These Expert-Approved Shampoos and Conditioners Leave Curls Defined, Bouncy and Hydrated

There was a time in my life when I didn’t pay any consideration to what shampoo or conditioner I used. Yes, despite anyone with curly hair understanding how much of an event hair wash day is, I focused most of my attention on the serums, masks and curl creams that I layered on post-wash instead of recognising the importance of the products I was starting with.

But experts agree that the foundation to a good hair day starts in the shower. In fact, choosing the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type doesn’t just make the wash itself easier, but it can completely transform how your hair looks and feels afterwards. The right duo can mean the difference between dried-out, frizzy, undefined strands and soft, healthy, hydrated hair that behaves how you want it to when you’re styling it later.

For those of us with curly hair, I’d argue that this choice becomes even more important. “Curly hair is naturally drier, so hydration is key,” says international hair stylist Aminata Kamara. “Look for gentle cleansers and ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera and nourishing oils that can add moisture without weighing curls down.” To make matters more complex, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to curls. “Tighter curls and coils usually need richer, more emollient formulas, while looser curls often prefer lightweight hydration to retain definition,” explains Kamara.

What to Look For

If you’re not sure whether you’re using the right formula for your curly hair, then it’s worth considering how your curls usually feel post-wash. “If your curls are going frizzy, brittle or rough, then chances are your shampoo is too harsh, whereas if your hair feels flat or greasy, then your conditioner is probably doing too much,” explains curl stylist and Amika brand ambassador Tobias Bell. “The real test is the bounce, though. If your curls don’t spring back with a bit of life, then your shampoo and conditioner aren’t playing your tune!”

To help bring everything into balance, there are a few key things to consider when choosing the best shampoo and conditioner for curly hair—with the most important factor being moisture. “As a curl expert I look for formulas loaded with hydration boosters like shea butter, squalane or amino acids, and avoid harsh sulphates as you want shampoos that clean without stripping,” explains Bell. “Conditioners should help curls slip and slide without any knots, and need to lock hydration in.” Bell recommends opting for rich, thick, creamy formulas if you have tight coils, while loose waves will benefit from a lighter formulation to prevent adding weight.

How We Chose

So, keeping the diverse nature of curls in mind, I decided the best approach to determining the best shampoos and conditioners for curly hair would be to crowdsource the data—and that meant speaking to a lot of curl experts. From fellow beauty editors with textured hair to curl specialists and hairstylists who understand both the science and the artistry behind healthy coils, I’ve collated recommendations from the best in the beauty industry to give you a comprehensive shopping list of the best shampoos and conditioners for curly hair, no matter your texture or curl pattern.

Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Curly Hair

• Best Overall: Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Shampoo and Conditioner (£51)
• Best for Nourishing Coils: Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Conditioner (£18)
• Best for Waves and Loose Curls: Sachajuan Moisturizing Shampoo (£30)
• Best for Defining Curls: Living Proof Curl Shampoo and Conditioner (£52)
• Best for Heat-Damaged Texture: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo (£39)

1. Redken Acidic Bonding Curls Shampoo and Conditioner

Formulated specifically for processed curly and coily hair, this strengthening duo from Redken uses an innovative blend of exfoliating AHAs to brighten dullness, amino acids to reduce breakage and urea to retain moisture to help visibly repair damage and hydrate dry hair. "It's my current go-to as it strengthens and defined curls while balancing hydration," explains hair stylist Aminata Kamara. "It's brilliant for keeping curl shapes intact without weighing hair down."

2. Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner

"When I’m on the hunt for new shampoos to add to my routine, I gravitate towards ones that strengthen my coils from the inside out," says Maya Thomas, Who What Wear Associate Beauty Editor. "This shampoo helps me protect my strands whether I’m doing low-manipulation styles or protective ones, and leaves them bouncy, juicy, and defined. Plus, the superhero ingredient, castor oil, is combined with ginger and black cumin seed to help fortify the coils without weighing them down. It’s a must-have for a well-rounded any 4c hair routine, but designed with all-natural textures in mind."

"While sometimes I do like to mix and match the products in my wash day routines to meet my hair goals, lately I’ve been following the Goddess Strength Fortifying Shampoo with its conditioner to help repair my hair after back-to-back protective styles," says Maya. "My summer hairstyles really did a number on my edges this year, so using a conditioner that helps strengthen my strands and avoid any further damage is a game-changer."

3. Kérastase Curl Manifesto Shampoo and Conditioner

"Finding the perfect shampoo and conditioner is one of the more challenging beauty tasks, but once you do, you’re set for life. I’ve finally found mine in the Kérastase Curl Manifesto Bain Hydratation Douceur Shampoo and Curl Manifesto Fondant Hydratation Essentielle Conditioner," says freelance beauty journalist Zeynab Mohamed. "My curls are a mix of curls, mostly tight and perpetually dry, and this duo balances cleansing and hydration perfectly. Formulated with Manuka honey and ceramides, it nourishes and strengthens every strand. The conditioner leaves my hair feeling hydrated for longer, so I’m faffing around with my curls less between wash days. It’s the perfect duo for curly-haired gals who want great results without doing the most."

4. TPH by Taraji Honey Fresh Shampoo and Conditioner

For days that you want a deep cleanse without compromising on moisture, the TPH Honey Fresh Shampoo works to purify your hair and scalp without leaving your curls stripped or dehydrated—and it's expert-approved to. "I've been using the TPH by Taraji Clarifying Shampoo and have been loving it," says celebrity hair stylist Dionne Smith. "The shampoo gives my scalp a fresh, deep clean without drying it out, and it lathers nicely too."

If your hair is prone to knots and tangles, then this conditioner makes light work of smoothing and detangling your hair for easy combing out post-shower. "The matching conditioner with aloe and honey leaves my hair soft, hydrated, but never weighed down, and the scent is so refreshing," says Smith.

5. Sachajuan Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner

"As someone whose hair is curly at the front and wavy underneath, it took me a while to find a shampoo and conditioner duo that worked well for both hair textures," explains Freelance Fashion & Beauty Editor, Jazzria Harris. "Often, products designed for curly hair would leave my strands weighed down, while lighter formulas didn’t offer the nourishment my textured hair needed. Then, I tried Sachajuan’s Moisturising shampoo and conditioner—enriched with argan oil and marine algae, this duo hydrates my hair without feeling too rich or heavy. Plus, my curls look more defined with less frizz and plenty of shine."

The matching conditioner uses the brand's patented 'Ocean Silk Technology' to boost elasticity and add shine, while argan oil promotes nourishment and deep hydration. The best thing is that not only does this formula gently hydrate without weighing hair down, but it gives waves and soft curls an enviable bounce and swish.

6. Living Proof Curl Shampoo and Conditioner

As someone who doesn't love using loads of product on my curly hair, I've always struggled to achieve a defined curl pattern. In fact, most of the time my curls look quite soft and puffy when left to their own devices. That all changed when I starting using this Living Proof duo. From the very first wash I noticed a difference—not only in how my hair looked afterwards, but how it felt post-shower. The shampoo is gently cleansing without leaving my hair feeling totally stripped and the conditioner almost melts into my curls to give them some much needed hydration. Whether I then air dry or heat style, I can now actually see the shape of my curls—it's like this duo encouraged them to spring to life. Yes, there's still some frizz and flyaways if I don't follow with product, but they look more uniform than they have in years while my hair still has the softness and touchable feel that I like.

7. K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Damage Shield Shampoo and Conditioner

8. Amika Forget Frizz Shampoo

9. Amika Hydro Rush Conditioner

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.