Have you ever looked at someone’s bouncy, defined curls and wondered, “How on earth do they do it?”, yea us too.
The secret lies not only in the products they use but also in the care they provide to their coils and waves. Curly hair is wonderfully unique, which means you can’t just throw any old product on it and expect them to come out looking runway-ready.
Each curl type, from 3A waves to 4C coils, comes with its own set of unique characteristics so understanding your hair type is the first step in creating a hair care routine that works for you. By nourishing your curls with the right products and using the right styling techniques, you can enhance their natural beauty and have them looking flawless every time.
Curly hair is inherently more prone to dryness and frizz due to its spiral shape, which makes it harder for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. This means that moisture is key when it comes to curly hair care.
Incorporating hydrating washing and styling products into your routine can help your curls maintain their shape and bounce while reducing frizz.
To help you on your curly girl journey, we’ve curated some of the best shampoos and conditioners to revive your locks and leave your curls looking defined and picture-perfect.
2024’s top 3 shampoos and conditioners for curly hair
- Virtue Curl Shampoo & Leave-in butter, $127 (for duo) at Adore Beauty
- Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo & Conditioner, from $25 (for duo) at Amazon
- Bread Clear Wash Shampoo & Baby-Soft Conditioner, $88 (for duo) at Sephora
The best shampoos and conditioners for bouncy, defined curls in 2024
Virtue Curl Shampoo and Curl Leave-In Butter
$60 and $67 at Adore Beauty
Made with curly hair in mind this shampoo and conditioner set will leave your mane feeling hydrated, refreshed, tangle-free and stronger than ever. The powerful ingredients work hard to provide shine to lacklustre locks.
Beauty notes:
- Sulphate-free formula
- Key ingredients include jojoba oil, carob gum and Alpha Keratin 60
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Shampoo and Coconut & Hibiscus Conditioner
$14.81 and $10.58 at Amazon
This cult hair product has become a fast favourite for those with curly hair thanks to its effective and potent formula and unbeatable price point. The deeply hydrating shampoo and conditioner effectively clean the locks without stripping them of essential oils, whilst also leaving it smelling good enough to eat.
Beauty notes:
- Cruelty-free
- Black-owned and led with a commitment to reinvesting back in the community
- Works for all hair types
Bread Beauty Supply Clear Wash Shampoo and Baby-Soft Conditioner
$44 and $44 at Sephora
The newest launch from Aussie beauty brand Bread Beauty Supply, this shampoo and conditioner duo is formulated with all hair types in mind however is a great clean-beauty option for those with curly locks. It prioritises cleaning the scalp without stripping and leaving it looking dry and frizzy.
Beauty notes:
- Fragrance-free
- Great for those with flaky scalps
- Uses sage and rosemary leaf to regulate oiliness
Color Wow Curl WOW Hooked Shampoo and Coco-Motion Conditioner
$64 and $64 at Oz Hair & Beauty
If it’s shine you’re after, it is shine you’re going to get when you use this cleansing duo. Not only will it ensure you go frizz-free and have perfectly defined curls, but the brand is famous for its ability to create bounce and shine.
Beauty notes:
- Nourishing formula full of essential nutrients
- Long-lasting hold with your curls
- Vegan formula
Level Up Vitamin Shampoo and Level Up Conditioner
$43.95 and $43.95 at Unwritten
Ensure your curls are at peak health with a nutrient-dense formula that works to hydrate, strengthen and rejuvenate tired locks. This Australian-made duo uses power ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, vitamin C, ceramides and collagen to create healthy, happy curls.
Beauty notes:
- Works for all hair types and textures
- Sustainably-sourced ingredients
- Vegan and cruelty-free formula
Curl Manifesto Hydrating Shampoo and Curl Manifesto Conditioner
$57 and $62 at Kerastase
It can be difficult to find a shampoo that not only cleanses the hair from dirt and grime but helps to leave your curls looking defined without being weighed down. A great option for those with oily hair, this washing duo is super hydrating but not heavy, and enhances your curl pattern ensuring they look their very best.
Beauty notes:
- 100 per cent sulphate-free
- Reduces frizz
- Key ingredients include manuka honey and ceramide
Be Curly Shampoo and Be Curly Conditioner
$46 and $50 at Aveda
If it’s a natural and sustainable formulation you’re after, Aveda’s Be Curly line is a great eco-friendly option. Using wheat protein and organic aloe it defines your curls without the use of harsh chemicals. You can also buy in a litre size which uses less plastic and is better bang for your buck.
Beauty notes:
- B-Corp certified company
- Fresh citrus scent
R+Co Cassette Curl Shampoo and Cassette Conditioner
$49 and $49 at Adore Beauty
Ensure your curls stay in their best shape with this defining shampoo that feels ultra-lightweight and won’t drag them down. It purifies the scalp and ensures there is no product build-up while smoothing frizz and nourishing the strands.
Beauty notes:
- Vegan and cruelty-free formula
- Key ingredients include flax and chia seed, aloe leaf and supersede oil
Does shampoo for curly hair really make a difference?
Actually yes! Curl-specialised shampoos often contain ingredients that provide extra moisture and hydration, such as oils and butters, which can help to nourish and define curls while reducing frizz. Additionally, these shampoos are usually free of harsh sulphates, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and contribute to dryness.
Overall, using a shampoo specifically formulated for curly hair can help to enhance the health, appearance, and manageability of your curls.
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