10 Best Hydrating Shampoos for Curly Hair, According to Stylists

Formulated specifically for curls, coils, and tight textures, this curly hair shampoo earns the top spot for delivering hydration without heaviness. This pick is packed with hydrating, nourishing, and moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera leaf juice, coconut oil, and honey that work for all hair types. The gentle formula removes dirt and product buildup with a mild lather without irritating the scalp. “The scent of jasmine, bergamot, and sweet sandalwood is present without being overpowering. It did a great job of cleansing my product buildup without leaving my hair feeling too squeaky clean, which is a telltale sign that it’s actually being stripped. I noticed that even while styling my washed hair, I didn’t need much leave-in, since it was still relatively hydrated and moisturized,” says Glamour contributor Jamie Wilson.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice, coconut oil, and honey | Scent: Jasmine, bergamot, and sweet sandalwood | Color-safe?: Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes

Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hair Restore Strength and Purity Shampoo

Best for: Reducing shedding and scalp care

This budget-friendly option stands out for scalp-focused hydration. Mandelic acid isn’t just a skin care ingredient for the face; it also works well in haircare products to cleanse and gently exfoliate the scalp. This drugstore pick is especially designed for anyone experiencing mild or normal shedding due to breakage and helps restore strength by using gentle surfactants while cleansing. Neutrogena Hair Restore Strength + Purity Shampoo contains 1.5% mandelic acid to gently remove buildup without over-stripping and includes hydrating ingredients that help attract and retain moisture, says Christine Bellemare, hairstylist and co-founder of Maven A Collect.

Key Ingredients: 1.5% mandelic acid | Scent: Green tea, jojoba, and lilies | Color-safe? Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes

Best for Fine, Curly Hair: Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo

Best for: Fine strands and also those with a dry, itchy scalp

This shampoo for fine hair hydrates and moisturizes curls for the ultimate winter haircare duo. Key ingredients like shea butter help lock in moisture without leaving hair feeling heavy or greasy, while moringa oil is packed with vitamins that provide moisture, strengthen hair, combat split ends, and nourish the scalp. “Although I have dense hair, my strands are fine and can easily be weighed down by products. Many products that feature oils and butters can be heavy on my hair, but this hydrating shampoo wasn’t. It did a great job at soothing my itchy winter scalp while also cleansing it without leaving my strands feeling too heavy,” says Wilson.

Key Ingredients: Shea butter and moringa oil | Scent: California lemon and lime, sandalwood, and coconut milk | Color-safe? Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes

Best for Natural Hair: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo

Best for: Natural curly, coily, and wavy hair

Rice amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and avocado oil are the stars of this hydrating shampoo. It expertly hydrates and locks in moisture to minimize frizz and define curls. It’s great for natural hair because it adequately hydrates strands, helping prevent breakage. “I love how light this shampoo felt, and it didn’t weigh down my hair despite its creamy texture. I used this during very cold weather when my hair was relatively dry, and after styling, my curls remained bouncy, smooth, and soft. While the top of my hair tends to be slightly frizzy unless I make the effort to slick it back, my curls themselves remained frizz-free,” says Wilson.