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1. An Aveeno apple cider vinegar curl shampoo TikTokers have praised for its ability to reduce oil and product buildup in their hair *without* leaving it dry and brittle.
Oat is used within the formula to nourish hair, while the apple cider vinegar cleanses. You can see it up close in this TikTok by @galkrohn!
Promising review: "This is my must have clarifying shampoo for curly hair! If you do, my hair is about 3c/4a and it works really really well, has an awesome scent, and doesn’t dry my hair out. It just opens the cuticles nicely for the conditioner to soak in." —Lynn
Get it from Amazon for $7.89.
2. A clarifying curl shampoo that uses a gentle formula that'll make you want to ~twist and shout~ when it brings all the bounce back to your curls.
Twist is a small shop on Amazon that crafts together moisturizing hair products for curly natural hair types.
Promising review: "I love the way my curls turn out when I use this shampoo! They are bouncy and defined like never before. It does not dry out my hair, I also have almost no frizz, and it doesn't cost a fortune!" —Renee Warner
"I love how thick these Twist products are! I do tend to have to add a little water to the bottles so that it actually comes out of the pump. I love the way my hair feels and looks after. I have 2b curls and love this for them!" —HB
Get it from Twist on Amazon for $9.69.
Give your strands some extra love with these products your hair will thank you for.
3. A detangling curl shampoo using a vegan formula infused with aloe vera and coconut milk for smoothing and defrizzing curls, so combing your hair won't feel like a chore in the morning.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this brand. I don't see many people talk about it and I don't know why — it's cost effective. I have very dense but medium 3b/3c kinky hair. My family uses it and a little really goes a long way." —Kyra cruz
Get it from Amazon for $6.97 (also available in a two pack).
4. An eco-friendly curl shampoo bar over 10,000 reviewers are calling a "frizz wrangler" that's easy to use and is kind on your curls (and the planet) — a total win-win!
Each bar is made from ethically sourced ingredients including coco butter and shea butter, while being pH balanced, 100% soap free, safe for color-treated or damaged hair, palm-oil free, and aluminum free.
Promising review: "I've been using this Professional Curl from Ethique for about a week now and I am in love. I've used plenty of bar shampoo/conditioners, but this is by far my favorite. I have curly hair, although not as curly as it used to be (it ranges from beach waves to big coils depending on the day). I can FEEL the moisture being put back into my hair, and I need a lot to manage the frizz! I'm very pleased with this product, I will buy again!" —Helpful But Realistic
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 13 scents and four sizes).
Did you also see these curl-friendly products? Make sure you check 'em out!
5. A type 3 curl shampoo with a weightless formula to lift and moisturize your curls, leaving your strands blushing over all the compliments they're about to receive.
Promising review: "Ladies, I love TGIN anyway, but this? Easiest comb out from BRAIDS ever — I have 3C hair BTW. The hint of rose is perfect and doesn’t overpower, but you get a nice whiff." —GypsyJ
"I have 4abc hair, and hands down the most tangly hair I've ever seen. I had to go a month without washing because of a water problem at my apartment. I used this on the right side of my head and another product by a different brand on the left side. The other brand got through my 4a section well, but as soon as it went onto the 4b section, those tangles started blocking everything and I had to use scissors, conditioner, and other products to get it to detangle. When I used TGIN shampoo on my right side, it GLIDED through my tangles a,b, AND c sections, and I was finished so quickly with less than a fraction of the hair loss than the other product. I followed up with the tgin leave-in conditioner and it was literally like a magic wand to all my tangles. I had to cut out one knot bc my hair has serious tangles, but this product is now my new everything. The crazy thing is that it didn't even say on the cover that it's a detangling shampoo, yet it still works as the best detangler I've ever used." —AMN
6. A coconut curl shampoo curly hair AND waves can appreciate for its creamy, dye-free formula which will leave shake-worthy hair that won't leave you in ~tangles~.
Promising review: "My life is happier because of this shampoo! I have very fine 3a/3b curls down to the middle of my back. I was using Deva Curl products until I developed an allergy to them. My doctor told me I was reacting to all of the harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances and needed to find something that was less toxic for me. I discovered Shea Moisture and am one happy chick! My hair is now nourished and soft and bouncy. There is no more breakage and no more hair all over the sink and tub. I use about the size of a penny, that's how concentrated this shampoo is. I also use it on my two dogs who have allergies. It cleans them great and leaves their coats shiny and skin soft with no more itching. I've never reacted to a product like this, so I had to leave a review for anyone else out there like me who reacts to too many unnecessary ingredients and just wants a product that works. I also use the fabulous conditioner and just ordered the styling milk. Shea Moisture rocks my curly world!" —Gwynnie B
Get it from Amazon for $8.69.
For more easy to use things, check out these hair products for low-maintenance people.
7. A vanilla mint and shea curly shampoo whose natural ingredients will leave you feeling all tingly inside — no, really, the mint will provide a cooling sensation to your scalp as it washes away excess dirt and oil.
