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Best Drugstore Shampoo and Conditioner for Curly Hair: Top Affordable Picks (2024)

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best drugstore shampoo and conditioner for curly hairYou’re on the hunt for the best drugstore shampoo and conditioner for curly hair, and you’ve come to the right place.

Curly locks thrive on moisture, so avoid sulfates that can strip your strands.

Look for affordable gems like Aveeno’s Oatmeal Blend, Cetaphil’s Moisturizing formulas, or Dove’s Daily Moisture line.

These curly-hair saviors pack a punch of hydration without breaking the bank.

Don’t just take my word for it – delve into the top drugstore picks designed to enhance your luscious ringlets.

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Keep those gorgeous curls gleaming and full of bounce by investing in a trusty curl BFF – a sulfate-free, moisture-packed shampoo that’ll quench their thirst like a desert drinks rain.
  • Think of your curls as delicate wildflowers – shampoo with a gentle touch, massaging from root to tip like you’re caressing a newborn kitten. Harsh scrubbing will send those luscious ringlets running for the hills!
  • Embrace trial and error on your quest for the perfect shampoo soulmate. Your curls are as unique as a snowflake, so don’t be discouraged if it takes some dating around before finding The One.
  • Good news for frugal fashionistas – you don’t need to splurge on fancy salon brands to keep your curls pampered. Affordable drugstore gems like Aveeno, Cetaphil, and Dove can work curl-reviving magic if you read those ingredient labels like a seasoned pro.

10 Best Shampoos for Curly Hair

When looking for the best shampoo for curly hair, consider top affordable picks like Love Ur Curls Shampoo, OGX Coconut Fine Curls Shampoo, and SheaMoisture Coconut Shampoo. These shampoos are sulfate-free and contain moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter to nourish and define curls without stripping away natural oils.

1. Love Ur Curls Shampoo

Love Ur Curls LUS BrandsView On Amazon
You’re all about embracing your natural curls, and the Love Ur Curls Shampoo is your curl BFF. This sulfate-free formula gently cleanses while infusing your locks with nourishing shea butter and moringa oil.

Wave goodbye to frizz and breakage as it strengthens and moisturizes from root to tip, bringing out the best in your spirals, coils, and kinks.

Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free – a total win-win for you and Mother Nature!

Best For: Those with curly hair types looking to cleanse, repair, and moisturize their hair without stripping natural oils.

Pros
  • Enriched with shea butter and moringa oil for nourishment
  • Strengthens and moisturizes hair, reducing breakage
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
  • May not be suitable for all hair types
  • Part of a 3-step system that may be unnecessary for some
  • 30-day money-back policy may not be sufficient for some

2. OGX Coconut Fine Curls Shampoo

OGX Lightweight + Coconut FineView On Amazon
You’ll love OGX’s Coconut Fine Curls Shampoo if you have delicate, wavy locks.

Its weightless coconut oil and citrus blend adds moisture without weighing down your curls.

Say goodbye to frizz as this sulfate-free formula gently cleanses while infusing hydration.

Your fine curls will bounce back to life with enhanced definition and beautiful shine.

Trust this affordable gem to keep your mane feeling soft, nourished, and naturally refreshed.

Best For: Fine, wavy hair

Pros
  • Lightweight formula
  • Gentle on fine curls
  • Helps tame frizz
Cons
  • May be drying for some hair types
  • May require more product for thicker hair
  • Subtle coconut scent

3. SheaMoisture Coconut Shampoo Curly Hair

SheaMoisture Curl and Shine CoconutView On Amazon
You’ll love the SheaMoisture Coconut Shampoo for Curly Hair!

It’s a drugstore gem that gently cleanses and defines your curls without stripping away moisture.

Infused with nourishing coconut oil and silk proteins, this sulfate-free formula leaves your locks feeling bouncy, hydrated, and healthy after just one use.

Embrace your natural curl pattern with this affordable shampoo that enhances elasticity and adds luscious shine to your tresses.

Best For: Wavy, curly, and coily hair types seeking hydration and definition.

