We also understand how they can change depending on several factors: hair length, style, weather, time of year, washing schedule, the list goes on. As someone whose strands fluctuate between tight S-waves and curls, sometimes I need to change my shampoos up on a seasonal basis because I find I’m in need of an updated formula. If you’re in the market for a new shampoo formulated with curls in mind, these just might be your best bet. Each type has a person they’re best suited to—and it may take some guess-and-test work to figure out your favorite formula. Sulfates can be very drying and stripping, which can damage curly strands and make the hair more prone to frizz and splitting. We also recommend finding hydrating options; however, how hydrating will depend on how easily your curls get weighed down with product. Another important note is that identifying your specific hair type will likely help you in the hair product process. Hair types can play a big role in determining how you care for your hair (not the only thing, as thickness, porosity, scalp health, and lifestyle all play a role; not to make matters more confusing, but most people have multiple curl patterns on their head, so you may not neatly fall into one type.). But if you know your hair type, it can at least guide you to specific products. For example, type 4 is more prone to breakage so needs to look for strengthening ingredients, whereas type 2 or 3 may deal with buildup, which can stretch out the pattern. Here’s our hair type quiz, for help finding your type, as well as our guides to each below. Our beauty editors stay up to date on the latest ingredient research and innovation. It’s a dynamic, continuously evolving space, and it’s important we look into the science so we can make informed choices about which formulas earn our stamp of approval (figuratively speaking). Our high standards also come from testing products—many, many products. Our editors and writers rigorously test and research the products featured in our roundups to offer you the best, most informed recommendations. When we write reviews, you can trust we spend quality time with the formulas: We don’t simply rave about products we’ve slathered on the back of our hands. We endorse products we’ve tried and loved. Learn more about our testing process and clean beauty standards here.
