The best hydrating shampoos for curly hair cleanse without stripping, replenish moisture, and help curls spring back to life after wash day. If your hair is like mine, it’s starting to feel a little different during this time of the year. Cold temps and constant indoor heating can dry out strands. “If it feels rough, dull, frizzy, or tangles easily, those are signs your hair is craving hydration,” says Temur Hamilton, premier hair colorist and stylist, and owner of TEMUR. “Dehydrated hair often loses its natural bounce and elasticity, so curls may look limp or undefined.” Unlike straight hair, curls struggle to distribute natural oils from root to tip, which makes them especially vulnerable to dryness. The right shampoo should restore water content and reinforce the hair’s moisture barrier while gently remove buildup.
After testing formulas across curl types in cold, dry conditions and in more humid weather, Pattern Hydration Shampoo emerged as the best overall pick. It gently removes product buildup without harsh stripping. It’s formulated with aloe vera to help attract and retain water, which helps rehydrate my strands. Plus, it works well on curls, coils, and tighter hair textures. Other picks include drugstore staples, ones for color-treated hair, and soothing formulas for dry scalps.
Our top hydrating shampoos
- Best Overall: Pattern Hydration Shampoo, $22
- Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hair Restore Strength and Purity Shampoo, $10
- Best for Fine Curls: Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo,
$22$16 - Best for Coarse, Curls: Odele Curl Defining No Lather Shampoo
- Best for Dry Scalp: Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo With Aloe Vera, $37
- Best for Frizzy Hair: Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo, $29
- Best for Natural Hair: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo,
$28, $22
Best Overall: Pattern Hydration Shampoo
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Best for: Dehydrated curls, coils, and waves
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
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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
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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
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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.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, rice amino acids, avocado oil, tomato-fruit ferment, shea butter | Scent: Light citrus, sweet florals, and warm spice | Color-safe? Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes
Best for Color-Treated Hair: Kristin Ess Strengthening Shampoo
Best for: Dry, damaged hair
Color-treated hair often needs a little extra care in the hydration and moisture department to both maintain healthy hair and vibrant color. This is especially true of color-treated curly hair. This pick is infused with biotin and amino acids to prevent breakage and fortify strands. “Since my hair strands are fine and prone to breakage, I liked that this pick included biotin and amino acids that reinforce weak strands and stimulate keratin production for healthier hair. The scent wasn’t overpowering, and it had a nice lather. My hair felt clean but not stripped, and when styling, it seemed to retain moisture, especially my ends,” says Wilson.
Key Ingredients: Biotin fusion complex, biotin, and amino acid blend | Scent: Magnolia, sandalwood, pear water, and white amber | Color-safe? Yes | Sulfate-free:Yes
Best for Dry Hair: Oribe Eternal Curls Moisturizing Shampoo
Best for: Dry hair and split ends
For curls that feel chronically parched, this luxe formula deeply conditions while maintaining softness. The smoothing system, a blend of ingredients, softens and moisturizes the hair’s cuticle to deeply condition, while the amino acid blend helps prevent breakage and keeps the scalp moisturized. “I used this pick after my hair had been up in a bun for a few days. It was in desperate need of hydration, and this shampoo left my hair feeling clean yet super soft. The shampoo’s silky texture made it easier to finger-detangle my strands in the shower, since it didn’t strip my hair, and the signature scent was mild. I also noticed overall less frizz when styling,” says Wilson.
Key Ingredients: Amino acid and conditioning polymers | Scent: Signature Côte d’Azur which is bergamot, jasmine and sandalwood,| Color-safe? Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes
Best for Coarse, Curly Hair: Odele Curl Defining No Lather Shampoo
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Best for: Thirsty strands, coarse hair and dull hair
This no-lather cleanser uses chelation technology to remove mineral buildup from hard water and chlorine, a common issue for coarse curls that appear dull or rough. It’s fortified with amino acids to tame frizz and lock in moisture which is essential for coarse hair since it’s prone to dryness.
“I have wavy-curly hair that’s easily weighed down by product, so I’m careful about what I use to cleanse it. Traditional lathering shampoos can feel satisfying to use in the moment, but they often leave my curls stripped and brittle. This no-lather formula feels lightweight and gentle, has a soft, subtle scent, and it cleans without that squeaky feeling. After rinsing, my curls felt feathery soft and hydrated—not flat or heavy. It’s a straightforward, fairly affordable option that works especially well when my hair needs moisture without buildup,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs.
