The 15 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair of 2024: Testing and Reviewing the Top Curly Hair Shampoos

On the hunt for the best shampoo for curly hair in 2024? You've come to the right place, curl friend! As a fellow curly-haired queen, I know how tough it can be to find hair care products that work for our unique curls. That's why my team spent months testing and reviewing the latest curly hair shampoos to bring you the top 15 picks for 2024. From tried-and-true faves to under-the-radar gems, we've got the scoop on the shampoos that'll leave your curls looking luscious, bouncy, and frizz-free. So cozy up and let's dive into the best of the best!

1. Which hydrating shampoos rank as top picks for 2024?

When it comes to curly hair, Moisture retention is everything. Our tresses are naturally drier and more prone to frizz, so finding a good Replenishes moisture shampoo is a must. Two that topped our list are DevaCurl's One Condition Decadence Shampoo and As I Am's Coconut Cowash.

DevaCurl's creamy, free-of-sulfate formula gently cleanses while drenching curls in moisture from nourishing ingredients like chufa milk and quinoa protein. It leaves hair ridiculously soft and smooth, never crunchy or weighed down. As for As I Am's co-wash, it's a deeply Replenishes moisture co-wash that doubles as a gentle purifier. The coconut oil and shea butter melt away dirt and build-up while conditioning curls. Perfect for high-porosity, thirsty ringlets.

2. How do I pick the best sulfate-free cleanser for frizzy hair type?

Curly girls know - the wrong shampoo means a frizzy mess. But finding the right free-of-sulfate formula for your curl type and texture is key to taming frizz.

If you've got tight, coily curls prone to dryness, look for ultra-moisturizing shampoos packed with natural oils and butter like shea, coconut, and argan. SheaMoisture, Camille Rose, and Alikay Naturals are great options. Looser waves or curls that get weighed down easily? Try a lighter, protein-enriched shampoo like Ouidad's Climate Control or Kinky-Curly's Knot Today leave-in detangler.

Whatever your curl pattern, avoid sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols - they'll make curls an unruly nightmare. You'll rock smooth, defined, frizz-free curls with the right tailored, sulfate-free cleanser.

3. What needs does a hydrating shampoo-conditioner set like Bain address?

Curly hair tends to be drier and frizz-prone, so it craves hydration. That's where a set like Kérastase's Bain Hydratation line comes in clutch.

This free-of-sulfate shampoo and conditioner duo is like a drink of water for parched curls. The shampoo uses gentle amino acids to cleanse the scalp and hair without stripping natural oils while infusing strands with moisture from glycerin and glucose.

But the real star is the matching conditioner, packed with ceramides, UV filters, and nourishing oils to strengthen and deeply condition. Together, they flood curls with intense hydration for soft, shiny, bouncy (never dry or brittle) results.

Whether coily or wavy, the Bain line delivers the perfect balance of moisture and weightless conditioning curly hair craves. An oasis for thirsty curls!

4. When and how does clarifying shampoo tame frizz dismiss?

We all crave smooth, frizz-free curls, but sometimes hair needs a little extra TLC. That's where a good Specialized hair product saves the day! These deeper products remove all the buildup from styling aids, hard water minerals, dirt, and oil that can rough up your texture. Bye, unruly appearance!

Even those with textured locks should utilize a Specialized hair product every few weeks to dissolve any buildup weighing down and dulling their textures. Just find a formula that deeply cleanses without being too harsh or stripping.

My fave is Kinky-Curly's Come Clean - infused with apple cider vinegar and citrus, it banishes every last trace of buildup yet is gentle and moisturizing. I always follow with a heavy conditioner or mask to replenish moisture.

Other great options: DevaCurl's Decadence product, Ouidad's Water Works, and the classic Neutrogena Anti-Residue. Just be sure to seriously condition after to keep curls from feeling dry and unruly.

5. How do testers wash to review top 2024 curl products like Kérastase?

You know what they say - the proof is in the pudding! And when it comes to reviewing and ranking the top curly hair products for 2024, my team took washing very seriously.

