Guys with curls and coils know: curly hair is different and finding the right shampoo can be tough. It’s all about striking a balance between proper hydration and not weighing down the hair too much to protect your precious curl pattern. Getting your hands on the best shampoos for men with curly hair means finding a cleanser that provides intense moisture while also maintaining that beautiful bounce curls are known for.

The reason curly hair is hard to properly hydrate is because of its structure. Curl patterns make it harder for the natural oils of the scalp to move down the hair shaft and evenly distribute on the hair. So, finding a hydrating cleanser that doesn’t overstrip the hair is key. It is also important not to overwash hair, which can potentially strip it.

While it might seem tough to find a shampoo for men with curly hair, trust me, there are a bunch of great products out there that hydrate, cleanse, and protect, regardless of your curl pattern.

That being said, let’s take a peek at the 6 best shampoos for men with curly hair below.

Key Takeaways 

For this assignment I began poring over hundreds of photos, customer reviews, and even my own shower until I whittled it down to the 6 finalists you see on this list. Overall the best shampoo for men with curly hair is Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo because it’s 97% natural, hydrating, and minimizes frizz. For a solid budget buy that is specifically designed to moisturize textured hair, check out Bevel Shampoo for Men.

Why it’s great: Looking for a curly hair shampoo that does it all? Briogeo Curl Charisma minimizes frizz, a common complaint amongst curly-headed folks, enhances curl definition, and hydrates the hair using 97% naturally derived ingredients. No harsh chemicals here. For instance, rice amino acids seal the cuticle and lock out humidity and tomato fruit ferment enhances moisture retention and supports uniform curl formation. Additional ingredients like shea butter and avocado oil nourish the hair while vitamin E makes strands strong, preventing breakage. I love that it’s safe for color-treated, keratin-treated, chemical-treated, and relaxed hair.

How to use it: To use, pour into the palm of your hand, add a few drops of water, and work into a lather. This will emulsify the shampoo and help it distribute all over the hair.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some reviewers complain that the lather is weak and the texture runny. However, if you follow the instructions above for emulsifying, you shouldn’t have a problem. This happens a lot with more naturally derived shampoos.

Hair Type: Curly/Wavy/coil hair texture types – 2A to 4C | Sulfate-Free: Yes, 97% naturally derived ingredients | Scent: Avocado | Size: 2, 8, 33.8 oz | Key Ingredient: Rice amino acids, Tomato, shea butter, and avocado oil  | Benefits: hydrating + clean without stripping natural oils | Usage: Can be used Daily, for best results follow with Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner

Why it’s great: Kerastase may be a somewhat luxury hair brand, but its products are worth their weight in gold. Not to sound dramatic, but they do an excellent job at restoring the hair, especially if you have curls. Short hair or long, their Curl Manifesto shampoo will hydrate hair without weighing it down. Essential ceramides help to seal in moisture while also protecting the hair from the environment while mankua honey deeply hydrates, smoothes frizz, and nourishes curls so they’re shiny and bouncy—just how you like ‘em.

How to use it: Apply to wet hair in the shower and work into a lather. Best when followed up with the Curl Manifesto conditioner.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: While Kerastase is sulfate-free, it’s not exactly natural. If that’s your jam, scoot on.

Hair Type: Normal/Curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Honey | Size: 8.5 oz | Key Ingredient: Manuka Honey and Ceramides | Benefits: Cleans scalp and removes buildup | Usage: Can be used daily

Why it’s great: Frizzy texture can be an issue for those with curly hair. This shampoo fights frizz using unique nanotechnology infused with silk protein that locks out humidity while helping hair maintain its natural moisture. It’s gentle and sulfate-free, meaning it’s safe for color-treated hair. I like the way it softens hair so that you can easily run your fingers through it without weighing down curls. And if you’re spending a lot of time outside, rest assured, it comes with a built-in UV filter.

How to use it: Gently massage through wet hair. Best when followed up with the conditioner and detangling heat spray for lasting frizz protection.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: While I really like this shampoo, it is more expensive than others on this list so the risk is a touch higher. But risks can pay off, right?

Hair Type: Color-treated/Curly/Frizzy | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Clean/Fresh Floral | Size: 2.5, 8.5, 33.8 oz | Key Ingredient: Shea butter, Murumuru butter, Ceramides | Benefits: Protects curls from heat and UV damage | Usage: Can be used Daily

Why it’s great: I could’ve easily recommended some cheap drugstore brands, but those often use chemicals that do more damage than good. On the other hand, is Bevel, a great brand from the same guy who invented the incredible Bevel razor. Their shampoo is ridiculously affordable and designed to specifically cleanse and hydrate textured hair sans harsh ingredients. It uses shea and coconut oil to nourish the hair and cleans without stripping essential oils from the hair that needs it most. I also like that it removes build-up on the scalp and is great for treating dandruff.

