11 Best Shampoos For Permed Hair
Give your perm some extra love and attention with hydrating and refreshing shampoos.
Lindsay LooCosmetologist 
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
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli 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 editor,... more
aditi naskarMA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
ramona sinhaMA (English Literature) Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
After getting a perm, you’re probably looking for the best shampoo for permed hair because you know there is no fooling around with your perm. Unlike regular hairstyles, getting a perm is a whole different ball game! It requires a lot of love, care, and a crazy amount of pampering because perm hair is prone to frizzing and dryness. You can solve this problem by using special nourishing shampoos specially formulated to deal with perms. If you aren’t sure which is the best brand of shampoo for your perm, you can always refer to our list of the best shampoo for perm hair.
In This Article
What Ingredients Should I Use?
There are many smoothness-promoting ingredients out there that deeply nourish your hair and can help you achieve your hair goals. Whether you want frizz control or shiny, textured, manageable hair, there is something for everyone! A few ingredients that will work wonders for your permed hair are:
- Olive oil
- Avocado oil
- Coconut oil
- Rosemary
- Honey
- Clay
- Tapioca
- Glycerin
- Aloe vera
- Shea butter
- Plant-based oils
- Fruit extracts
- Leaf extracts
Let’s now look at the best shampoos for permed hair.
11 Best Shampoos For Permed Hair
1. Best For Color-Treated Hair:Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo
The Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo adds intense moisture while gently cleansing your hair. It is formulated for those with tight curls and contains a deeply nourishing blend of chamomile, wheat protein, corn oil, and vitamins that leave your permed hair shiny and manageable. This luxurious shampoo rehydrates your hair from within and provides natural curl definition and softness. Try out this detangling shampoo today! This hair care brand prides itself on not testing its products on animals. It is not just good for your hair but the planet too.
Key Ingredients: Chamomilla recutita (Matricaria) flower extract, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Hydrolyzed wheat starch, Wheat amino acids, Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Phytantriol, Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E), and Retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A)
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Great fragrance
- Detangles curls
- Lathers well
- Contains sulfates
- May dry out the hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 1,260 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
2. Best Vegan:ColorProof TruCurl Curl Perfecting Shampoo
If you have gotten a perm done on colored hair, the risk of hair damage is high. To combat this, try the ColorProof TruCurl Curl Perfecting Shampoo. It contains a proprietary blend of 11 sulfate-free and salt-free surfactants that cleanse your hair without stripping its color. While the natural sugar preserves the curl structure, abyssinian, camellia, and grapeseed oils nourish and smooth the hair and impart shine. Seaweed is nutrient-rich, and it strengthens and conditions your hair.
This gentle shampoo is infused with the Advanced ColorLast System with Chromaveil and Heliogenol that offer full spectrum color protection and heat protection up to 450°F. It also contains vegan proteins derived from soy and potatoes that repair and strengthen the hair and rosemary, sage, geranium, yarrow, and shiitake mushroom that nourish, balance, and protect the hair. The cold-pressed sunflower seed extract in the shampoo offers UVA/UVB protection. This non-stripping, anti-humidity shampoo is enriched with the fragrance of basil, verbena, and tonka essence. This shampoo is enriched with the fragrance of basil, verbena, and tonka essence.
Key Ingredients: Natural sugar cane, Abyssinian oil, Grapeseed oil, Camellia oil, and Seaweed
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Color protection
- 450-degree heat protection
- Salt-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- PABA-free
- Triclosan-free
- Coal tar-free
- Humidity-resistant
- Great fragrance
None
3. Best Moisturizing:FRAMESI Color Lover Curl Define Shampoo
The FRAMESI Color Lover Curl Define Shampoo is intensely moisturizing and makes your curls soft, shiny, and glossy. It contains a blend of nourishing ingredients such as quinoa, aloe vera leaf juice, vitamins, and Rice Curl Complex that enhances, defines and volumizes the hair. This sulfate-free shampoo has been formulated to make your hair color last 95% longer. It controls sebum production in the scalp and refreshes it.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed quinoa, Aloe vera leaf juice, Coconut oil, Panthenol, Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Vinifera fruit cell extract, Keratin amino acid, and Citric acid
- Color-safe
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- DEA-free
- Sodium chloride-free
- Thermal and UV protection
- Lightweight
- Volumizing formula
None
4. Best Paraben-Free:Royal Locks Clean Curls Shampoo
This shampoo by Royal Locks contains argan oil and macadamia oil that intensely nourish your hair and impart a smooth finish. The unique formula is rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and lipids that strengthen, restore and make the hair fibres soft and shiny. This gentle shampoo cleanses the hair and scalp while restoring its natural pH balance without stripping the natural oils. It is cruelty-free and does not contain sulfates and parabens. This product is safe for daily use by women, men, and children. The brand does not test the product on animals, which makes it an ideal cruelty-free option.
