21 Shampoos That Curl Hair

Shampoos that curl hair are often called curl enhancing shampoos, or curl activators. They help to define the hair’s natural curl pattern by adding moisture to the strands, and clumping the hair together to form perfect curls, instead of frizz. This post lists 21 top curl activating shampoos that leave you with beautiful bouncy curls.

Curly hair is more prone to dryness, frizz and breakage than any other hair type. This is because the tighter the curl, the harder it is for the natural oils from the scalp to travel down the hair shaft. These natural oils protect and moisturise the hair strands.

Good curl enhancing shampoos moisturise and protect the hair so it’s less likely to become damaged or fragile. They usually contain hydrating ingredients such as oils and butters, and are free from drying alcohols or chemicals that could dry the hair out. Some of the ingredients often found in curl defining shampoos include almond oil, olive oil, coconut or jojoba oils.

The shampoos listed in this post will work well on curly, kinky or coily hair, but not on straight hair. If you have straighter hair and want to create curls you should use a curl enhancer cream or gel or a curling mousse. You can also check out my tips on how to make straight or wavy hair curly.

This post contains a list of the 21 best shampoos that curl hair

Shampoos That Curl Hair

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Furterer Sublime Curl Shampoo

Best Shampoo that Curls Dry Hair

The Furterer Sublime Curl Activating Shampoo helps to cleanse and shape curly hair. It has a silicone free formula that smooths frizzy hair, and replaces it with beautiful curls.

This shampoo has a creamy texture and is gentle enough to be used every day. It contains evening primrose oil and acanthus extract which helps the hair to retain moisture. Acanthus helps to hydrate dry hair and leave it with a well defined curl pattern.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Milk Shake Curl Passion Shampoo

Best Hydrating Shampoo that Curls Hair

The Milk Shake Curl Passion Shampoo helps to hydrate, condition and shape curly hair. The formula contains organic pracaxi and babassu oils, milk proteins, and fruit extracts. It promotes the formation of well defined curls whilst hydrating and nourishing the hair.

This hydrating shampoo would suit all curly or wavy hair types to help enhance natural curls and waves. It is also paraben and SLES free, and gentle enough for daily use.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Marlies Möller Curl Activating Shampoo

Best Shampoo that Curls Brittle Hair

The Marlies Möller Curl Activating Shampoo contains apple stem cell extract which protects and stimulates the stem cells in the scalp. This prevents the hair from thinning or becoming brittle. It also contains amaranth extract and plant proteins to nourish and condition curls.

This shampoo helps to give curls new bounce and vibrance. It works well on any curl type and should be massaged into wet hair before rinsing thoroughly. For the best results finish off with a curl activating cream, gel or spray or curl defining mousse.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Shampoo

Best Shampoo that Curls Frizzy Hair

The John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Shampoo helps to enhance the curl pattern in curls that have become unruly or frizzy. It contains a curl-enhancing complex, moisturizers and silicone to nourish the hair and prevent flyaway strands.

This is a good choice for natural hair that’s become dry and unmanageable. It helps to improve hair texture in any curly hair type.

Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Related: Are John Frieda Products Curly Girl Approved?

Noughty Wave Hello Curl Defining Shampoo

Good Shampoo that Curls Coloured Hair

The Noughty Wave Hello Curl Defining Shampoo has a 97% natural formula which contains avocado oil and sea kelp to keep curls moisturised and defined. Avocado oil is a good natural oil for detangling curly hair, reducing dandruff and preventing breakage. It also helps with frizz control.

This shampoo is 100% vegan, and is free from parabens, petrochemicals, sulphates and silicones.

Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

OGX Coconut Curls Shampoo

Best Shampoo that Curls Damaged Hair

The OGX Coconut Curls is a sulfate-free shampoo which is enriched with natural ingredients such as coconut oil, sweet honey and citrus oil. It helps to enhance and hydrate curls and leave them glossy, smooth and defined.

This is a great curl enhancing shampoo for curly girls of all hair types. It helps to reduce split ends and moisturise each hair strand.

Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Related: Is OGX Curly Girl Approved?

Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo

Best Shampoo that Curls Low Porosity Hair

The Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo is rich in Argan oil which helps to nourish, smooth and moisturise curly hair. Argan oil is a lighter oil which won’t build up on the hair shaft. For this reason, this would be a good shampoo for low porosity curly hair that is better suited to lighter products.

This moisturizing shampoo helps to enhance and define both loose curls and tight curls. It provide all the vitamins and antioxidants that the hair needs to stay healthy, and helps to protect curls from damage.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Imbue Curl Liberating Sulphate Free Shampoo

Best CG Friendly Shampoo that Curls Hair

The Imbue Curl Liberating Sulphate Free Shampoo contains shea butter, cacao seed butter, castor oil and coconut. These natural emollients help to hydrate and smooth curls, whilst providing extra nourishment to the strands.

The formula is vegan and suitable for use with the Curly Girl Method. It’s suitable for all curl types from tight coils to loose spirals.

Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Curl Company Sulphate-Free Shampoo

Best Shampoo that Curls Thin Hair

The Curl Company Sulphate-Free Shampoo is infused with moringa and meadowfoam seed oils to gently cleanse and define curly hair. The sulfate-free formula is free from any harsh chemicals that could dry out curly or coily hair.

The Curl Company designed this shampoo specifically for the needs of curly hair. It helps to form curl clumps and eliminate frizz whist nourishing and hydrating the hair strands. It is one of the best curly hair products for fine hair since it helps to add volume and bounce.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

Best Shampoo that Curls Thick Hair

Shea Moisture make some great products to help smooth and define frizzy curls. Their Coconut and Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo contains coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera leaf juice, neem oil and silk protein. This moisturizing cocktail of ingredients help to define and maintain natural curls.

This is one of the best curly hair shampoos for thick and dry curly hair. The coconut oil and shea butter in the formula are natural emollients that help restore moisture to the hair, and leave you with gorgeous curls.

Shea Moisture make some other excellent shampoos that curl hair. All of their products contain shea butter which is a great ingredient for curly hair, as it helps to keep curls hydrated and protected.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Related: Is Shea Moisture Curly Girl Approved?

HASK CURL CARE Shampoo

Top Gentle Shampoo that Curls Hair

The HASK Curl Care Shampoo contains a blend of coconut oil, Argan oil and vitamin E to hydrate curls and protect them from frizz and damage. The gentle formula won’t strip the hair’s natural oils but removes product build up, excess oil and dirt.

This shampoo is vegan, cruelty free and free from drying alcohols, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, and artificial colors. It’s a great choice for any curly-haired girl.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Related: Is HASK Curly Girl Approved?

OUIDAD Curl Shaper Good As New Moisture Restoring Shampoo

Best Daily Shampoo that Curls Hair

The OUIDAD Curl Shaper Good As New Moisture Restoring Shampoo helps to restore definition and softness to frizzy curls. It contains citric acid to help balance the pH level of your hair and scalp, and silk amino acids to strengthen the hair and protect it from moisture loss.

This is an oil based shampoo which mimics the natural oils in your hair to restore essential moisture and give tired curls a boost. The shampoo is gentle enough for daily use and won’t leave your hair lank or weighed down. This is one of the best sellers among curly hair shampoos.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Related: Is Ouidad Curly Girl Approved?

Maui Moisture Curl Quench+ Coconut Oil Shampoo

Best Shampoo that Curls Extremely Dry Hair

The Maui Moisture Curl Quench+ Coconut Oil Shampoo contains aloe vera, coconut water, coconut oil, papaya fruit extract and plumeria extract. It helps to enhance and define curly hair and infuse it with moisture. Coconut oil is the key ingredient in this shampoo as it deeply moisturises and hydrates dry frizzy strands.

Maui Moisture have an entire coconut oil collection where the main ingredients are hydrating oils and fruit extracts. For best results, use the products together to help achieve your best curls.

Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Related: Is Maui Moisture Curly Girl Approved?

