Trust Me—These Are the 20 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Every Curl Type

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

From one curly-haired girl to another, I know how difficult it can be to find the right products for your hair as it changes over time. Environmental aggressors, harsh chemical treatments, excessive heat, and other factors can ultimately lead to damage, and it takes the best routines and products to breathe life into your strands once again. As one of Who What Wear's resident curly-haired editors, I love learning new ways to give my hair TLC before sharing my findings. If that captures your curiosity, keep reading to discover 20 of the shampoos and conditioners I've used over the past three years to restore my curls to their healthiest state post–chemical straightening. Fingers crossed you'll find a few to add to your haircare routine!

What Should You Look For?

When on the hunt for curl- and coil-friendly shampoo and conditioner, one sentiment should be kept in mind above all else: No one routine will work for everyone. What's more, products that may have worked for you for months at a time may no longer have their desired effect and lead to you having to switch up your entire routine. It's best to go into your search for shampoo and conditioner taking note of what your hair needs at the moment, whether that's a frizz fighter or a moisture quencher.

I also pay attention to the weight and consistency of the formulas I come across, taking the time to consider how certain products impact the look and feel of my strands after use. My 4c curls, for example, are low-porosity, so they benefit the most from shampoos and conditioners that help draw in and retain moisture. My hair also works best with products that are lightweight and possess detangling properties that can save me time in the morning.

Most, if not all, of the shampoo and conditioners included in this product roundup are also sulfate-free, meaning they forgo the popular ingredient so that your hair is not stripped of its nourishing natural oils, and for those of you who have color-treated hair, there'll be no fading. While I prefer products that are gentle on my curls and tough on my scalp by removing impurities, I've also made sure to include a few of my top picks for shampoos and conditioners that deliver deep cleansing and curl definition.

Overall Best: TGIN Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner Duo

Best for Dry Curls: SheaMoisture Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Hydration Set

Best for Damaged Curls: Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle

Best for Combination Curl Types: SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Set

Best Luxury Option: Oribe Gold Lust Repair and Restore Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle

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(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

Best for Curl Definition: Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo and Curl Defining Conditioner

Best Drugstore Option: L'Oréal EverCurl Hypercharge Shampoo and Conditioner

Best for Loose Curls: Kérastase Curl Manifesto Shampoo and Lightweight Conditioner

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Best for Tangled Curls: Design Essentials Almond and Avocado Shampoo and Leave-In Conditioner

Best for Tight Curls: Pattern Cleansing Shampoo and Intensive Conditioner

Maya Thomas
Assistant Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's assistant beauty editor based in New York City. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.