Does your curly hair often feel dry, frizzy, or just plain unmanageable after washing? You are not alone! Many people with beautiful curls struggle to find a shampoo that truly loves their hair. Commercial shampoos often contain harsh chemicals that strip your curls of their natural oils, leaving them thirsty and dull. Finding a natural option can feel like a treasure hunt—so many brands promise miracles, but which ones actually deliver bouncy, healthy curls?
This is where we step in. We understand the frustration of buying bottle after bottle, only to see minimal results. Choosing a natural shampoo specifically designed for curls means feeding your hair the good stuff it craves, like gentle cleansers and moisturizing botanicals. By ditching the drying ingredients, you unlock your curls’ true potential for shine and definition.
Keep reading to discover our top picks for the best natural shampoos that will transform your wash day from a chore into a celebration. We break down exactly what ingredients to look for and which formulas work best for different curl patterns. Get ready to say goodbye to bad hair days!
Top Natural Shampoo For Curly Hair Recommendations
- SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER FOR CURLY HAIR: Naturals curly hair shampoo cleanses, tames frizz, boosts shine, and defines curls; Curly hair conditioner intensely nourishes to define curls; Peach Coconut fragrance
- MADE WITH 98% NATURALLY DERIVED INGREDIENTS: Dermatologist-Tested and infused with an intensely hydrating blend of Tahitian Gardenia and Mango Butter
- SAFE FOR ALL CURLY HAIR TYPES: Safe for all curl types, including curly, coily, and wavy hair; Safe for natural hair and color-treated hair
- MADE WITH GOOD VIBES ONLY: Sulfate surfactant-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, dye-free, and drying alcohol-free; Packaged in a bottle made with 75% PCR
- USE TOGETHER: Lather and work into wet hair, then rinse thoroughly and follow with conditioner; Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends, then rinse thoroughly
- NEW LOOK, IMPROVED SHAMPOO: Your favorite sulfate-free shampoo for curly hair just got an upgrade—same iconic sweet coconut and vanilla scent, same luxurious results, now with an elegant new look and creamier lather.
- CURL DEFINING HAIR PRODUCTS: The rich, creamy Curl & Shine Conditioner is packed with the moisture your curls need for more definition and bounce.
- ANTI-FRIZZ HAIR PRODUCTS: These hair products, infused with Silk Protein, Neem Oil, and Coconut Oil, plus Certified Organic Fair-Trade Shea Butter, effortlessly tame frizz and repair dry, damaged hair.
- NATURAL HAIR CARE: These thoughtfully made, cruelty-free hair products for women soften, detangle, and improve hair manageability without sulfates, parabens, silicones, or phthalates.
- THE SHEA MOISTURE DIFFERENCE: Every SheaMoisture purchase creates new possibilities by expanding access to entrepreneurial opportunities and resources that enrich lives, families, and businesses worldwide.
- Moisturizing Shampoo: A goddess is strong, her hair should be too. Strengthen weak hair from the first wash with Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Sulfate Free Shampoo. Our hair shampoo cleanses and moisturizes for stronger hair
- Fortifying Formula: Our shampoo for curly hair is blended with Castor Oil, Black Cumin Seed Oil and Ginger. This shampoo for dry hair has a hydrating shampoo formula for strands that are instantly stronger, less prone to breakage and healthy-looking
- For Weak, Breakage-Prone Hair: Anti hair breakage products support hair's strength as it grows & gets longer. Delivers 15x stronger hair and 94% less breakage in 1 use with system of shampoo, conditioner, oil & leave in cream vs. non-conditioning shampoo
- For Best Use: Massage Goddess Strength hydrating shampoo into your scalp and hair. Lather and rinse. Follow with Goddess Strength conditioner, hair and scalp oil and leave-in cream
- Black Woman Founded: Lisa Price founded Carol's Daughter in her Brooklyn kitchen in 1993. She created this collection of hair products to help natural hair regain its natural balance of moisture, manageability, shine and softness
- Strengthening Biotin Formula - The Rosemary Mint Shampoo is enriched with biotin to support stronger, healthier hair over time by targeting weak, brittle strands at the root.
- Moisturizing Ingredients - This shampoo for damaged hair is infused with nutrient-rich coconut oil and babassu seed oil to replenish moisture and restore vitality to dry, brittle strands.
