Best Shampoo Conditioner for Curly Hair: Top Picks and Buying Guide

Curly hair can be a blessing and a curse. It looks gorgeous when styled correctly, but it can also be challenging to manage. If you have curly hair, you know that it requires a different approach to hair care. One of the most critical steps is choosing the right shampoo and conditioner.

The right shampoo and conditioner can make a world of difference in the look and feel of your curls. They can help hydrate your hair, define your curls, and reduce frizz. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

When choosing a shampoo and conditioner for curly hair, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. First, look for products that are specifically designed for curly hair. These products are formulated to provide the moisture and nourishment that curly hair needs.

Second, pay attention to the ingredients. Curly hair tends to be dry, so you want to avoid products that contain sulfates, which can strip your hair of its natural oils. Instead, look for products that contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil, which can help hydrate and nourish your curls.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various shampoos and conditioners to identify the ones that are best for curly hair. We’ll share our top picks and explain what makes them stand out. Whether you have tight coils or loose waves, we’ve got you covered.

Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Curly Hair

We understand that finding the perfect shampoo and conditioner for curly hair can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which products will work best for your hair type. That’s why we’ve done the research and testing for you. Below is our list of the best shampoo and conditioner for curly hair. We’ve included options for all budgets and hair needs, so you can find the perfect match for your curls.

L’Oreal Paris Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner for Curly Hair

If you’re looking for a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner set that is specifically formulated for curly hair, then the L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner is worth considering.

Pros

• The coconut oil in the formula helps to control frizz and define curls for up to 48 hours.
• The shampoo and conditioner are gentle on curls and color-treated hair, with no harsh sulfates, salts, or surfactants that can strip or damage hair.
• The EverPure Hydracharge System delivers lasting moisture and hydration to curls, leaving them soft, manageable, and defined.

Cons

• The scent of coconut may be too strong for some people, particularly those with scent sensitivities or migraines.
• The shampoo doesn’t lather as much as some people might prefer.
• The packaging may be difficult to use when the product is running low, as it can be hard to get the last bit of product out of the tube.

We’ve used this shampoo and conditioner set and found that it did a good job of defining and hydrating our curls without weighing them down. The coconut scent was pleasant, but we can see how it might be too strong for some people. The lack of sulfates and other harsh ingredients was a plus, and we appreciated that the set was specifically formulated for curly hair. While the packaging wasn’t perfect, we didn’t find it to be a dealbreaker. Overall, we would recommend this product to anyone looking for a gentle, hydrating shampoo and conditioner set for their curly hair.

SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, and Hair Mousse For Curly, Frizzy Hair Coconut and Hibiscus Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner, Anti-Frizz Hair Products

If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for your curly hair, SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, and Hair Mousse bundle is worth considering.

Pros

• The sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner gently cleanse natural hair, improve hair’s health, and restore shine.
• The Frizz-Free Curl Mousse helps to moisturize and protect hair while replenishing lost oil, giving your curls a brilliant shine.
• SheaMoisture natural hair products are sustainably produced and Cruelty-Free.

Cons

• The strong smell of coconut in all products can be overwhelming for some.
• The products are very buttery, so they may weigh down thin hair.
• Some users reported hair fall out after using these products.

We’ve tried the SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, and Hair Mousse bundle and were impressed with how well it worked on our curly locks. The shampoo and conditioner are gentle on the hair, leaving it feeling soft and healthy. The Frizz-Free Curl Mousse is perfect for styling, providing a natural hold without any stiffness. We also appreciate that all SheaMoisture natural hair products are sustainably produced and cruelty-free.

However, the strong smell of coconut in all products may not be for everyone. If you’re not a fan of the scent, it can be overpowering. Additionally, the products are very buttery, so they may weigh down thin hair. Finally, some users reported hair fall out after using these products, so it’s important to be aware of that potential issue.

Overall, if you’re looking for a natural and cruelty-free solution for your curly hair, SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, and Hair Mousse bundle is worth considering.