8. A build-up eliminating curl shampoo where spearmint oil will stimulate the scalp, while clove oil and nettle oil promote hair growth and blood flow. I mean, what's not to love???
Frederick Benjamin is a small Black-owned shop that creates hair, shaving, and beard products specially designed for the needs of melanated skin.
Promising review: "This product surprised me. Gave it a shot and it is now my go-to shampoo. Gives you a salon level cleaning with a fresh, light, and minty scent. You know it's working because it leaves your scalp nice and tingly. Would definitely recommend!" —Marcus
Get it from Frederick Benjamin for $12.
9. A vitamin B blend curl shampoo that conditions and cleanses your hair at the same time, providing it with a boost of hydration — aka a tall drink of water, but for your curly qs.
Project Qurls is a small Black and queer-owned shop that creates nonbinary haircare products for curly and textured hair. Proceeds will go towards supporting the homeless queer youth given service by the ProjectQ Salon and Community Center.
Promising reviews: "Best I’ve ever used, hands down. After one wash, I had around 75% less hair falling out the next time I washed (curly hairs, you know what I’m taking about — shower drain full of hair). It’s also making my hair softer and holding my curls up much better." —Rebecca Heinicke
Get it from Project Qurls on Etsy for $25.
10. An award winning curl shampoo and conditioning treatment inspired by sensitive skin cleansers so you KNOW it'll give your locks the most gentle yet ~deepest~ clean. Plus, it smells like Froot Loops!!!
Bread Beauty Supply is a woman-owned small shop focusing on making haircare fun through products specifically made for texture and curly hair.
Promising review: "Take my $$$. Obsessed! Most shampoos make my curly hair feel stripped and dry. But washing out this shampoo felt like I was washing out conditioner. My hair was silky and smooth and when my hair air dried, my curls were bouncy and not dry. Can't wait to try more of their products!" —Brittany M.
Get it from Bread Beauty Supply for $20.
11. An avocado curl shampoo mixed with rice amino acids that's safe on color-treated hair, so you can have springy curls *without* losing color vibrancy.
Briogeo is a Black- and woman-owned small shop creating hair products that empower and nourish hairs of every style. The formula is also cruelty-free, gluten-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, and vegan.
Promising review: "This is THE BEST shampoo I have EVER had for my hair! When paired with the Curl Charisma Conditioner, my curls are soft, bouncy, and defined! Also, the shampoo smells like fruit loops and is not overpowering at all. I have been looking for a good shampoo and conditioner all my life, and this right here is it! I definitely recommend!" —Alexandra
Get it from Briogeo for $28+ (available in two sizes).
And if you're also dealing with brassy locks, try one of these hair toners.
12. A L'Oreal Paris curl shampoo other bath products will be sighing in envy over since it *lit-erally* tells dryness to buzz off, leaving you with moisturized strands for up to 72 hours (!!!).
The formula is paraben-free and contains hyaluronic acid and castor oil that promotes growth while locking in moisture.
Promising review: "This is perfect for my natural curly hair. I have waves and kinks and try loads of different shampoos and styling products. I now use this whole line including the drying creme. My curls are soft, shiny, and defined. Easily reactivated with water if you don’t wash daily or add more of the styling creme." —L. Craft
Get it from Amazon for $7.97.
13. A John Frieda curl shampoo for turning unmanageable natural hair into frizz-free, voluminous coils you'll ditch the baseball cap for to show off it's gorgeous shine.
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Promising review: "John Frieda's dream curls products are fabulous. Not only do I have perfect curls rather than frizz, my stylist of several years said that my hair has never been this healthy. No breakage or split ends." —Juliana
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
Keep the haircare going with these hair products that are bottles of pure magic.
14. A sulfate-free curl shampoo formulated using tea tree oil to get your scalp to ~ditch the itch~ by soothing the skin and removing product build-up.
Girl + Hair is a Black and woman-owned small shop that creates protective hair products for curly and textured hair.
Promising review: "Last year, I decided to grow my hair back after years of shaving my head. I started my transition with braids back to back, but found that my scalp hated braids and needed to be washed frequently to stop itching. Regular shampoo left residue in my braids, so when I found this product I gave it a try. I highly recommend this product and the leave-in conditioner. I used this product as I grew my hair out. Then, when I decided to start my locs, I used it to cleanse and moisture my locs (my hair is really thick and kinky). Dreadlocks make my hair extremely dry through the day, and this helped. This is definitely a life saver. Save your hair, sis! Buy this!" —Eco-chic Jass
Get it from Girl + Hair on Amazon for $11.69.
15. A type 4 curl shampoo featuring ingredients like black castor oil and biotin damaged, broken locks will be begging to be lathered in as it repairs and restores strands back to its natural, glowing glory.
TGIN (aka Thank God It's Natural), is a Black and woman-owned small shop on Amazon that produces hair products targeted towards natural curly and textured hair free of chemicals and parabens.
