October 21, 2024, 11:02 am | Read time: 7 minutes

Curly hair needs special care to maintain its natural beauty and bounce. STYLEBOOK has put together the best curly hair shampoos for you, based on the top sellers on Amazon, so that you can enjoy healthy, beautiful dream curls.

What are the benefits of using a curly hair shampoo?

So, what exactly are the benefits of a shampoo formulated specifically for curls? Firstly, it is specially formulated to support and define curl structure. It is also important that it moisturizes, locks in moisture, and is particularly rich in nutrients. Normal shampoos can dry out curly hair and make the curls appear untamed and undefined.

What do I need to consider when buying a curly hair shampoo?

Ensure that any shampoo you buy is suitable for your hair type, providing sufficient nourishment and maintaining hair health without unnecessary heaviness. Therefore, pay particular attention to the moisturizing ingredients in your shampoo. While not mandatory, it’s advisable to avoid sulfates, parabens, and silicones, which can make hair shinier but also lead to dryness and damage. If you are unsure, ask your hairdresser for recommendations that suit your specific hair type and needs.

Which ingredients in curly hair shampoo have proven particularly effective?

• Coconut oil: Moisturizes and strengthens the hair
• Argan oil: Improves suppleness and shine
• Linseed oil: Defines curls and reduces frizz
• Shea butter: Nourishes and protects the hair
• Aloe vera: Soothes the scalp and moisturizes
• Ceramides: Strengthen the hair cuticle and repair hair breakage
• Keratin: Rebuilds dry, damaged, weak hair

The price-performance winner: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

Our price-performance winner scores with natural ingredients such as coconut oil and hibiscus flower extract. These provide particularly intensive moisture and ensure shiny, well-defined curls.

• Price: approx. 15.63 €
• Content: 384 ml
• Contains silicone: No
• Contains parabens: No
• Advantages: Natural ingredients, pleasant coconut scent
• Disadvantages: Produces relatively little lather

The top 6 curl shampoos

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Bain Hydratation Douceur:

The Kérastase Curl Manifesto Bain Hydratation Douceur shampoo intensively conditions and hydrates the hair. The combination of manuka honey and ceramides provides optimum care that not only nourishes but also strengthens the hair. The curls are defined, frizz is reduced, and the hair is given a healthy shine. Despite the higher price and the silicones it contains, the shampoo is ideal for particularly demanding curls and frizzy hair.

• Price: approx. 33,00 €
• Content: 250 ml
• Contains silicone: Yes
• Contains parabens: No
• Benefits: Deep hydration and nutrients that leave hair soft and supple. Ceramides strengthen and repair, pleasant fragrance
• Cons: relatively expensive, contains silicones

Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo

Maui Moisture Curl Quench Shampoo harnesses aloe vera and coconut oil to deeply moisturize curls and significantly reduce frizz. Its delightful scent evokes vacation vibes and lingers in the hair for an extended period. Its natural formula, free from silicones and parabens, ensures gentle cleansing without adding weight to the hair.

• Price: approx. 8,95 €
• Content: 385 ml
• Contains silicone: No
• Contains parabens: No
• Benefits: Moisturizing, pleasant, long-lasting fragrance, silicone and paraben-free
• Disadvantages: Can be too heavy for fine hair

Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo

Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo gives curls long-lasting definition and a natural, well-groomed appearance. Enriched with argan oil, the shampoo provides intensive moisture and leaves curls soft and supple, while antioxidants help to reduce frizz and protect the hair from environmental influences.

• Price: approx. 25,93 €
• Content: 250 ml
• Contains silicone: Yes
• Contains parabens: No
• Benefits: Contains nourishing argan oil and antioxidants, pleasant, subtle fragrance
• Disadvantages: Contains silicones

Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo

Cantu Shea Butter Shampoo is the most affordable curly hair shampoo in our ranking. The formula is free from sulfates and, therefore, cleanses particularly gently without drying out the hair or irritating the scalp. Shea butter and natural oils provide intensive moisture and nourish the hair from the inside out, leaving it soft and supple. The strengthening effect of shea butter also helps to repair the hair and protect it from damage.

• Price: approx. 7,95 €
• Content: 400 ml
• Contains silicone: No
• Contains parabens: No
• Pros: Sulfate-free, nourishes the hair with shea butter, particularly good value for money
• Cons: Can weigh down very fine curls

L’Oréal Professionnel Series Expert Curl Hair Expression Intense Moisturizing Cleansing Cream Shampoo

The intense moisturizing formula of this shampoo keeps hair soft and smooth while defining it and reducing frizz. Shea butter and natural oils help to strengthen and repair the hair. The silicone and paraben-free formula also guarantees natural care without unwanted chemicals, which is particularly beneficial for sensitive scalps and hair.

• Price: approx. 16,41 €
• Content: 300 ml
• Contains silicone: No
• Contains parabens: No
• Advantages: valuable ingredients such as glycerine and urea H that penetrate deep into the hair, silicone, and paraben-free
• Cons: can weigh down very fine curls

DevaCurl No-Poo Original Zero Lather Conditioning Cleanser

The DevaCurl No-Poo Cleanser cleanses the hair particularly gently and without foaming, thus preserving the hair’s natural oils. It ensures maximum moisture retention, shine, and definition. Its natural, nourishing ingredients, such as grape seed oil and peppermint oil, visibly and tangibly nourish the hair and scalp. The foam-free formula may be unfamiliar to some, but it offers a deep cleansing experience without the drying effects of traditional shampoos.

• Price: Ca 34,99 €
• Content: 355 ml
• Contains silicone: No
• Contains parabens: No
• Benefits: Cleanses without foam, natural ingredients, free from sulfates, parabens, silicones
• Disadvantages: Higher price, lack of lather may be a matter of getting used to

Best shampoo for afro curls: As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner

Afro curls tend to be dry and brittle, which is why this product is ideal; it provides the necessary moisture while supporting the natural hair structure. The silicone and paraben-free formula ensures that the hair is not burdened by unnecessary chemicals, making it particularly gentle and nourishing.

The rich, moisturizing formula with natural ingredients such as coconut oil and castor oil intensively nourishes the hair and helps to define the curls and minimize frizz.

• Price: approx. 13,99 €
• Content: 454 g
• Contains silicone: No
• Contains parabens: No
• Advantages: particularly gentle, contains coconut oil, castor oil, and fruit extracts
• Disadvantages: No classic lather formation, which can be unusual at first, very thick consistency

Can a curl shampoo transform straight hair into wavy hair?

A curl shampoo alone is not enough to transform straight hair into curls or waves. It is designed to support and define the natural curl structure. If you have straight hair and want to create curls or waves, you will need additional styling products and techniques, such as curling irons or curlers.

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What should I pay particular attention to when shampooing curly hair?

Rinse the shampoo out very thoroughly to avoid any residue that could weigh the hair down. Additionally, pair your curly hair shampoo with a compatible conditioner to lock in moisture and further condition the curls. It’s also recommended to limit washing curly hair to prevent it from becoming too dry. Once or twice a week is usually enough.