




As any curly-haired girl would know, being blessed with curls comes with its unique challenges. It is more prone to frizz, dryness, and breakage, which is why it's essential to get the right hydrating shampoo for curly hair to be able to tame your tresses.
To help you out, we've created a buying guide and ranked the best shampoos for curly hair you can get online — with comments and insights from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz! From local picks and drugstore favorites to more luxurious options, each of these hair products is sure to leave you with effortlessly soft, smooth, and bouncy curls.
Quick List - Top Shampoos for Curly Hair
LUXE ORGANIX

Embrace Your Curls With Intensive Hydration and Definition
Zenutrients

Maximize Hair Potential With Gentle, Nourishing Care

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.

Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
When seeking the perfect solution for your hair care regimen, find nourishing ingredients that are just right for your unique hair requirements, especially if you have curls. Opt for a shampoo infused with protein to effectively strengthen and fortify your hair strands, promoting overall health and resilience for your curls. Additionally, avoid any ingredients that could potentially damage your curly hair. Read more about this below:
Curly hair often tend to become frizzy and dry, especially when exposed to extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions. That's why the first thing you should look for in a shampoo would be hydrating and moisturizing ingredients.
Natural oils such as argan oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil can calm down frizz, balance oil production, and lock in moisture into the hair shaft. They also add natural gloss to your strands and promote healthier hair growth.
Meanwhile, avocado oil and marula oil ensures that your hair is hydrated so that it stays soft and shiny for a healthy bouncy look. On the other hand, tea tree oil helps the nutrients in your products reach your hair follicles more easily, which is great for overall hair health.

Applying hair oil is helpful in protecting the hair from damage. Some oils penetrate the hair and reduce the amount of water absorbed in the hair, leading to less swelling. This can reduce the cycle of repeated swelling and drying, a factor that can damage hair.
Hair oils can also fill in gaps between cuticle cells and prevent the penetration of substances such as surfactants into the follicle. Also, applying oil on a regular basis can enhance lubrication of the shaft and help prevent hair breakage.
Shea butter is a rich plant-derived emollient that not only moisturizes hair but also alleviates skin conditions such as redness, itch, and irritation. It contains a high level of antioxidants including vitamins E and A that help heal and nourish the scalp.
Since it's an all-natural ingredient, shea butter is safe to use even on damaged or color-treated locks. Moreover, with the help of its vitamin E component, it will maintain hair growth, so if you're trying to get long hair, you can achieve that with these ingredients in your shampoo's blend.

Shea butter is an emollient that contains 5 principal fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and arachidic. Did you know that shea butter is frequently incorporated into soaps, moisturizers, and, guess what, even hair care products? Shea butter isn't extensively studied in scientific journals. However, similar butters and oils have been researched with potential benefits for the hair.
Glycerin is known for its moisturizing properties. An effective humectant, glycerin takes in moisture in the air and absorbs it into your locks, resulting in healthier and more defined curls.
It's water-soluble and generally regarded as non-toxic, so it's a lifesaver for curly-haired individuals on typical humid days. Just take note that since glycerin does attract moisture from the atmosphere, it should only be used in normal, non-extreme climates.

Glycerin is a humectant commonly found in moisturizers. While its beneficial effects of drawing in water and moisture into the skin is more studied, it has also be postulated to have similar effects on the hair.
Green tea helps the hair absorb vitamin B, which helps in preventing split ends. The same goes for plant extracts, helping your hair become stronger and avoid breakage. Some more benefits that green tea has for your hair are that it promotes hair growth and regrowth.
This is beneficial for those with curly hair, since it can be quite hard to grow out. But with green tea, you'll be able to get the extra support that you need to get the long flowy tresses of your dreams in an all-natural way.
Vitamin B5 is used in many hair products because of the amazing benefits that it gives. This includes protection against breakage, reduction of hair loss, and a boost in volume that those with curly hair will surely appreciate.
It's also hydrating, so it will make sure that your hair looks soft and shiny all day. You can find this component in many shampoos as is or as panthenol, an excellent source of vitamin B5. If you're looking for extra protection for your hair, keep an eye out for this ingredient.
For those who are not familiar, 80 to 85% of our hair strands are actually made up of a specific protein called keratin. However, the protein levels of your hair may not be ideal, so before getting any products, be sure to check your curls. If you have dry or brittle hair, it means that you have too much protein in it.
If your hair is limp or greasy, it means that your hair is lacking protein. If your hair indicates a protein deficiency, then it's best to get a protein shampoo. It can get a little tricky to identify protein ingredients in most shampoos, but the most common ones are wheat protein, silk protein, and vegetable protein.

