Updated July 2026.
The best shampoo for curly hair is the one matched to what your curls need most. For dry curls, reach for a moisturising, sulphate-free wash like SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter. For damaged hair, SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Manuka Honey. For definition with less frizz, Mielle Pomegranate & Honey. For scalp health and growth, Mielle Rosemary Mint. And for product build-up, a clarifying wash like As I Am Curl Clarity. Here's how to choose, by concern, with our vetted UK picks.
Finding the right shampoo can feel like a never-ending task, and buying something new every few weeks isn't kind to your wallet or the planet. We've done the work, so below are the main curly hair concerns and the shampoos that suit each one.
How we choose the shampoos we stock
Every shampoo on this page has passed the Curldrop Standard, our two-stage check. First, our ingredient-scanning tool flags anything harmful or questionable. Then real people with curly and coily hair test it. If a product doesn't pass both stages, it doesn't make the shop. Every product. Every ingredient. Checked, so you don't have to.
Best shampoos for curly hair: at a glance
| Your main concern | What to look for | Our pick | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry curls | Sulphate-free, with hydrating oils and glycerin | SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Retention | £12.99 |
| Damaged or over-processed | Protein and amino acids to rebuild strength | SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Manuka Honey & Mafura | £12.99 |
| Definition, less frizz | Moisturising, smoothing, sulphate-free | Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Moisturising & Detangling | £13.99 |
| Product build-up | A clarifying formula for a deep-clean reset | As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo | £9.49 |
| Scalp health and growth | Biotin, rosemary and mint | Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo | £9.34 |
| Everyday wash | Light, dependable moisture | Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo | £2.99 |
What is the best shampoo for dry curly hair?
Dry curls need a gentle, sulphate-free wash. Sulphates are strong cleansers that strip the natural oils curly hair relies on, so a moisturising formula with hydrating oils and glycerin cleans without leaving curls parched. Wash regularly enough to keep the scalp fresh, but let a moisture-rich shampoo do the cleansing so your curls hold on to the sebum they need.
- Choose sulphate-free to protect natural oils.
- Look for hydrating oils, glycerin and humectants.
- Follow with a moisturising conditioner every wash.
Our pick: SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Retention Shampoo (£12.99), or dependable Creme of Nature Pure Honey (£6.99).
What is the best shampoo for damaged curly hair?
Over-processed curls need protein to rebuild. Shampoos with protein complexes and amino acids fill gaps in the cuticle, restoring smoothness and strength and improving elasticity in heat-styled or chemically treated hair. Keep heat and colour to a minimum while your curls recover, and pair the wash with a strengthening conditioner.
Our pick: SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Manuka Honey & Mafura (£12.99) for very dry, damaged or chemically treated curls.
What is the best shampoo for frizzy curls?
Frizz softens when the cuticle stays smooth and moisturised. A gentle, moisturising shampoo lays the groundwork; smoothing ingredients help curls read as soft and shiny rather than fluffy in humidity. Follow your wash with curl-defining styling, and reduce friction with a hat, hijab or silk pillowcase to keep definition for days.
Our pick: Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Moisturising & Detangling Shampoo (£13.99), a sulphate-free, smoothing wash, or Palmer's Coconut Moisture Boost (£5.99).
What is the best shampoo for product build-up?
When curls feel coated, look dull or stop responding to your usual products, a clarifying shampoo gives a deep-clean reset. Clarifying formulas lift the styling residue, oils and silicones that gentle shampoos leave behind. Use one now and then — not every wash — so your other products can work as they should.
Our pick: As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo (£9.49), a clarifying formula that resets the hair without stripping moisture.
What is the best shampoo for scalp health and growth?
For scalp care, look for stimulating ingredients like rosemary, mint and tea tree that support circulation, plus biotin and keratin to strengthen the strand. Massage gently into the scalp to support blood flow to the follicles. With regular use — and minimal heat and gentle styling — you help support longer, stronger curls over time.
Our pick: Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo (£9.34), with biotin, rosemary and mint.
Should curly hair shampoo be sulphate-free?
For most curls, yes. Sulphates strip the natural oils curly hair needs to stay moisturised, which is why many curly routines — including the Curly Girl Method — avoid them. Sulphate-free shampoos cleanse more gently. A clarifying shampoo is the exception, used occasionally to reset build-up. We flag the ingredients on every product page, so you can see exactly what's inside. For a deeper look, see our guide to the best sulphate-free shampoos for curly hair.
How long until you see results?
Once you've matched a shampoo to your concern, give it a few weeks of regular use before you judge it. The best shampoo for you is the one that keeps your curls clean, soft and defined — and that fits comfortably into your wash-day routine.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best shampoo for curly hair?
It depends on your hair's main need. For dry curls, try SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter; for damage, SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Manuka Honey; for definition with less frizz, Mielle Pomegranate & Honey; for scalp and growth, Mielle Rosemary Mint; and for build-up, As I Am Curl Clarity. Every option here is vetted by Curldrop.
Should curly hair shampoo be sulphate-free?
For most curls, yes. Sulphates can strip natural oils and leave curls dry, so a sulphate-free shampoo is gentler for regular washing. A clarifying shampoo used occasionally is the exception, to remove stubborn build-up.
How often should I shampoo curly hair?
Most curly hair does well washed once or twice a week. Co-washing or a moisturising shampoo suits drier curls, while a clarifying wash every few weeks keeps build-up in check.
Do I need a clarifying shampoo?
If your curls feel coated, look dull or stop responding to your products, a clarifying shampoo gives a deep-clean reset. Used now and then, it helps your other products work better.
What should I use after shampooing?
Always follow with a conditioner matched to your curls. See our guide to the best conditioner for curly hair to pair the two.
