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Not all shampoos are created equal. Some are for clarifying, which means to reset your hair after heavy product use, while others are for hydration, aka having the goal of leaving your hair more moisturized while still giving it a good cleanse.
Courtesy/InStyleWhen looking for shampoos to keep your hair hydrated, opt for formulas that include coconut oil, shea butter, and honey. Coconut oil is the most penetrative of oils and will give your hair a protein boost, while shea butter is a great moisturizer. Honey is a humectant serving as a moisturizing agent for your hair.
Keep reading to discover the top 12 shampoos that actually won't dry out your coils.
Luster's Pink Shea Butter and Coconut Oil Moisturizing Shampoo
CourtesyThe OG brand resurfaced during the pandemic with a brand new formula. Luster's Pink Shea Butter Coconut Oil Sulfate-Free Moisturizing Shampoo lists its star duo in the name: coconut oil to prevent a dry scalp, and shea butter for moisture.
Mizani Scalp Care Dry Scalp Shampoo
CourtesyThis is a great shampoo to have on hand if you have a bathroom (and undoubtedly products) you share with others. It works well with so many textures from loose waves to kinky-curly coils. The Mizani Scalp Care Dry Scalp Shampoo features peppermint oil to relieve and revive dry scalp with cucumber extract that stops shedding and promotes hair growth.
Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo
CourtesyGet juicy hydrated curls sans greasiness with Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo. It has chamomile flower extract and corn oil to moisturize your strands and keep hair healthy by preventing dryness and split ends. But remember, when it comes to split ends, the only true solve is a trim. So book that appointment, stat!
As I Am Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo
CourtesyYou don't have to go to the islands to reap the benefits of As I Am Restore & Repair Jamaican Black Castor Oil. Infused with fiber strengthening ceramides and vitamins C and E, it cleanses your scalp without stripping your hair of its natural oils. Plus, this shampoo doesn't make you wait for the conditioning counterpart to detangle. The formula does an incredible job of sorting out your curls.
VIDEO: How to Tell If Your Shampoo Is Not Actually Working For Your Hair
Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
CourtesyMorrocanoil Hydrating Shampoo smells like a vacation with its coconut scent. Leaving your hair clean but not stripped, the argan oil moisturizes your hair while leaving it silky smooth. It lathers well and rinses out easily.
African Pride Moisture Miracle Honey & Coconut Oil Shampoo
CourtesyHoney and coconut oil are a beautiful pair that will leave your hair hella moisturized. African Pride Moisture Miracle Honey & Coconut Oil Shampoo will deeply condition your hair with its hydrating lather. Your curls will be left with a healthy shine.
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing Shampoo
CourtesyAvocado is a superfood that's good for our insides and out, packed with vitamins and fatty acids to help strengthen, grow, and moisturize your hair. The almond leaves hair soft and easy to detangle. Your curls will have a luxurious shine once dry.
Mielle Organics Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo
CourtesyMielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo is a tried-and-true formula for type 4 hair. It lathers beautifully with the honey to lift dirt, oil, and product build-up, while infusing the babassu oil into your strands for added moisture. An added plus is that it's sulfate-free.
Creme of Nature Moisturizing Dry Defense Shampoo
Do you see the trend with honey yet? This Pure Honey Moisturizing collection is a dream for type 4 textures. It removes build-up, retains moisture, and adds shine. It's great for low porosity hair — so if yours has difficulty absorbing moisture and product, work this into your hair while you're in the shower for healthy, hydrated strands.
Nexxus Curl Define Shampoo
CourtesyIf you want to nourish your hair and make those curls pop then try Nexxus Sulfate-Free Curl Define Shampoo. With a silk protein and marula oil blend, you'll simultaneously strengthen and moisturize your curls. Marula oil is great for frizzy and dry hair as it's hydrating, yet light enough to not weigh hair down. This formula pairs best with its conditioning counterpart.
Pantene Gold Series Moisture Boost Shampoo
CourtesyFrom Pantene's line for natural, relaxed, and transitioning hair comes this deeply moisturizing shampoo. It's packed with argan oil so curls are always soft and smooth once they're dry.
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo
CourtesyWhether you have type 2 or type 4 hair, this shampoo is for you. Briogeo infused its Curl Charisma Shampoo withrice amino acids, avocado oil, and tomato fruit ferment to hydrate and seal the hair cuticle so hair dries consistently, which in turn will help maintain your curl shape. Plus, it boosts volume without weighing curls down.
This is All Natural. From the kinkiest coils to loose waves, we're celebrating natural hair in its many forms by sharing expert tips for styling, maintenance, and haircare.