First, we scrutinized ingredient lists for any sulfates, silicones, or curl-no-nos. Shampoos with good stuff like oils, butter, and humectants to moisten curls.

Then came hands-on testing! Each tester spent at least 2 full weeks exclusively using each shampoo assigned to their curl type and needs. We analyzed everything - lather, cleansing ability, moisture levels, frizz control, definition, and softness. You name it, we dissected it!

We put these babies through the wringer too - co-washing, clarifying, mixing with stylers. Brands like Kérastase, DevaCurl, and SheaMoisture were standouts that made our top 15.
By the end, we had some seriously poppin' curls! But we took the trial-and-error out of finding the good stuff.

6. What hair care steps moisturize curls between shampoo uses?

Let's be real - keeping curls moisture-rich is a 24/7 job! Even the best shampoo can only do so much if you're not showing your strands some extra TLC between washes.

First, use a deep conditioning hair mask or treatment at least weekly. I'm obsessed with SheaMoisture's Manuka Honey mask - it floods curls with proteins, yogurt, and shea butter to repair and lock in moisture.

A daily leave-in conditioner is another curl-saver! Lightweight milks and creams like Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla or Ouidad's Curl Quencher add an extra hydration boost.
Simple steps, but they'll quench your thirsty curls and keep them feeling fresh between shampoo days!

7. Which conditioners deeply hydrate and soften curly hair types?

Raise your hand if you've ever felt victimized by a conditioner that promised mega moisture but left your curls dry, tangled, and just...blah. "raises both hands" We've all been there, which is why finding a truly nourishing, Replenishes moisture conditioner is everything for curly hair.

Two that get a big thumbs up? Shea Moisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Conditioner and Kinky-Curly's Knot Today Leave-In. That coconutty Shea Moisture formula is like a tropical drink for thirsty curls - loaded with coconut oil, neem oil, and shea butter to deeply moisten while adding insane slip for easier detangling.

As for Kinky-Curly's leave-in, this lightweight cream conditions without any heaviness. Botanical extracts and oils from plants deeply nourish while helping define curls and block unruly appearance. It's perfect for refreshing textured locks between cleanse days.

Whether coils or waves, these conditioners deliver the intense hydration and slip that textured hair craves. They're game-changers for preventing breakage while enhancing definition and giving you those soft, smooth, luscious textures!

8. How do reviewers compare Pacifica's ability to discipline hair versus competing moisturizing shampoos?

When it comes to replenishing moisture and defining curls, there's a fine line between "perfectly moisturized" and "hopelessly weighed down." That's why Pacifica's Pineapple Specialized Hair Shampoo for Textured Locks was such a standout during testing - it strikes that balance masterfully!

Unlike some ultra-heavy creams and butter that can leave curls limp and crunchy, this shampoo relies on lightweight plant-based oils to moisten deeply without any greasiness. Coconut oil provides a supreme slip for detangling, while pineapple extract acts as a natural humectant to enhance definition and bounce.

Pacifica's free-of-sulfate formula lathers up into a soft, gentle foam that dissolves dirt and product buildup without stripping strands. Once hair is rinsed, curls are left feeling optimally moisture-rich yet still light and airy - never weighed down! Definition and frizz control are on point too.

Compared to heavier, moisture-laden shampoos, Pacifica's managed to thoroughly nourish and discipline curls while allowing their beautiful, natural texture and movement to shine. No helmet head here - just luscious, bouncy spirals.

9. How can SheaMoisture's daily product refresh waves without striping?

Calling all wavy-haired babes! We know the eternal struggle of finding that perfect everyday shampoo - one that refreshes and cleanses without leaving our delicate wave patterns dry, unruly, or stripped. Well, the struggle ends with SheaMoisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo.

This luxurious, gentle daily purifier is a lifesaver for dry strands. The rich coconut oil and deeply nourishing formula absorb beautifully into hair, removing impurities and buildup while infusing strands with essential moisture. And since it's a gentle daily purified, it won't leave hair feeling dry, coarse, or tangled.

