How to Choose the Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Curly Hair

Curly hair can be wonderfully expressive, but it’s also famously particular about cleansing and conditioning. In the UK especially—where hard water is common and winter heating can leave hair and scalps feeling drier—many curl-wearers find their washday routine makes the difference between springy definition and limp, frizzy unpredictability. A recent Good Housekeeping UK test panel (160 women) highlighted what professional stylists have long observed: curly hair tends to thrive on gentler cleansing and more deliberate conditioning, rather than “one-size-fits-all” shampooing.

This article won’t rehash product hype. Instead, it translates what testing-led round-ups like Good Housekeeping’s can teach us about how to choose a shampoo and conditioner for curls—so you can assess any bottle on the shelf (or in your shower) with confidence. You’ll also find practical steps you can try at your very next wash to get softer, bouncier results.

Why curls often need a different kind of cleanse

Curly and coily hair typically has a more raised cuticle and a spiral structure that slows the movement of natural oils from root to ends. The result is a familiar combo: a scalp that may feel fine (or even oily) while lengths feel dry, rough or prone to tangling. Many stylists therefore recommend a shampoo that cleans effectively without leaving hair “squeaky”—a sensation that often signals the cuticle has been over-stripped.

That’s where gentler surfactants and curl-focused formulas come in. You’ll often see “sulphate-free” on labels, and while sulphates aren’t inherently “bad”, some curl patterns find stronger detergents increase frizz and dryness—especially if you colour your hair or rely on heat styling. If you use heavier stylers (gels, creams, mousses) you may still need a more thorough cleanse occasionally; the trick is balancing clarifying with moisture.

In practical terms, consider your shampoo in two categories:

• Everyday/regular wash shampoo: a gentle cleanser that keeps hair soft and manageable.
• Occasional reset/clarifying shampoo: used less frequently to shift build-up from hard water, oils and styling polymers.

Real-world next step: at your next wash, try applying shampoo only to the scalp (not the ends), and let the suds rinse through the lengths. For many curl types, that single change reduces dryness without sacrificing cleanliness.

Conditioning for definition: slip, moisture and breakage control

Conditioner is where most curl routines are won or lost. Curls tend to tangle easily, and aggressive detangling is a common route to breakage—particularly around the crown and nape where friction from coats, scarves, pillowcases and headrests is highest. A good conditioner provides “slip” so knots can be teased apart with minimal force.

When assessing a conditioner for curls, look beyond the promise of “hydration” and focus on performance cues that usually matter most:

• Slip: hair feels more elastic and easier to detangle while wet.
• Softness after drying: curls remain touchable rather than brittle or rough.
• Definition without heaviness: curls clump into sections but don’t look coated or flat.
• Compatibility with leave-ins: the best rinse-out conditioners won’t fight your stylers.

Many curl experts also recommend conditioning in sections (especially for thicker or coily hair) to ensure even coverage and reduce overworking one area. If you regularly air-dry, you may find a conditioner with a slightly richer feel helps counteract the longer wet-to-dry time that can leave cuticles raised and frizz-prone.

Real-world next step: detangle in the shower, with conditioner in, using fingers first and then a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. Work from ends upward. If you’re tugging, add more water and a touch more conditioner—don’t “power through”.

Ingredients and labels: what usually matters (and what matters less)

Curl care marketing can be noisy. It’s useful to know which label claims often correlate with real results—and which are more about preferences than performance.

Sulphate-free: Commonly favoured by curl-wearers because some sulphates can feel too cleansing on dry lengths. If your hair is fine or prone to build-up, you may still need a periodic stronger cleanse.

Silicones: Not automatically a problem, but they can be a build-up risk for some routines—especially if you never clarify and you use rich leave-ins. Many people prefer water-soluble silicones or silicone-free formulas for a lighter feel and easier refresh days.

Protein: Some curls love a little protein for strength; others (particularly if hair is low-porosity or already protein-sensitive) can feel stiff or straw-like with too much. If your hair feels hard and brittle despite conditioning, consider rotating to a more moisturising, lower-protein conditioner for a few washes.

