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Stocksy
In a market full of products aimed at your crown, it can be tough to find a shampoo suited for your curl type, porosity, and condition. Every kink, curl, and wave is to be embraced, and this is arguably easier to do when your shampoo is catered to meet your natural hair needs. On your quest to find the best shampoo for natural hair, "you must first identify what the hair is lacking," advises hairstylist Elliot Brian at Bibi Salon in New York City. The right shampoo can make or break your wash day and have a major impact on your curls.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our best overall pick is Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, a stylist and fan-favorite strengthening sulfate-free shampoo that infuses hair with moisture to make sure strands have a healthy bounce. For a more affordable pick, consider, Aussie Miracle Curls Shampoo, replete with coconut and Australian jojoba oil to keep hair fully hydrated.
Here are the best shampoos
Best Overall
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
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Ulta
Highly-moisturizing
Color-safe
Maintains bonds within hair
May weigh the hair down
When it comes to bringing natural hair back to its healthiest state, Brian is a total pro. So you can trust his recommendation for natural hair, one of which is this fan-favorite strengthening shampoo that's infused with ingredients like biotin, green tea, and vitamin E. “Olaplex created an incredible line that can be best described as a bond repair to help redefine curls," he says. "Olaplex No. 4, completes the package by adding the one thing that curls crave most—moisture.”
Price at time of publish: $30
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: None | Size: 8.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Budget
Aussie Miracle Curls Shampoo
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Courtesy of CVS
Nice smell
Very nourishing
Helps hair hold curls longer
Could produce more shine
You don’t have to break the bank to let your curls live their best life, and this product is proof. Aussie delivers yet again with a shampoo that is lightweight yet super moisturizing. It’s infused with coconut and Australian jojoba oil, and it’s free of the parabens found in many other drugstore brands. We especially love that this product delivers results for all textured hair from beachy waves to kinky curls.
Price at time of publish: $14
Hair Type: Curly | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Coconut | Size: 12.1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Drugstore
Maui Moisture Heal + Hydrate Conditioner
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Creates soft, touchable curls
Produces a healthy-looking glow
Reparative
Greasy to some
This brand often flies under the radar, but it delivers results that are totally worth bragging about. It’s impressively hydrating, which makes it perfect for nourishing dry and damaged curls. The formula begins with a unique blend of aloe vera juice and is infused with pure coconut water for moisture that you can feel. Reviewers say that hair is less tangled after use and the smell is divine.
Price at time of publish: $7
Hair Type: Dry, Damaged, Curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Citrus Melon | Size: 13.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Color-Treated Hair
SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Strength & Color Care Shampoo
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Courtesy of Sally Beauty
Creates elasticity
Restores strength and shine
Effectively removes residue
Very watery consistency
Say goodbye to brassy tones and hair color that fades with this color-preserving shampoo. The sulfate-free formulary combines the beneficial effects of rice water, like increased manageability and elasticity, with wild orchid and sweet violet extract to remove dulling residue while restoring shine and strength.
Price at time of publish: $11
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Shea Butter | Size: 8.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Rice water products should only be used once or twice a week to avoid protein buildup. While protein is great for hair in moderation, alternate with a moisturizing shampoo to preserve elasticity.
Best for Fine Hair
TRESemmé Flawless Curls Shampoo
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Courtesy of Walgreens
Defines soft curls
Tames frizz
Infused with Vitamin B1
Drying to some
If you have fine natural hair then you know how difficult it can be to find a product that caters to your curls without weighing them down, and this shampoo does just that. Infused with vitamin B1, this nourishing formula works to boost hydration while providing a protective barrier from humidity, so that you can flaunt your curls with less frizz.
Price at time of publish: $6
Hair Type: Curly, Wavy | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: None | Size: 28.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Dry Hair
Creme of Nature Strengthening Shampoo with Acai Berry & Keratin
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Courtesy of Amazon
Contains keratin
Gentle
Nice smell
Makes some hair harder to manage
Chances are moisture is at the top of the list of priorities for your natural hair, and this hydrating shampoo gets the job done. Its formula includes keratin, which helps to repair your hair and prevent it from future damage, and you can trust this OG natural hair brand to take care of your mane. It has great slip for easy detangling and users say their hair feels clean without being stripped of essential moisture.
Price at time of publish: $13
Hair Type: Damaged, Dry | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Acai Berry | Size: 12.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Clarifying
CURLS Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo
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Courtesy of Amazon
Effectively removes chlorine
Enhances curls
Adds sheen
Results not drastic to some
If you use lots of creams and custards to achieve your perfect curls, you might need to go above and beyond every now and then to cleanse your hair from product build-up, and that’s where this ultra clarifying shampoo comes in. Ideal for looser curl patterns, bring this sulfate-free formula to the forefront of your beauty stash once a month between your regular shampoo to reveal healthy, squeaky clean curls.
Price at time of publish: $15
Hair Type: Curly, Kinky | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Pineapple, Grapefruit | Size: 8.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Sulfate-Free
Mixed Chicks Sulfate-Free Shampoo
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Courtesy of Ulta
Not stripping
Retains moisture
Rich in vitamin E
Doesn't produce much of a lather
Users of all hair types pledge their loyalty to this sulfate-free shampoo. Even without the harsh chemicals, you’ll be surprised at the lather that this cleanser dishes out without stripping your hair of the oils it needs for health and elasticity. You can expect hair that is less frizzy after use, and we’re giving this one extra props for borage seed and avocado oils that nourish as they cleanse.