Pros
  • Gently cleanses without stripping moisture
  • Instantly hydrates and defines curls
  • Repairs hair, adds shine, and leaves curls feeling healthy

4. Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Olaplex No. 4 Bond MaintenanceView On Amazon
You’ll love Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo for its bond-building formula that restores strength and moisture to curly locks. It adds enviable shine and manageability while reducing breakage and split ends.

Safe for all hair types, this shampoo has an invigorating citrusy scent. A little goes a long way – you only need a small amount to work up a rich lather.

The perfect choice for reviving dry, dull curls.

Best For: Restoring strength and moisture to curly hair.

Pros
  • Strengthens hair
  • Reduces breakage and split ends
  • Adds shine

5. Davines Love Curl Shampoo

Davines LOVE Curl Shampoo &View On Amazon
Davines’ Love Curl Shampoo is a top pick for curly-haired beauties. This gentle cleanser loves your locks, infusing them with lightweight hydration from nourishing ingredients like Brazilian cupuaçu butter. Say goodbye to frizz and hello to defined, bouncy curls! While not the cheapest option, this salon-quality shampoo is a worthwhile splurge that’ll have your curls looking their best.

Best For: Curly-haired beauties who want to define and volumize their curls.

Pros
  • Cleanses and softens hair
  • Makes hair feel light
  • Helps detangle hair
Cons
  • May strip color from hair
  • May not lather much
  • Has a nutty smell

6. Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Shampoo

Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish SulfateView On Amazon
You’ll love Garnier’s Curl Nourish Shampoo for its nourishing and defining powers! Formulated with nourishing coconut oil and hydrating glycerin, it gently cleanses while infusing moisture into your curls. Say goodbye to frizz and hello to soft, bouncy ringlets that turn heads. This affordable, sulfate-free gem from a trusted brand is a curl’s best friend.

Best For: For all curl types seeking defined, frizz-free curls.

Pros
  • Infused with plant protein and coconut oil for nourishment and definition
  • Gently cleanses without sulfates, parabens, or silicones
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
  • May not be moisturizing enough for extremely dry hair
  • Not as volumizing as some other curl shampoos
  • May not be suitable for all hair types

7. Design Essentials Moisturizing Detangling Shampoo

Design Essentials Moisturizing and DetanglingView On Amazon
You’ll love Design Essentials Moisturizing Detangling Shampoo if you have wavy, curly, coily, or kinky hair.

Its gentle, sulfate-free formula cleanses without stripping your strands of natural oils, promoting healthy hair growth.

With almond and avocado oils, it detangles and boosts strength, leaving you with noticeably softer, more defined curls.

Perfect for daily use and compatible with extensions, this shampoo is a curl-friendly powerhouse.

Best For: Wavy, curly, coily, kinky, normal to dry, and color-treated hair

Pros
  • Cleanses without stripping natural oils
  • Detangles and strengthens
  • Promotes healthy hair growth

8. Mizani True Textures Shampoo

Mizani True Textures Moisture ReplenishView On Amazon
You’ll want to try Mizani’s True Textures Shampoo for your curly locks.

This intensely moisturizing formula gently cleanses while infusing hydrating ingredients like coconut oil to leave your hair soft, shiny, and supple.

Free from parabens, it’s suitable for all curl types and textures.

Though pricier than drugstore brands, it’s a worthwhile investment for replenishing your textured tresses’ moisture and enhancing their natural beauty.

Best For: Individuals with curly hair seeking intense moisture and nourishment.

Pros
  • Enhances hair’s softness, shine, and moisture levels
  • Gently cleanses without stripping natural oils
  • Suitable for all curl types and textures
Cons
  • May not be suitable for non-curly hair textures
  • Price may exceed budget for some
  • Lack of inside seal may result in product leakage

9. Loreal Sulfate Free Curly Shampoo

L'Oreal Paris Sulfate Free ShampooView On Amazon
You deserve nourishing, sulfate-free hair care for your gorgeous curls. L’Oreal’s sulfate-free shampoo is a drugstore gem, gently cleansing while infusing moisture. Coconut oil rejuvenates thirsty locks, while the lightweight formula won’t weigh down your bouncy spirals. Kiss frizz goodbye – this affordable pick delivers long-lasting curl definition and manageability. Your curls will thank you for the extra love and hydration.

