Tighter curl patterns take on a spiral or “Z” shape which can cause them to look shorter when your hair is dried versus when it’s wet or stretched (so the curl looks longer). While you can manipulate natural curls to “stretch” with braids or twists, products that help define and moisturize can also assist in this department. This formula is packed with moisturizing ingredients (like hyaluronic acid, marula oil, and kalahari melon) that help coily hair feel soft to the touch, even after it’s completely dried, which helps reduce shrinkage. While this will foam up, it still provides a gentle cleanse that won’t strip your hair of its moisture. Bonus? If you love a fruity, tropical fragrance, this one will make your bathroom smell like you just left a dreamy beach vacation.
Our review: I’ve recently added this to my regular shampoo lineup and I like that my curls don’t feel like wire once I rinse it out. Instead, I get instant slip and ultra-defined coils that drink up conditioner treatments and curl creams thereafter (I love following up with a rinse-out and a leave-in conditioner after using this). I’ve also used this on type-4 hair extensions and found that it got product residue off while keeping the curl pattern defined and frizz-free. —Aimee Simeon, Glamour contributor
Best Clarifying: Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
Original photo from Francesca Simmons testing Olapex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Shampoo
- What we love: Deep-cleans product buildup and chemical deposits; strengthens curls with patented bond-building technology
- Worth noting: Can feel a bit strong for daily use
Clarifying shampoo should be an essential once-a-week step in your routine. It combats chemical deposits (from the swimming pool, say), product buildup, an itchy scalp, and oily hair. This stylist-favorite Olaplex shampoo works to rebuild broken bonds most often seen on split, curly ends, says Paul Labrecque, creative director and master stylist and colorist for Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa. “It also has the Olaplex patented bond-building technology, so while you’re removing minerals, you are also building a stronger structure inside the hair,” says celebrity hair colorist Bianca Hillier.
Our review: Whenever a shampoo is ‘suitable for all hair types,’ I kind of give them a side-eye, but Olaplex’s bonding shampoo really does work wonders on my 4A curls. As all curly girls know, we need shampoos that address everything, including dryness, damage, split ends, breakage, and lack of shine—and this does exactly that. It lathers easily, I don’t have to use a ton to get that super-clean feeling, and it doesn’t strip my hair or leave my scalp tight. Overall, I’ve noticed less frizz, nearly no flyaways, and softer, shinier curls. —Francesca Simmons, Glamour reviewer
Best for Thick Hair: Ouai Thick Hair Shampoo
Original photo from Andrea Navarro testing Ouai Thick Hair Shampoo
- What we love: Deeply moisturizing without weighing down thick strands; strengthens with keratin; luxe scent
- Worth noting: Heavy for fine or looser curl types
“This shampoo will ruin all others for you,” says Allure’s Shipin, who has coarse, curly hair with medium-to-low porosity and reaches for Ouai for nourishment and frizz-taming. It’s an excellent choice for coarse curls and/or low-porosity hair (meaning, it has trouble absorbing moisture). The formula features hydrolyzed keratin, a protein that strengthens hair and improves its elasticity, as well as avocado and shea butter. The latter is a heavier hydrator that’s best suited for thick hair, which it won’t weigh down in the same way as fine hair, thought it will do a hell of a job moisturizing.
Our review: These days, there are so many great options for curls of all kinds, and I’ve found one that truly stands out for thick hair. This color-safe shampoo not only cleanses but also deeply moisturizes, strengthens, and fights frizz. It tackles dryness, color damage, split ends, and breakage—my hair feels stronger, looks shinier, and is less tangled. Marshmallow root helps soften and detangle, shea butter locks in moisture, and avocado oil prevents future breakage. And just like all Ouai products, this smells amazing, with the brand’s Mercer Street scent of Italian lemon, jasmine, and white musk. —Andrea Navarro, Glamour contributor
Best for Dry, Damaged Hair: Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Silicone-Free Shampoo
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Original photo from Aimee Simeon testing Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Silicone-Free Shampoo
- What we love: Rebuilds broken bonds from within hair shaft, not just on the surface; leaves curls soft and defined
- Worth noting: Rich formula may feel heavy on fine hair
