Shampoo for curly and wavy hair: how to choose the right one without ruining your curls’ definition
Shampoo for curly and wavy hair should be sulfate-free and CGM-approved. Sulfates break up curl definition, dry out the strands, and create frizz. Instead, choose a shampoo with mild surfactants that cleanses the scalp effectively without disturbing the cuticle layer or the hair’s natural curl pattern.
Curly and wavy hair is naturally drier than straight hair. This is because the spiral shape of the strands makes it more difficult for the scalp’s natural sebum to travel down along them. This means that curly and wavy hair needs a shampoo that cleanses without removing more moisture than necessary and that allows the cuticle layer to remain smooth to preserve curl definition.
For type 2 wavy hair, which is finer and more delicate than curly hair, it is also important to avoid heavy products that weigh down the waves. The choice of shampoo is therefore particularly 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 layer and strip away the hair’s natural oils. For curly and wavy hair, which already has difficulty retaining moisture, this results in dry strands, an open cuticle layer, and frizz. Curl definition disappears when the cuticle layer 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 allowing the cuticle layer to remain 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 or -xane) that create buildup |
| Glycerin and other moisturizing ingredients | Alcohol high up on the ingredient list |
| pH-balanced formula | Fragrance if you have a sensitive scalp |
Do you want to understand the entire 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 does not contain sulfates, silicones, or other ingredients that, according to the Curly Girl Method, break down curl definition or create buildup that requires strong surfactants to wash away.
For type 2 wavy hair, the same principles apply, but with extra attention to the amount of product used. Wavy hair is finer and is more easily weighed down. 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 curly and wavy hair be washed?
Curly and wavy hair needs to be washed less often than straight hair; washing every other day to every third day is often sufficient. If you wash too often, you risk drying out the strands and disrupting the scalp’s natural oil production. If you wash too infrequently, product buildup accumulates and weighs down the curls.
Always massage the scalp thoroughly with your fingertips while washing to loosen sebum and product buildup without rubbing and creating frizz in the lengths. Read more about scalp care for wavy hair in our guide to scalp and wavy hair.
For the complete picture of how to care for curly and wavy hair, from shampoo and conditioner to drying techniques, read our complete shampoo guide.