Freshly washed hair can feel fabulous; however, too much cleansing, especially for curly and wavy hair, can cause dryness, frizz, and build-up. Most shampoos include detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which cleanses hair but also strips it of natural oils that your hair and scalp need.
If you have curly hair, then you need more moisture than people with other hair types do. Moisture helps to maintain shine, bounce, and curl definition.
That said, can you really give up your shampoo without turning into a veritable greaseball? These five alternatives say you can.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser
Co-washing is a method of washing hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. You can use your favorite daily conditioner to do this, or you can buy a product that has been specifically formulated as a conditioning cleanser, like this one by SheaMoisture. This curly-community favorite does not contain harsh sulfates; moreover, its coconut oil and silk proteins help protect and restore moisture to your hair. It'll leave your scalp feeling fresh and clean while keeping curls healthy and soft.
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DevaCurl No Poo Quick Cleanser
This Quick Cleanser can be used without any water, working as a dry shampoo that refreshes hair. It won a NaturallyCurly “Best of the Best” award and its botanically infused formula was made specifically for curls. The product can also be used to add texture to limp hair and to invigorate the scalp. Use it after a workout, to refresh curls midday, or when leaving the office before a night out.
Herbal Essences Naked Cleansing Conditioner
This option is cheap and cheerful and can be found at most drugstores. It is not 100% natural and does contain silicones, but if used once in a while, this sulfate-free cleanser can be a great option on a budget. It contains rosemary leaf extract and peppermint oil to help cleanse the scalp and leave hair smelling great.
Clearly Natural Glycerin Bar Soap French Lavender
You can use one great cleanser for both your hair and body if it has the right ingredients. Look for natural-glycerin bar soaps like this one. It's hypo-allergenic, doesn’t clog pores, and rinses easily. The company does not use petroleum or paraben ingredients in any of their products, making them safe for hair, scalp, and body alike.
Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Dry Shampoo
If you have curly hair, you don’t need to be washing it every day. Instead, try using a dry shampoo in between washes to refresh your curls' look without the wash and wear. This dry shampoo’s unique formula reaches into roots and diffuses an oil-absorbing powder, thereby cleaning hair and leaving it shiny and defined. If you have fine hair, this product can also double as a volume-booster when used at the roots on clean hair.