Going natural is a journey of embracing your hair’s unique texture, but finding the right shampoo can be a challenge. With a plethora of options available, choosing a formula that nourishes, cleanses, and enhances your curls is imperative. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a curated selection of the 5 best shampoos for natural hair, each tailored to address specific hair needs and preferences.
1. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo
- Key Ingredients: Manuka honey, Mafura oil, shea butter
- Benefits: Intensely hydrates and nourishes dry, brittle hair; reduces frizz and improves elasticity
- Price: Around $12 for 13 fl. oz.
2. Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, wheat protein
- Benefits: Gently cleanses while providing deep hydration; defines and detangles curls without weighing them down
- Price: Around $25 for 10 fl. oz.
3. Bumble and Bumble Curl Shampoo
- Key Ingredients: Abyssinian oil, coconut oil, avocado oil
- Benefits: Cleanses and conditions curls; enhances definition, reduces frizz, and adds shine
- Price: Around $32 for 8.5 fl. oz.
4. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo
- Key Ingredients: Black vanilla extract, shea butter, coconut oil
- Benefits: Provides a rich, creamy cleanse; nourishes and revitalizes dry, damaged hair; leaves a lasting vanilla scent
- Price: Around $15 for 12 fl. oz.
5. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
- Key Ingredients: Olaplex Bond Multiplier System
- Benefits: Repairs and strengthens damaged hair; prevents breakage and split ends; enhances hair’s overall health
- Price: Around $28 for 8 fl. oz.
1. Type 2 (Wavy)
- Characteristics: Loose, S-shaped waves; prone to frizz
- Shampoo Needs: Moisturizing, frizz-fighting formulas that define waves
2. Type 3 (Curly)
- Characteristics: Defined curls, ranging from loose to tight
- Shampoo Needs: Hydrating, curl-defining formulas that prevent tangles
3. Type 4 (Coily)
- Characteristics: Tight, zigzag curls; prone to dryness and shrinkage
- Shampoo Needs: Rich, moisturizing formulas that deeply penetrate the hair shaft
- Moisturizers: Shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil
- Proteins: Wheat protein, keratin, soy protein
- Antioxidants: Manuka honey, black vanilla extract
- Bonding Agents: Olaplex Bond Multiplier System
- Sulfate-Free: Harsh detergents that can strip hair of natural oils
- Apply shampoo to wet hair: Water helps distribute the shampoo evenly.
- Massage gently: Avoid rubbing your scalp vigorously, as this can cause breakage.
- Rinse thoroughly: Remove all shampoo residue to prevent buildup.
- Condition after shampooing: Conditioning helps hydrate and detangle natural hair.
- Use a wide-toothed comb: Gently detangle wet hair to avoid breakage.
- Over-washing: Avoid washing natural hair too frequently, as this can strip it of its natural oils.
- Using the wrong shampoo: Choose a shampoo specifically designed for natural hair to avoid drying or weighing it down.
- Applying shampoo to dry hair: This can cause breakage and tangles.
- Skipping conditioner: Conditioning helps hydrate and detangle natural hair, promoting healthier curls.
- Using harsh styling products: Avoid products containing sulfates, parabens, or alcohol, as they can damage natural hair.
1. How often should I wash my natural hair?
* Every 7-10 days, or as needed.
2. Is it okay to use regular shampoo on natural hair?
* No, regular shampoo can contain sulfates and other harsh detergents that can strip natural hair of its oils.
3. What ingredients should I avoid in natural hair shampoos?
* Sulfates, parabens, alcohol, phthalates, and dyes.
4. Is it necessary to use a conditioner after shampooing?
* Yes, conditioning helps hydrate and detangle natural hair, preventing breakage and dryness.
5. Can I use dry shampoo on natural hair?
* Yes, but use sparingly to avoid buildup.
6. What are some homemade natural hair shampoo recipes?
* Baking soda and water
* Apple cider vinegar and water
* Coconut milk and honey