These Shampoos Will Define Your Coils & Boost Shine So You Can Rock Your Curls With Pride (2024)

TL;DR

Our top pick is the Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo because it works on all curly hair types and delivers bouncy, nourished, frizz-free curls. It's formulated with replenishing ingredients that cleanse but don't strip your strands. If you're in search of a drugstore option, we love the L'Oreal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo, as it holds curl definition for 48 hours.

Our Top Picks

Hair Type: Curly, coily, wavy, textured, color-treated, chemically processed | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 9.2–16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Curly-haired individuals know you want a shampoo that will nourish your dry strands, repair any breakage, minimize frizz, and enhance your natural curl pattern, all while deeply cleaning your locks. This standout from Amika accomplishes all that and more. Not only does it define every curl pattern (hair types between 2a and 4c), but it also cleanses without stripping your strands. After lathering up this product, your hair will feel softer and more hydrated than ever—thanks tothe hyaluronic acid, bio-fermentedcoconut water, andsqualane-infused formula. The luxurious hydrating effects last 72 hours (the brand claims), which leaves your curls looking bouncier sans frizz. Plus, we love that this shampoo is vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and comes in playful recyclable packaging. While sulfates and parabens aren't necessarily harmful (they help create that luxurious foam and extend products' shelf life), they can irritate sensitive scalps, chemically treated hair, or brittle hair. Just be sure to thoroughly rinse out the product, as it can weigh down finer hair types.

Taylor, tester with hair type 3a/3b: "I immediately noticed a difference in how moisturized my hair was: It felt different even after drying with no product. It locked in moisture and was very gentle on my hair while still providing it with much-needed hydration."

Hair Type: Curly, coily, wavy, color-treated, chemically processed | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fresh, coconut | Size: 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This curly-haired favorite delivers salon-like, bouncy curls at a fraction of the price. Not only is this shampoo sulfate-free, but it's also free of harsh salts and surfactants that can wreak havoc on both your color and curls. Coconut oil adds the hydration your hair needs, though the vegan formula is still light enough that it won't weigh your hair down (unless you have super fine hair). It also smooths flyaways and increases shine. Perhaps most impressive of all, when used with the accompanying conditioner and treatment, the trio will keep your curls defined for 48 hours. Yes, as in two full days.

Nella, tester with fine and curly hair: "After the first shampoo, I could feel an immediate softness to my hair, and my curls are a little looser and frizz-free. My curls are better defined and stayed that way throughout the day."

Hair Type: Curly, coily, wavy, textured, color-treated | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 1.4–33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sometimes, you just have to treat yourself (and your hair) and splurge on a premium product, especially if you have curly hair that needs to be revitalized. Luckily, this product is worth it due to its high-quality ingredients and bouncy results. Crafted with the highest concentration of natural vitamin C (obtained from kakadu plum), vitamin A, omega 6, and shea butter, this magical concoction smooths the hair shaft, enhances shine, increases elasticity, and softens hair. We appreciated how quickly this product lathered up and the ease of rinsing it out. It left our locks looking sleek and defined, although not overly curled and voluminous.

Dawn, tester with hair type 2b/c: "This shampoo is superior to other products I've used. Every time I wash my hair, it feels like I've been to a salon for a thorough and hydrating wash. I also have to share that my 17-year-old niece was visiting town for the weekend, and shortly after she left, she texted me asking what products were in the shower. I took pictures with my phone, and she texted back, 'I loved the shampoo in the purple bottle, and I'm going to buy it when I get home.'"

Hair Type: Curly, thick | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Coconut | Size: 13–24 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This curl-enhancing shampoo provides you with silkier, shinier, and more defined locks. Not only that, but it leans on a blend of natural butters and plant oils (including shea butter and coconut oil) to moisturize and nourish your hair, leaving a shinier mane in its wake. We're also big fans of the creamy coconut scent and love that the product is free of silicones (which are sometimes good to avoid because they can be drying), sulfates, parabens, and phthalates (which can cause inflammation to sensitive scalps). It's also cruelty-free. Just a heads up, since the formula is pretty heavy on the oils, it may weigh down finer hair types.

Sahara, tester with hair type 3a: "The shampoo almost acts like a conditioner for curly hair, which is great. The shampoo left my hair feeling silky."

Hair Type: Curly, wavy, coily, textured | Sulfate-Free: No | Size: 3–25 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We all put our hair through a lot—heated tools, styling, and coloring, among others—so having a nourishing wash on hand to help revive dehydrated and damaged strands is always a good idea. This pick from Pattern uses a blend of 10 oils to repair your mane. Formulated with shea butter, aloe vera leaf juice, honey, and coconut oil, your hair will lock in moisture and appear shinier after just one wash. It's worth mentioning that given the shampoo's hydrating properties, oilier hair types may want to opt for another product on our list. A bonus: This cleanser lathers quickly and easily removes buildup and any flakiness. Add this pick to your haircare arsenal so you can rest assured your hair is getting the TLC it deserves.