Lee Stafford for The Love of Curls Shampoo

Best Strengthening Shampoo that Curls Hair

The Lee Stafford for The Love of Curls Shampoo helps to calm frizz and enhance curls, coils and waves. The formula contains shea butter, coconut water and cacao to help moisturise and soften the hair strands. It’s free from harsh ingredients that could dry or damage the hair, as well as being vegan and cruelty free.

This is a good shampoo for building strength in the hair shaft. It’s gentle enough to be used on a daily basis, and helps to enhance beautiful, soft curls.

Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Curly Sexy Hair Curl Enhancing Shampoo

Best Shampoo that Curls Hair and Increases Elasticity

The Curly Sexy Hair Curl Enhancing Shampoo is infused with cacay oil and sea algae to enhance curls and protect against frizz. Cacay oil is rich in essential fatty acids. It has a high content of linoleic acid (omega 6 essential fatty acid) which helps to make the hair softer and more elastic.

This shampoo will leave you with springy, bouncy curls. It works well on any type of curl and is one of the best products for restoring elasticity to hair that has become lank and lifeless.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bring The Bounce Curl Crush Shampoo

Best Shampoo that Curls Hair with Heat Protection

If you are looking for the right shampoo to curl your hair whilst protecting it from heat, the Bring The Bounce Curl Crush Shampoo is a great choice. It contains jojoba oil, avocado oil, cotton seed oil and a heat protector to nourish, moisturise and strengthen curly hair.

This curl activating shampoo helps to strengthen the hair’s natural curl structure whilst making the strands soft and pliable. It gently cleanses curly hair follicles leaving them nourished and healthy.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo

Best Scalp Protecting Shampoo that Curls Hair

As I Am make top-notch products for curly hair. Their Curl Clarity Shampoo contains coconut, Amla and tangerine to gently remove dirt and product build up, whilst defining and enhancing curls, coils and spirals.

Amla helps to prevent the premature greying of hair and also has anti-fungal and antiviral properties so it can improve the health of the scalp and help to prevent dandruff. Amla is a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic hair care treatments.

Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Kerastase Curl Manifesto Shampoo

Best Luxury Shampoo that Curls Hair

The Kerastase Curl Manifesto Shampoo is a nourishing shampoo that works well on all types of curls. It helps to nourish the hair and scalp whilst gently cleansing away any excess sebum or dirt. It provides vital moisture to dry curls and helps to promote healthy growth.

The key ingredients in this nourishing shampoo are manuka honey and ceramides. They help to infuse curly hair with hydration and nourishment.

Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Wash

Best Detangling Shampoo that Curls Hair

The Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Wash is vegan and cruelty free. It contains Vitamin B5 to help soften and define each curl, and leave the hair bouncy and free from tangles and frizz.

This shampoo helps to enhance and condition natural curls. It can be used on wavy, curly or coily hair textures and is good for detangling the hair and taming flyaway strands.

Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Davines Love Curl Shampoo

Best Eco Friendly Shampoo that Curls Hair

The Davines Love Curl Shampoo was designed to enhance curly and wavy hair. The brand only use ethical production methods and natural ingredients. This means their packaging is completely eco friendly.

This shampoo is enriched with almond extract to detangle the hair, boost fullness and volume and increase shine. It deeply nourishes and hydrates the hair, and leaves curls looking bouncy and fresh.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

KIND NATURED Bamboo & Sea Kelp Smooth Curls Shampoo

Best Natural Shampoo that Curls Hair

The KIND NATURED Bamboo & Sea Kelp Smooth Curls Shampoo has a 97% natural formula. It leaves curly hair looking conditioned, shiny and defined. The brand is completely vegan, and they test on people, not animals. Their packaging is made from 30% recycled plastic.

This shampoo contains bamboo which is great for curly hair as it’s high in silica. Silica helps to increase the elasticity of the hair and makes it stronger. Check out my post on using bamboo for hair growth.

Last update on 2024-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This post was all about Shampoos That Curl Hair

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