(Because your curls are worth more than a “whatever was on sale”)

Curly locks. It’s gorgeous. It’s unruly. It’s dramatic. And some days, it straight up has a personality. It’s one minute serving up main character vibes, the next giving us “electrocuted llama” vibes. We’ve all been there, yes.
Something curly hair desperately needs (aside from a therapist) is moisture and gently handling. And that starts with the right natural shampoo – something that cleanses your scalp without causing your hair to become greasy like a compulsive lover.
Upon examining the contents of some shampoos available at the drugstore, you will see that many of them don’t completely match the formula for your hair. Whatever sodium lauryl Thank you, but no.
The best natural shampoos for curly hair that will keep your hair silky, lustrous, and as drama-free as possible are listed here.

1. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

This is the Beyoncé of natural shampoos for curly hair—renowned, trustworthy, and ever-present. It is filled with coconut oil, silk protein, and neem oil, which essentially means your locks get treated like they’re at the spa with each wash.

• Reason it works: Extremely moisturizing, softly cleans, and defines the curls without drying out the locks.
• Ideal for: Dehydrated or frizzy curls that require an extra dose of TLC.
• Smells like: A vacation, bottled up. You’ll secretly want to drink it (don’t).
  Pro tip: A little does go a long way. Don’t be greedy with the pump, or you’ll be rinsing all day.

2. Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo

Let’s be real—something with the name “Maui” to it is going to fix your life, apparently. This shampoo begins with aloe vera juice (nice) and contains papaya butter, plumeria extract, and coconut oil.

• Why it works: Provides deep hydration without making your curls feel heavy or oily.
• Best for: Thick, dry, or type 3/4 curls.
• Smells like: A fruit smoothie that went to yoga class
  Warning: You’ll likely find yourself flipping your hair like crazy after using this.

3. Acure Curiously Clarifying Lemongrass Shampoo

Let’s discuss build-up, shall we? If you’ve been piling it on the creams, gels, and perhaps a questionable amount of dry shampoo (no judgment), you want to use a clarifying shampoo. However, most of the shampoos are too abrasive to use around curly locks. Enter Acure.

• Why it works: Cleans away the build-up without making your curls feel straw-like. It contains argan oil, lemongrass, and no shady stuff.
• Ideal for: Oily scalp or the occasional deep cleanse.
• Smells like: Lemon zest + serene forest hideaway
  Hair afterward: Clean, but not squeaky. Fresh, yet soft.

4. Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath

This one feel really fancy due to, well, the fact that it basically is one. It’s worth the splurge, though, if you want something deeply nourishing. It contains aloe, pumpkin seed oil, and shea butter, and the complete brand is obsessed with clean beauty.

• Why it works: Rich cream that moisturizes and nourishes without drying out curls or damaging color-treated locks.
• Ideal for: Medium to thick curl, or if your locks are going through “a lot.”
• Smells like: Your hair made a facial appointment

Yes, pricey.
Worth it? Also, yes.

5. Bounce Curl Gentle Clarifying Shampoo

Don’t be intimidated by the use of the word “clarifying”. It is actually so gentle and still provides the scalp with the refresh it requires. It is packed with black seed oil, which is kind of like magic hair potion, along with enzymes to scrub the scalp (technical science jargon that does the job).

• How it works: It balances the scalp whilst keeping the curls juicy and bouncy.
• Ideal for: Curls that require a refresh, but not necessarily a detox.
• Smells like: Citrusy freshness and clear conscience

Bonus: Your curls will be bouncing higher than your paycheck after payday!

A Few Tips for Washing Curly Hair (Since Shampoo Isn’t a Miracle)

• Don’t wash daily. Curly hair prefers to be left alone at times. Attempt to wash it each 2–4 days, depending upon your scalp.
• Finish off with cold water. Not ice bath cold, but sufficiently cool to seal the moisture in and make your hair shiny.
• Condition after washing with shampoo. Shampoo alone, like eating dry toast—is technically okay, but why?

Conclusion: Keep it Natural, keep it Nourished

Here, your curls are not an unruly problem to be tamed, but a gift to be nurtured. And one of the best, simplest ways to give your locks some TLC is to use a natural shampoo. Ditch the sulfates, trust the plants, and treat your curls like the royalty that they are.

And, if anyone ever asks you about your 12-step beauty routine, just look them straight in the eye and tell them,
“It’s not extra, it’s essential“

Need a recommendation for the best natural conditioners or curl creams to use with these? Just mention the word!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)