Does your beautiful curly hair often feel dry, frizzy, or just plain uncooperative? You spend time washing it, but the results just aren’t what you hoped for. Many curly-haired folks face this exact problem. Finding a shampoo that truly understands the unique needs of curls can feel like a never-ending quest.
The issue often lies in harsh ingredients found in many conventional shampoos. These can strip your curls of their natural moisture, leaving them dull and unhappy. It’s frustrating to read labels filled with confusing chemicals, not knowing what will work best for your texture.
But what if you could find a shampoo that nourishes your curls, defines your waves, and keeps the frizz at bay—all while using ingredients you can actually pronounce? This guide dives deep into the world of natural shampoos specifically designed for curly hair. Keep reading to discover the best options, learn what ingredients to look for (and avoid!), and finally unlock the secret to healthy, bouncy curls.
Top Natural Shampoo For Curly Hair Recommendations
- SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER FOR CURLY HAIR: Naturals curly hair shampoo cleanses, tames frizz, boosts shine, and defines curls; Curly hair conditioner intensely nourishes to define curls; Peach Coconut fragrance
- MADE WITH 98% NATURALLY DERIVED INGREDIENTS: Dermatologist-Tested and infused with an intensely hydrating blend of Tahitian Gardenia and Mango Butter
- SAFE FOR ALL CURLY HAIR TYPES: Safe for all curl types, including curly, coily, and wavy hair; Safe for natural hair and color-treated hair
- MADE WITH GOOD VIBES ONLY: Sulfate surfactant-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, dye-free, and drying alcohol-free; Packaged in a bottle made with 75% PCR
- USE TOGETHER: Lather and work into wet hair, then rinse thoroughly and follow with conditioner; Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends, then rinse thoroughly
- NEW LOOK, IMPROVED SHAMPOO: Your favorite sulfate-free shampoo for curly hair just got an upgrade—same iconic sweet coconut and vanilla scent, same luxurious results, now with an elegant new look and creamier lather.
- CURL DEFINING HAIR PRODUCTS: The rich, creamy Curl & Shine Conditioner is packed with the moisture your curls need for more definition and bounce.
- ANTI-FRIZZ HAIR PRODUCTS: These hair products, infused with Silk Protein, Neem Oil, and Coconut Oil, plus Certified Organic Fair-Trade Shea Butter, effortlessly tame frizz and repair dry, damaged hair.
- NATURAL HAIR CARE: These thoughtfully made, cruelty-free hair products for women soften, detangle, and improve hair manageability without sulfates, parabens, silicones, or phthalates.
- THE SHEA MOISTURE DIFFERENCE: Every SheaMoisture purchase creates new possibilities by expanding access to entrepreneurial opportunities and resources that enrich lives, families, and businesses worldwide.
- Moisturizing Shampoo: A goddess is strong, her hair should be too. Strengthen weak hair from the first wash with Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Sulfate Free Shampoo. Our hair shampoo cleanses and moisturizes for stronger hair
- Fortifying Formula: Our shampoo for curly hair is blended with Castor Oil, Black Cumin Seed Oil and Ginger. This shampoo for dry hair has a hydrating shampoo formula for strands that are instantly stronger, less prone to breakage and healthy-looking
- For Weak, Breakage-Prone Hair: Anti hair breakage products support hair's strength as it grows & gets longer. Delivers 15x stronger hair and 94% less breakage in 1 use with system of shampoo, conditioner, oil & leave in cream vs. non-conditioning shampoo
- For Best Use: Massage Goddess Strength hydrating shampoo into your scalp and hair. Lather and rinse. Follow with Goddess Strength conditioner, hair and scalp oil and leave-in cream
- Black Woman Founded: Lisa Price founded Carol's Daughter in her Brooklyn kitchen in 1993. She created this collection of hair products to help natural hair regain its natural balance of moisture, manageability, shine and softness
- Strengthening Biotin Formula - The Rosemary Mint Shampoo is enriched with biotin to support stronger, healthier hair over time by targeting weak, brittle strands at the root.
