People with curly hair know that finding the right hair care routine can be a challenge. Fine curly hair, although beautiful, may not have the same volume or density as thicker types. However, this doesn’t diminish its allure; it just means it has unique care requirements. One key to meeting these needs lies in selecting the right shampoo.
When it comes to choosing the best shampoo for fine curly hair, there are a few key factors to consider. Look for a cleansing blend that gently removes impurities without stripping natural oils, and opt for a formula rich in conditioning and moisturizing ingredients like panthenol, proteins, and extracts.
In this article, I’ve collaborated with a hair scientist who holds a PhD in Cosmetic Chemistry. Our goal is to simplify the complex ingredient labels and identify the best shampoos specifically formulated for fine curly hair.
We’re committed to sharing our insights, highlighting beneficial ingredients for fine curly hair, and distinguishing its unique characteristics from other hair types. Now, let’s delve into the essential ingredients you should look for.
Shampoo Ingredients for Fine Curly Hair
Before selecting a shampoo, it is important to take into account one’s hair texture and hairstyle. Generally speaking, shampoos are designed to clean the scalp and strands of hair while also providing detangling properties for better manageability.
Shampoos can be highly beneficial when used correctly; hence considering the hair’s morphology and physicochemical properties before making a purchase is essential.
Different hairs have different needs as they differ in their morphology and physicochemical properties. 1,2,3
A typical shampoo comprises cleansing actives i.e. surfactants, co-surfactants, foam boosters, and hair-softening or detangling agents. 4
Fine curly hair requires special attention and an attentive choice of ingredients to ensure their needs are met.
Choosing a Cleansing Blend
Fine curly hairs are small in diameter and often originate from delicate hair follicles that can lean towards the drier side. 5
To keep them healthy and free from product buildup, they require a gentle cleaning blend of surfactants that won’t strip away moisture content but will still cleanse thoroughly.
Sulfates should be avoided, as they may cause the hair and scalp to be dry and also weaken hair fibers by dissolving cuticle proteins. 6
Fine curly hairs need gentle and mild surfactants. Fortunately, these surfactants are accessible in sulfate-free shampoos. 6
Listed below are surfactants that are suitable for fine curly hair:
1) Glucosides – Decyl glucoside, coco glucoside, and lauryl glucoside. These glucosides are sugar-based surfactants with excellent cleansing performance, and moderate foam, and are highly skin-friendly. 7
They are sourced from green and sustainable raw materials and are readily biodegradable. These three glucosides are the top choice in making gentle, mild, and yet effective sulfate-free skin or hair cleansing products. 7
2) Amino acid-based surfactants. These amino acid organic molecules are gentle and mild to the skin, scalp, and hair. They are anionic and yet skin-friendly They generate a good rich creamy lather and simultaneously enhance hair and scalp moisture levels. 8
Here are a few:
- Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate
- Sodium lauroyl glutamate
- Sodium lauroyl glycinate
Conditioning and Moisturizing Ingredients
Shampoo not only cleanses hair strands but also conditions and detangles them. Fine curly hair requires an adequate conditioning system due to its texture and relatively low moisture content.
Here are several conditioning ingredients that are appropriate for fine curly hair:
- Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride – A natural guar-derived cationic polymer that offers curl detangling and facilitates the deposition of other active ingredients. For fine curly hair, low nitrogen, and low molecular weight grade is recommended. 9
- Panthenol – A pro-vitamin B5 active ingredient to enhance the moisture content of hair as well as the scalp. 10
- Propanediol – A natural green and sustainable moisturizing ingredient that imparts water to dry fine curly hair. 11
- Proteins – Proteins or amino acids are excellent remedies for dry hair. They also work as fiber-strengthening actives to prevent hair breakage. 12 The best proteins for fine curly hairs are hydrolyzed wheat protein, wheat amino acids, hydrolyzed keratin, and hydrolyzed vegetal protein.
- Biotin – A fiber-strengthening active that prevents fiber thinning and enhances hair density. 12
- Plant Extracts – e.g. green tea extract, chamomile flower extract. These plant extracts are a rich source of polyphenols that work as antioxidants protecting the hair and scalp cells from harmful UV radiation. They are also excellent soothing agents to calm the nerves and stimulate blood circulation to the scalp area. 13,14
Now, let’s look at some of the ingredients fine curly hair should avoid.