Alyssa, tester with hair type 3b: "My curls are exceptionally bouncy thanks to this lightweight product, and my hair appears to be shinier. I know it's not ideal to shampoo your ends, but I did and noticed that my dry, brittle ends seemed to repair themselves. No dead ends here!"

Hair Type: Wavy, curly, coily | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Size: 2–33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There's nothing better than va-va-voom, bouncy, defined curls, and this wash is key to achieving it. Specifically created for curls, this shampoo is enriched with a blend of oils (jojoba, avocado, and coconut) and butters (shea and cocoa). Start by foaming up your hair in this lightweight and hydrating wash and discover how effortlessly it lathers—you only need a quarter-size amount. The gentle shampoo washes your strands without stripping them of their natural oils. That being said, those who are prone to product buildup may require a deeper cleanse. The results are resilient, perky-looking curls that feel silky and soft to the touch.

Michelle, tester with hair type 2b: "In the past, I didn't really think shampoos had much of an effect on what my hair ultimately looked like, but this shampoo changed my mind. I definitely think this shampoo makes my curls more defined and bouncier, and they even looked good on day two!"

Hair Type: Curly, coily, wavy, textured, color-treated, chemically-treated | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Clean, floral | Size: 16–33.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There's nothing more irksome than an itchy and irritated scalp. Luckily, we found a solution: this pick from Briogeo. Those with sensitive scalps found relief in this emulsifying shampoo. Formulated without sulfates, parabens, or silicones, this wash cleanses your scalp and hair without aggravating any sensitivities. It is also infused with vitamin B, amino acids, and panthenol, so your hair still gets the moisturizing benefits it needs. While this shampoo isn't going to be the most curl-defining, it works great at detangling hair and perks up your dull strands.

Danielle, tester with hair type 3b/c: "This shampoo is perhaps one of the best shampoos I’ve ever used. No exaggeration. It thoroughly cleanses my hair and scalp while still leaving them feeling moisturized and hydrated. My scalp felt so good. I don’t really know how to describe it, but it felt like after a good hair wash at the salon."

Hair Type: Wavy, curly, coily | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Coconut, vanilla | Size: 13–25.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Wavy hair often doesn't get the attention or support it deserves. With a top-notch, curl-enhancing shampoo, flat, loose waves are instantly transformed into beautiful mermaid hair—the secret is this shampoo from OGX. Infused with coconut oil (to add shine and softness), citrus oil (to help cleanse hair), and honey (to moisturize), this shampoo leaves waves looking bouncier and more defined. We loved the vanilla and coconut scent, but this may not be the pick for you if you're sensitive to bolder fragrances.

Mary, tester with hair type 2a/b: "I honestly didn't think my waves were wavy/curly enough to be considered curly hair, but boy, was I wrong. I've been able to achieve way more wave definition that lasts into day four hair. That was a big deal to me!"

Hair Type: Wavy, curly, coily | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Citrus | Size: 2–17 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Finding a shampoo that works well with color-treated hair will not only help your hair stay vibrant between hair appointments but also keep it nourished and protected. The Virtue Curl Shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic colors, and dyes (as they can irritate your hair and scalp), which is why it works wonders on colored hair. The nondrying ingredients boast a gentle cleanse that will leave your strands feeling strong. Plus, the inclusion of keratin proteins ensures your strands get the support they deserve. The blend of grapefruit and kumquat gives it a lush citrus scent that we love, but we know it may not be for everyone.

Chantia, tester with hair type 4c: "I have dyed my hair orange and red, and that comes with the risk of it looking dry or extra frizzy. I experienced heat damage a few months back, and it has been a long process trying to restore the curls in the front of my hair, but I have seen my coils coming back. Even when I blow dry my hair with heat after shampooing, my hair still looks full, fluffy, and healthy!"

FAQ

• Are sulfate-free shampoos better for curly hair?

  Sulfates can strip any hair type, including curly hair, so it's best to go sulfate-free if you can. Devachan stylist Taylor Tugman explains that curly hair already skews toward the dry side, so you don't want to further dehydrate your hair with a harsh product. Consider a "no-poo" cleanser with a gentle, lather-free formula, and don't forget to spend the same amount of time massaging your scalp as you would with a traditional foaming shampoo.

• How often should you wash curly hair?

  "My recommendation for anyone with waves or coilyhairis one to two times per week," says Brown. "Anything over two times per week calls for a deeper assessment." For instance, you should consider what you're trying to achieve with frequent cleansing and how your hair feels after daily or every-other-day washes. When in doubt, ask your stylist what they suggest for your hair's unique needs.