Best For: Curly hair that needs lightweight, anti-frizz hydration

Pros
  • Coconut oil provides deep moisture and curl definition
  • Gentle formula won’t weigh curls down
  • Vegan and free of harsh ingredients
Cons
  • May leave hair feeling dry for some users
  • May not lather easily, so a larger amount may be needed
  • Suitable for daily use

10. Briogeo Curl Charisma Shampoo

Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo,View On Amazon
You’ll love how the Briogeo Curl Charisma Shampoo pampers your curly locks.

Its coconut-derived cleansers gently remove impurities without stripping moisture.

Rice amino acids and tomato fruit ferment nourish strands, while shea butter and avocado oil infuse intense hydration.

Your curls will spring back to life with defined, frizz-free shapes after each wash.

Although pricier than drugstore brands, this salon-quality formula delivers curl-quenching results.

Best For: Wavy, curly, and coily hair types (2A to 4C) seeking a hydrating cleanse to minimize frizz and enhance curl definition.

Pros
  • 97% naturally derived
  • Nourishes and hydrates strands without stripping natural oils
  • Enhances curl definition and minimizes frizz
Cons
  • May not be suitable for all hair types
  • Some users have reported the shampoo being runny and requiring more product
  • Some users have experienced hair dryness and damage after using the shampoo

Curly Hair Needs Moisture and Hydration

Curly Hair Needs Moisture and Hydration
Curly hair is naturally drier and more prone to frizz, so you’ll want to choose shampoos and conditioners that infuse moisture and hydration. Look for sulfate-free formulas with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps lock in moisture for defined, frizz-free curls.

Sulfate-free Shampoos Are Gentler on Curly Hair

You want a sulfate-free shampoo for your curly locks. Sulfates can be too harsh, leading to:

  • Dryness
  • Frizz
  • Damage
  • Loss of natural oils

Instead, look for gentle, hydrating ingredients that retain moisture, like:

  • Coconut oil
  • Shea butter
  • Glycerin
  • Plant oils

Sulfate-free shampoos cleanse without stripping – perfect for frizz-free, defined curls!

Hyaluronic Acid Helps Lock in Moisture

Curly hair craves moisture to stay defined and frizz-free. That’s why hyaluronic acid is a game-changer – it attracts and locks in hydration, leaving your curls plump and bouncy. But wait, there’s more! Supercharge your moisture routine with these deeply nourishing ingredients:

Ingredient Benefit Hair Type
Hyaluronic Acid Retains moisture All
Argan Oil Softens and conditions Dry, coarse
Aloe Vera Hydrates and soothes Damaged, dry
Shea Butter Nourishes and protects Thick, coily

Achieving dream-worthy curls starts with intense hydration from within.

Drugstore Shampoos for Curly Hair

Drugstore Shampoos for Curly Hair
For an affordable yet effective shampoo to tame and nourish your curly locks, consider:

Aveeno Scalp Soothing Oatmeal Blend Shampoo.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Shampoo.

Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo.

Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing Shampoo.

Head & Shoulders Clinical Solutions Dry Scalp Care Shampoo.

These drugstore options are formulated with moisturizing ingredients to hydrate and define curls without breaking the bank.

Aveeno Scalp Soothing Oatmeal Blend Shampoo

Aveeno Scalp Soothing Oatmeal Blend Shampoo is a godsend for curly hair! Its gentle, fragrance-free formula with oatmeal:

  1. Calms itchy, irritated scalps
  2. Soothes dryness and eczema
  3. Cleanses without stripping moisture

This shampoo, paired with its matching conditioner, leaves curls soft, defined, and frizz-free. Grab it at any drugstore for an affordable, soothing curly hair solution.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Shampoo

You can also try Cetaphil’s moisturizing shampoo, which is sulfate-free and affordable. It’s a gentle option that won’t strip your curls of their natural oils, keeping them hydrated and defined. Like Aveeno, Cetaphil is a trusted brand for sensitive skin, so you can trust it won’t cause irritation or dryness.

Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo

Another affordable option is Dove’s Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo. It’s widely available and formulated with:

  1. Nourishing nutrients
  2. Frizz-fighting technology
  3. Silicone-free conditioners
  4. Gentle cleansers

This shampoo aims to hydrate and define your curls while preventing breakage and frizz, making it an excellent drugstore pick.

Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing Shampoo

You can also try Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing Shampoo. It’s sulfate-free, honey-infused, and contains nourishing coconut oil and shea butter to deeply hydrate curly hair. Affordably priced at most drugstores, this shampoo gently cleanses while providing much-needed moisture to prevent frizz and dryness.

Head & Shoulders Clinical Solutions Dry Scalp Care Shampoo

You’re also in luck if you struggle with dry scalp and dandruff. Head & Shoulders Clinical Solutions Dry Scalp Care Shampoo is an affordable, sulfate-free pick that:

  1. Gently cleanses
  2. Soothes itchiness
  3. Reduces flakes
  4. Hydrates scalp

This anti-dandruff formula provides long-lasting scalp relief without stripping your curls of moisture.

Salon-Grade Shampoos for Curly Hair

Salon-Grade Shampoos for Curly Hair
While budget-friendly drugstore shampoos can be an excellent option for curly hair, top salon-grade formulas like Aveda Be Curly Shampoo, Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo, Kerastase Nutritive Bain Satin 2 Shampoo, Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, and Redken All Soft Shampoo are specifically designed to nourish and enhance curls without weighing them down.

These high-end shampoos often contain richer, more concentrated moisturizing ingredients to tame frizz and boost shine.

Aveda Be Curly Shampoo

You want to embrace your curls without frizz? Aveda Be Curly Shampoo is a sulfate-free, moisturizing solution for curly hair. It gently cleanses while infusing strands with wheat protein and organic cherry blossom. The results? Benefit Value
Defined Curls ★★★★★
Reduced Frizz ★★★★☆
Hydration ★★★★★
Volume ★★★☆☆

Reveal bouncy, frizz-free curls with this nourishing formula.

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo

Bumble and Bumble’s Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo is another high-quality salon option. It deeply nourishes your scalp with:

  • Coconut oil to hydrate without weighing hair down
  • Macadamia nut oil for hair strengthening
  • UV filters to shield your strands
  • A lightweight formula that defines curls

This shampoo is an investment, but delivers impressive results for curly hair.

Kerastase Nutritive Bain Satin 2 Shampoo

For salon-grade quality, try Kerastase’s Nutritive Bain Satin 2 Shampoo. It’s sulfate-free and packed with nourishing ingredients like ceramides to moisturize dry, curly locks. This indulgent formula leaves your hair feeling like you just walked out of the salon – silky, hydrated perfection.

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

In addition to the Kerastase option, you’ll find the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo an affordable, salon-grade choice for curly hair. Its:

  1. Sulfate-free formula
  2. Nourishing properties
  3. Gentle cleansing

make it an excellent bond maintenance shampoo that won’t strip your curls.

Redken All Soft Shampoo

Speaking of salon-quality solutions, you can’t go wrong with Redken’s All Soft Shampoo. It’s specially formulated to tame frizz and infuse moisture into your curls, leaving them soft, defined, and manageable. With nourishing ingredients like argan oil and silk proteins, this shampoo delivers the hydration and protection your thirsty curls crave.

Conditioners for Dry, Curly Hair

Conditioners for Dry, Curly Hair
Regarding conditioners for dry, curly hair, it’s imperative to steer clear of silicones and parabens. These can overburden your curls and lead to buildup.

Instead, seek hydrating, lightweight formulas like:

The Aveeno Scalp Soothing Oatmeal Blend Conditioner

The Cetaphil Moisturizing Conditioner

The Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Conditioner

The Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing Conditioner

The Head & Shoulders Clinical Solutions Dry Scalp Care Conditioner

Avoid Silicones and Parabens

When selecting conditioners for dry, curly hair, avoid silicones as they can weigh down strands and lead to buildup.

Parabens can also strip moisture, leaving hair prone to dryness and frizz.

Opt for sulfate-free formulas that gently cleanse while infusing hydration and curl definition through nourishing ingredients like oils and butters.

Regular co-washing can further help replenish moisture in dry curls.