How to use it: With a great smell and nice texture, you’ll have no problem working it into your wet hair. It also boasts some detangling properties.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: It doesn’t seem to be the best at fighting frizz, so follow up with a leave-in conditioner or hair oil post-shower.

Hair Type: Curly/Textured/Thick | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Coconut | Size: 3.4, 12 oz | Key Ingredient: Coconut oil, Shea butter | Benefits: Detangling, Hydration, Softening, Lightweight | Usage: Can be used Daily

Why it’s great: All of Brickell’s products are great because they are natural and organic. Even though this shampoo is meant for all hair types and isn’t specifically designed for curly hair, plenty of curly-haired reviewers have noted the wonder it works on their curls and coils. I would argue you could even wash your beard with it. It uses ingredients like vitamin E, hydrolyzed proteins, and amino acids to restore shine. It has a slightly tingly effect when applied, thanks to peppermint and tea tree oil that stimulates the scalp to encourage hair growth. It also prevents dandruff. Great for defining and softening curls.

How to use it: Work into wet hair and massage into a rich lather. Rinse.

 Flaws but not dealbreakers: Because it uses hydrolyzed wheat proteins, this shampoo isn’t gluten-free. Important to note if you have an allergy in the home.

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Peppermint | Size: 3.4, 8 oz | Key Ingredient: Vitamin E, amino acids, peppermint, tea tree oil | Benefits: Fuller hair, healthier, more shine, preventing dandruff | Usage: Can be used Daily

Why it’s great: I don’t normally love drugstore shampoos as a general rule, but there are a few that make the cut. This is one of them. I love that it’s sulfate-free and contains no harsh salts or dyes, which is great for curly hair. Its strongest feature is probably the great anti-frizz definition it provides. Ingredients like coconut oil soften and nourish the hair like a charm. It’s very gentle on curls and is even safe for color-treated hair because it doesn’t overstrip.

How to use it: Massage this creamy shampoo into your hair and work it into a thick lather before fully rinsing it out.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Because it’s so nourishing and hydrating, it’s not the best for fine hair types. It might weigh the curls down so much, they lose their bounce.

Hair Type: Curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Coconut, sandalwood, mango | Size: 4 oz | Key Ingredient: Coconut Oil | Benefits: Deep moisture with up to 48 hours of curl definition | Usage: Can be used Daily

Buying Considerations for Curly Hair Shampoo

Hydration

Because of the pattern of curly hair, it can be difficult to consistently moisturize properly. The best shampoo for men with curly hair will utilize ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and coconut oil to adequately nourish the hair. This will also give hair its luster. Make sure the curly hair shampoo you choose has plenty of hydrating ingredients. All of the ones on this list are good for moisturizing curly hair.

Ingredients 

Besides hydrating ingredients, it matters what else is in the best shampoo for men with curly hair. There should be strengthening ingredients like vitamin E and potentially ceramides, which protect the cuticle of the hair by locking in moisture and keeping humidity out. As for the nature of ingredients, they don’t all have to be natural unless it’s a personal requirement or you have sensitive skin. Ultimately, you’ll want to avoid harsh salts and ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates that overstrip the hair, leaving it weak, dull, and brittle.

Value

How much shampoo costs is important, but I would argue its value matters most. When searching for the best shampoo for curly haired men, you should ask, how much product am I getting for the price? Most of the shampoos on this list are pretty affordable for their size, but it pays to pay attention to how many ounces you’re getting for the price listed. This will help you determine if it’s within budget, or worth it to splurge.

Why you should trust us

I’m a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, meaning I compare, test, and research everything you can carry, wear, and use for bodily upkeep. For this review, I consulted a host of trusted sources and reviewed my own bathroom to understand what makes a great quality product that meets quality function and current style. I started off with over 50 considerations and narrowed it down to the top 6 that will best fit a range of discerning consumers. Ultimately, I want to see everyone who needs it find the best shampoo for curly-haired men.

Final Verdict 

The best shampoo for men with curly hair should be very hydrating while also helping curls maintain their pattern and bounce. My top pick is Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo because it minimizes frizz, enhances curl definition, and locks in essential moisture. And it’s safe for all types of chemically-treated hair.