Promising review: "So moisturizing and made my 3c/4a hair super soft! Just buy it." —Lemehn
"Works GREAT!! My hair was so soft and manageable — I did a twistout and could not believe how soft and and shiny my hair turned out!" —Patrice Smith
16. A silicone-free curl shampoo that uses sage and tamanu essential oils to balance your hair's natural oils, making it easier to reach day three hair without picking up the dry shampoo.
Credo is a woman-owned small shop that provides clean beauty products that are good for your skin, hair, and use natural ingredients.
Promising review: "For the first time ever, I was able to detangle my type 4 natural hair during the shampoo phase. A little definitely goes a long way — I added more water to each section for a luscious lather!" —Adrien B.
17. An aloe vera curl shampoo to keep your scalp calm while it lifts away dirt and leaves behind smooth locks *so* soft you won't be able to keep your hands outta your hair.
Verelle is a woman and POC-owned small shop that specializes in creating haircare products for folks with curly, wavy, or coily hair.
Promising review: "I love Verelle! I definitely noticed my hair being softer and have a more defined wavy/curliness to it after only one wash — and that's with just the shampoo and conditioner. Once I started using the after-shower products, it just got even more curly, with little effort. I would highly recommend this product to anyone wanting a better product than generic drugstore brands, but don't want to pay the high prices of the customizable brands." —Amanda D.
18. A lightweight curl shampoo you won't feel weighed down over — no, but actually! The lightweight formula was made to define and lift curls, so you can feel confident hopping on the natural hair train.
Promising review: "THIS PRODUCT WORKS AMAZING!!! It magically gave me my natural curls back — I hadn’t seen them in years! Smells great and works with a small amount. Buy the set: shampoo, conditioner, styling cream. I immediately stocked up this stuff is so good. I air dry — no diffuser needed. Just scrunch up your damp hair and watch it dry into soft ringlets. I had given up on styling my hair curly with my natural curls, I tried multiple products over the years unsuccessfully. My curls were always frizzy and unruly. I’ll say it again, THIS PRODUCT WORKS AMAZING!!!" —G mom
"I have 3B curls and this makes my hair soft and cleans well." —Nerdette
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
19. A gentle curl shampoo that defends against split ends with vitamins and minerals that'll be telling you AND your hair to live it's best ~naturally curly~ life.
Rizo's Curls is a woman and Latine-owned small shop that specializes in creating beauty and hair products for people with curly and textured hair.
Promising review: "I love this shampoo! I have thick curly and coily hair, so I thought this shampoo would run out quickly. It didn't. I'm repurchasing after four or five months because it has lasted that long. The shampoo is gentle and it smells wonderful, too. It's not heavy or too greasy. It is perfect in combination with the conditioner." —Karen M Serrano M.
Get it from Rizo's Curls for $19.99.
20. A clay curl shampoo bar designed with extra virgin olive oil, cocoa butter, and castor oil you can pack in your carry-on, so your natural hair can feel radiant even on vacation.
Brown Butter Beauty is a small xx shop that hand-makes herbal infused plant based self-care products.
Promising review: "This is honestly the best shampoo bar, and one of the best shampoos that I have ever tried, period. I love the creamy lather and how it cleanses my hair and scalp without stripping it. My curls were soft, shiny, and defined after rinsing this out. Another winner by BBB!" —Kyla Dobbins
Get it from Brown Butter Beauty for $18+ (available in one or two bars).
21. An oat protein curl shampoo providing total volume while adding enough moisture to keep your precious strands from breaking away from you.
The paraben-free ingredients also promote stronger, thicker hair.
Promising review: "Since my daughter’s loctician introduced me to this shampoo and conditioner, I’ve been hooked ever since. Not only does it leave my natural curls soft and tangle free, but it also adds moisture and shine to my daughter‘s dreads. I truly recommend this product line to your natural hair care regimen." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $23.98.
22. A color-safe curl shampoo infused with honey and coconut for a natural clean to increase moisture absorption, so you can confidently go on day two (or three) hair — no dry shampoo needed.
MopTop is a woman-owned small shop on Amazon that specializes in creating natural, revitalizing beauty products for all hair types. A portion of proceeds also go to supporting anti-bullying programs.
Promising review: "Curly girl method friendly and works great for my low porosity 2b-3a curls!" —Amazon Customer
23. A JVN nurturing shampoo with a gel texture to upgrade your scalp from dry and flaky to hydrated, frizz-free ringlets you can confidently strut to brunch with.
The formula uses a silicone-free, cruelty-free, and vegan formula that is safe on color treated hair.
Promising review: "My hair is naturally curly, dry, and frizzy, but JVN’s hair products have turned my hair into soft, hydrated, and beautiful looking locks. Not to mention my scalp is looking healthier and flake-free. Truly obsessed. The scalp oil is also the bee's knees." —Katelyn Emery
Get it from JVN for $21.
You showing off those freshly styled curls:
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The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.