During testing, this coconut-scented gem left our waves soft, shiny, and voluminous - never dry or unruly! It provides just the right amount of cleansing slip to rinse away impurities while retaining oils and our delicate textured appearances. Gentle enough for daily or frequent use too.

Even better, this shampoo's silk proteins and hibiscus extracts enhanced curl definition and elasticity over time. No more sad, limp waves - just fresh, moisture-rich, beautifully defined spirals!

10. Do DevaCurl and As I Am products hydrate dry, low-porosity hair?

We all know the struggles of having low-porosity curls. Those stubborn strands resist moisture like a pro, leaving hair dry, brittle, and lacking definition and shine. But don't fret, curl friends - certain shampoos are specially formulated to penetrate and moisture even the most moisture-resistant ringlets.

Take DevaCurl's One Condition Decadence Ultra Moisturizing Milk product, for example. This ultra-rich, creamy shampoo is like a luxurious moisture shake for strands. It blends moisturizing powerhouses like chufa milk, quinoa protein, and coconut oil that high-key quenched even the thirstiest, most stubborn curls during testing.

Another dry hair savior? As I Am's Coconut Cowash. This curl-defining, no-lather cleansing cream is loaded with fatty acids from coconut, castor, and shea butter that slowly melt into low-po hair to provide nourishment, serious slip, and definition.

The trick is concentrating the shampoo directly onto dry hair and letting it marinate for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. This allows those ultra-moisturizing ingredients time to work into each cuticle layer. Hello, juicy, bouncy, intensely defined textures!

11. What makes Kinky-Curly's Come Clean a favorite clarifying shampoo?

Listen up, curlies! If your hair's been feeling a bit...blah lately - limp, dull, weighed down - it's probably time to hit reset with a Specialized curly hair purifier. And when it comes to stripping away all that nasty gunk the right way, Kinky-Curly's cult-fave Come Clean is in a league of its own.

What makes this shampoo so special? Unlike harsh, conventional clarifiers that can leave textured locks dry and unruly, Come Clean utilizes gentler botanical ingredients to deep clean without dehydrating precious coils. We're talking cleansing agents derived from apple cider vinegar, grapefruit, and meadowsweet - not those nasty sulfates!

Not only does the unique formula dissolve every last bit of product residue, hard water minerals, and buildup, but its low pH helps smooth and close the hair cuticle too. The result? Curls that feel squeaky clean yet surprisingly soft, bouncy, and shiny rather than stripped.

During testing, this shampoo worked wonders for reviving limp, dull curls and banishing icky buildup left behind by heavy creams and oils. A little goes a long way too - we followed up with a moisturizing mask and were rewarded with fresh, rejuvenated ringlets. Consider it your curls' quarterly detox in a bottle!

12. Which are the 15 best shampoos for curly hair of 2024?

You've been waiting patiently, and the time has finally arrived! After months of intense testing and reviewing, here are the fifteen best shampoos for curly hair that topped our 2024 rankings:

1. DevaCurl One Condition Decadence Ultra Moisturizing Milk Shampoo
2. As I Am Coconut Cowash Cleansing Cream
3. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
4. Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In/Detangler
5. Pacifica Pineapple Curl Shampoo
6. Ouidad Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo
7. Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Sulfate-Free Shampoo
8. Camille Rose Moroccan Pear Shampoo
9. Kinky-Curly Come Clean Shampoo
10. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrating Shampoo
11. Pattern Hydration Shampoo
12. Mielle Organics Babassu Conditioning Shampoo
13. Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
14. Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Shampoo
15. Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Shampoo

From ultra-nourishing co-cleansers to lightweight texture-definers, foaming purifiers to gentle clarifiers - these fifteen best shampoos for curly hair truly provide exactly what curly hair needs. Get ready for your bounciest, shiniest, frizz-free coils yet!

13. How do testers choose the best shampoo and conditioners for curly hair needs?

With so many curl-friendly shampoos and conditioners on the market today, how does one separate the holy grails from the duds? As veteran curly hair testers, we've got a few tried-and-true methods for sniffing out the real gems.

