Best Natural Shampoo for Curly Hair (Without the Greenwashing)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
Not all “clean shampoos” are curl-friendly. If you’ve ever tried one that promised soft, natural results but left your curls dry, frizzy, or limp, you already know the struggle.
The problem is that most “natural shampoo” lists are generic. They don’t factor in what curly and wavy hair actually needs: lightweight hydration, frizz control, and curl-safe ingredients that don’t wreck your pattern.
My curl philosophy is simple: curl type, porosity, and even the season you’re in all matter when choosing products. While a lot of ingredients get villainized, the truth is they often serve a purpose in how the product works. Sometimes, the “better alternative” won’t yield the same results, and that outcome depends heavily on your unique hair needs.
That’s why this roundup is different. I’ve dug into the ingredient lists, tested curl-safe formulas, and mapped out what works best by curl type and porosity so you can skip the greenwashing hype and get straight to products that perform.
Why Curly & Wavy Hair Need Different Shampoos
Curly and wavy hair doesn’t behave like straight hair:
- Oils don’t travel easily down curly strands, so curls dry out faster.
- Frizz and buildup are constant battles, especially in humid climates or with hard water.
- Balance is everything: curls need hydration without heaviness, definition without stickiness, and cleansing without stripping.
And here’s where the details come in:
- Low porosity: resists moisture, needs lightweight, water-based cleansers that won’t just sit on top.
- Medium porosity: more flexible, usually thrives on balanced shampoos that aren’t too heavy or too light.
- High porosity: loses moisture quickly, needs richer shampoos with oils or proteins to help fill in gaps.
Shampoo also needs to shift with the seasons:
- Spring: Transitional hair may swing between needing more hydration (due to leftover winter dryness) and lighter cleansing (as humidity rises). Allergies and more time outdoors can also mean more scalp buildup, so a gentle clarifying option is helpful.
- Summer: humid, hot, sweaty curls need lightweight shampoos that prevent buildup from sweat, chlorine, or sunscreen, and also help manage frizz. Hydration still matters, but heavy formulas can weigh curls down.
- Fall: often drier air sets in, so curls benefit from a bit more moisture and nourishing shampoos.
- Winter: the driest season, when richer, creamier shampoos help fight dryness and static.
That’s why choosing the right natural shampoo isn’t just about the label; it’s about knowing your curl type, porosity, and the season you’re in.
Best Natural Shampoos for Curly Hair (by Concern)
For Hydration & Definition (curly hair safe shampoo)
If your curls feel rough, dull, or undefined, look for shampoos loaded with hydrating botanicals.
Top Picks:
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
- Best for: 3A–3C curls, medium to high porosity.
- Best season: Fall + Winter, when curls crave richer hydration.
- Why: Shea butter + coconut oil for moisture, silk protein for bounce.
Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath
- Best for: 2C–3B curls, medium to high porosity.
- Best season: Year-round, but especially Winter for softness + elasticity.
- Why: Aloe and coconut oils hydrate without coating strands.
For Lightweight, Bouncy Waves (natural shampoo for wavy hair)
Wavy hair (especially fine 2A, 2B) gets weighed down easily, so a lightweight cleanser is key.
Top Picks:
Acure Curiously Clarifying Shampoo (Lemongrass)
- Best for: 2A–2B waves, low to medium porosity.
- Best season: Spring + Summer, when sweat and humidity can flatten waves.
- Why: Gentle but cleansing, keeps waves light and fluffy.
EVOLVh SmartCurl Shampoo
- Best for: 2B–2C waves, low porosity.
- Best season: All seasons, especially Summer when lightweight strength matters.
- Why: Lightweight amino acids strengthen without buildup.
Bonus: Save 15% with code Anacb15 at checkout.
For Frizz Control & Scalp Health
Frizz often starts at the scalp, so choosing a shampoo that balances hydration and scalp care can make a huge difference.
Top Picks:
Pacifica Rosemary Purify Shampoo
- Best for: 2C–3A curls, low to medium porosity.
- Best season: Spring + Fall, when the scalp needs balancing during climate shifts.
- Why: Rosemary clarifies without stripping; it helps with scalp balance.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Shampoo
- Best for: 3A–3C curls, medium porosity.
- Best season: Year-round, but especially Summer for detoxing sweat + buildup.
- Why: Detoxifies buildup while keeping curls soft.or This Block
Curly Girl Method (GCM) Approved Picks (natural shampoo curly girl method)
If you’re following the Curly Girl Method, you’ll want shampoos free of sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols.
Top Picks:
Kinky-Curly Come Clean Shampoo
- Best for: 2C–3B curls, all porosities.
- Best seasons: Spring and Summer, when extra clarifiying is needed.
- Why: Gentle clarifier that stays CGM-approved.
As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo
- Best for: 3A–3C curls, medium to high porosity.
- Best season: Fall + Winter, when product buildup can sneak in with heavier stylers.
- Why: Removes buildup without wrecking curl definition.
Pro Tip: Use the Think Dirty app to double-check ingredients. Even if a shampoo says “natural,” you’ll quickly see if it’s hiding harsh surfactants or sneaky silicones.