Did you know that our hair is composed primarily of protein, particularly keratin?
With this, a lot of hair care products have been incorporated with amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and marketed as improving hair strength.
Oshimura, E., et al., in a journal entitled Hair and Amino acids, identified that certain hair products incorporated with alanine, an amino acid, improved the water-repellant properties of hair while histidine and phenylalanine improved its tensile strength.
If your hair is on the curly or wavy spectrum, then chances are you’ve already been told that some popular shampoo ingredients such as sulfates, silicones, and alcohol are ultimate no-no's.
Sulfates are aggressive foaming agents that strip away hair's natural moisture and oils, leaving it dry, frizzy, and brittle.
Since curly hair is already prone to dryness, it's crucial to avoid shampoos that contain any kind of sulfate including the most common ones such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate.

We commonly see shampoos labeled as "sulfate-free" nowadays. What are sulfates anyway? Sulfates (e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate) are a class of anionic surfactants (molecules that remove sebum and dirt from your hair).
Anionic surfactants strongly remove dirt and sebum from hair and the scalp, but they increase the net negative charge of hair after rinsing and this may leave the hair dry. However, you still have to be careful of other ingredients, as other anionic sulfate-free surfactants can leave the hair dry as well.
There are two types of silicones that are used in shampoos: non-soluble and water-soluble. Non-soluble silicones cannot be removed or penetrated by water, leaving behind a layer that prevents your hair from absorbing the nutrients that it needs. They can build up over time and weigh down your curls.
On the other hand, water-soluble silicones can be dissolved in water, so they can be washed away easily. They can help detangle the hair and fight frizz, which is great for those with curly hair. Although to be on the safer side, it is best to avoid silicone-based shampoos.

Silicones are a common add-on in shampoos these days as it is able to provide smoothness, softness, and shine to dry hair. Examples include dimethicone, dimethiconol, and amodimethicone.
In an article by J. Yang entitled Hair Care Cosmetics, a comparison between silicone treated and untreated hair showed silicone treated hair to appear smoother with a thin protective layer.
As mentioned, curly hair needs all the hydration and moisture it can get. For this reason, those with curly hair should stay away from shampoos with alcoholic ingredients.
Alcohols work with water to dissolve oils and other residues during cleansing but since they evaporate quickly, they in turn make your hair even drier and more susceptible to breakage.

