13 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair, Tested on Different Curl Types

Our review: I’ve dyed my hair a lot over the past two years, and my curls have paid for it. After trying a few different shampoos that were safe for both curly textures and color-treated hair, I landed on loving Fekkai’s Technician Color the most. It not only protects and extends the vibrancy of my color but also keeps my curls looking fresh and bouncy. It’s packed with plant-based moisturizing ingredients and other goodness that shield my hair from UV rays, color fade, and brassiness. From the very first wash, I noticed my hair felt softer and less prone to tangling. The shampoo generates less friction between hair strands, further reducing color fade and preserving the richness of my golden hue. I’m an ingredient nerd, and seeing that this shampoo has a pH level of 5.9-6.3, it’s also great for purifying my scalp without being too harsh. —Mia Nunez, Glamour reviewer

Best for Thick Hair: Ouai Thick Hair Shampoo

What we love: “This shampoo will ruin all others for you,” says Allure’s Shipin, who has coarse, curly hair with medium-to-low porosity and reaches for Ouai for nourishment and frizz-taming. It’s an excellent choice for coarse curls and/or low-porosity hair (meaning, it has trouble absorbing moisture). The formula features hydrolyzed keratin, a protein that strengthens hair and improves its elasticity, as well as avocado and shea butter. The latter is a heavier hydrator that’s best suited for thick hair, which it won’t weigh down in the same way as fine hair, thought it will do a hell of a job moisturizing.

Our review: These days, there are so many great options for curls of all kinds, and I’ve found one that truly stands out for thick hair. This color-safe shampoo not only cleanses but also deeply moisturizes, strengthens, and fights frizz. The gel texture lathers beautifully, making it easy to work through my scalp and hair all the way down to my ends. It tackles common hair issues, but mine were specifically dryness and color damage, plus a few split ends and breakage. My hair feels stronger, looks shinier, and is less tangled (a true struggle for me since I was a kid). And, I like this list of ingredients for curly hair. Marshmallow root extract helps soften and detangle, shea butter locks in moisture, and avocado oil prevents future breakage. And just like all Ouai products, you bet this shampoo smells amazing (it uses the brand’s Mercer Street scent, which has top notes of Italian lemon, jasmine, and white musk). —A.N.

Best for Hair Growth: Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo

What we love: Rosemary oil is known as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that supports scalp health and hair growth (some studies suggest it’s as effective as minoxidil). The primary ingredients in Nécessaire’s shampoo are rosemary oil, extract, and water—as well as five strengthening plant proteins and five ceramides that protect your scalp barrier. Our reviewer says she saw a marked increase in the volume and texture of her thinning hair (and the shampoo smells lovely too).

Our review: Though not specifically marketed for curly hair, this shampoo has really, REALLY enhanced the volume and texture of my curls. Its refreshing gel-like consistency with pure rosemary oil tingles the scalp in the best way, providing a thorough cleanse without stripping it and leaving it feeling dry and stale. The mix of rosemary, mandarin, jasmine, and cedarwood almost creates a spa-like experience as I’m in the shower, which I’m definitely not mad at. This shampoo addresses antiaging, thinning, and color safety concerns, strengthening hair and minimizing breakage with ceramides and plant proteins. My curls feel clean, hydrated, and bouncier, with a healthier scalp free from dryness and irritation (since it’s noncomedogenic, it also doesn’t clog my pores). —Jade Brito, Glamour contributor

Best for Damaged Hair: L’Oréal Paris Ever Pure Bond Repair Shampoo

What we love: One of the best shampoos for curly hair can be found in the aisles of your local CVS—and is far cheaper than some of its competitors. Its key bonding ingredient includes citric acid, which works to repair and prevent split ends and breakage (a problem many curly-haired people face). It also lowers the pH balance in the overall formula, ensuring the cuticle stays closed and doesn’t frizz.

Our review: This shampoo is proof that you can find great options for curly hair at the drugstore. My hairdresser noticed some weakening in my strands over time, due to heat styling, and this bonding shampoo was recommended. The gentle cleansing formula repairs each strand, leaving my hair soft, smooth, and protected from future damage. My curls feel noticeably healthier, more defined, and bouncier, with reduced frizz and improved manageability. It’s also gentle on color, making it a reliable choice for color-treated hair. —Breanna Davis, Glamour contributor

Best for Cleansing: Hårklinikken Stabilizing Scalp Shampoo

What we love: For truly detoxified hair, we like this one from Hårklinikken, which is part of a larger natural system that prioritizes the scalp and its role in hair growth. The shampoo balances out the distribution of the hair’s natural oils, cutting down on grease and ensuring your strands are moisturized evenly. It cleans with a sulfate derived from palm oil, a a gentle surfactant that has a higher oil content than others. Experts generally advise against sulfates as they’re often too drying, but our reviewer says she only experienced increased shine, hydration, and volume in her curls (without any buildup).