First up, we always take a good hard look at the ingredients list. Any shampoo with sulfates, silicones, waxes, or drying alcohols gets an automatic hard pass - these nasties can leave curls dry, unruly, and stripped. Instead, we hunt for formulas loaded with good-for-you oils, butter, proteins, and humectants to deeply nourish and moisture.

But we don't just judge a product by its label. The real test comes when we take these babies for a spin in the shower! Our testing process is intense - each conditioner and shampoo gets used exclusively for at least 2-3 weeks while taking diligent notes on all the important factors.

For shampoos, we analyze foaming action, cleansing capability, hydration levels, textured definition, smoothness, softness, and more. And we don't just wash once or twice - these formulas get put through their paces with everything from regular washing to co-washing to clarifying. If shampoo leaves our curls feeling parched, tangly, or blah, it's getting booted!

When it comes to conditioners, slip, and moisture levels are everything. We scrutinize the detangling ability and how soft, nourished, and defined our textures feel after use. Any conditioners leaving locks rough, unruly, or weighed down don't cut.
It's an intense process, but that's what it takes to find the best-textured care! Our tresses deserve nothing less than the holy grail products.

14. Using the best curl shampoos, what are the tips and techniques to get better results in washing curly hair?

Okay, curl crew, listen up! Even the most amazingly moisturizing, curl-defining shampoo can only get you so far. If you want to unlock your hair's full potential for bounce, softness, and frizz-free definition, nailing the right washing technique is key. Lucky for you, I'm spilling all my best tips and tricks!

First things first - always start with a pre-shampoo treatment or detangling spray to add slip and prevent shampoo from roughing up your delicate textured appearance. I'm obsessed with Kinky-Curly's Knot Today leave-in - it's a total game-changer for minimizing shed hair and tangles in the shower.

Once your curls are prepped, concentrate your shampoo directly onto your scalp and gently work it in using a light scratching motion with your fingertips. Avoid piling and aggressively rubbing all your curls together - this will just create an unruly mess. Let the shampoo do its cleansing work.

When rinsing, tilt your head back and let the water gently flow over and away from your hair rather than piling all your curls on top. This preserves the natural shape of your hair and prevents frizz. Use cool or lukewarm water to avoid stripping away precious moisture.

Post-shampoo, I like to re-wet my hair with cool water and then rake in any conditioner, styler, or wave cream from roots to ends using praying hands. This helps encourage clumping and enhance definition. Gently scrunch out any extra moisture before air-drying or diffusing. The key is always being gentle and avoiding roughing up your texture!

15. Do SheaMoisture or Bain hydratation douceur shampoo -conditioner regimens hydrate hair longer?

When it comes to intense moisture that persists, two haircare lines that seriously impressed were SheaMoisture's coconut & hibiscus collection and a Premium Nourishing regimen. But which one nourishes and conditions textures longer between shampoos? We put them to the test!

In the SheaMoisture corner, we have the Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo and matching Curl Enhancing Smoothie conditioner. This creamy, coconut-infused duo is like a tall drink of moisture for thirsty curls! The shampoo's rich coconut oil and nourishing shea butter formula melt into hair to provide significant hydration while retaining oils. It cleanses gently yet leaves curls soft, shiny, and bouncy.

Then that dreamy conditioner coats every strand with more coconut oil, silk proteins, and hibiscus extracts to strengthen and restore. During testing, our textures felt insanely nourished, defined, and frizz-free after using this powerful duo. Our coils stayed moisture-rich and fresh-looking for a good 4-to 5 days before getting thirsty again.

In the opposite corner, Kérastase's luxe Bain Hydration Douceur shampoo and rinse-out conditioner. Let's just say - this fancy French duo delivered on hydration! The amino acid-based, sulfate-free shampoo cleanses gently while infusing strands with moisture from glycerin and glucose.