Not Your Mother’s Naturals Moisturize -amp; Enhance Curl Definition Shampoo, Conditioner, -amp; Detangler (3-Pack) – Tahitian Gardenia Flower -amp; Mango Butter

If you’re looking for a shampoo, conditioner, and detangler that is safe for all curly hair types and enhances your natural curls without weighing them down, we recommend the Not Your Mother’s Naturals Moisturize -amp; Enhance Curl Definition trio. Infused with Tahitian Gardenia Flower and Mango Butter, this product provides shape and movement to your curls.

Pros

• Delicately cleanses and hydrates hair while enhancing and defining curls without weighing them down
• Infused with naturally powerful ingredients
• Safe for all curl types (2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C); Safe for natural hair and color-treated hair

Cons

• Packaging may vary
• Some users reported that the shampoo dried out their hair and made it difficult to detangle
• The scent may not be suitable for everyone

We were impressed with the Not Your Mother’s Naturals Moisturize -amp; Enhance Curl Definition trio. The shampoo, conditioner, and detangler were easy to use and left our hair feeling clean, moisturized, and defined. The product is sulfate surfactant-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, gluten-free, dye-free, cruelty-free, and vegan, making it a great choice for those who prioritize natural and ethical ingredients.

The Tahitian Gardenia Flower and Mango Butter infused in the product provided our curls with shape and movement, without weighing them down. We appreciated that the product is safe for all curl types and is suitable for natural hair and color-treated hair.

However, we did notice that the packaging may vary, which could be confusing for some users. Additionally, some users reported that the shampoo dried out their hair and made it difficult to detangle. Finally, while we enjoyed the Peachy Pineapple scent, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Overall, we recommend giving the Not Your Mother’s Naturals Moisturize -amp; Enhance Curl Definition trio a try if you’re looking for a natural, ethical, and effective product that enhances and defines your curls.

Botanic Hearth Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner Set

If you’re looking for a shampoo and conditioner set that will help enhance and define your curls, Botanic Hearth Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner Set might be the product for you.

Pros

• The curl-enhancing formula helps tame tangled hair, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
• The active ingredients like Jojoba oil and Vitamin E help repair dry and damaged hair, reducing the occurrence of breakage.
• The shampoo and conditioner set deeply moisturizes and nourishes hair and scalp, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the product dried out their scalp and left their hair looking dull and frizzy.
• The scent of the shampoo and conditioner might not be to everyone’s liking.
• The product might not work for all hair types.

We tried Botanic Hearth Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner Set and found that it helped enhance and define our curls, leaving our hair feeling soft and smooth. The curl-enhancing formula worked well to tame any tangles and reduce frizz. We also appreciated that the product was ethically sourced and cruelty-free.

However, we did notice that the product might not work for all hair types. Some customers have reported that the product dried out their scalp and left their hair looking dull and frizzy. Additionally, the scent of the shampoo and conditioner might not be to everyone’s liking.

Overall, if you’re looking for a shampoo and conditioner set that will help enhance and define your curls, Botanic Hearth Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner Set might be worth a try. Just be aware that it might not work for all hair types and that some customers have reported negative side effects.

L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Shampoo and Conditioner 2PK

If you are looking for a shampoo and conditioner that will help you achieve hydrated, defined, bouncy, and soft curls without weighing them down, then L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Shampoo and Conditioner 2PK is worth considering.

Pros

• Dream Lengths Curls shampoo and conditioner fill and seal curls with moisture for up to 72 hours without weigh down when used with the system.
• Formulated with hyaluronic acid and castor oil, the Elvive Dream Lengths Curls regimen helps locks in long-lasting moisture for deeply hydrated curls from scalp to tip and defines curls by sculpting and retaining shape.
• Non-Stop Dreamy Curls leave-in conditioner defines and Refresh and Reshape Curl leave-in spray refreshes.

Cons

• Some people may not like the sweet candy fragrance with notes of pomegranate, caramel orchid, and milk sorbet.