Aveeno Scalp Soothing Oatmeal Blend Conditioner

Aveeno’s Scalp Soothing Oatmeal Blend Conditioner is a drugstore gem for taming dry, curly locks. Its soothing oatmeal formula caresses your scalp while hydrating parched strands. Trust this affordable option to quench thirsty curls without weighing them down or wreaking havoc on your wallet.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Conditioner

You’ll love Cetaphil’s Moisturizing Conditioner for its ability to deeply hydrate and nourish curly locks. This gentle formula:

  • Replenishes moisture without weighing hair down
  • Detangles knots and reduces frizz
  • Imparts silky smoothness and manageability
  • Contains no harsh sulfates or parabens
  • Leaves curls soft, bouncy, and defined

Restore your curls’ natural radiance with this affordable drugstore gem.

Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Conditioner

Another affordable option is Dove’s Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Conditioner. Its sulfate-free formula contains nourishing ingredients like coconut and shea butter to hydrate strands. At an affordable price point, you can use this conditioner daily to combat dryness and frizz without weighing curls down.

Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing Conditioner

You’ll love Garnier Whole Blends Honey Treasures Repairing Conditioner for curly hair. It:

  1. Contains honey, royal jelly, and propolis extracts
  2. Deeply nourishes and repairs damaged strands
  3. Leaves curls soft, shiny, and manageable
  4. Is affordable and accessible at drugstores

This rich, creamy conditioner is perfect for bringing life back to dry, frizzy curls.

Head & Shoulders Clinical Solutions Dry Scalp Care Conditioner

Head & Shoulders Clinical Solutions Dry Scalp Care Conditioner is a fragrance-free option that gently soothes dry, flaky scalps while conditioning curly locks. Its scalp-soothing formula with zinc pyrithione provides dandruff control and deep cleansing without stripping moisture. This affordable conditioner leaves curls soft, manageable, and flake-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which shampoo and conditioner is best for curly hair?

Curly hair thirsts for moisture like a desert craves rain. For a hydrating quench, reach for Shea Moisture’s coconut line – its sulfate-free formula drinks deeply into thirsty coils.

What shampoos are good for the Curly Girl method?

You’ll want to go sulfate-free and silicone-free for the Curly Girl method. Look for moisturizing shampoos like Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus line or DevaCurl’s low-poo options.

How to find the right shampoo and conditioner for curly hair?

Envision your curls thriving, bouncing with life. Finding the right shampoo and conditioner is key – scout for moisture-rich, sulfate-free formulas that respect your unique curl pattern. Embrace trial and error, for gorgeous, defined ringlets await your discovery.

Does curly hair need special shampoo?

Yes, curly hair benefits from specialized shampoos. They’re formulated with moisturizing ingredients to avoid stripping away natural oils that define your curls.

How often should curly hair be washed?

Curly hair needs washing less frequently than straight hair – don’t drown those luscious ringlets in suds! As a general rule, aim to wash your curly tresses once or twice a week to keep them healthy and hydrated.

What ingredients should be avoided for curly hair?

Avoid sulfates, silicones, and alcohols as they strip moisture from curly hair. Opt for gentle, sulfate-free formulas with hydrating ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil.

Do shampoo and conditioner brands matter for curls?

Brace yourself for a shocking truth – shampoo brands can make or break your curly hair journey! While some swear by expensive salon brands, affordable drugstore options can work wonders if you choose wisely. The key lies in understanding your hair’s unique needs and reading those ingredient labels like a pro.

Are co-washing and pre-pooing beneficial for curls?

Yes, co-washing (using conditioner to cleanse hair) and pre-pooing (pre-shampoo treatment) are beneficial for curls. Co-washing avoids stripping oils, while pre-pooing adds moisture before washing.

What are the best techniques for shampooing curls?

Shampooing curls requires a gentle touch – treat them like delicate wildflowers. Massage softly from roots to ends, allowing water to rinse away impurities. Avoid rough friction that disrupts the curl’s delicate dance.

Conclusion

Over 60% of people suffer from dry, brittle curls.

You’ve now explored the best drugstore shampoo and conditioner for curly hair, packed with nourishing ingredients like oatmeal, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid.

Embrace affordable curl-enhancing formulas like Aveeno, Cetaphil, and Dove to reveal luscious, bouncy ringlets without breaking the bank.

Maintain a consistent routine with these top picks to showcase your hair’s natural beauty.

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.