Fragrance and essential oils: These are common in haircare and can be enjoyable, but if your scalp is reactive, simpler formulas may be better tolerated. If you have persistent itching, flaking or soreness, dermatologists often suggest seeking personalised advice rather than “treating” it with fragranced products.

Hard-water considerations: In many UK areas, minerals can make hair feel coated or dull. Shampoos labelled “clarifying” or those containing chelating agents may help periodically, but overuse can feel drying—so pair with a good conditioner and consider a hair mask on reset days.

Putting it into a routine: a practical washday blueprint

Testing-led round-ups, like Good Housekeeping UK’s panel approach, are valuable because they capture how products behave in real bathrooms—not just on a lab bench. Still, even the “best” shampoo and conditioner can underperform if the routine around them doesn’t suit curls.

Here’s a simple blueprint that aligns with what many UK curl specialists recommend:

• Pre-wash (optional): If your hair tangles heavily, apply a light conditioner or detangling pre-wash to ends for 2–5 minutes.
• Cleanse: Shampoo scalp thoroughly, focusing on the hairline and crown. Rinse well.
• Condition: Apply conditioner to mid-lengths and ends; add water and “squish” to encourage curl clumping.
• Detangle: Work in sections from ends upward with minimal tension.
• Rinse strategically: Fully rinse if hair is fine; leave a slight residue if hair is very dry/coarse (your preference will guide you).
• Style on wet hair: Apply leave-in or curl cream, then gel if you like hold. Avoid rough towel-drying; use a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt to scrunch.

If you colour your hair, use heat tools, or wear protective styles, you may need to adjust cleansing frequency. The most reliable indicator is not the calendar—it’s how your scalp feels and how your curls respond (definition, softness, and how long a style lasts between washes).

Real-world next step: keep a quick “washday note” on your phone for two weeks—what you used, whether you clarified, and how day-two and day-three hair looked. Patterns show up fast, and it’s often the simplest route to better curls without buying more.

Key Takeaways

• Curly hair often benefits from gentler cleansing and more intentional conditioning to reduce dryness, frizz and tangling.
• Shampoo the scalp; let suds cleanse the lengths—this is a practical change that can immediately improve softness.
• Choose conditioners for “slip” and definition, not just the word “hydrating”; detangle with conditioner in, working from ends up.
• Label claims (sulphate-free, silicone-free, protein-rich) are tools—not rules. Rotate formulas based on how your hair actually feels.
• In hard-water areas, consider occasional clarifying, then follow with nourishing conditioning to keep curl pattern springy and manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash curly hair?
It varies by scalp comfort, lifestyle and styling habits. Many people with curls wash less frequently than straight-hair routines, but the best schedule is the one that keeps your scalp comfortable and your curls defined without excessive build-up.

Do I need a sulphate-free shampoo for curls?
Not always, but many curl-wearers find gentler cleansers help reduce dryness and frizz. If you use heavier stylers or live in a hard-water area, an occasional stronger cleanse can still be useful.

Should I use conditioner on my scalp?
Most people focus conditioner on mid-lengths and ends. If your scalp is dry you might apply a small amount near the roots, but if you’re prone to build-up, keep conditioner away from the scalp and concentrate on lengths.

What’s the difference between rinse-out conditioner and leave-in conditioner?
Rinse-out conditioner is designed to coat and soften then be rinsed away, leaving hair smoother. Leave-in conditioner stays in the hair to support moisture, slip and styling—especially helpful for curl definition and refresh days.

How do I know if my curls have too much product build-up?
Common signs include hair feeling coated, dull, overly soft but undefined, or taking longer to get wet. A periodic clarifying wash followed by deep conditioning often helps restore bounce.

Can I brush curly hair?
Yes—many people do, but the timing matters. Brushing dry curls often disrupts the pattern and increases frizz. Detangling with conditioner on wet hair is usually the most curl-friendly approach.