelings
SoCozy Curl Spray LeaveIn Conditioner
Best For Kids
There are not many hair products for kids since they are extra sensitive to the environment. If you want the best product for your children’s curly perm, then SoCozy Curl Spray is the way to go.
This unit is free of toxic compounds and possibly irritant artificial colors. In detail, the ingredients have been tested to be absolutely safe for the delicate scalp of children.
The colorful spray bottle look is incredibly attractive to kids as well, encouraging them to wash their hair frequently.
One minor drawback of the conditioner is it contains beeswax. While it is efficient in moisturizing, the component can leave stubborn residue on your kids’ hair if not washed thoroughly.
Check out: 3 Methods To Get Beeswax Out Of Your Hair
Pros
- Kid-friendly ingredients
- Eye-catching design
Con
- Might leave a sticky residue
Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
Best For Scent
Want your hair to smell amazing all day? Wait no more and grab this Moroccanoil shampoo!
After some frequent shampooing, the signature scent will begin to spread evenly between each hair strand, leaving a mesmerizing and addictive aroma.
Such an iconic whiff is achievable through a harmonious blend of fragrance ingredients such as distinct amber and sweet flowers.
The strong scent is not for everyone, though.It can be too much for those who are sensitive to smell.
Pros
- Unique ingredients
- Long-lasting aroma
Con
- The mell is fairly overwhelming for sensitive noses
Sheamoisture Strengthen And Restore Shampoo
Best For Hair Restoration
It is never too late to put on the Shea Moisture shampoo to rejuvenate your hair structure, particularly curls that go through treatments on a daily basis.
This product has Jamaican castor oil and shea butter as the main elements, ensuring speedy recovery of every lock of hair from the root.
The only quibble we found is the oil can leave stains that are very difficult to scrub off. So wash with care!
Pros
- Efficient hair recovery
- Compatible with all hair types
Con
- May leave stubborn stains
OGX Thick & Full Shampoo
Best For Thickening Hair
If having hair loss or frizzy strands is your worst nightmare, then the OGX Thick & Full shampoo is your lifesaver.
Containing Biotin, aka Pro-Vitamin B7, and collagen, the shampoo will repair the damage and nourish every strand to stimulate thicker hair growth.
The extremely lightweight texture can supply you with a deep clean for your scalp.
However, these products will bring up a slow yet effective result; therefore, be patient while using.
Pros
- Thickens hair
- Nourishes hair
- Good scalp cleaning
Con
- Slow result
Related:
Maui Moisture Curl Quench
Best For Lather
“Lather, rinse, then repeat.” This instruction is on any bottle of shampoo, and the Maui Curl Quench is not an exception.
In fact, it offers the best experience for this first step.
You can see that this pick is the only curl cream on our list, and it justifies its place by offering an exceptional blend of coconut oil, 100% natural aloe vera, and an extra touch of papaya butter.
The above components make for an absorbing mixture that defrizzes meticulously without adding too much weight to your scalp.
Better still, the price is surprisingly low, making it one of the few affordable shampoos packed with quality.
The Curl Quench is almost a flawless pick if it is not only recommended for thicker curls. Should beachy waves all you ask for, try something else.
Pros
- Creamy lather
- Strong hold
- Reasonable price
Con
- For thick hair only
Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine
Best For Shine
You can find so many products for healthy hair growth out there, but those that make your fresh perm fabulous? There are no brands we approve of more than this Carol’s Daughter.
One of the highlighted features is its outstanding fragrance. With a rich vanilla scent comparable to cologne, one wash is all you need for an enduring refreshing aroma.
Additionally, the manufacturer says no to cheap, low-quality chemicals for polishing your curl strands, giving them a premium gloss of high-end hair care items.
We found that the bottle is too large to hold by one hand, creating an uncomfortable feel while using.
Pros
- Long-lasting excellent scent
- High-grade components
Con
- Bulky packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
We also answer some questions you may have while browsing through the products.
Can You Use Regular Shampoo And Conditioner On Permed Hair?
Like we have said from the beginning, it is a definite yes.
We do not recommend it, though, due to how permed hair requires more care.
Specialized products have noticeable effects on how long your perm will last, how shiny it looks, and most importantly, how healthy it is.
How To Wash And Condition Permed Hair?
It is not that complicated, as long as you follow these steps correctly:
- Unlike popular belief, after you have permed your fresh curls, wait for at least 24 hours so your curls can refine the shape.
- Apply just enough shampoo, depending on the thickness of your hair, then foam it up.
- Rinse entirely with warm water, and check carefully for leftover residue.
- Apply a small amount of conditioner (around the size of a coin), smudge it from the root to the tip of your hair strand. Do not rub the conditioner onto your scalp to avoid irritants.
- Rinse again, use a towel to dry your hair gently. Doing so will keep your waves from forming frizzes and tangles.
How Do You Maintain Permed Hair?
For your perm to stay in good shape for as long as it could, we advise you to create a hair care routine of nourishing and moisturizing.
Dryness is the main reason behind lacking perm. As a result, make sure your hair is well-hydrated, and you can enjoy your nourished, frizz-resistant curls.
Last Words
And that was all about our in-depth review of the best shampoo and conditioner for permed hair on the market in 2021.
These products are affordable while still delivering a wonderful experience to users. Browse with confidence! As every unit you have looked through is guaranteed to serve you well.
Thank you all for reading, and see you soon in the next article!