11 Best Drugstore Shampoos And Conditioners For Curly Hair To Try In 2023
Budget-friendly formulations are the key to healthy, moisturized tresses.
Lindsay LooCosmetologist
Expertise: Coloring
Experience: 10 years
Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and love... more
Krati Darak Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years o... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
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With the best drugstore shampoos and conditioners for curly hair, you no longer have to spend a bomb on your curl care. Curly hair is unpredictable and highly prone to dehydration, damage, and dullness. Now, add to that factors like porosity, thickness, and hydration levels! Phew! Finding the right hair care products for your curl type is no joke. But with the cosmetics industry becoming more and more inclusive, there is a product for each hair type out there. Today we have formulations which cater to the overall health of your curls, no matter which type or pattern. Drugstore brands have now introduced products that look after your curls AND your bank balance!
In this article, we have listed the 11 best drugstore shampoos and conditioners that will not just cleanse and hydrate your curls but also revive their shine and bounce. So, keep scrolling to find out if any of them catch your eye!
In This Article
11 Best Drugstore Shampoos And Conditioners For Curly Hair – 2023
1. Best For Damaged Hair:Bingo Hair Care Argan Oil From Morocco Shampoo And Conditioner
Image: Bingo Hair Care The Bingo Hair Care Argan Oil From Morocco Shampoo And Conditioner is a blessing for dull, damaged curls. The gentle formula is enriched with the goodness of rich argan oil that revitalizes limp, lifeless strands, fights dryness, and prevents the loss of elasticity. Moroccan argan oil is a powerful antioxidant that protects your hair from UV rays and free radicals.
The shampoo and conditioner contain hydrating aloe extracts, chamomile essences, jojoba oil, keratin, and rosemary extract for overall hair health. The shampoo deep cleanses to gently remove dirt, buildup, and other hair products. It controls frizz, promotes hair growth, reduces flaking and dry scalp, and restores shine. The conditioner provides a protective coat to save your strands from harsh external factors.
This restorative care shampoo and conditioner combo offers a deep conditioning restorative formula that revives the curls from sun damage, pollution, and other styling products. It acts as a hair moisturizer and nourishes the hair with essential vitamins. While this product combo is suitable for all hair types, it is especially helpful for reviving curly hair.
Pros
- Adds shine
- Adds volume
- Prevents split-ends
- Reduces frizz
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Color-safe
- SLS-free
Cons
None
Review: A user says, “The Bingo Hair Care Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner have transformed my hair! My PCOS-related hair loss has improved; my hair is thicker, softer, and growing again. The scent is soothing. Highly recommend for healthier hair!”
Pro TipAvoid using circular movements when shampooing your hair. When applying shampoo, massage the product on the hair by gliding your fingertips down the hair shaft, and then rinse in the same direction.
2. Best Anti-Frizz Solution:L’Oreal Paris EverCurl Sulfat-Free Hydracharge Shampoo And Conditioner
Image: Loreal Paris Frizz and curls go hand-in-hand, but they do not necessarily have to! The L’Oreal Paris EverCurl Sulfate-Free Hydracharge Shampoo And Conditioner offer the best frizz-free definition to unruly curls. The shampoo and the conditioner are enriched with coconut oil that makes the hair hydrated, soft, and bouncy. The curl-defining gentle formula offers a 48-hour definition without weighing the hair down. These lightweight anti-frizz products do not damage the strands or strip the moisture. They provide manageable curls and work wonders for most curl types, including thick, thin, and color-treated hair. Check out the tester’s experience in this video on YouTube for a detailed review of L’Oreal Paris EverCurl Sulfat-Free Hydracharge Shampoo And Conditioner.
Pros
- Lightweight
- 48-hour hydration
- Long-lasting definition
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Pleasant fragrance
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Dye-free
- Vegan
- No harsh salts
Cons
None
Review: A tester reviews the product by saying, “The L’Oreal EverCurl Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner have transformed my hair game. With changing hair needs over time, this duo worked wonders for my mixed blonde and brown locks. My curls are soft, full, and manageable. Even though my hair feels nourished, it’s advisable not to overwash. The scent is lovely, although it might be strong for those sensitive to fragrances. Overall, it’s a game-changer for maintaining vibrant curls!”
Pro TipDo not shampoo your hair twice in a row. It can make your hair brittle and take away the natural oils from your scalp. Only very dirty or oily hair requires double shampooing.
3. Best For Thick Hair:Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo And Conditioner
Image: Sheamoisture This combo is for people with thick hair who dread wash days. The Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo And Conditioner are specially formulated for thick, curly hair – 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A 4B, and 4C curl patterns. The shampoo is enriched with organic shea butter and natural ingredients that gently cleanse the hair and scalp. It also contains nourishing ingredients such as coconut oil that protects the strands while replenishing the lost oil and hibiscus extracts that improve hair elasticity and reduce split ends and breakage. Also, the silk protein and neem oil make the hair silky soft and repair it while adding shine.
The lightweight conditioner provides smooth, shiny hair without weighing down the strands. The hibiscus-enriched formula can be used as a regular conditioner after shampoo or as a co-wash for soft, manageable hair. In this YouTube video, you will find a detailed review of the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo And Conditioner.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adds shine
- Reduces breakage
- Prevents-frizz
- Softens the hair
- Pleasant fragrance
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Cruelty-free
- Color-safe
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
None
Review: A user writes, “The Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner are game-changers for my curls. My hair feels softer, more defined, and less frizzy. The scent is amazing, and it’s Curly Girl Method approved. I recommend these products for gorgeous, moisturized curls!”
4. Best For Dry Curls:HASK CURL CARE Shampoo + Conditioner
Image: Hask The HASK CURL CARE Shampoo and Conditioner are excellent products that are gentle, effective, and suitable for all curly hair types. They are especially beneficial for those who are looking to reduce frizz, define curls, and add moisture to their hair. These solutions, infused with a miraculous blend of coconut oil, argan oil, and vitamin E, moisturize and preserve your curl texture from frizz and damage. The products have a delightful tropical fragrance of vibrant, fruity coconuts which you’ll simply adore.
Pros
- Vegan
- Gentle
- Hydrating
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
None
Review: A reviewer says, “The HASK Curl Care Shampoo and Conditioner have transformed my curly hair! My curls are more defined, hydrated, and less frizzy. The scent is lovely, and it’s a great value. Highly recommend for beautiful, manageable curls!”
5. Best For Natural Hair:Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo and Conditioner
Image: Carol’s Daughter The Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo and Conditioner set is one of the best combos to nourish and moisturize natural, dry, damaged, or over-processed hair. The shampoo contains shea butter, aloe, and rosemary, which make your hair smoother, more manageable, and give it a healthy sheen. The deep conditioner is formulated with a shea butter and rosemary mixture that is moisture-rich, treats dry hair, detangles, and makes thick or thin hair easier to style. Give your hair the greatest care possible with these wonderful products that are not only gentle, and powerful, but also appropriate for all hair types.
Pros
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Artificial color-free
- Petroleum-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Some may find it greasy
Review: A tester says, “The Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo and Conditioner have been a game-changer for my 2C-3A hair! After just one use, my hair was softer, curlier, and frizz-free. The natural ingredients and amazing scent make these products a must-have in my routine. The only minor downside is the pump’s efficiency, but the results are worth it!”
6. Best Lightweight Formula:Luseta Curl Enhancing Coconut Oil Shampoo And Conditioner
Image: Luseta Honestly, the last thing your curls need is a product that makes them greasy and limp. The Luseta Curl Enhancing Coconut Oil Shampoo And Conditioner are lightweight yet intensely moisturizing. The rosemary leaf oil stimulates hair growth, reverses premature graying, and treats dry, flaky scalp. The shampoo is enriched with coconut oil, adding shine and luster to the strands. The essential vitamins and fats promote hair growth and add bounce to the curls. The conditioner penetrates deep into the strands, softening them and adding definition. It detangles the hair, which helps prevent breakage while combing and brushing. This curl-enhancing product combo is suitable for curly and wavy hair as it does not weigh the hair down. It gives you manageable curls and prevents breakage. You can get rid of buildup in the gentlest way possible and add life to your curls with this shampoo and conditioner.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adds luster
- Promotes hair growth
- Adds bounce
- Prevents breakage
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- May cause skin breakouts
Review: According to a reviewer, “The Luseta Curl Enhancing Coconut Oil Shampoo and Conditioner have transformed my hair! After a few months of use, my hair is softer, healthier, and my curls are more defined. It’s a game-changer, even my sister noticed the improvement. The mild scent and convenient bottle size are bonuses.”
