15 Best Shampoos for Mixed Race Curly Hair

November 13, 2023

 by

Verna Meachum

Image of curly hair shampoos for mixed race on green background.

We only work with and promote products from companies that we trust and feel are good for our consumers to use. We are reader-supported. If you decide to make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

follow @themestizamuse
troubleshooting
Curl care

I'm just a girl who transformed her severely damaged hair into healthy hair. I adore the simplicity of a simple hair care routine, the richness of diverse textures, and the joy of sharing my journey from the comfort of my space.

My mission? To empower others with the tools to restore, and maintain healthy hair, and celebrate the hair they were born with!

Hi,I'm Verna

products
Textures

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure and make sure to pack these essential items to take with you on your journey.

Great hair goes beyond using shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. Shop my favorite must-haves.

After years of requests, I'm finally sharing my go-to skincare products.

Give your space a quick refresh with these ultimate home decor ideas.

My
Favorite

Things

TRAVEL

HAIR TOOLS

SKIN CARE

HOME DECOR

Last Updated on November 13, 2023 by Verna Meachum

Curly hair often gets thrown into a single category. But curlies, especially mixed race, know that every head of hair is different and often face challenges finding the correct products to suit their hair texture. As a mixed-race curly myself, I share my best recommendations for curly hair shampoos.

  1. Aunt Jackie’s Curls and Coils Deep Moisturizing Shampoo
  2. Marc Anthony Curl Defining Shampoo
  3. Blu Atlas Shampoo
  4. tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo
  5. Herbal Essence Curl Defining Shampoo
  6. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo
  7. Righteous Roots Clarifying Shampoo
  8. Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo
  9. Briogeo Rosarco Shampoo
  10. GIRL+HAIR Cleanse+ Moisturizing Shampoo
  11. Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo
  12. TPH BY TARAJI Hustle & Co Hydrating Co-Wash
  13. Mielle Organics Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo
  14. EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing Cowash
  15. GIOVANNI ECO CHIC Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo

Mixed-race hair does not fall into one collective category of curls. There are different curly hair types, and mixed race can fall into any, from wavy to coily. Each head of hair will require varying products based on texture, density, and porosity, amongst other factors.

Check out these 15 shampoos for mixed-race curly hair:

1.    Aunt Jackie’s Curls and Coils Deep Moisturizing Shampoo

Image of Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils Deep Moisturizing Shampoo bottle.

Aunt Jackie’s is an excellent option for shampoo for all mixed-race curly types. From waves and curls to coils, it gently but thoroughly cleanses, conditions, and softens even the most coarse and difficult textured hairs.

Get it here

2.    Marc Anthony Curl Defining Shampoo

Image of Marc Anthony Curl Defining Shampoo botte.

Marc Anthony’s haircare is a global premium range of fantastic products that leave your hair feeling and smelling amazing. Its curl-defining yellow shampoo helps to define all curl types while softening and moisturizing your hair. It is lightweight, fresh, anti-humidity, and lemon fresh.

Get it here

3.    Blu Atlas Shampoo

Image of Blu Atlas Shampoo bottle.

Blu Atlas Shampoo comprises 99% natural ingredients. It boasts top ingredients like jojoba oil and aloe vera to strengthen and safeguard your mixed-race curls of all types. This hydrating formulation cleanses your hair with coconut-based surfactants.

Get it here

4.    tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Image of tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate-Free Shampoo bottle.

If you are looking for a shampoo for naturally curly dry hair, this is your solution. It is gentle yet effective, preventing breakage, which mixed-race hair is highly susceptible to. It leaves your curls soft and smooth and is free from parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, lanolin, artificial colors, or animal testing.

Get it here

5.    Herbal Essence Curl Definer Shampoo

Image of Herbal Essence Curl Definer Shampoo bottle.

The Herbal Essence Curl Definer shampoo is free from sulfates, parabens, silicones, and fragrances. It is perfect if you follow the Curly Girl Method. It is lightweight and leaves your scalp and curls feeling fresh. The shampoo also has a conditioner and curl cream for a full curly haircare package.

Get it here

6.    Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

Image of Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo bottle.

This gentle formula defines your curls and eliminates frizz. It is a combination of silk proteins that seal in moisture and keep the humidity out. The shampoo also boasts a UV filter to protect your curls from sun damage.

Get it here

7.    Righteous Roots Clarifying Shampoo

Image of Righteous Roots Clarifying Shampoo bottle.

Anyone with curly hair should be using a clarifying shampoo on occasion. This is to remove build-up and grime in the scalp and hair. But this clarifying shampoo is gentle enough for regular use. It is infused with nourishing oils to provide moisture and prevent stripping natural oils.

