The Best Shampoo for Curly Hair, According to Celebrity Hairstylists
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.
That’s also why “choosing the right shampoo with moisturizing (not just hydrating!) ingredients, and that cleans without stripping is nonnegotiable,” adds celebrity hairstylist David Cotteblanche. “The best shampoos respect the curl, leaving your hair soft, clean, and never thirsty.”
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
R+Co BLEU Soft Bounce Natural Texture and Curl Shampoo
In This Guide
Best Overall Shampoo for Men with Curly Hair: Sachajuan Curl Shampoo
Pros
- Good for wide variety of curls
- More nourishing than other shampoos
Cons
- On the more expensive side
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.
Best Replenishing Shampoo for Curly Hair: Kevin Murphy Hydrate-Me.Wash
Kevin Murphy
Hydrate-Me Wash
Kevin Murphys brings salon-grade haircare to the masses and that distinct IYKYK packaging that’s chic enough to earn a spot in any shower caddy. And while this wash could easily claim the crown for its ultra-hydrating formula, it deserves a shoutout for how quickly it feeds curly hair the nutrients it needs (it’s so darn hydrating and packed with natural goodness, you could almost skip conditioner). The magic lies in the antioxidants and fruit extracts: vitamin A softens curly hair and boosts elasticity, vitamin C (via the kakadu plum) helps seal in moisture, and evening primrose oil hydrates. If your curls feel parched from dry or cold climates (or just life in general), reach for the replenishing mojo of this Kevin Murphy classic.
