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Its hydrating formula removes dirt and buildup without stripping moisture, leaving curls soft, smooth, and touchable.

4 bottles of shampoos for curly hair overlapping on a light pink background. Brand products include Redken  Ceremonia …

Source images: Courtesy of brands; Collage: Laneen Wells forAllure

Its creamy, silky texture lathers gently, ensuring curls are cleansed without compromising their natural texture or bounce.

Indulgent, but 100% worth it.

It gently cleanses while nourishing the scalp, soothing dryness and itchiness, and protecting against split ends.

Curlsmith Frizz Control Cleanser in branded component with best of beauty seal in the top right corner on a light gray background

Plus, its signature citrus and sandalwood fragrance transforms wash day into a refreshing, luxurious experience.

Its rich lather detoxifies while the signature citrus scent transports you to a dreamy desert oasis.

Perfect for anyone looking to hit reset on their hair while keeping it soft, nourished and manageable.

Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo shiny brown bottle of shampoo on light gray background

The formula combines papaya enzymes and pink salt to exfoliate gently while balancing your scalp’s natural oils.

Designed to detoxify and remove buildup without harsh ingredients, it revitalizes curls while promoting healthy hair growth.

It provides deeper moisture and nourishment, leaving curls healthy, bouncy, and frizz-free."

Davines LOVE Curl Shampoo in branded component on a light gray background

“Thats important for curls as it ensures soft, touchable, and well-defined curls in any climate.

Its also safe for color-treated hair to help keep curls looking extra healthy and vibrant.”

Curly hair thrives with shampoos that are sulfate-free and rich in hydrating ingredients.

Pattern Hydration Shampoo in branded tube component on a light gray background

“Curly hair is often higher in porosity and naturally drier,” explains Hamilton.

“Shampoos that gently cleanse while nourishing the scalp and hair shaft help preserve and replenish moisture.”

In addition to hydration, many experts recommend shampoos that enhance curl definition and smooth the hairs cuticle.

Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo in branded component on a light gray background

For curls in need of strength and elasticity, Bergamy-Rosa highlights the benefits of protein-enriched formulas.

How can I hydrate my curly hair?

“Hydration for curly hair starts with the right shampoo,” says Nino.

Dae Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo in branded component on a light gray background

After shampooing, follow with a rich conditioner or mask to detangle and coat every strand.

Styling products can also make or break hydration efforts.

“Using a combination of curl cream and gel is key,” Nino explains.

Ouai Thick Hair Shampoo in branded component on a light gray background

Hamilton suggests adding leave-in conditioners to your routine and limiting the use of hot tools to prevent dryness.

Keep curls refreshed between washes with a mist of water and a small amount of curl cream or gel.

Does shampoo for curly hair really make a difference?

Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub Shampoo in branded component on a light gray background

For those who struggle with dryness or frizz, the right shampoo can be transformative, says Nino.

Curly hair shampoos are often enriched with nourishing ingredients to enhance moisture retention and improve curl structure.

Choosing the right shampoo makes all the difference in maintaining curl health, hydration, and shape.

OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Shampoo in branded component on a light gray background

Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging.

For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase.

Innersense Organic Beauty Hydrating Cream Hairbath in branded component on a light gray background

Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if its never been tested on curls?

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo in branded component on a light gray background