Afro-textured hair (kinky, coily, or curly) has a spiral structure that naturally makes it drier than other hair types. This is due to the difficulty of natural sebum traveling down the hair length due to its texture. As a result, afro hair is more prone to dryness, breakage, and frizz. It's essential to use hair products specifically formulated to meet the needs of afro hair, especially shampoos that clean gently without further drying.
How To Choose the Best Shampoo For Black Hair?
When selecting a shampoo for black hair, several factors should be considered: look for ingredients that hydrate, nourish, and protect your hair while avoiding those that can dry it out or leave residue (see below).
Overall Best Shampoo For Black Hair - CHÉBIOTIC™ HYDRATING SHAMPOO
Formulated without sulfates, SLS, or SLES, CHÉBIOTIC™ HYDRATING SHAMPOO delivers a hydration boost, strengthens roots, and reduces breakage-related hair loss. It contains prebiotics that help maintain a healthy scalp, thus promoting hair growth. Its Chebe Complex, made from ancient Chebe seeds that are 100 times more biologically concentrated than other varieties grown in Chad, helps stimulate hair growth and the retention of beautiful lengths.
SHOP CHÉBIOTIC™ HYDRATING SHAMPOO
#2 Shea Moisture
Rich in shea butter, argan oil, and seaweed extracts, Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo is highly moisturizing and restores dry and damaged hair. This ultra-nourishing formula is ideal for very dry hair. The raw shea butter scent can be strong for some.
#3 Cantu
With shea butter, coconut, and mango oils, Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo deeply cleanses while hydrating the hair. Formulated without sulfates, it’s gentle on fragile hair. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be cautious: it contains essential oils. Consult your doctor before use.
#4 Mielle
Containing Babassu oil (moisturizes without weighing hair down), almond protein (strengthens and repairs), and hibiscus extract (adds shine), Babassu Conditioning Sulfate-Free Shampoo making it great for natural hair, curls, and coils. The almond protein repairs damaged hair while maintaining softness. But some users find the almond protein can leave hair feeling slightly dry, so you might need extra conditioner.
#5 Camille Rose
With Raw honey (hydrates), rice water (strengthens), sweet almond oil (softens). Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse is a gentle cleansing without stripping, ideal for keeping curls defined and shiny. Contains fragrance, which may be strong for some users, especially those sensitive to scents. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should be cautious with essential oils like ginger.
#6 Deva Curl
Peppermint oil (stimulates scalp), grapeseed oil (moisturizes without greasiness), and soy protein (strengthens). Non-lathering formula that cleanses while hydrating, perfect for curly hair types. No-Poo Original Cleanser contains Peppermint oil might be too intense for sensitive scalps or pregnant women. Also, some people find the no-lather formula difficult to get used to.
#7 Design Essentials
Containing Almond oil (moisturizes), avocado oil (nourishes and softens), Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate-Free Shampoo quick-detangling and provides intense moisture, great for type 4 hair textures. Avocado oil is not a friend to hair with low porosity, as it tends to weigh it down.
#8 Mizani
Shea butter, coconut, and olive oils: True Textures Moisture Replenish Shampoo is perfect for textured hair! Its ultra-nourishing formula helps redefine curls but contains silicones that may weigh down the hair.
#9 Rizos Curls
With Shea butter (deeply hydrates), moringa oil (nourishes scalp), sunflower oil (softens). Hydrating Shampoo is sulfate-free and helps reduce frizz, making it ideal for dry, curly hair. Some find it doesn’t lather much, which can be a downside if you prefer a foamy wash.
#10 Curlsmith
Rich in coconut oil (moisturizes), shea butter (nourishes), avocado (softens). Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash is a gentle cleanser designed for highly textured hair, leaving it soft and manageable. Coconut oil can be too heavy for fine hair.
#11 Pattern
Aloe vera (moisturizes and soothes), honey (retains moisture), and coconut oil. Deeply hydrating and perfect for coily and curly textures. Hydration Shampoo is one of the most expensive on this list ($21).
#12 Adwoa Beauty
Containing Baobab oil (rich in vitamins for nourishment), peppermint (stimulates scalp), and spearmint, Baomint Moisturizing Shampoo is great for dry, frizzy hair, provides intense moisture and a cooling effect. Peppermint is not recommended for pregnant women. Also one of the most expensive on this list (26,95€).
#13 Bread Beauty Supply
With Aloe vera (hydrates), argan oil (nourishes), and lemon tea tree oil (cleanses scalp). Hair-Wash Gentle Milky Cleanser is gentle, sulfate-free, and ideal for wavy to kinky textures. Lemon tea tree oil can be irritating for sensitive skin and not recommended during pregnancy.
#14 Sienna Naturals
Rich in Baobab oil (moisturizes), coconut oil (strengthens), and aloe vera (soothes). H.A.P.I. Shampoo is a hydrating shampoo that leaves hair soft, smooth, and moisturized. Contains coconut oil, which can weigh down finer hair, and some users find the scent too strong.
How to Wash Natural Hair?
Step 1 - Detangle Before Washing
Before washing your hair, detangle it while dry or slightly damp using a detangling spray or a lightweight oil. This helps to avoid breakage during washing.
Step 2 - Pre-shampoo (Pre-poo)
A pre-shampoo is a crucial step to protect afro-textured hair from the drying effects of shampoo. Use a light oil, such as argan or jojoba oil, or a hydrating mask, and leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes (or 1 hour if you have time) before washing.
Step 3 - Gentle Shampoo
Choose a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo that cleanses the scalp without stripping the hair of its natural oils. Gently massage the scalp to lift impurities while stimulating blood circulation.
Step 4: Rinsing
Use lukewarm water to rinse your hair, as hot water can further dry out black hair. Make sure to thoroughly remove all shampoo residue, and repeat if necessary.
Step 5: Detangling Conditioner or Leave-in Conditioner
Apply a conditioner rich in moisturizing ingrédients to nourish the lengths and ends and make detangling easier. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm or cold water to seal the cuticles and lock in moisture. Alternate with a leave-in conditioner, designed to provide continuous hydration and greater protection between washes.
What is Different About Shampoo For Black Hair?
Shampoos for black hair are specially formulated to meet the unique needs of kinky or curly hair, which requires deep hydration and protection against breakage. They must contain ingredients that provide intense moisture without weighing down the hair strand, while also being gentle on the often sensitive scalp of afro-textured hair.
What ingredients should you look for in Shampoo for Black Hair?
- Aloe Vera: An excellent natural moisturizer that soothes and hydrates the scalp.
- Jojoba or Argan Oil: Light oils that penetrate the hair strand easily, hydrating without leaving greasy residue.
- Shea Butter: Intensely nourishes the hair while preventing breakage.
- Silk or Wheat Proteins: Strengthen the hair and reduce breakage.
- Glycerin: This humectant draws moisture from the air and retains it in the hair.
- Chébé: Helps rebuild hair bonds and stimulate growth. Naturally rich in nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and oleic acids, this seed is particularly beneficial for relaxed hair as it preserves and maintains moisture in the hair strand.
- Tea Tree or Rosemary Oil: If you have a sensitive or irritated scalp, the antimicrobial properties of these oils can protect and soothe itching.
What ingredients should be avoided in shampoo for black hair?
- Sulfates (SLS, SLES): Foaming agents that can dry out hair and strip its natural oils.
- Parabens: Preservatives that can potentially irritate the scalp.
- Silicones: Though they add shine, silicones can build up on the hair and prevent moisture from penetrating.
- Alcohol (Denatured Alcohol): Often too drying for kinky hair.
Shampoo Vs. Detangling Conditioner: What’s the Difference?
- Shampoo: Cleanses the scalp and hair by removing impurities, product buildup, and excess oil. It should be hydrating and gentle to avoid drying out afro-textured hair.
- Detangling Conditioner: After washing, a detangling conditioner rehydrates the hair, softens the lengths, and facilitates detangling. It contains moisturizing agents that smooth the cuticles, reducing frizz and making styling easier.
Ready to Elevate Your Hair Game? Choose the Best Shampoo for Your Natural Black Hair Today!
Washing black hair requires special care, as its unique texture makes it more prone to dryness and breakage. By following a multi-step process, including gentle detangling, pre-shampooing, and using hydrating shampoos, you can keep your hair healthy. Choose products containing nourishing ingredients and avoid those that may weigh down or dry out your hair. Lastly, alternating with a detangling conditioner is essential for easier styling and minimizing breakage.
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