Price at time of publish: $10
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: None | Size: 10.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Deep Cleansing
Matrix A Curl Can Dream Shampoo
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Courtesy of Ulta
Deeply cleanses
Preserves curl pattern
Effectively removes build-up
Harsh to some
Manuka honey is a rich humectant and can be beneficial for natural curls and coils. Infused with Manuka honey extract plus salicylic acid, this formula provides a deep cleanse, to removing buildup while leaving curls defined and hydrated. Plus, it’s formulated without silicones, parabens, mineral oils, petrolatum, or paraffins while still preserving your pattern.
Price at time of publish: $20
Hair Type: Curly, Coily | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: None | Size: 10.1 and 33.8 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Anti-Breakage
Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Sulfate-Free Shampoo
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Courtesy of Amazon
Gently cleanses
Contains an ancient nourishing ingredient
Fortifying
Smells bad to some
Nothing is worse for your hair goals than brittle strands that are prone to breakage, but you’re in luck with this sulfate-free shampoo. This repairing cleanser is gentle enough for the most fragile and distressed hair. The ancient monoi oil derived from Tahitian flower extract and coprah coconut oil works to moisturize your curls without weighing them down. Use it regularly to reduce breakage and retain length.
Price at time of publish: $14
Hair Type: Curly, Dry, Fine, Chemically-Treated | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Coconut, Tiare Gardenia flowers | Size: 8.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Natural
CurlMix Pure Aloe Vera Shampoo
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Courtesy of CurlMix
Fragrance-free
Good for sensitive scalps
Creates longer lasting hairstyles
Harder to use on short hair
This lightweight shampoo is all-natural and handmade with ingredients that you can feel good about. CurlMix stands by this hero formula, boasting that you’ll notice curls that are defined, moisturized, and more manageable when used along with the rest of their product line. We love the gentle, non-drying qualities, and if you’re not into lavender, no worries. The Aloe Vera Shampoo also comes in watermelon, vanilla berry, and fragrance-free options.
Price at time of publish: $21
Hair Type: Curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: None | Size: 8.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Type 3 Curls
Mielle Organics Moisture RX Hawaiian Ginger Moisturizing & Anti-Breakage Shampoo
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Courtesy of Mielle
Creates a lather
Infused with avocado and ginger
Thick, rich texture
Top could be more durable
This shampoo has everything that you need for your natural hair without weighing it down with greasy residue. Formulated with type 3 hair in mind, it cleanses gently while moisturizing thirsty curls. It also eliminates frizz and preps hair for styling, so you can get the most out of your curls before the next wash.
Price at time of publish: $10
Hair Type: Curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Ginger | Size: 12.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Type 4 Curls
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo
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Courtesy of Amazon
Makes hair easier to manage
Locks in moisture
Creates definition
Doesn't deliver a strong scent
Coily hair needs a little extra attention when shampooing to avoid tangles that lead to breakage, and this unique blend is a great multitasker. It detangles kinks while clarifying and moisturizing strands all in one. Infused with honey and babassu oil, the formula gently lifts away impurities while providing tons of slip to make detangling a breeze.
Price at time of publish: $12
Hair Type: Curly. Coily | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Pomegranate, Honey | Size: 12.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Final Verdict
Meet the Expert
• Elliot Brian is a hairstylist at Bibi Salon in New York City.
• Michelle O’Connor is a professional hairstylist and the Artistic Director at Matrix.
What to Look For in a Shampoo for Natural Hair
Glycerin
When it comes to cleansing natural hair, Artistic Director at Matrix Michelle O’Connor, says glycerin is a must-have ingredient for keeping the hair and scalp healthy. “Studies have shown that glycerin can help ease dandruff, moisturize the scalp, and prevent hair from breaking due to its ability to keep hair moisturized,” she says.
Manuka honey
Beloved for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and bacteria-fighting benefits, Manuka honey is another ingredient to look for as it has proven benefits to natural hair. “Manuka honey is one of my favorite ingredients," explains O'Connor. "It's a natural humectant, meaning it attracts moisture from the air. It contains four times more vitamins and minerals than standard honey, and it aids in hydration, definition, and shine." The A Curl Can Dream Shampoo contains Manuka honey extract; it's also included in Carol's Daughter Monoi Sulfate-free Shampoo.
A mild surfactant
In order to properly cleanse your hair, O’Connor stresses the importance of using a mild surfactant to thoroughly remove product buildup. “If the hair isn’t properly cleansed from time to time, it can become dryer and dryer,” she explains. “No matter what products you use—unless you’re literally using only water—you will eventually get product buildup on your scalp and hair strands over time, which will first cause your scalp to get extremely clogged up, and when that happens, your hair growth becomes hindered.”
One surfactant she says shouldn’t always necessarily be avoided? Sodium laureth sulfate. “This ingredient can get a bad rap; however, it’s not to be confused with sodium laurel sulfate, which is harsher,” she explains. “Its main job is to thoroughly cleanse the hair of product buildup, dirt, and oils."