We tried this shampoo and conditioner set and were impressed with how it made our curls look and feel. Our curls were more defined, bouncy, and soft without any frizz. The shampoo cleansed without stripping our hair of moisture, and the conditioner worked seamlessly to detangle without breaking the definition of our curls. We also loved the No-Build Up Micellar Shampoo, which acted like a magnet to gently remove the most stubborn build-up. The Non-Stop Dreamy Curls leave-in conditioner moisturized and defined our curls by day with a silk pillowcase effect by night. The Refresh -amp; Reshape leave-in spray instantly brought our curls back to life.

Overall, we highly recommend L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Shampoo and Conditioner 2PK for those with wavy to curly hair looking to achieve dreamy hydrated, defined, bouncy, and soft curls without any weigh down.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best shampoo and conditioner for curly hair, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some features to look for:

Ingredients

The ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner are important to consider. Look for products that are free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones. These harsh chemicals can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause damage, leaving your curls looking dry and frizzy.

Instead, opt for products that contain natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera. These ingredients can help to moisturize and nourish your curls, leaving them looking healthy and shiny.

Curl Type

Not all curls are created equal, and different curl types require different types of products. If you have loose waves, you may need a lighter product that won’t weigh your hair down. If you have tight curls, you may need a more moisturizing product to help define your curls and prevent frizz.

Consider your curl type when choosing your shampoo and conditioner, and look for products that are specifically designed for your hair type.

Moisturizing Properties

Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, so it’s important to choose products that are moisturizing. Look for products that contain ingredients like glycerin, which can help to attract moisture to your hair.

You may also want to consider using a deep conditioning treatment once a week to help keep your curls hydrated and healthy.

pH Balance

The pH balance of your shampoo and conditioner can also affect the health of your curls. Look for products that are pH-balanced, which means they have a similar pH level to your hair and scalp.

When the pH level of your hair and scalp is balanced, your hair is better able to retain moisture and stay healthy.

By considering these features when choosing your shampoo and conditioner, you can help to keep your curls looking their best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated shampoos and conditioners for managing frizzy curly hair?

When it comes to managing frizzy curly hair, there are a few top-rated shampoos and conditioners worth trying. Some of these include the DevaCurl No-Poo Original Cleanser and One Condition Original Daily Cream Conditioner, the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo and Conditioner, and the SheaMoisture Coconut -amp; Hibiscus Curl -amp; Shine Shampoo and Conditioner.

Which drugstore shampoos and conditioners are recommended for curly hair?

If you’re looking for drugstore options, there are a few shampoos and conditioners that are highly recommended for curly hair. These include the OGX Quenching Coconut Curls Shampoo and Conditioner, the Not Your Mother’s Naturals Tahitian Gardenia Flower -amp; Mango Butter Curl Defining Shampoo and Conditioner, and the Pantene Gold Series Curl Awakening Shampoo and Conditioner.

What are the best sulfate-free shampoos for curly hair?

Sulfates can be harsh on curly hair, which is why many people prefer to use sulfate-free shampoos. Some of the best options for curly hair include the Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino Shea Moisture Shampoo, the As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner, and the Kinky-Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo.

Which conditioners are considered the best for enhancing natural curls?

When it comes to enhancing natural curls, there are a few conditioners that are considered the best. These include the DevaCurl One Condition Decadence Ultra Moisturizing Milk Conditioner, the SheaMoisture Coconut -amp; Hibiscus Curl -amp; Shine Conditioner, and the Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner.

What brands are known for producing the best curly hair care products?

There are several brands that are known for producing the best curly hair care products. These include DevaCurl, Ouidad, SheaMoisture, and Briogeo. Each of these brands offers a range of shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that are specifically designed for curly hair.

How do I choose a shampoo and conditioner that will define and moisturize my curls?

When choosing a shampoo and conditioner for curly hair, it’s important to look for products that are designed to define and moisturize curls. Look for products that contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil, which can help to hydrate and nourish curly hair. It’s also a good idea to choose products that are free from sulfates and other harsh chemicals, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause frizz.