These shampoos and conditioners, endorsed by experts, keep curls well-defined, bouncy, and hydrated.

      There was a period in my life when I didn’t give much thought to the shampoo or conditioner I used. Even though anyone with curly hair knows how significant hair wash day can be, I primarily concentrated on the serums, masks, and curl creams that I applied after washing, rather than acknowledging the importance of the initial products. However, experts agree that the key to a great hair day begins in the shower. In fact, selecting the appropriate shampoo and conditioner for your hair type not only simplifies the washing process but can also completely change how your hair appears and feels afterward. The right combination can differentiate between dry, frizzy, undefined strands and soft, healthy, hydrated hair that behaves as desired during styling.

      For those of us with curly hair, this selection is even more crucial. “Curly hair tends to be naturally drier, so hydration is essential,” states international hairstylist Aminata Kamara. “Seek gentle cleansers and ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, and nourishing oils that provide moisture without weighing down curls.” Additionally, it’s important to note that there’s no universal solution for curls. “Tighter curls and coils generally require richer, more emollient formulas, while looser curls typically prefer lighter hydration to maintain definition,” Kamara explains.

      What to Consider

      If you’re uncertain whether you’re using the right products for your curly hair, take note of how your curls feel after washing. “If your curls appear frizzy, brittle or rough, your shampoo may be too harsh. Conversely, if your hair feels flat or greasy, your conditioner might be too heavy,” says curl stylist and Amika brand ambassador Tobias Bell. “The true test is the bounce. If your curls don’t spring back with vitality, then your shampoo and conditioner aren’t suited to your needs!”

      To achieve a balanced approach, there are several key factors to keep in mind when selecting the ideal shampoo and conditioner for curly hair, with moisture being the most critical. “As a curl expert, I look for formulas rich in hydration boosters like shea butter, squalane, or amino acids, and I avoid harsh sulfates to ensure shampoos clean without stripping,” explains Bell. “Conditioners should allow curls to glide without tangling and need to seal in moisture.” Bell suggests choosing rich, thick, creamy formulas for tight coils, while loose waves will thrive with a lighter formula to avoid unnecessary weight.

      How We Selected

      Keeping in mind the diverse characteristics of curls, I decided to determine the best shampoos and conditioners for curly hair by gathering information from experts—this meant consulting a variety of curl specialists. From beauty editors with textured hair to professionals who understand both the science and artistry of healthy curls, I’ve compiled recommendations from the best in the beauty industry to produce a thorough list of the top shampoos and conditioners suited for curly hair, regardless of texture or curl pattern.

      Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Curly Hair:

      Best Overall: Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Shampoo and Conditioner (£51)

      Best for Nourishing Coils: Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Conditioner (£18)

      Best for Waves and Loose Curls: Sachajuan Moisturizing Shampoo (£30)

      Best for Defining Curls: Living Proof Curl Shampoo and Conditioner (£52)

      Best for Heat-Damaged Texture: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo (£39)

      1. Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Shampoo and Conditioner

      Best Overall

      Redken

      Key Ingredients: Citric acid, glycerin, urea

      Pros: Defines curl shape, strengthens and hydrates, removes product build-up

      Cons: May be too rich for waves or loose curls

      Specifically formulated for processed curly and coily hair, this strengthening duo from Redken utilizes an innovative mix of exfoliating AHAs to enhance dullness, amino acids to lessen breakage, and urea to retain moisture, aiding in the visible repair of damage and hydration of dry hair. “It's my current favorite as it strengthens and defines curls while maintaining hydration,” says hairstylist Aminata Kamara. “It's excellent for preserving curl shapes without weighing hair down."

      2. Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner

      Best for Nourishment

      Carol's Daughter

      Key Ingredients: Castor oil, ginger, black cumin

      Pros: Prevents breakage, pleasant scent, great for natural styles

      Cons: Limited availability in the UK

      For the shampoo: "When I search for new shampoos to incorporate into my routine, I prefer ones that strengthen my coils from the inside out," shares Maya Thomas, Who What Wear Associate Beauty Editor. "This shampoo helps protect my strands whether I’m opting for low-manipulation or protective styles, rendering them bouncy, juicy, and defined. Plus, the star ingredient, castor oil, mixed with ginger and black cumin seed, strengthens the coils without weighing them down. It’s essential for