What to look for in the best shampoo for coarse curly hair

Choosing the right shampoo can make a big difference in managing and enhancing coarse, curly hair. Here are key aspects to keep in mind.

1. Moisturizing Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

Curly and coarse hair tends to be drier, so look for shampoos with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or glycerin to help retain moisture and reduce frizz.

2. Sulfate-Free Formulas

Citrus catapult arrow

Sulfates can strip natural oils from hair, which is particularly damaging for coarse curls. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos to maintain your hair’s natural moisture and minimize dryness.

3. Curl-Enhancing Properties

Citrus catapult arrow

Some shampoos are formulated specifically to define and enhance curls. Ingredients that promote curl formation and reduce tangling can help you achieve more manageable, bouncy curls.

4. Scalp Health

Citrus catapult arrow

A healthy scalp is essential for strong, beautiful curls. Look for shampoos with soothing or balancing ingredients like aloe vera or tea tree oil if you experience dryness or irritation.

  1. 1
    Shampoo for Moisture and Control
    337 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Designed to moisturize and tame wavy, curly and coily hair, leaving it smooth, sleek and polished.
  2. 2
    Curl Shampoo

    Virtue

    201 REVIEWS
    A luxurious, creamy lathering shampoo for curly hair that maintains hair’s natural hydration.
  3. 3
    Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo
    1,051 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A fortifying shampoo that strengthens and reinforces weak, fragile and brittle hair to prevent breakage.
  4. 4
    Curl Moisturizing Shampoo

    Bumble and Bumble

    231 REVIEWS
    A gentle cleanser for seriously hydrated curls.
  5. 5
    Curl Charisma Rice Amino and Avocado Hydrating Shampoo
    215 REVIEWS
    A creamy, sulfate-free shampoo that hydrates and minimizes frizz for defined curls, coils, and waves.
  6. 6
    Luscious Curl Conditioning Cleanser with Chia Seed Oil
    7 REVIEWS
    A conditioning cleanser that gently washes and nourishes to revive hair's natural texture. Use for wavy to softly curled hair.
  7. 7
    Atlantis Moisturizing B5 Shampoo
    7 REVIEWS
    Moisture shampoo designed to bring dry or damaged hair back to life with containing Witch Hazel, rosemary, and various oils to soften the hair while cleansing the scalp.
  8. 8
    Soft Bounce Natural Texture and Curl Shampoo
    2 REVIEWS
    Nourish, hydrate and repair. 
  9. 9
    Bel Air Smoothing Shampoo and Anti-Oxidant Complex
    1 REVIEWS
    A smoothing shampoo for thick, curly or frizzy hair with a warm, romantic fragrance.
  10. 10
    Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Shampoo

    Bumble and Bumble

    662 REVIEWS
    Frizz reducing, hydrating shampoo for dry hair.

What to look for in the best shampoo for coarse curly hair

Choosing the right shampoo can make a big difference in managing and enhancing coarse, curly hair. Here are key aspects to keep in mind.

1. Moisturizing Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

Curly and coarse hair tends to be drier, so look for shampoos with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or glycerin to help retain moisture and reduce frizz.

2. Sulfate-Free Formulas

Citrus catapult arrow

Sulfates can strip natural oils from hair, which is particularly damaging for coarse curls. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos to maintain your hair’s natural moisture and minimize dryness.

3. Curl-Enhancing Properties

Citrus catapult arrow

Some shampoos are formulated specifically to define and enhance curls. Ingredients that promote curl formation and reduce tangling can help you achieve more manageable, bouncy curls.

4. Scalp Health

Citrus catapult arrow

A healthy scalp is essential for strong, beautiful curls. Look for shampoos with soothing or balancing ingredients like aloe vera or tea tree oil if you experience dryness or irritation.