10 Best sulfate free shampoos for curly hair

We’re witnessing a movement towards more natural ingredient lists, free of anything that may be harmful to our bodies…and for good reason! Scientifically speaking, sulfates are surfactants (chemicals that attract both oil and water) that act as a cleaning agent that strips away dead skin cells and dirt from your hair and scalp. You know those white sudsy bubbles that lather up in your hair and fill your shower? You have sulfates to thank for those.

Depending on the hair type your shampoo is targeting, you will find one of two sulfates: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) for oily hair shampoos and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) for normal to dry hair shampoos.

Although sulfates are thought to have the deepest cleansing properties, they also can be very aggressive and harsh. Continued exposure to sulfates may deteriorate the protein in your hair and pull natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle.

If you have sensitive skin, it’s likely you will experience irritation on your scalp and skin if using products containing sulfates. Conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and dermatitis can be exasperated by sulfates as well. It’s most important for those with dry hair, colored hair, or sensitive skin to use sulfate-free shampoo, although everyone can benefit from it.

Arguably as detrimental is the effect of sulfates on the environment. Sulfates can be derived through harvesting palm oil. Doing so in mass quantities destroys forests and natural habitats. There have even been claims that suflates are carcinogens, but those claims are unsubstantiated.

So let’s get into the benefits of sulfate free shampoos:

• They are gentle. Sulfate-free shampoos are a gentle way to cleanse and also contain moisturizing agents that will make your hair healthier and shinier.

• Reduced Irritation. We know that sulfates are harsh and easily irritate your skin. The mild nature of sulfate free shampoos will keep your scalp happy and comfortable.

• Retained Hair Color. You will find that your hair color lasts longer when using sulfate free shampoo because they do not strip your hair.

• Better for the Environment. Sulfate free shampoos are often plant based, making them much more environmentally friendly.

• Retain Moisture and Repair Hair. Your hair will be healthy and soft when you use sulfate free shampoo because they help your strands to retain moisture and repair damage.

It is important to read the ingredient labels of your shampoos to make sure they truly are sulfate free. Look for plant-based surfactants such as glucosides, glutamates, and saponin.

Let’s break down why your curls can benefit from ditching sulfates. Curly hair is generally more porous than other hair types, meaning it is much more susceptible to breakage. It is also much more difficult to ensure you’ve rinsed out every sud, and if you don’t, it can lead to build up and weighed down curls.

As you’ve likely experienced, the more dehydrated your curls are, the less manageable they become. Lack of moisture can be a massive problem for those with curly hair, so using shampoos with sulfates that dry out your hair can cause your curls to look less than their best.

Now that we know the best sulfate-free shampoos will bring out your bounciest, healthiest, curls, we can look at some of the top options on the market.

1. Blu Atlas - Shampoo

Blu Atlas is an affordable, yet luxurious brand that has everything you need: skin care, hair care, body care, fragrances and more. They create their products to be top of the line and formulated for the modern man. Each product in their lineup is the product of thoughtful and natural ingredients that you can trust to be effective.

The Blu Atlas Shampoo is sulfate free, vegan, contains zero artificial fragrances, and has an entirely natural ingredient list. Jojoba oil is rich in Vitamins A, E, and D as well as antioxidants and fatty acids. With a similar profile to your skin sebum, it provides a big punch of nourishment.

This shampoo includes aloe barbadensis leaf to act as a natural source of moisture and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, a mild surfactant that makes this shampoo creamy and luxurious. This shampoo will strengthen your hair, prevent buildup, and will have your hair looking healthier than ever.

Make sure to sign up for their subscription service. You’ll get 20% off, and your products will be delivered right to your doorstep before you realize you’re almost out.

2. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

The Ouidad brand prides themselves on being the ‘original curl expert with one iconic idea: let curls be curls. They empower others to embrace their curls and the texture that only comes with enviable curly hair.