Alcohol indeed can be drying to the skin, and thus, same for the hair. However, it's also important to keep in mind that the dose affects the overall effect of a product. As with starting any new ingredient for the skin, the same care should be done for products applied to the scalp and hair. Best to try a product out, test it, and listen to your hair's response.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredients | Protein Content | Sulfate-Free | Silicone-Free | Alcohol-Free | Best for | |||||
1 | LUXE ORGANIX Curl Define Intensive Hydration Daily Shampoo | ![]() | Embrace Your Curls With Intensive Hydration and Definition | Aqua, Synthetic Jojoba Oil, Hydrogenated Avocado Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Moroccan Oil | Frizzy Hair | |||||
2 | Zenutrients Curls Avocado & Tea Tree Sulfate-Free Shampoo | ![]() | Maximize Hair Potential With Gentle, Nourishing Care | Aqua, Betaine, Coco Diethanolamide, Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Persea Gratissima Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Essence, Peg 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil | Curly Hair | |||||
3 | SADOER Coconut Oil Shampoo | ![]() | Deep Hydration, Shine, and Scalp Relief in Every Wash | Coconut Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Squalane, Vitamin E | unknown | unknown | unknown | Dry Hair, Frizzy Hair, Damaged Hair | ||
4 | Hairfix Professional Power Curls Shampoo | ![]() | Ultimate Frizz Protection, Endless Bounce | Shea Butter Glycerides, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Flower Extract, Corn Gluten Amino Acids, Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Glycine | Frizzy Hair | |||||
5 | Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl + Shine Shampoo | ![]() | Experience Vibrant, Bouncy, and Healthy-Looking Curls | Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Neem Oil, Silk Protein, Rosemary Oil, Aloe Vera | unknown | Frizzy Hair | ||||
6 | Be Organic Sulfate-free VCO Shampoo | ![]() | The Beauty of Organics in Every Drop | Distilled Water, Potassium Cocoate, Cocomide Mea, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, VCO, Panthenol, Essential Oil | unknown | unknown | Dry Hair, Damaged Hair, Frizzy Hair | |||
7 | HairReve Hair Thickening Sulfate-Free Shampoo | ![]() | Thicker, Stronger, Sulfate-Free | Argan Oil, Apple Fruit Extract, Betula Alba Leaf Extract, Rosemary Extracts, Nettle Extract, Horsetail Extract, Yarrow Extract, Wild Thyme, Tussilago Farfara Leaf Extract, Zinc | unknown | unknown | unknown | Thin Hair | ||
8 | Urban Care Twisted Curls Hibiscus & Shea Butter Shampoo | ![]() | Embrace the Bounce, Lock in the Shine | Hibiscus, Shea Butter | unknown | unknown | unknown | Curly Hair, Frizzy Hair | ||
9 | Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo | ![]() | Gentle Care, Powerful Cleanse | Water, Shea Butter, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Benzyl Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, DL Panthenol, Betaine, Glycerin, GlycolWater, Shea Butter, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Benzyl Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, DL Panthenol, Betaine, Glycerin, Glycol | unknown | unknown | unknown | Normal Hair, Dry Hair, Oily Hair, Frizzy Hair | ||
10 | Petal Fresh Thickening + Curl Revive Shampoo | ![]() | Energize Your Curls With Nature's Thickening Secret | Biotin (Vitamin B7), Caffeine, Certified Organic Spearmint Leaf Oil, Shea Butter, Honey Extract, Aloe Vera, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Chamomile Extract, Jojoba Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Calendula Extract | unknown | unknown | Curly Hair | |||
| Key Ingredients | Aqua, Synthetic Jojoba Oil, Hydrogenated Avocado Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Moroccan Oil |
|---|---|
| Protein Content | |
| Sulfate-Free | |
| Silicone-Free | |
| Alcohol-Free | |
| Best for | Frizzy Hair |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
This sulfate-free shampoo nourishes strands deeply, leaving them soft and bouncy after each wash. Curls pop with vibrant definition and shine that last all day. Scalp irritation fades quickly, replaced by a refreshed, healthy feel. The watery texture bubbles generously but weighs hair down noticeably.
| Key Ingredients | Aqua, Betaine, Coco Diethanolamide, Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Persea Gratissima Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Essence, Peg 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil |
|---|---|
| Protein Content | |
| Sulfate-Free | |
| Silicone-Free | |
| Alcohol-Free | |
| Best for | Curly Hair |