- Moisturizing Ingredients - This shampoo for damaged hair is infused with nutrient-rich coconut oil and babassu seed oil to replenish moisture and restore vitality to dry, brittle strands.
- Gentle Scalp-Cleansing Lather - Our rosemary shampoo provides a sulfate-free, non-stripping lather ideal for textured hair types in need of gentle cleansing and hydration.
- Stylists Recommend - Apply to wet hair, massage the moisture locking shampoo into the scalp to activate the rosemary mint lather, and rinse thoroughly. Follow with the Rosemary Mint Hair Masque for best results.
- Healthy Ingredients, Healthier Hair - At Mielle, we do more than care for hair. We champion it. Our curly hair products are scalp-loving, innovation-driven, and made to nourish, strengthen, and support your hair care journey with intention and performance in every drop.
- Renpure Castor Oil & Moringa Curl Enhancing Plant-Based Shampoo gently cleanses, nourishes and moisturizes curls to enhance definition, leaving hair soft and frizz-free.
- This plant-based shampoo is infused with Castor Oil, to deeply moisturize and control frizz, and Moringa Seed Oil, known for its nutrient-rich properties, to hydrate curls, improve elasticity, and enhance shine.
- Apply shampoo to wet hair, lather, and rinse. Use shampoo with Renpure Castor Oil & Moringa Plant-Based Curl Enhancing Conditioner for best results. For wavy and curly hair patterns, 2B-3C.
- Renpure Castor Oil & Moringa Shampoo is made with 95% plant-based & naturally derived ingredients and is free from sulfates, parabens, dyes, gluten, phthalates and propylene glycol. Our biodegradable formulas are pH balanced & animal test free (PETA).
- At Renpure, we believe that everyone deserves beautiful hair, without compromise. Our pump and bottle are both 100% recyclable, making sustainable choices easier. After rinsing, drop the whole package into the recycling bin.
- The SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo, now with a NEW & IMPROVED formula, gently cleanses with a creamy lather
- The SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Shampoo & Conditioner make hair 3x* stronger *vs non-conditioning shampoo
- Prevent breakage by up to 67%* after one use for healthier-looking hair *system vs nonconditioning shampoo
- The Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo & Conditioner restore strength and resilience to damaged or chemically processed hair
- This shampoo for damaged hair is perfect for those who straighten, keratin, perm or heat style hair, as well as kinky, curly or wavy natural styles. Works great on natural and color treated hair
- The SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo gently cleanses without stripping essential moisture
- Transform dry, brittle curls into bouncy, vibrant waves and curls with this non-stripping formula including coconut oil & silk proteins in our curly hair shampoo
- This coconut shampoo provides hydration that enhances the elasticity of your curly hair to help define your gorgeous natural curl pattern without weighing it down
- For those with wavy, coily & curly hair, this paraben free shampoo instantly hydrates & defines your curls for healthier feeling hair after just 1 use
- Blended with Neem Oil, the Coconut Hibiscus shampoo and conditioner repair hair, add shine, and leave curls feeling healthy with a show-stopping shine
- The SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo gently cleanses without stripping essential moisture
- Transform dry, brittle curls into bouncy, vibrant waves and curls with this non-stripping formula including coconut oil & silk proteins
- Provides hydration that enhances the elasticity of your hair to help define your gorgeous natural curl pattern without weighing it down
- For those with wavy, curly & coily hair, instantly hydrate and define your curls for healthier feeling hair after just one use
- Blended with neem oil, the Coconut Hibiscus Shampoo & Conditioner repair hair, add shine, and leave curls feeling healthy with a show-stopping shine
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Natural Shampoo for Curly Hair
Curly hair needs special care. Natural shampoos can help your curls look their best. This guide helps you pick the right one. We look at what matters most for bouncy, healthy curls.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a natural shampoo for curls, certain features make a big difference. Look for these things on the label.
Hydration Power
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Curls dry out easily. Look for ingredients like Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, or Aloe Vera. These add much-needed moisture.
- Sulfate-Free Formulas: Sulfates are harsh detergents. They strip natural oils. A good curly hair shampoo will never have sulfates (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS).
