Best Shampoo for Thick Curly Hair

Shampoos are all formulated differently and finding one that works is a game changer. We discovered this firsthand with my daughter’s gorgeously thick curly hair. While she can’t use just any shampoo, we have found some favorites that work! That peace of mind has made all the difference for us both.

The Shampoo Dilemma

My daughter called out from the shower, frustrated that her brother’s shampoo was not working. This shampoo doesn’t work! It was stuck in one area on her scalp. She couldn’t move it around, she could hardy wash out the clump of it either.

She was feeling defeated, starting to cry, and starting to give up. I reassured her that it wasn’t her fault. It wasn’t her hair’s fault either. Instead, her thick, high-density, naturally curly hair just needed a product with more slip and manageability. Once we figured out what shampoo worked best, she never had a problem again.

What is slip in hair products?

Slip refers to how a product glides through the hair, spreads around, and distributes easily. Products with more slip make it easier to detangle your hair, brush through, and prevent breakage.

A backside view of shoulder-length tight curly hair with sunset lighting.

TheCurlStory.com

Aluminum pump bottles of AG Care Boost Conditioner and Balance Shampoo.

Big 32oz bottles of Mixed Chick Shampoo and Deep Conditioner.

Mixed Chicks Gently Clarifying Shampoo (Amazon) – We buy this in a large pump size for easy use in the shower. It cleans well and provides enough slip to glides through the hair easily . No tears here!

AG Care Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo (Ulta) – This shampoo cleans thoroughly while leaving your hair feeling hydrated and soft. It provides enough slip to begin detangling too! The fragrance is light and herbal. Curly salons use and love this product too. Look for sales on the refill packs too!

Pro Tip: Even while great shampoos can make your hair feel hydrated and soft, don’t skip a conditioner! A conditioner brings the pH of your hair and scalp back in balance.

Try a Scalp Massager

To ease your hair wash day even more, try a scalp massager. Not only are they inexpensive, but they also cleanse the scalp easily and gently. From $4-20, you can find great options at any price range. Still, know that scalp brushes are not all made equally! You’ll want one that doesn’t scratch the scalp, but rather, gently exfoliates.

This is my daughter’s favorite scalp brush $9 for thick curly hair.