Shampoo for curly and wavy hair: how to choose the right one without ruining curl definition
Shampoo for curly and wavy hair should be sulfate-free and CGM-approved. Sulfates disrupt curl definition, dry out the strands, and cause frizz. Instead, choose a shampoo with mild surfactants that cleanses the scalp effectively without disturbing the cuticle or the natural pattern of your curls.
Curly and wavy hair is naturally drier than straight hair. This is because the spiral shape of the strands makes it harder for the scalp’s natural oils to travel down the hair. This means curly and wavy hair needs a shampoo that cleanses without removing more moisture than necessary and keeps the cuticle smooth to maintain curl definition.
For type 2 wavy hair, which is finer and more delicate than curly hair, it’s also important to avoid heavy products that weigh down the waves. Shampoo choice is therefore especially important.
Why sulfates are problematic for curly hair
Sulfates such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are strong surfactants that cleanse effectively but open the cuticle and strip away the hair’s natural oils. For curly and wavy hair, which already struggles to retain moisture, this results in dry strands, an open cuticle, and frizz. Curl definition disappears when the cuticle is open and the strands absorb moisture from the air unevenly.
Sulfate-free shampoos with mild surfactants such as Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate cleanse just as effectively while preserving the scalp’s pH and keeping the cuticle smooth. The result is a cleaner scalp and better-defined curls and waves.
What to look for when choosing shampoo for curly hair
| Choose | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-free surfactants (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine) | SLS, SLES, and other strong sulfates |
| CGM-approved ingredients | Silicones (ending in -cone, -xane) that cause buildup |
| Glycerin and other humectants | Alcohol high on the ingredient list |
| A pH-balanced formula | Fragrance if you have a sensitive scalp |
Want to understand the full CGM method and how it works for curly and wavy hair? Read our guide to the Curly Girl Method.
Editor's Note: CGM-approved means that the product contains no sulfates, silicones, or other ingredients that, according to the Curly Girl Method, disrupt curl definition or cause buildup that requires strong surfactants to wash away.
The same principles apply to type 2 wavy hair, with extra attention to how much product you use. Wavy hair is finer and gets weighed down more easily. Choose a lightweight sulfate-free shampoo and apply conditioner sparingly, only to the lengths and ends. Read more in our complete guide to wavy hair.
How often should you wash curly and wavy hair?
Curly and wavy hair needs to be washed less often than straight hair; washing every other or third day is often enough. Washing too often can dry out the strands and disrupt the scalp’s natural oil production. Washing too infrequently can lead to product buildup that weighs down the curls.
Always massage the scalp thoroughly with your fingertips while washing to loosen oil and product buildup without rubbing the lengths and causing frizz. Learn more about scalp care for wavy hair in our guide to scalp care and wavy hair.
For the full picture of how to care for curly and wavy hair, from shampoo and conditioner to drying techniques, read our complete shampoo guide.