The Best Shampoo for Curly Hair, According to a Hairstylist

The best shampoo for curly hair differs from one guy to the next, since no two curl patterns are the same. There are a ton of variables that can influence and inform which shampoo you should use, from your scalp oil levels, strand density, and porosity to showering habits, which other hair products you use, and more. (And, when you add in environmental factors like humidity, things get even more hairy.) “That’s what makes curly hair so bomb!” says celebrity hairstylist Ashley Streicher, an R+Co hair care ambassador. She explains that most curly-haired men have all different kinds of curls on their heads.

So, how do you go about finding the best shampoo for your specific mane? Because there are hundreds of products to choose from, and no two of those are alike, either, we put together this short list of our favorite picks for the best curly hair shampoo for men, along with a few key pieces of advice.

The Best Curly Hair Shampoo for Men, At a Glance

The Best Overall Shampoo for Men with Curly Hair: Sachajuan Curl Shampoo

Why it’s great: Salon-favorite Sachajuan is among the most universal curl shampoos, providing strands of all densities with its signature “Ocean Silk Technology” composed of marine extracts and strand-strengthening proteins. It’s especially great for dry hair or if you just use shampoo in the shower—and reserve any conditioning efforts for a leave-in conditioner or a styling cream—since it’s one of the most nourishing, conditioning, and hydrating shampoos you’ll find.

The Best Shampoo for Men with Thin Curls: R+Co Bleu Soft Bounce Natural Texture and Curl Shampoo

Why it’s great: Naturally curly fine hair strands need a shampoo that won’t cause dryness or drown your strands with too many conditioning agents. R+Co Bleu’s top-shelf curl wash will give thinner curls maximum buoyancy—the perfect warm-up for a leave-in conditioning spritz.

The Best Shampoo for Men with Thick Curls: American Crew Daily Deep Moisturizing Shampoo

Why it’s great: Moisture, moisture, moisture—that’s what thick, coarse strands need. American Crew is a salon and barbershop staple for good reason: Their products, including this nourishing shampoo, work on a wide variety of styles. This moisture-preserving shampoo is great for strands of all curliness; if you have thick, coarse, or frizzy hair, then this formula will smooth out the cuticle and set you up for cooperative hair days on the regular.

The Best Shampoo for Men with Thinning Curly Hair: Davines Naturaltech Replumping Shampoo

Why it’s great: Davines’ curl-care lineup is a knockout assortment, including a dedicated shampoo that could have also taken the top spot on this list. However, this Replumping formula deserves attention for anyone with thinning or receding hair: It can reset hair of all curl patterns and strand densities, which helps to promote thicker hair growth and fuller expression after a rinse. Chase it with a targeted lightweight conditioner or curl cream for perfect definition every time.

The Best Shampoo for Men with Frizzy Curls: IGK Ultra Smooth Shampoo

Why it’s great: If you’ve never used the phrase “life-changing” to describe a shampoo, then here’s where that changes: IGK’s hair wash is the fastest U-turn for frizzy and damaged hair—and for keeping split ends and breakage at bay. Its oil-rich recipe is a super-smoother for even the coarsest strands, and the perfect foundation for thick- and straight-haired individuals, too.

The Best Shampoo for Men with Short, Curly Hair: Frederick Benjamin Shampoo

Why it’s great: Frederick Benjamin’s paraben-free shampoo is great in curls of any length, but it’s especially good for short styles of all textures. The invigorating recipe takes a scalp-centric approach, leaving your hair feeling tingly fresh thanks to its spearmint-powered recipe. If you want to use one shampoo until the end of time, then here’s your choice. (As an added bonus, it’s extremely cost-effective.)

The Best Custom Shampoo for Curly Hair: Prose Custom Shampoo Invigorating Cleanser

Why it’s great: Prose switches up the formula based on everything from your strand density and scalp oil levels to your styling goals, hair dye, water hardness, and more. You’ll get a recipe that suits your specific needs—and curls.

The Best Co-Wash for Men with Curly Hair: Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl Cleansing Conditioner

Why it’s great: Pro Tip: Don’t overwash your curls, even if you have oily hair. Too much shampoo could be overstripping that much-needed moisture they need for definition and bounce. So, every second (and maybe third) wash, swap in a co-wash—that is, a conditioning rinse, like Carol’s Daughter’s Hair Milk. It provides enough of a cleanse to keep your scalp refreshed while flooding strands with moisture and conditioning agents. It’s a perfect pick for the minimalist, as well as for the light-packing traveler who wants to lather on a hero hair care product while away from home.

More Shampoos for Curly Hair We Love

What to Look for in Shampoo for Curly Hair

Before you start adding anything with aloe and coconut oil into your Amazon cart, start by identifying your curl type and the texture of your curls, Streicher says. Most people will default to choosing a shampoo based on curl pattern (think: wavy hair, coily hair, etc.). However, that part factors in more when it comes to styling—instead, focus on your hair needs and whether you have fine, coarse, or thick hair. “For fine, thin texture, you’ll want a shampoo that’s hydrating but not too heavy,” Streicher explains. “For curls and hair textures that are a bit coarser and thicker, you will want something a bit [more moisturizing].” That same logic goes into straight hair shampoos, too—thicker and coarser hair usually requires more heft from nourishing ingredients, while fine strands can’t risk any weighing down.

However, that doesn’t mean your search ends there: It’s possible to optimize your best hair routine even further by assessing everything from curl pattern and hair type to humidity levels, oil levels, dandruff, buildup, and more. For that, you may need to call in the help of a barber, stylist, skin care professional, or dermatologist who can help you work towards specific hair goals. Streicher says that finding a great hair routine and products that work with your particular needs is part of a hair-care professional’s responsibility and that you should take the opportunity to talk through it next time you’re at the barber or salon.

Remember: Shampoo is only the start of any hair care regimen; think of it as clearing the canvas upon which you’ll apply a deep conditioner and/or styling products. (Read: If you only use shampoo, you’ll be much more susceptible to frizz—ditto if you touch your curls throughout the day, Streicher says.) So, don’t rely solely on a clarifying shampoo to keep your curls defined and healthy; incorporate shampoo & conditioner along with other products in your regimen so you can keep your hair strong and style-ready every day.

Shampoo for Curly Hair FAQ