Quick Comparison Chart: Best Natural Shampoos for Curls & Waves
| Product | Best For | Porosity | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine | 3A–3C curls | Medium–High | Fall & Winter |
| Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath | 2C–3B curls | Medium–High | Winter / Year-Round |
| Acure Curiously Clarifying (Lemongrass) | 2A–2B waves | Low–Medium | Spring & Summer |
| EVOLVh SmartCurl Shampoo | 2B–2C waves | Low | Summer / Year-Round |
| Pacifica Rosemary Purify Shampoo | 2C–3A curls | Low–Medium | Spring & Fall |
| Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal & Coconut Oil | 3A–3C curls | Medium | Summer / Year-Round |
| Kinky-Curly Come Clean Shampoo | 2C–3B curls | All | Spring & Summer |
| As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo | 3A–3C curls | Medium–High | Fall & Winter |
Affiliate Note: For EVOLVh SmartCurl Shampoo, don’t forget to use my code Anacb15 for 15% off your order.
How to Pick the Right Curly Hair Safe Shampoo for YOUR Curl Pattern
Every curl type and porosity requires something slightly different, and weather conditions also make a difference.
- 2A–2C Waves: Choose lightweight shampoos that won’t flatten your pattern. Avoid heavy oils and butters. In summer humidity, clarifying once in a while helps keep waves from going limp.
- 3A–3C Curls: Hydration is your best friend. Look for formulas with aloe, shea, or plant oils balanced with proteins. In colder months, creamier shampoos can help fight dryness.
Porosity matters just as much:
- Low Porosity: Stick with lighter, water-based formulas that won’t just sit on top. In humid or rainy weather, lightweight clarifiers help prevent buildup.
- Medium Porosity: You have flexibility; most balanced shampoos work well. Rotate between lightweight cleansers in spring/summer and more hydrating ones in fall/winter to keep curls consistent.
- High Porosity: Choose richer shampoos with oils and proteins to help fill in gaps. In dry winter air, these help lock in moisture, while in summer, balance them with the occasional lightweight clarifier.
Rule of thumb: Think of shampoo like seasonal skincare; what your curls love in July might not be enough in January.
How to Choose: Curl Type + Porosity + Weather
| Curl Type | Porosity | What to Look For | Avoid | Seasonal Tweak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2A–2B Waves | Low | Lightweight, water-based shampoos; gentle clarifiers | Heavy butters/oils that flatten waves | Spring/Summer: clarify for sweat & sunscreen. Fall/Winter: add hydration. |
| 2B–2C Waves | Medium | Balanced cleansers; light proteins or amino acids for shape | Waxy residues; strong sulfates | Humid months: stay lightweight. Dry months: switch to more moisturizing. |
| 2C–3A Curls | Low | Hydrating but not heavy (aloe, glycerin-balanced) | Thick butter-heavy formulas | Summer: anti-frizz/light cleansers. Winter: slightly creamier low-poo. |
| 2C–3A Curls | Medium | Moisture + light protein balance; sulfate-free | Daily clarifying; drying alcohols | Rotate: lightweight in Spring/Summer, richer in Fall/Winter. |
| 3A–3B Curls | High | Richer shampoos with oils/proteins to reduce moisture loss | Harsh clarifiers that strip | Winter: creamy/nourishing. Summer: alternate with a gentle clarifier. |
| 3B–3C Curls | Medium | Hydrating low-poo; scalp-friendly (tea tree, rosemary, oats) | Silicones (if CGM), strong sulfates | Humid: anti-frizz/lightweight. Dry: richer hydrators. |
| 3B–3C Curls | High | Protein-support shampoos with oils/butters; bond-friendly cleansers | Frequent clarifying; overly light formulas | Winter: creamy shampoos. Summer: 1 clarifying wash every 1–2 weeks. |
FAQ: Natural Shampoos for Curly & Wavy Hair
Are natural shampoos really better for curly hair?
Not always. “Natural” doesn’t automatically mean curl-friendly. Some formulas still contain harsh surfactants or drying essential oils. Always check labels (the Think Dirty app is great for this) and match ingredients to your curl type and porosity.
Can I use the same shampoo year-round?
You can, but curls usually benefit from a seasonal swap. For example, in humid summers, you may need a lightweight clarifier, while in dry winters, creamier formulas keep moisture levels balanced.
How often should I wash my curly or wavy hair with natural shampoo?
It depends on your lifestyle and scalp needs. Most curlies do well with 1–2 washes per week, plus an occasional clarifying wash if you swim, sweat often, or use heavy styling products.
What’s the difference between sulfate-free and Curly Girl Method–approved shampoos?
Sulfate-free means the shampoo avoids harsh detergents like SLS. CGM-approved goes further; it also avoids silicones, drying alcohols, and waxes. All CGM shampoos are sulfate-free, but not all sulfate-free shampoos are CGM-friendly.
Do natural shampoos lather less?
Many do, since they don’t use the same foaming agents as traditional shampoos. That doesn’t mean they aren’t cleansing sometimes, less foam = less stripping for curls.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best natural shampoo for curly and wavy hair isn’t about chasing labels; it’s about balance. Your curl type, porosity, and even the season all play a role in how your hair responds.
Instead of hunting for a “one-size-fits-all” product, think of your shampoo like skincare: switch it up based on your current needs. Don’t be afraid to test 2–3 options and keep track of how your curls feel.
Most importantly, remember that “natural” doesn’t always equal “better.” The right formula is the one that gives you hydrated, bouncy curls without buildup or frizz, whether it’s packed with botanicals or uses a carefully chosen synthetic ingredient.
Ready to find your perfect match? Start with one of these shampoos and see how your curls respond. Don’t forget you can save 15% on EVOLVh SmartCurl with my code Anacb15. Your best wash days are waiting!
More curl care reads you’ll love:
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.
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