But the real hydration hero is that conditioner, packed with protective ceramides and ultra-nourishing oils that strengthen and soften. When used together, this line left our strands drenched in moisture that seemed to last forever before fading! We easily went a full 6-7 days before curls started craving a refresh. Moisture marathon winner for sure!

16. Why do kinky curl girls now favor SheaMoisture's ability to discipline hair over Herbal Essences?

Listen up, my fellow kinky curly-haired queens! If you've been sleeping on SheaMoisture's hair care, it's time to wake up and smell the lush, coconut-infused greatness. This brand's ability to intensely moisture-rich, define, and "discipline" even the kinkiest of curls is unmatched - and it blows old-school products like Herbal Essences out of the water.

We all know the struggle of finding a shampoo and conditioner for curly hair that can smooth down our thick, oily strands without making them crunchy, dry, or oily mess. Thanks to its use of ultra-moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and nourishing fruit extracts, SheaMoisture has cracked the code.

Take their Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine duo for example. The rich, creamy shampoo removes buildup while deeply moisturizing with coconut oil and nutrient-rich shea. Then the buttery smooth conditioner melts through knots and coats every coil from root to end in conditioning slip.

The result? Hair that feels ridiculously soft, moisture-rich, and shiny, yet has this perfectly stretched and elongated look with defined clumps and zero unruly appearance or crunch. No more dry, shrunken, blown-out puffs! Just sleek, juicy, lustrous textures with body and movement.

Compared to cheaper, harsher "moisture-rich" products, SheaMoisture's nourishing, ultra-moisture formulas are in a total league of their own when it comes to providing hydration plus discipline and definition for even the most stubborn textured appearances. They make getting smooth, stretched, frizz-free yet bouncy coils feel effortless. Once you go to SheaMoisture, you'll never go back!

17. What steps do pros take to satisfactorily wash curly hair using Kinky Curly's products?

Kinky Curly is the OG when it comes to wavy and coily hair care, so you know their shampoos and stylers mean serious business! If you want to unlock the full potential of cult gems like their Come Clean purifying shampoo and Knot Today leave-in, you've gotta treat your curls to a little extra TLC.

According to stylists who work with curly textures, the prep is half the battle before shampooing with Kinky Curly's botanical-based formulas. They recommend spritzing on a detangling mist or lightweight oil to create slip and lubrication first. This prevents your curls from roughing up and tangling during the wash process.

Next step? Concentrate the shampoo directly onto dry hair and scalp before adding any water. Let it marinate for 2-3 minutes so the cleansing agents like apple cider vinegar have time to properly penetrate and break down any stubborn gunk, oils, and buildup.

Only then should you begin working the shampoo from roots to ends using a gentle scratching motion with your fingertips. Avoid any vigorous rubbing or pulling at this stage! The key is letting the nourishing ingredients in the shampoo do all the work

In summary

Here's a bulleted summary of the most important things to remember about the best shampoos for curly hair in 2024:

• Adequate moisture is crucial - look for shampoos packed with oils, butter, proteins, and humectants like SheaMoisture, DevaCurl, and As I Am to deeply nourish textured locks.
• Free-of-sulfate formulas like DevaCurl One Condition Decadence and As I Am Coconut Cowash are top picks for gentle cleansing while retaining oils.
• Kérastase Bain Hydratation Douceur and SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus lines provide long-lasting hydration between shampoos.
• Specialized hair products like Kinky-Curly Come Clean aid in removing buildup and reviving textured locks when utilized occasionally.
• Techniques like pre-shampoo detangling, gentle cleansing motions, cool water rinsing, and scrunching help enhance textured definition.
• Pair your hair shampoo with your textured pattern - ultra-nourishing for tight coils, and lighter formulations for loose waves.
• Pair with a moisture-rich conditioner like Kinky-Curly Knot Today or Shea Moisture Moisture Texture & Shine for optimal results.
• Texture-defining ingredients like coconut oil, butter from nuts, pineapple extract, and amino acids are all-stars.
• Take your time and treat your textured locks gently during the entire cleansing process for the best definition and smooth appearance.

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