Curl Definition and Control
- Lightweight Cleansers: The shampoo should clean without weighing curls down. You want definition, not flatness.
- pH Balance: Curls thrive when the shampoo is slightly acidic. This helps close the hair cuticle, making hair smooth and shiny.
Important Ingredients: What to Seek Out
Natural shampoos use plant-derived ingredients. These feed your curls goodness. Check the ingredient list carefully.
Beneficial Natural Materials
- Natural Oils: Jojoba oil, Argan oil, and Olive oil mimic your scalp’s natural oils. They nourish the hair shaft.
- Herbal Extracts: Chamomile or Rosemary extracts can soothe the scalp and promote healthy growth.
- Gentle Surfactants: Instead of harsh sulfates, look for cleansers derived from coconuts, like Cocamidopropyl Betaine. These clean gently.
Ingredients to Avoid
Some common chemicals hurt curly hair. Keep these off your shopping list:
- Sulfates (SLS, SLES)
- Parabens (Preservatives that can disrupt hair health)
- Heavy Silicones (They build up and block moisture)
- Drying Alcohols
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a natural shampoo affects how your curls behave after washing.
Quality Boosters
- High Concentration of Actives: If the natural oils and extracts are near the top of the ingredient list, the shampoo is likely more potent and better quality.
- Ethical Sourcing: Brands that use ethically sourced, organic ingredients often create superior products.
Quality Reducers
- Too Many Fillers: If water is the first ingredient, and then many synthetic ingredients follow, the product might not deliver enough natural benefit.
- Overly Foaming Formulas: Lots of bubbles often mean harsh detergents were used. Natural shampoos might foam less, and that is okay!
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the shampoo matters as much as what is in it. Natural shampoos sometimes feel different than conventional ones.
Washing Techniques
- Co-Washing Potential: Some natural formulas are so gentle they can be used for co-washing (washing with conditioner only) on non-wash days.
- Lather Check: Expect less lather. Massage the scalp well with your fingertips to ensure a good clean, even without bubbles.
Best Use Cases
- High Porosity Curls: If your curls absorb water quickly and dry out fast, choose a deeply hydrating, creamy formula.
- Fine Curls: If your curls lack volume, select a clarifying natural shampoo used once every two weeks to remove product buildup.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Natural Curly Hair Shampoo
Q: Will natural shampoo clean my hair well?
A: Yes, natural shampoos use gentle cleansers derived from plants. They remove dirt and oil without stripping your hair’s natural moisture barrier.
Q: Why is sulfate-free so important for curls?
A: Sulfates are harsh. They remove too much oil, leaving curly hair dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage. Sulfate-free keeps the natural curl pattern intact.
Q: Should I switch to natural shampoo slowly?
A: Some people experience a “detox” period when switching. Your scalp might produce more oil initially. Give your hair a few weeks to adjust to the gentler cleansing.
Q: How often should I wash my curly hair with natural shampoo?
A: Most curly-haired people wash only 1 to 3 times per week. Overwashing, even with natural products, can cause dryness.
Q: Can natural shampoo help reduce frizz?
A: Absolutely. By maintaining the hair’s moisture balance, natural shampoos help the cuticle lie flat, which significantly reduces frizz.
Q: Are natural shampoos more expensive?
A: Often, yes. High-quality, natural ingredients cost more to source. However, you often need less product per wash.
Q: What if my scalp feels itchy after using a new natural shampoo?
A: It could be a reaction to a new ingredient, or it could be your scalp adjusting. Try rinsing very thoroughly. If the itching continues, switch to a formula with fewer essential oils.
Q: Do I still need a separate clarifying shampoo?
A: If you use many styling products, yes. Use a clarifying natural shampoo once a month to remove heavy buildup that your regular gentle shampoo misses.
Q: Which natural oil is best for very dry, thick curls?
A: Coconut oil or Avocado oil are excellent choices. They are heavy and penetrate the thick hair shaft deeply for intense moisture.
Q: Can I use a natural shampoo if I color my hair?
A: Yes. Natural, sulfate-free shampoos are generally much better for color retention than harsh conventional shampoos because they do not strip the color molecules as quickly.