Key Ingredients: Moroccan Argan oil and Macadamia oil
- Gentle
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Balances scalp pH
- Suitable for men, women, and children
- May leave residue
Pro Tip5. Best Sulfate-Free:Hask Coconut Milk & Organic Honey Curl Care Shampoo
The Hask Coconut Milk & Organic Honey Curl Care Shampoo is a boon for those looking for a luxurious formula to treat their permed curls. It is infused with a Memory Curl Complex that enhances and defines your curls and makes them frizz-free. The coconut milk and organic honey nourish and hydrate the hair. This shampoo cleanses your hair without stripping its natural oils and adds shine. It does not contain parabens, phthalates, sulfates, gluten, alcohol, or artificial colors. You can check out this review to learn about a tester’s experience with the product, along with its nuances.
Key Ingredients: Cocos nucifera (coconut) fruit extract, Honey, and Citric acid
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Aluminum starch-free
- No drying alcohol
- No artificial colors
- Color-safe
None
6. Best Gentle:MOIST DIANE Extra Damage Repair Shampoo
The MOIST DIANE Extra Damage Repair Shampoo contains Amino Keratin that nourishes the hair from within to repair damage. The Sensor Technology locates holes on the hair surface and repairs and smoothens it. This shampoo contains organic cactus oil, organic mango oil, and organic andiroba oil – all of which strengthen your hair strands and impart shine. While argan oil penetrates deep into the roots to nourish your hair, cactus and mango oils make it smooth. Several reviewers on Amazon noted that their hair looked visibly shinier after using this product.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed keratin, Argania spinosa (argan) kernel oil, Opuntia ficus-India (cactus) seed oil, Mangifera indica (mango) seed oil, and Carapa guaianensis (andiroba) seed oil
- Organic ingredients
- Gentle
- Pleasant smell
- Lathers well
None
7. Best For Damaged Hair:Quantum Professional Shampoo
This shampoo is great for repairing hair damage caused due to extreme styling, like perming or bleaching. It is gentle and keeps your hair color protected and fresh for longer. You can use this shampoo every alternate day to cleanse your curls and add bounce.
- Gentle
- Color-safe
- Watery consistency
8. Best For Bleached Hair:Perfect Fusion Cleansing Acid Shampoo
The Perfect Fusion Cleansing Acid Shampoo by Bon Cosmetics is perfect for bleached, color-treated, and permed hair. It is formulated for irritated scalps and fragile hair. This fortifying shampoo cleanses, repairs, and restores weakened and damaged hair while providing deep nourishment. Regular use of this product will leave your hair soft, smooth, and shiny. The luxurious, rich lathering formula refreshes your hair and scalp. This hair softening shampoo has a pH level of 5, which is ideal for people with damaged hair.
- Gentle
- Rich lather
- Contains sulfates
Quick Tip9. Best For Dry Hair:Herbal Essences Replenishing Shampoo
This shampoo by Herbal Essences has a delicate, moisturizing formula that works wonders for your permed, colored, dry, and damaged locks. It contains organic botanicals that restore your hair’s natural strength and shine. While the nourishing ingredients in it such as rosehip and jojoba make your hair strong and silky, vitamin E revitalizes and protects your hair and scalp. This gentle, anti-dryness shampoo is infused with the essences of coconut and palm oil, which seal in moisture and provide long-lasting shine. It transforms damaged hair into soft and manageable locks. Plus, this hair care brand uses all-natural ingredients and its products are not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients: Rosa canina (rose hips) fruit extract, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed extract, and Vitamin E
- Contains 100% organic botanicals
- Great fragrance
- Gentle
- Color-safe
- May cause itching
Did You Know?10. Best For Natural Shine:Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair Restoring Shampoo
Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair Restoring Shampoo is formulated to restore damaged, dry hair and add shine. It is powered by the new microProtec complex. It also provides color protection and reduces color fade-out. The restorative care formula of this shine-boosting shampoo supports even distribution of the nutrients in it. This product has received many reviews on Amazon from users who felt that it helped restore their hair’s natural shine and gloss. Key Ingredients: Willow bark extract, Citric acid, Lactic acid, etc.