- Gentle Scalp-Cleansing Lather - Our rosemary shampoo provides a sulfate-free, non-stripping lather ideal for textured hair types in need of gentle cleansing and hydration.
- Stylists Recommend - Apply to wet hair, massage the moisture locking shampoo into the scalp to activate the rosemary mint lather, and rinse thoroughly. Follow with the Rosemary Mint Hair Masque for best results.
- Healthy Ingredients, Healthier Hair - At Mielle, we do more than care for hair. We champion it. Our curly hair products are scalp-loving, innovation-driven, and made to nourish, strengthen, and support your hair care journey with intention and performance in every drop.
- Renpure Castor Oil & Moringa Curl Enhancing Plant-Based Shampoo gently cleanses, nourishes and moisturizes curls to enhance definition, leaving hair soft and frizz-free.
- This plant-based shampoo is infused with Castor Oil, to deeply moisturize and control frizz, and Moringa Seed Oil, known for its nutrient-rich properties, to hydrate curls, improve elasticity, and enhance shine.
- Apply shampoo to wet hair, lather, and rinse. Use shampoo with Renpure Castor Oil & Moringa Plant-Based Curl Enhancing Conditioner for best results. For wavy and curly hair patterns, 2B-3C.
- Renpure Castor Oil & Moringa Shampoo is made with 95% plant-based & naturally derived ingredients and is free from sulfates, parabens, dyes, gluten, phthalates and propylene glycol. Our biodegradable formulas are pH balanced & animal test free (PETA).
- At Renpure, we believe that everyone deserves beautiful hair, without compromise. Our pump and bottle are both 100% recyclable, making sustainable choices easier. After rinsing, drop the whole package into the recycling bin.
- The SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo, now with a NEW & IMPROVED formula, gently cleanses with a creamy lather
- The SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Shampoo & Conditioner make hair 3x* stronger *vs non-conditioning shampoo
- Prevent breakage by up to 67%* after one use for healthier-looking hair *system vs nonconditioning shampoo
- The Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo & Conditioner restore strength and resilience to damaged or chemically processed hair
- This shampoo for damaged hair is perfect for those who straighten, keratin, perm or heat style hair, as well as kinky, curly or wavy natural styles. Works great on natural and color treated hair
- The SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo gently cleanses without stripping essential moisture
- Transform dry, brittle curls into bouncy, vibrant waves and curls with this non-stripping formula including coconut oil & silk proteins in our curly hair shampoo
- This coconut shampoo provides hydration that enhances the elasticity of your curly hair to help define your gorgeous natural curl pattern without weighing it down
- For those with wavy, coily & curly hair, this paraben free shampoo instantly hydrates & defines your curls for healthier feeling hair after just 1 use
- Blended with Neem Oil, the Coconut Hibiscus shampoo and conditioner repair hair, add shine, and leave curls feeling healthy with a show-stopping shine
- The SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo gently cleanses without stripping essential moisture
- Transform dry, brittle curls into bouncy, vibrant waves and curls with this non-stripping formula including coconut oil & silk proteins
- Provides hydration that enhances the elasticity of your hair to help define your gorgeous natural curl pattern without weighing it down
- For those with wavy, curly & coily hair, instantly hydrate and define your curls for healthier feeling hair after just one use
- Blended with neem oil, the Coconut Hibiscus Shampoo & Conditioner repair hair, add shine, and leave curls feeling healthy with a show-stopping shine
Choosing the Best Natural Shampoo for Your Curly Hair
Curly hair needs special care. Natural shampoos offer a gentle way to clean your curls without harsh chemicals. This guide helps you find the perfect bottle.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check the label for these important features.
- Sulfate-Free Cleansing: Sulfates create lots of lather, but they strip natural oils. Curls need those oils to stay moisturized. Look for shampoos without ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
- Moisture Retention: Curly hair dries out easily. Your shampoo should add moisture, not just clean. Look for words like “hydrating,” “moisturizing,” or “nourishing.”
- Curl Definition Support: A good natural shampoo helps your curls clump together nicely. This means less frizz and more bounce.
- pH Balance: Curls prefer a slightly acidic environment (low pH). This keeps the hair cuticle smooth. Check reviews to see if users report less frizz.