7. Best Paraben-Free:Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Shampoo and Conditioner
Image: Not Your Mother's The Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Shampoo and Conditioner is designed specifically for curly hair types 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, natural hair, and colored hair. Together, they delicately cleanse your scalp and hair, provide moisture and nourishment, and eventually define your curls. The combination contains rice, keratin, amino acids, and enzymes that help to preserve and enhance curl retention. The beautiful citrus and jasmine fragrance pair also offers frizz control that lasts all day. Give your curly hair a high-quality, salon-inspired feel, and let them do the talking.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Safe for all curly hair types
- Refreshing scent
- Affordable
- Sulfate surfactant-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
- Drying alcohol-free
- Gluten-free
- Dye-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some may feel sticky, waxy
- Heavy
Review: According to a user, “The Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Shampoo and Conditioner are a game-changer for my curly hair! It defines my curls beautifully and the price is affordable. Although some buildup on my scalp occurs, the results are worth it.”
8. Best Vegan:Maui Moisture Hair Care Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo And Conditioner
The Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo And Conditioner are vegan products suitable for thick, curly hair. The hydrating formula is enriched with a nourishing blend of coconut oil, creamy papaya butter, and plumeria extract to smoothen the hair, reduce frizz, and add bounce to the curls. This shampoo and conditioner curl care duo from the drugstore contains aloe vera that makes the hair strands stronger. People experience multiple benefits from this product according to reviews. It helps define the curls, gently detangle your hair, and make them more manageable, leaving your hair hydrated and shiny.
Pros
- Smoothens the hair
- Reduces frizz
- Strengthens the hair
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Dye-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
None
Review: A tester writes, “The Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo and Conditioner have transformed my hair care routine! My waves are more defined, and my hair feels moisturized. It’s a must-try for anyone struggling with dry, frizzy hair.”
9. Best Hydrating Formula:Verb Hydrating Shampoo And Conditioner
Image: Verb Nothing enlivens your curls like some good dose of hydration! The Verb Hydrating Shampoo And Conditioner cater to the needs of various curl types, including wavy, curly, coily, and thick and fine hair. The gentle formula of the shampoo is enriched with an amino acid package that moisturizes and conditions to extend the color of your hair. The antioxidant-rich argan oil penetrates deep into the hair follicles to enhance elasticity, add shine, and make your hair frizz-free and strong. Vitamin B5 adds vibrancy to the curls, while the sunflower seed extract increases hair manageability and provides natural UV protection. The conditioner is enriched with glycerin and meadowfoam seed oil that strengthen and repair the hair while adding bounce to soft curls.
Pros
- Provides intense hydration
- Adds shine
- Reduces frizz
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
Review: A satisfied user says, “The Verb Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner worked wonders for my wavy, frizzy hair. The frizz reduced, color stayed vibrant, and my hair felt hydrated. It’s an affordable alternative to salon products.”
10. Best For Weak Hair:L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo And Conditioner
Image: L'oreal Paris Proteins provide your curls with strength, structure, and shape. And with the L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo And Conditioner, you get exactly that! This duo helps repair the five visible signs of damaged hair — split ends, weak, rough, dull, and dehydrated hair. The 2% repair concentrate protein in the shampoo takes care of your overall hair health while gently cleansing the scalp and the curls. The strengthening, creamy formula of the conditioner contains 9% repair concentrate that makes the hair supple, easy to style, and manageable without weighing it down. The shampoo and the conditioner have a refreshing floral scent that energizes the senses and repairs damaged hair.
Pros
- Strengthening formula
- Refreshing scent
- Lightweight
- Adds shine
- Makes the hair healthy
Cons
- Might dry out the scalp
Review: A happy reviewer says, “The L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Shampoo and Conditioner worked wonders for my hair. After just two uses, my hair felt softer and healthier. However, it may over-hydrate oily-prone hair. Overall, a great product for dry or damaged hair.”