Key Ingredients: Amino acids | Scent: oakmoss, ylang ylang and cucumber | Color-safe? Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes
Best for Frizzy Hair: Redken All Soft Mega Curls Shampoo
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Best for: Extremely dry, frizzy hair
This shampoo is recommended by the experts for its ability to drench dry curls and coils and keeps frizz at bay for up to 72 hours. “It leans into a rich nourishing complex with aloe vera and cactus extract to hydrate without stripping, so curls look more defined after wash day,” says Hamilton. “It’s especially great if your curls need serious moisture and smoother texture, transforming dry, coarse strands into softer, more manageable coils.”
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera | Scent: Yes | Color-safe? Floral | Sulfate-free: Yes
Best for Wavy Hair: Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
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Best for: Wavy hair and reducing breakage
Wavy textures need strengthening without heaviness. This bond-building cleanser reinforces internal hair structure while maintaining hydration. It has a rich lather that thoroughly cleanses without drying out the hair and leaves a smooth, shiny finish. “The Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is more than just a gentle lather; it’s a bond-building cleansing experience that strengthens and repairs from within while hydrating and smoothing thirsty curls,” explains Hamilton. “The sulfate-free formula cleanses without stripping moisture, helps reduce breakage, and leaves hair softer, less frizzy, and more manageable after wash day. It’s especially smart if your curls have been stressed by heat, color, or styling, giving you cleaner, healthier-feeling strands without heaviness.”
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil | Scent: Citrus and mint | Color-safe? Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes
Best for Dry Scalp: Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo With Aloe Vera
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Best for: Dry scalp and fine strands
If flakes or tightness accompany dryness, this aloe-enriched formula offers relief. This hydrating shampoo is silky and moisture-rich while also being lightweight, which makes it great for fine strands.“I love this aloe-enriched cleanser because it gently hydrates and refreshes the scalp while adding moisture and shine to dry, dull strands,” says Hamilton. “The formula uses plant amino acids and aloe vera to help lock in hydration without overly weighing hair down, leaving it softer and more luminous after wash day.”
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, plant amino acids, flaxseed | Scent: Bergamot, mandarin, lemon, freesia, aquatic notes, vetiver, amber, and musk | Color-safe? Yes | Sulfate-free: Yes
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for a hydrating shampoo for curly hair?
It’s important to search for products that are free of sulfates, dyes, parabens, and phthalates, which can strip the hair of moisture, says Bellemare. “It’s also helpful to choose a shampoo that multitasks – effectively cleansing while supporting hydration,” she adds.
What is the difference between a hydrating shampoo and a moisturizing shampoo?
Hydration and moisture aren’t interchangeable terms. “A hydrating shampoo is about drawing water into the hair with humectants like glycerin or aloe, helping dry strands regain softness and bounce. A moisturizing shampoo, on the other hand, focuses on sealing and smoothing with oils, butters, and conditioning agents that lock that hydration in,” explains Hamilton. He adds that the best routines for curly hair often incorporate both, and Bellemare agrees. “Hydrate first and then moisturize to keep curls supple, glossy, and protected.”
How can I tell if my hair needs hydration?
Since dehydrated hair lacks water, it’s pretty easy to notice when your hair is feeling parched. Bellemare says, “Hair that feels brittle, lacks elasticity, or looks dull even after conditioning is usually dehydrated rather than simply dry. You may also notice increased breakage, frizz that doesn’t respond to oils, or hair that absorbs products quickly, but still feels dry shortly after.”
Best tips for hydrating curly hair:
“Curly hair thrives on consistent hydration, so focus on sulfate-free cleansing, regular deep conditioning, and layering water-based leave-ins under oils or creams to seal it in,” Hamilton says. Little tweaks can make a big difference. “Small habits like using lukewarm water, minimizing heat, and refreshing curls between washes will make a big difference. When curls are well-hydrated, they’re more defined, resilient, and alive.”
Bellemare recommends starting with cleansing. “Hydration starts at the cleanse and is maintained with water-based leave-ins that help retain moisture throughout the day,” she says. “Using a gentle, non-stripping shampoo and layering products on damp hair can also help curls better absorb and hold onto hydration, reducing dryness and frizz over time.”
How we tested
When testing hydrating shampoos for curly hair, we looked for products formulated specifically for curly and coily hair (or, in some cases, for all textures) that prioritize gentle hydration. The best ones generally contained hydrating or moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, moringa oil, avocado, and amino acids to help control frizz, lock in hydration, and nourish strands. When it comes to efficacy, we chose products that effectively cleanse the scalp of buildup without drying out or stripping the hair of its natural oils.
Meet our experts
- Temur Hamilton, premier hair colorist and stylist, and owner of TEMUR
- Christine Bellemare, hairstylist and co-founder of Maven A Collect
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