Ouidad’s Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo is a gentle, sulfate free blend that is safe for color treated hair. If you have curly hair, you know that once frizz rears its ugly head, it’s impossible to re-tame your curls without starting from zero and rewashing your hair. This formula starts the fight against frizz in your shower, and keeps working long through the day. It works by keeping your hair cuticles sealed so moisture has no way out and humidity has no way in.

When you use this shampoo, you will find your curls are far more defined and controlled, regardless of the climate you’re in, and your hair will be protected from UV rays and environmental aggressors. Follow up with Ouidad’s Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Conditioner, Advanced Climate Control Detangling Heat Spray, and Heat & Humidity Gel to keep frizz at bay throughout your day.

3. Better Not Younger Bounce Back Super Moisturizing Shampoo for Curly Hair

Our bodies change, and our style changes, so why would we assume that our hair doesn’t change? Better Not Younger knows that hair is one of the first things we notice, so they created their hair care products so you can feel good about your hair as you age.

Their Bounce Back Super Moisturizing Shampoo for Curly Hair is a sulfate-free shampoo that provides a gentle cleanse. It will strengthen and hydrate your dry, thinning, aging curls, breeding life back into each strand. B3 (Niacin) and B7 (Biotin) ensure your scalp and follicles are their healthiest, supporting fuller and stronger hair. Argan oil smells amazing, but also helps to balance your scalp and retain moisture, resulting in soft, shiny, curls.

Lastly, Better Not Younger includes a curl reviving 5-plant butter + oil blend. This combination is specifically tailored with amazonian cupuacu and southeast Asian kokum butters, and coconut, buriti, and abyssinian oils, all of which work together to lock in deep moisture and to revive and strengthen your curls.

Better Not Younger recommends a 3-step regimen, following the shampoo up with the Bounce Back Super Moisturizing Conditioner and the License to Curl Curly Revival Boost Spray. Each of the products in the Better Not Younger lineup are 100% vegan, paraben free, sulfate free, and cruelty free.

4. Living Proof Curl Shampoo

Living Proof have proudly rooted themselves at the crossroads of scientific innovation and real world results. They have a simple, singular goal, to produce hair care products that solve problems, not conceal them. Their products are silicone free, paraben free, color safe, safe for chemically treated hair, phthalate free, PETA certified cruelty free, and sulfate free.

Your hair washing routine will get easier once you introduce Living Proof’s Curl Shampoo to your line up. It has a creamy texture, powered by Living Proofs Healthy Curl Complex that will cleanse your hair without stripping it.

Proven to make your curls up to 3x stronger, your hair will start to transform and look visibly healthier after your very first wash. You will find that your curl definition has improved and breakage will be minimized due to the detangling properties in this shampoo. The Curl Shampoo and Curl Conditioner are the most conditioning products that Living Proof produces, and they have a thick consistency that will feel as luxurious as ever when you apply them. Fit for wavy, curly, and coily hair, this shampoo can benefit everyone.

5. Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo

Have you ever gone in for a haircut or treatment and walked out in complete horror over the state of your strands. So have we, and so has the cofounder of Moroccanoil. After a color service went wrong, she set out to transform her hair and the magic of argan oil was her solution.

Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo is fit for all curly hair types, and its curl-boosting formula promotes elasticity, shine, and manageability. After use, your curls will be fully nourished and your natural, healthy curls will shine through.

Hydrolyzed vegetable protein soaks deep into your strands and gets to work reinforcing and protecting the surface of your hair. Abyssinian oil will boost shine and keep your curls tangle free. As always, their signature argan oil blend is included to provide nourishment to your curls.

For optimal results, use in conjunction with the Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Conditioner, Moroccanoil Treatment Original, and Moroccanoil CurlDefining Cream.

6. Redken Curvaceous High Foam Shampoo

A highly trusted brand that has consistently helped people achieve the hair they’ve always dreamed of, Redken’s Curvaceous High Foam Shampoo is sulfate free and paraben free. It is a lightweight cleanser that will remove impurities in a gentle fashion without removing any vital moisture.