Ingredients to Avoid for Fine Curly Hair
Fine curly hair is small in diameter and can easily become weighed down, making it difficult to maintain its desired shape. Therefore, these types of curls are more prone to the dreaded limp-down effect. 15
Fine curly hair generally does not respond well to ingredients with long carbon chain molecules and high molecular weight.
Additionally, ingredients that possess a high cationic charge density for greater affinity to the hair fibers are likely undesirable because of their cause for potential heaviness.
Some examples are listed here:
- Cationic Polymeric Ingredients – Polyquaternium 6, 7, & 10. All of these polymers are large molecules with high molecular weight and a strong affinity to hair fibers. Repeatedly using them can be heavy for fine curly hairs and likely to cause a polymeric build-up. 1
- Alkanolamides, Amide DEA – e.g. cocamide DEA, lauramide DEA. Both examples are added to a shampoo formulation to stabilize foaming and enhance viscosity.1 However, they may contain trace amounts of free diethanolamine (DEA) which may form nitrosamine during product shelf-life. This particular derivative may be carcinogenic. 16
- In keeping up with the latest trends, formulators, and consumer groups are avoiding DEA ingredients in facial cleansing products. As a result, green alternatives for shampoo formulations have become much sought after.
- Sulfate Surfactants – e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are the two most abundantly used surfactants in shampoos. They generate high volumes of flash foam and are excellent at removing sebum and product buildup. 17
- However, both are known to be harsh when used in excess and can cause dryness to the scalp and hair, and also remove proteins from hair fiber. 18 SLS has high irritation potential. Therefore, both are not ideal for fine curly hair. 19
- Look for green alternates which are mild and gentle to the scalp and hair. Examples are mentioned above.
- Harsh and Carcinogenic Preservatives – e.g. Formaldehyde, DMDM hydantoin. Both are effective preservatives inhibiting microbial growth. However, formaldehyde is a harsh and cancer-causing chemical. 20
- DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde-releasing molecule that once dissolves in water forms formaldehyde. 21 Avoid these preservatives and choose greener and skin-friendly replacements.
The preferred alternatives are:
- Hexylene glycol
- Sodium benzoate
- Potassium sorbate
Our Top 14 Picks
Now onto what you came here for! Understanding that the foundation of achieving curl definition lies in the cleanser, the following shampoos will include the above-mentioned suitable ingredients for fine curly hair.
We have provided the ingredient lists for each product for your reference. Nevertheless, it is important to know that these lists may be outdated. Therefore, we recommend referring to the information on the product bottle for the most accurate and current details. Also, make sure to check the size of the product, as each site varies.
#1 Bounce Curl Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
This lightweight formula is one of my favorites, enriched with natural oils, and I always have it stocked in my shower. It produces lots of foam and lightly moisturizes your hair. Truly exceptional stuff and one of the best on the market!
Ingredients: Water, **Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, **Decyl Glucoside, **Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, **Glycerin **Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, **Propanediol, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Polyquaternium-10, **Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Biotin, **Vanillin, **Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Protein, *Nigella Sativa (Virgin Black Cumin) Oil, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Lactic Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, **Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, **Boswellia Carterii Oil, **Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, **Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, **Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, **Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, **Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, **Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, **Geranium Maculatum Oil, **Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Oil, **Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, **Pogostemon Cablin Oil, **Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Seed Oil, ** Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Caprylyl Glycol.*Certified Organic **Plant Derived 100% Oil Scent (no synthetic fragrance).
Use 'muse' at Bounce Curl's checkout for a discount.
#2 Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo
This shampoo is enriched with invigorating natural ingredients that effectively remove dirt, grime, and product build-up without drying them out or compromising moisture levels. It is infused with rice amino acids that deeply penetrate the hair shaft to keep humidity out and prevent frizz.
Don’t be afraid of the shea butter in this formula, as it’s beautifully blended with the other ingredients to moisturize hair, leaving it soft to the touch while boosting the body in curls without weighing it down.
Although this contains Polyquaternium-7, it is near the end of the ingredients list, so nothing to worry about here.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Lauramidopropyl Betaine*, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate*, Glycerin*, