How to find the best shampoos for curls

When it comes to caring for your hair, it’s never a one-size-fits-all situation. Every product you use, from shampoo to heat protectant, needs to be carefully curated by you. That's why today we’re focusing on curls and specifically the best shampoos for curls, so you can avoid any, er, curly problems.

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We chatted with Global Hairdresser of the Year 2018 Kobi Bokshish about what shampoos you should use on curly hair and what else you can do to keep your curls in peak condition...

Finding your shampoo

For starters, moisture is a must! “Curly hair is about 30% drier than normal hair. However, you have to have the right balance of hydration otherwise the curl will be weighed down and lose its form," Kobi explains. "Therefore, it is important to use professional products that are recommended by your stylist."

When looking for curl-friendly shampoos, there are specific moisturising ingredients that you should seek out. Kobi suggests looking out for jojoba oil, coconut oil and anything high in amino acids.

For a shampoo that will hydrate the heck out of your hair, beautyheaven loves Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Oil Conditioning Shampoo, Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo and LUSH Curly Wurly. Kobi's pick? Total Results Curl Please by Matrix.

You can also try using shampoos that are sulfate-free, like the Redken Curvaceous Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Shampoo ($19.99 at Priceline) to avoid stripping any essential oils or moisture from curly locks. 

beautyheaven's favourite shampoos for curly hair: Aveda Be Curly Shampoo, OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Shampoo and John Frieda Frizz-Ease® Dream Curls® Shampoo.

Supporting your shampoo

Okay, so you've found your holy-grail hydrating shampoo but what else can you do to look after those curls? According to Kobi, leave-in treatments are the way.

 “Leave-in treatments are fantastic for curls as they support curl formation without any of the crunch! Total Results Contouring Lotion in the Curl Please range from Matrix is the perfect partner for your curly hair. It provides lightweight moisture while boosting body, bounce and shine. Use it each time you wet or wash your hair to rehydrate curls."

And Kobi advises that a wide tooth comb should also be your hair BFF. “Always use a wide tooth comb – not a brush! Don’t ever comb the hair while dry to prevent hair from frizzing, swelling and breaking – instead, comb it through in the shower with a conditioner or treatment,” says Kobi. "Rinse it out with the coldest water you can handle to lock the moisture in. It's best to let the hair dry naturally or blow-dry with a diffuser.

"One thing to avoid however is heat styling. Allow curls to do their thing! Too much flat ironing makes for very unhappy curls. Not only does it remove moisture from an already dry hair type it also removes elasticity and makes your curls lose their form,” Kobi advises.

beautyheaven loves the Deep muk - Ultra Soft Leave-In Conditioner, KMS TAMEFRIZZ Curl Leave-In Conditioner, Lady Jayne Two-Tone Detangling Comb, Mason Pearson Comb Rake, TONI&GUY Tools Wet/Dry Detangle Comb, ghd air™ diffuser and Parlux Supercompact Ionic & Ceramic Hairdryer Diffuser Attachment ($22 at Adore Beauty).

Do you have curly hair? What shampoo do you use on your curls?