11. Best For Color-Treated Hair:Pure Curly Hair Shampoo And Conditioner
Image: Pure By Rachelle Parker The Pure Curly Hair Shampoo And Conditioner are formulated with organic ingredients. The shampoo is enriched with neem oil that protects the scalp from damage, coconut oil and shea butter that moisturize dry, frizzy hair, and hibiscus flower extract that boosts hair growth. The non-greasy leave-in conditioner reduces dryness, brittleness, and knots in hair. It locks moisture and prevents the fading of color in color-treated hair. The vitamin-rich curl-boosting formula of this effective duo detangles the hair and reduces frizz to offer shiny, bouncy curls.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adds volume and shine
- Non-greasy
- Safe for daily use
- SLS-free
- Detangling effect
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Review: A regular user of the product says, “This Pure Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner surprised me with its effectiveness. After trying numerous products for hair loss, Pure actually reduced hair shedding in just three weeks! It gives body to my fine hair, holds my curls, and is chemical-free. Truly a game-changer!”
Getting your hands on the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type is the first and most essential step of hair care. However, it can be tricky to find products that work right for your curl type. Here’s a quick buying guide to assist you in your search for the right hair care products.
What To Look For In A Drugstore Shampoo And Conditioner For Curly Hair
- Moisturizing Formula
Curly hair is generally very dry and brittle. This is because the oil produced at the hair shaft does not reach the end of the strand. Therefore, always look for moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, natural oils, and humectants in your products. Natural ingredients that keep your hair hydrated and free of damage include argan oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, flaxseed oil, glycerin, shea butter, and aloe vera. These ingredients also rejuvenate the curls, making them healthy and bouncy.
- Ingredients To Avoid
Invest in products devoid of formaldehyde, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, or parabens. These elements damage the curls and cause dryness and irritation. Although silicones found in conditioners are known to prevent frizz, and tame flyaways, silicone buildup tends to weigh down the strands and make the hair look limp. Also, look for alcohol-free products as alcohol tends to cause frizz in curly hair.
- Clarifying Shampoos
Curly hair tends to collect dirt, grime, and product buildup quite easily. Therefore, use a good-quality clarifying shampoo to cleanse the scalp. Follow up with a nourishing conditioner as clarifying shampoos tend to be drying.
Note: The correct way of shampooing your hair matters as much as the shampoo itself. Most curl types tend to be fragile and prone to breakage. Hence, it is crucial to be gentle while washing your hair and use a soft fabric to dry it.
Infographic: Curly Hair Care: What To Look For And Tips To Maintain Curls
Curly hair can be difficult to manage. If not treated right, it can get dry or frizzy and even lose its bounce. You would need products that don’t strip moisture off your scalp but rather hydrate and strengthen your hair. The infographic below will help you understand what kind of products are best for curls, which ingredients to avoid, and how to wash and maintain your curls. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
The best drugstore shampoo and conditioner for curly hair take care of your hair needs without burning through your savings. Curly hair tends to have multiple issues like dryness, protein overload, buildup, dullness, breakage, frizz, and tangles. The products listed above are enriched with moisturizing ingredients that nourish the strands, add bounce and shine, gently cleanse the scalp, and make the hair look healthy. If you have dry and damaged hair, opt for the sulfate-free Bingo Hair Care Argan Oil From Morocco Shampoo And Conditioner to add a protective coating to your hair. The L’Oreal Paris EverCurl Sulfat-Free Hydracharge Shampoo And Conditioner is a gentle formula that offers lasting hydration and 48 hours of curl definition, while the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo And Conditioner is perfect for color- and chemically-treated hair that also reduces breakage and tangles. However, always check the ingredients list before investing in the best shampoos and conditioners for curly hair, and show your curls some tender love.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Krati Darak is a certified skin care coach with an immense enthusiasm for all things related to hair. After hours of thorough research and consideration, she has come up with the best drugstore shampoos and conditioners for curly hair. These products are formulated with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and aloe vera to add shine and definition to your curly hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use regular shampoo and conditioner on curly hair?
No, it is better to use curl-friendly hair care products if you have curly hair as they are specially formulated, keeping in mind the needs of curly or wavy hair.