Important Natural Ingredients You Want to See
The ingredients list tells the real story. Natural shampoos use plant-derived cleansers and beneficial extracts.
Beneficial Oils and Butters:
These ingredients feed your curls.
- Coconut Oil or Shea Butter: They deeply penetrate the hair shaft, providing essential moisture.
- Jojoba or Argan Oil: These lightweight oils mimic the natural oils your scalp produces. They add shine without weighing curls down.
- Aloe Vera: This soothes the scalp and delivers light hydration.
Gentle Cleansing Agents:
These are the natural alternatives to harsh sulfates.
- Look for cleansers derived from coconuts, like Cocamidopropyl Betaine or Decyl Glucoside. These clean effectively but gently.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Shampoo Quality
The quality of a natural shampoo directly impacts your curls’ health.
What Improves Quality?
High-quality natural shampoos often contain fewer ingredients overall. They focus on potent botanical extracts. If the ingredients list is short and uses recognizable plant names, that’s usually a good sign. Also, shampoos designed specifically for high-porosity or low-porosity curls often perform better for targeted needs.
What Reduces Quality (Red Flags)?
Watch out for ingredients that defeat the purpose of buying “natural.”
- Synthetic Fragrances (Parfum): These can irritate sensitive scalps common among curly-haired individuals.
- Drying Alcohols: Ingredients ending in “-ol” like SD Alcohol or Isopropyl Alcohol should be avoided near the top of the list. They dry out curls.
- Silicones: While not always “bad,” many silicones are not water-soluble. They build up on the hair, blocking moisture. If you use natural products, avoid ingredients ending in “-cone.”
User Experience and Use Cases
How a shampoo feels and works during washing matters.
The Lather Test:
Natural, sulfate-free shampoos produce less foam than conventional ones. Do not expect huge mountains of bubbles. A light, creamy lather is normal and effective. If you are new to natural products, this change takes getting used to.
Post-Wash Feel:
After rinsing, your hair might feel slightly “stripped” but not squeaky clean. This is because natural cleansers remove dirt without removing all the natural sebum. Follow up immediately with a good natural conditioner to lock in the moisture.
Best Use Cases:
- Co-Washing Transition: If you are moving away from heavy detergents, a gentle natural shampoo works well as a bridge.
- Daily/Frequent Washers: Because these shampoos are mild, they are safer for people who wash their hair often.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Natural Curly Hair Shampoos
Q: Why is my natural shampoo not bubbling a lot?
A: Natural shampoos use gentle cleansers instead of harsh sulfates. They produce less foam, but they still clean your hair effectively.
Q: Can I use a natural shampoo on color-treated curls?
A: Yes, generally. Sulfate-free formulas are excellent for preserving hair color because they clean gently.
Q: How often should I wash my curly hair with natural shampoo?
A: It depends on your hair type and lifestyle. Many people with curly hair wash once or twice a week. If you exercise a lot, you might use a very gentle formula more often.
Q: Will natural shampoo remove product buildup?
A: Mild natural shampoos might not remove heavy silicone or wax buildup alone. You may need a specific clarifying wash occasionally.
Q: Is “paraben-free” the same as “natural”?
A: No. Parabens are preservatives. A product can be free of parabens but still contain many synthetic ingredients. Check the whole ingredient list.
Q: What is “low-poo”?
A: “Low-poo” means using a low-lather shampoo, usually one that is sulfate-free. This is a common term for natural curly hair washing methods.
Q: My scalp feels itchy after switching. Why?
A: Your scalp might be adjusting to the lack of harsh detergents. If the itching continues for weeks, you might be sensitive to a specific natural oil or preservative in that product.
Q: Should I use a leave-in conditioner after every wash?
A: Almost always. Natural shampoos clean gently, but curls need extra moisture added back in using a leave-in conditioner or cream.
Q: Are essential oils safe for my scalp?
A: Most are safe when properly diluted. However, some people are sensitive to strong essential oils like peppermint or citrus. Always patch-test if you have a sensitive scalp.
Q: Do I need to shake the bottle before using the shampoo?
A: If the ingredients are truly natural, some separation might occur. A gentle shake ensures you mix the oils and water-based ingredients evenly before pouring.