The Top Shampoos For Curly Hair
Just because you have curls doesn’t mean you’re destined to live out your days under the shadow of an unkempt ‘fro. With the plethora of hair products for guys with curly hair, you no longer need to dread how the hell you’re going to tame potentially unruly hair. As long as you’re educated — and it’s really not that hard — there’s nothing to fear, except maybe frizz. Unsurprisingly, the best shampoos for men with curly hair give you a head start.
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Before we reveal those, let’s get a few things out of the way. No. 1: You gotta get your frizz under control. There’s nothing worse than walking around looking like you stuck your finger in an electrical outlet. Preventing scarecrow strands requires the right product, and the base layer is a quality shampoo.
Frizz happens because curly hair tends to be drier than straight since it’s more difficult for oils to travel down the hair shaft. So for curly hair, you want to look for shampoos that are hydrating and moisturizing, and ideally specially formulated for curly hair. Okay, we think you’re ready. Here are a few of the best shampoos for men …
Kerastase Bain Oleo-Curl Shampoo ($25 @ Amazon.com)
The French understand frizz — or at least it seems that way given the rate at which hair care products explode out of Paris. This one in particular fights frizz by keeping hair hydrated. Even humidity won’t throw you off track — Oleo-Curl has humidity control to keep things from getting out of hand should you find yourself on a jungle walk.
“The results of using this shampoo are immediate,” says Natalie Brache, Master Stylist and Color Specialist at Salon Glo in Valencia, California. “It prevents the curl from losing its form.”
Bumble & Bumble Curl Conscious Smoothing Shampoo ($29 @ Amazon.com)
If you often experiment with different hair colors, Bumble & Bumble is a good choice because it’s specially designed to heal curly hair that has been chemically treated. This is the best shampoo for curly hair because as soon as your foot hits your bathmat, your curls begin taking shape.
If you often experiment with different hair colors, Bumble & Bumble is a good choice because it’s specially designed to heal curly hair that has been chemically treated. This is the best shampoo for curly hair because as soon as your foot hits your bathmat, your curls begin taking shape.
“Curl Conscious assists in curl memory, smoothing dry strands into place,” Brache says. This makes the styling process that much easier, lending a helping hand to any pomade or wax.
Redken Curvaceous Cream Shampoo for Curly & Wavy Hair ($8 @ Amazon.com)
It may sound gross, but you need a certain amount of oil in your hair to keep it from drying out. That goes double for curly hair since it’s naturally drier. This is part of the reason it’s so important to buy products for curly hair specifically.
It may sound gross, but you need a certain amount of oil in your hair to keep it from drying out. That goes double for curly hair since it’s naturally drier. This is part of the reason it’s so important to buy products for curly hair specifically.
“This product hydrates and conditions the curls to keep them supple and shiny,” Brache says. Curvaceous is a sulfate-free shampoo that is very gentle on hair. Sulfate-free is a prerequisite for any of the best shampoos for curly hair because sodium sulfate is a moisture thief.
René Furterer Acanthe Perfect Curls Curl Enhancing Shampoo ($29 @ Amazon.com)
This is the best shampoo for men who want to embrace their naturally curly hair. Most shampoos aren’t designed for the intense work that goes into cleaning and maintaining a thick mop of hair. You can’t just steal your girlfriend’s shampoo — for God’s sake, man, stay away from the volumizing variety. Invest in your own. Acanthe provides structure, and all unruly things need structure.
“Acanthe features avocado oil and natural extracts to enhance the curl’s structure and control frizz,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon. Who knows? You may even stop referring to your hair as unruly after enough applications.
June Jacobs for Men 3 in 1 Cleanser ($24 @ Amazon.com)
If you’re the type of guy who just can’t stomach all of these special shampoos, waxes, body washes and face soaps, this is your product. While it isn’t billed as a hair product for curly hair, it is nourishing for all skin and hair types. And what it lacks in specificity, it makes up for in speed. The guy on the go can hit head and body in one fell swoop.
“This cleanser for face, body, and hair offers a quick way to remove excess oil and dirt,” says Dr. Schlessinger. This head to toe wash is still on the pricey side, though — it’s paraben-free, preservative-free and packed with natural oils and extracts. It’s also still fairly frou-frou as part of the June Jacobs Spa Collection, but at least it’s efficient.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
This shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients like coconut oil and hibiscus flower extract to nourish your scalp and give your curls an extra boost of shine.
It also contains shea butter to help keep your curls hydrated and bouncy. And because it is free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, and phthalates, it is gentle enough for daily use.
Bumble & Bumble Seaweed Shampoo
If you’re looking for something more natural, consider Bumble & Bumble Seaweed Shampoo. This unique formula contains seaweed extract to help nourish and protect your scalp while adding body to your curls.
It also has added vitamin E to make sure that your hair stays healthy and strong. Plus, this shampoo is sulfate-free so it won’t strip away any natural oils from your scalp or weigh down your hair with heavy residue.
Tips for Taking Care of Men’s Curly Hair
1. Start with a Good Shampoo & Conditioner
It’s important to use a shampoo designed specifically for curly hair if you want to maximize your curl definition. Look for shampoos that contain conditioning ingredients like olive oil or coconut oil, which will help prevent frizz and keep your curls looking soft and hydrated. It’s also important to use a conditioner that is designed for curly hair—this will help protect your curls from damage caused by heat styling tools or environmental factors like humidity.
2. Use Moisturizing Products Regularly
Curly hair tends to be drier than other hair types, so it’s important to moisturize your curls regularly in order to prevent them from becoming brittle or breaking off. Look for deep conditioning masks or leave-in conditioners that are designed specifically for curly hair—these products will help lock in moisture and make sure that your curls stay healthy and hydrated throughout the day.
3. Avoid Overwashing
Try not to overwash your curls as this can strip them of their natural oils and leave them looking dull and lifeless. Instead, try washing every few days with a gentle shampoo and only using conditioner when necessary (for example, if you have product buildup or your scalp is feeling particularly dry). This should be enough to keep your scalp clean without drying out your curls too much.
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