Editor’s tip: Use this scrub in place of shampoo once a week, massaging gently in circular motions for a thorough cleanse.
Key ingredients: papaya enzymes, pink salt, guava leaf extract, prickly pear extract | Best for: curls in need of a scalp detox and refreshed, build-up-free roots
Best Drugstore: OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Shampoo
Why we love it: Affordable, effective and full of tropical vibes, the OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Shampoo is a true treat for waves and spirals. Infused with coconut oil, citrus oil, and sweet honey, this nourishing shampoo delivers hydration, shine, and curl-defining abilities without breaking the bank. Ideal for medium to thick hair textures, its sulfate- and paraben-free formula gently cleanses while transforming wash day into a beachy escape, thanks to its dreamy coconut milk, tangerine, and vanilla scent.
Editor’s tip: Alternate with a clarifying shampoo once a week to keep your curls bouncy and free of buildup.
Key ingredients: coconut oil, citrus oil, sweet honey | Best for: medium to coarse textures craving a boost of hydration and definition
Best Cowash: Innersense Organic Beauty Hydrating Cream Hairbath
Why we love it: The Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath is the ultimate cleanser for thicker, coarser hair types in need of extra love. This formula “is organic, gentle and perfect for creating a cast that defines and enhances curls,” says Marie Nino, a hairstylist and colorist in New York, NY. “It provides deeper moisture and nourishment, leaving curls healthy, bouncy, and frizz-free.” This luxurious shampoo combines certified organic shea butter, avocado oil, and tamanu oil to quench dryness, smooth frizz, and restore elasticity, leaving hair soft and radiant.
Editor’s tip: Take a moment to massage into your scalp with your fingertips — not only will it boost circulation, but also enhance product performance for a truly restorative cleanse.
Key ingredients: shea butter, tamanu oil, avocado oil | Best for: dry, coarse or damaged hair in need of intense hydration and softness
Best Sulfate-Free: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo
Why we love it: Designed specifically for tight curl patterns, Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo “is formulated with ceramides to help lock in moisture while blocking out humidity,” says Cheryl Bergamy-Rosa, a hairstylist based in New York, NY. “That’s important for curls as it ensures soft, touchable, and well-defined curls in any climate. It’s also safe for color-treated hair to help keep curls looking extra healthy and vibrant.” Infused with nourishing ingredients like chamomile, wheat protein, and meadowfoam seed oil, it smooths cuticles, repairs damage, and replenishes essential moisture without weighing curls down.