With Redken’s Curl Memory Complex made with sugar crystals, moringa oil, and UV filter, your hair will be protected and infused with lightweight moisture. The lightweight nature of this cleanser ensures that your curls are not weighed down, keeping them just as bouncy as they should be.

7. Wella Professionals Nutricurls Shampoo for Waves

Wella Professionals is a parent company to some of the top brands such as Sebastian Professional, Nioxin, Kadus Professional, OPI, GHD, and Clairol Professional. Setting out on a mission to make brave choices and drive positive change, Wella sure is leaving their mark on the grooming and beauty industry.

Wella Professionals Nutricurls Shampoo for Waves will give your curls and waves more definition while providing an anti-frizz effect. You will find your hair is much more manageable, with a luscious soft texture and bouncy body. The shampoo is lightweight in nature, with no added sulfates. It will gently remove any impurities and build-up, leaving your hair nourished and defined.

Wella knows that each curl is unique, and the right amount of nourishment is a required balance, which is why Wella Professionals Nutricurls Shampoo for Waves has been tested to deliver the perfect amount of nourishment so that your bouncy, defined curls can be their best. Take the Nutricurls 72-hour challenge, and see how your curls look as good on day three as they did on day one.

8. Carol’s Daughter Rhassoul Clay Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Started as a side-hustle at the kitchen table of a Brooklyn, NY apartment in the 1980′s, Carol’s Daughter is a multicultural brand that has created some of the best beauty products on the market. Carol’s Daughter Rhassoul Clay Sulfate Free Shampoo was created specifically for overworked and over washed hair. It brings balance back to your life and hair, taking care of those dry, dull, and oily roots.

It is a balancing cleanser that draws out sweat and impurities, but leaves behind the natural moisture your hair contains. It cleanses and detangles your strands, promoting the strengthening of your hair with every wash. Tests have proven that those who use this shampoo experience 98% less breakage.

The formula includes ingredients that your hair will love, like Moroccan Rhassoul Clay, aloe juice, and cactus flower. This shampoo is fit for any type of curl.

9. Creme of Nature Sulfate-Free Moisture & Shine Shampoo

Creme of Nature is the first ever ethnic brand to offer products that are infused with certified organic Argan Oil from Morocco. Each product in their lineup provides intense nourishment and conditioning. You won’t find a single trace of sulfates, mineral oil, or petrolatum in Creme of Nature products, so you can trust them to be safe on your curls.

Creme of Nature Sulfate Free Moisture and Shine Shampoo nourishes and hydrates your hair, and adds their trademarked Exotic Shine. Your hair will be stronger than ever due to the moisture balance this product provides. If you read through the hundreds of 5-star reviews, you will see many consumers boasting that their hair is shinier than ever and their curls have never looked healthier.

10. Aveda Be Curly Shampoo

Aveda is one of the leaders when it comes to plant-based hair and skin care brands, and its products are so high performing that millions of guests and thousands of salons trust their products every single day. Aveda’s Be Curly Shampoo is one of their top selling products. It will thoroughly cleanse your curls while leaving them defined and healthier than never.

The wheat protein and organic aloe blend combine to tame your frizz and enhance your shine. The formula is created to expand when your hair is wet and retract when your hair is dry. The citrus pure-fume aroma blends together organic lemon, orange, bergamot, and pure plant and flower essences to create the intoxicating scent Aveda is famous for. Whether you’re in one of the many Aveda salons or using their products in the comfort of your own home, you will enjoy a spa-like experience every single time you use it.

After learning the benefits of using sulfate free shampoo, we hope you’ll be running to your shower to make sure none of the products contain the damaging ingredient. Each of the products on this list of the best sulfate free shampoos for curly hair will make sure you never return to your sulfate shampoo ways. So enjoy washing your hair knowing that you will be rocking the healthiest, shiniest, most nourished curls that you’ve ever experienced. When we know better, we do better, and your curls will be all the better for it.