| Key Ingredients | Coconut Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Squalane, Vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Protein Content | |
| Sulfate-Free | unknown |
| Silicone-Free | unknown |
| Alcohol-Free | unknown |
| Best for | Dry Hair, Frizzy Hair, Damaged Hair |
Reviews mention:
The shampoo enhances curls, providing noticeable bounce and softness after each wash, while maintaining smoothness and definition throughout the day. It strengthens hair, reducing breakage for improved hair health. However, the fragrance may be considered strong and persistent.
| Key Ingredients | Shea Butter Glycerides, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Flower Extract, Corn Gluten Amino Acids, Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Glycine |
|---|---|
| Protein Content | |
| Sulfate-Free | |
| Silicone-Free | |
| Alcohol-Free | |
| Best for | Frizzy Hair |
| Key Ingredients | Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Neem Oil, Silk Protein, Rosemary Oil, Aloe Vera |
|---|---|
| Protein Content | |
| Sulfate-Free | |
| Silicone-Free | |
| Alcohol-Free | unknown |
| Best for | Frizzy Hair |
| Key Ingredients | Distilled Water, Potassium Cocoate, Cocomide Mea, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, VCO, Panthenol, Essential Oil |
|---|---|
| Protein Content | unknown |
| Sulfate-Free | |
| Silicone-Free | |
| Alcohol-Free | unknown |
| Best for | Dry Hair, Damaged Hair, Frizzy Hair |
| Key Ingredients | Argan Oil, Apple Fruit Extract, Betula Alba Leaf Extract, Rosemary Extracts, Nettle Extract, Horsetail Extract, Yarrow Extract, Wild Thyme, Tussilago Farfara Leaf Extract, Zinc |
|---|---|
| Protein Content | unknown |
| Sulfate-Free | |
| Silicone-Free | unknown |
| Alcohol-Free | unknown |
| Best for | Thin Hair |
| Key Ingredients | Hibiscus, Shea Butter |
|---|---|
| Protein Content | unknown |
| Sulfate-Free | |
| Silicone-Free | unknown |
| Alcohol-Free | unknown |
| Best for | Curly Hair, Frizzy Hair |
| Key Ingredients | Water, Shea Butter, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Benzyl Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, DL Panthenol, Betaine, Glycerin, GlycolWater, Shea Butter, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Benzyl Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, DL Panthenol, Betaine, Glycerin, Glycol |
|---|---|
| Protein Content | unknown |
| Sulfate-Free | |
| Silicone-Free | unknown |
| Alcohol-Free | unknown |
| Best for | Normal Hair, Dry Hair, Oily Hair, Frizzy Hair |
| Key Ingredients | Biotin (Vitamin B7), Caffeine, Certified Organic Spearmint Leaf Oil, Shea Butter, Honey Extract, Aloe Vera, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Chamomile Extract, Jojoba Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Calendula Extract |
|---|---|
| Protein Content | unknown |
| Sulfate-Free | |
| Silicone-Free | unknown |
| Alcohol-Free | |
| Best for | Curly Hair |
Here are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina Luz! Keep on reading to find out more!
The frequency of washing the hair should be adjusted based on the hair type. The American Academy of Dermatology states that washing curly hair every 7 to 10 days and after heavy sweating or swimming is enough. One can then fine tune it accordingly.
Normal shampoo is not necessarily bad for curly hair. Rather it just might not adequately address the particular concerns associated with curly hair such as dryness and brittleness.
This depends on how much hair one has. One should use enough shampoo that when lathered is sufficient to be massaged onto the scalp till the tips of the hair strands.
Tip#1: Listen to your hair! Different hair types require different frequencies of washing. Curly hair generally can be washed less often compared to straight hair.
Tip#2: Follow-up shampoo with a conditioner! Make sure to especially coat the ends of the hair with conditioner, as the ends are the most fragile part!
Tip#3: Use a wide-toothed comb and always be gentle with your hair!
Want to put bad hair days behind you for good? Here are some of our other hair care picks that will help bring out your best curl every day!
Author: Marion Angeli Flores
Re-Editor: Samantha Tidalgo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: LUXE ORGANIX |Curl Define Intensive Hydration Daily Shampoo
No. 2: Zenutrients|Curls Avocado & Tea Tree Sulfate-Free Shampoo
No. 3: SADOER |Coconut Oil Shampoo
No. 4: Hairfix|Professional Power Curls Shampoo
No. 5: Shea Moisture |Coconut & Hibiscus Curl + Shine Shampoo
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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