Curly hair is a crown of natural beauty. However, it requires special care to keep it healthy, defined, and frizz-free. As a result, curly pals understand that one subpar wash day can make or break our entire hair week. So, while our manes can be unpredictable, a solid routine doesn’t have to be.
The key to nailing it? A solid first step.
All the painstaking goodness of curly styling starts with a quality shampoo (or cleanse if — like Abbie Chatfield — you abide by the Curly Girl Method).
From nourishing ingredients to sulfate-free formulas, these are the best shampoos for those seeking to enhance their natural curls and waves.
The best shampoos for curly hair in Australia
Kérastase Paris Bain Oléo-Relax
We say: The Oléo-Relax range is targeted to frizzier, coarser hair types. For curls that struggle with frizz, this moisture-heavy formula truly delivers.
You say: “This is the Rolls-Royce of shampoo. I have incredibly dry, frizzy and curly hair that is normally unmanageable without the application of this shampoo. [When shampooing], I apply a twenty-cent-sized dollop to my hand and massage into my scalp… then use my Tangle Teezer to distribute it through my hair. I repeat the process a second time [and] follow up with the conditioner. Upon air drying, my hair is left so incredibly soft, shiny and frizz-free.” – Lucy16
$42 at Adore Beauty
Want to know more? Read more Kérastase Paris Bain Oléo-Relax reviews…
Innersense Pure Harmony Hairbath
We say: Prepare for the most nourished hair of your life. Dare we say, this is one of the best shampoos for curly hair. As the name ‘Hairbath’ suggests, this gentle cleansing shampoo is like a spa for the scalp. Enriched with aloe vera, pumpkin seed, shea butter and coconut oil, the formula will cleanse without stripping — ensuring that your curls keep all that juicy moisture locked in.
$43.95 at One Fine Secret
esmi Skin Minerals Hydrating Shampoo
We say: Curly friends know that moisture is key. And when it comes to shampooing, this is no different. esmi’s Hydrating Shampoo is gentle on your curls and cleansing on your scalp — the perfect combo!
$39 at Sephora
Have you tried this product? Leave a review for esmi Skin Minerals Hydrating Shampoo…
Aveda Be Curly Shampoo
We say: When it comes to curls, Aveda knows what it’s doing. Sitting as part of the ‘Be Curly’ range, this shampoo will work to enhance your curl pattern whilst combatting frizz and boosting shine.
You say: “From the first use of this shampoo, I can straight away see my wavy semi-curly hair much more controllable and separates quite nicely. I am also aware that Aveda only uses non-harsh traditional ingredients which adds more points to my confidence in using their products.” – MrsSJGallagher
$46 at Aveda
Want to know more? Read more Aveda Be Curly Shampoo reviews…
Davroe CURLiCUE Cleansing Clay Shampoo
We say: Give your hair a detox with the ultimate wash day shampoo. Davroe’s Cleansing Clay is lightweight, low-foam, and gentle. Which means what exactly? That you’ll reap all the cleansing joys without the drying nasties, of course.
$38.95 at Adore Beauty
Wella Professionals Elements Renewing Shampoo
We say: This sulfate-free shampoo enriches your hair from root to tip. The nourishing blend of aloe Vera, vitamin E, and glycerin pack a healthy punch of hydration to this essential cleansing step.
$31 at LookFantastic
Have you tried this product? Leave a review for Wella Professionals Elements Renewing Shampoo…
Davines LOVE Shampoo
We say: You’d be doing a disservice to your hair if you have yet to try any products from the Davines LOVE range. One of our favourites? The LOVE Shampoo. In just one wash, watch as your curls transform into light, fluffy and voluminous spirals.
$43.95 at Oz Hair & Beauty
Main image credit: @rio_hair
Are you a fellow curl-friend? What’s your favourite part of wash day (if any)?
Never tried any of these! Although I don’t really leave my hair naturally curly anymore
My daughter looks after her curly hair. It’s gorgeous.
I don’t have curly hair, I buy shampoo for coloured hair.
These shampoo are very expensive and a lot more than I would usually pay for shampoo. They must be very good.
My daughter has curly hair but doesn’t use shampoo specifically for curly hair. She finds that the drying process has a big impact on her curls.
Wonder how they actually differ than normal shampoos?
I was thinking the same
I tried a leave-in curl cream recently and it gave my hair volume!
I wish I had curly hair!
oh to have natural ringlets!
I’ve not tried any of these before, my hair is more wavy than curly though