Get it here

8.    Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo

Image of Briogeo Curl Charisma Hydrating Shampoo bottle.

Briogeo defines and moisturizes mixed-race wavy, curly, and coily hair. It is a vegan product and is phthalate & paraben-free. The shampoo is creamy and hydrates the hair while cleansing it. It does not strip the hair of natural oils and even works for color-treated and relaxed hair.

Get it here

9.    Briogeo Rosarco Shampoo

Image of Briogeo Rosarco Shampoo bottle.

This shampoo is ideal for mixed-race curly hair because it provides moisture and shine. It contains a conditioning agent that will help improve your coarse curls’ overall health. It is anti-humidity and tames frizz, which all mixed race curlies know is a major concern.

Get it here

10. GIRL+HAIR Cleanse+ Moisturizing Shampoo

Image of GIRL+HAIR Cleanse+ Moisturizing Shampoo bottle.

This shampoo is a wonderful, gentle cleanser. It is great for curlies with eczema, dry scalp, or other sensitivities. It is cruelty-free and has no harsh and harmful ingredients, including sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or artificial colors. It works for all curl types, improves elasticity, and provides shine.

Get it here

11. Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo

Image of Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo bottle.

This shampoo is suited for those with all types of curly hair who want to maintain its health. It helps to remove and reduce build-up from the scalp and contains coconut oil for nourishment. It is perfect for mixed-race curly hair that might require more nourishment.

Get it here

12. TPH BY TARAJI Hustle & Co Hydrating Co-Wash

Image of TPH BY TARAJI Hustle & Co Hydrating Co-Wash bottle.

Many mixed-race hair types, especially type 4, are better off with a co-wash routine instead of shampoo. Shampoo can be drying; co-washing helps to retain moisture and maintain soft, smooth locks while cleansing and refreshing but does not strip the natural oils away.

Get it here

13. Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo

Mielle Organics Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo bottle.

This shampoo includes natural and fresh components like honey and babassu oil. They help remove dirt and oil from your hair while retaining and sealing in moisture. Its pomegranate and honey scents are mesmerizing and filled with healthy components.

Get it here

14. EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing Cowash

Image of EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing Cowash jar.

Here is another co-wash option. The Eden BodyWorks is a cleansing conditioner that gently cleanses and refreshes your mixed-race curly hair. It works best for type 4 hair but can be used on type 3, too. It helps to remove build-up and controls frizz while moisturizing your strands.

Grab it here

15. GIOVANNI ECO CHIC Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo

Image of GIOVANNI ECO CHIC Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo bottle.

This is an excellent clarifying shampoo, which curly hair always requires to remove product build-up and lingering dirt and residue from the hair and scalp. It is gentle enough to use daily and is safe for colored and damaged hair. It is also vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.

Grab it here

Conclusion

There’s no need to struggle with dry, damaged, and falling curls when you use the correct products. The above list will narrow down the best options for you to choose an appropriate shampoo for your mixed-race curls so you can wear your hair with health, confidence, and joy.

Reply...
NEXT →

I had to listen to what my hair needed...my curls are finally ready to take in some moisture again!!!

- renee, Stylist Liaison

“I truly couldn't have gotten through this without her knowledge, advice and support...after suffering from Hygral Fatigue and getting tons of advice @themestizamuse.”

“@themestizamuse: for ESSENTIAL information you will NEED TO KNOW in order to see results.”

See how easy the topics are to find on her page (a few posts screenshot)? There is no topic Verna hasn't covered.

- dominique P, wavy hair enthusiast

NEXT →

“I have learned a whole heap of knowledge from @themestizamuse.”

Inspiring hair tutor, grateful for what she offers the Curly Community in authenticity, passion, and knowledge.

- zoe F, Producer & Host of The Curl Squad

NEXT →

“I was so excited to embrace my curls and take better care of them. As I started to dive in, I immediately became overwhelmed with the information.”

I read books and tried doing things because "that's what I'm supposed to do," but it didn't always work and I didn't understand why. I'm so grateful for Verna and her blog. Her info. actually helped me understand more of the science of why some methods helped and what products or ingredients to use and why. Anyone that compliments my hair and wants to start a curly journey, I tell them to start here. My hair is so much healthier and I'm so happy with it.

NEXT →

- stephanie, Curly hair enthusiast

Testimonials

Our Manifesto

One day you will wake up and there won't be any more time to do the things you've always wanted.
Do it now.

- Paulo coelho


Skip to content