Key Ingredients: Willow bark extract, Citric acid, Lactic acid, etc.
- Lathers well
- Easy-to-use
- Color-safe
None
11. Best Fragrance-Free:Wella Biotouch Curl Nutrition Shampoo
Biotouch Nutri Care is a professional hair care shampoo made by Wella. It contains a specifically developed blend of nutrients and vitamin A and olive fruit extract, which leave your permed or color-treated hair looking shiny, beautiful, and healthy. This shampoo gently cleanses your hair and enhances its vitality and elasticity.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin A and Olive fruit extract
- Gentle
- Suitable for everyday use
- Neutral fragrance
- Anti-fading and elasticti-enhancing formula
None
The above mentioned products are carefully chosen after going through several reviews on several e-commerce websites. If you are trying to find the perfect shampoo for permed hair, here are a few things to keep in mind.
How To Choose The Best Shampoo For Permed Hair
- Check For Moisturizing Ingredients
Dry, damaged hair looks dull and lifeless. It is difficult to maintain a long-term perm if you have dry hair. Dry hair could also indicate that you have a dry scalp. A dry scalp does not create enough moisture to maintain the health of your hair. It may also become itchy and trigger the formation of dandruff. Hence, choose a shampoo that contains intense moisturizing ingredients and helps your hair retain moisture. Go for shampoos that include ceramides, malic acid, argan oil, olive oil, etc. Look for words like ‘hydrating’, ‘replenishing’, ‘repairing’, and ‘moisturizing’. If you have a sensitive scalp, opt for a dermatologist-tested formula to prevent any potentially allergic reaction.
- Pick Based On The Hair Thickness
The shampoo you choose depends on the thickness and texture of your hair – whether it is thin, fine hair, thick, coarse hair, or in-between. If you have thin hair, opt for a lightweight shampoo that contains protein to nourish and strengthen your strands. Coarse hair needs additional conditioning to remain shiny and glossy.
- Check The Foaming
Non-silicone shampoos do not lather much. As it creates less foam, you may feel that the shampoo does not cleanse your hair very well if you don’t use it more than once. On the other hand, silicone-based shampoos produce comparatively more foam and make the hair feel squeaky clean. However, they form a coating, which creates a barrier between the hair strands and the perm solution. It also makes the hair strands thicker and weighs your curls down. Hence, pick a shampoo based on your preference.
The Bottom Line
Hair perms look absolutely stunning! While it is exciting to visit the salon and get your hair perms done, the challenge truly lies in their maintenance. You need to put in a good amount of care and effort while dealing with your hair perms, as they can easily turn into frizzy and damaged locks. To keep your permed hair intact, get a shampoo that comprises organic ingredients like olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and rosemary. The Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo ensures your curls receive the essential hydration they need. The FRAMESI Color Lover Curl Define Shampoo provides dual benefits of enhanced curl definition and color protection. The Royal Locks Clean Curls Shampoo maintains a healthy scalp and prevents buildup, making your curls appear manageable. You can also purchase shampoos with fruit and leaf extracts to manage your perms. However, it is better to avoid shampoos that can further dry your hair.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach with a passion for hair care. She carefully sifted different online sources for this article to research various products and user feedback and shortlist the best shampoos for permed hair with high ratings and good reviews. Lindsay Loo, an expert cosmetologist says, “When it comes to getting your hair permed in the sense of curls, know your expectations and what the at-home maintenance is. Your new hair will need some additional love, hydration and nutrients. These shampoos have a nourishing formulation to save your hair from dryness and damage and give them some TLC.
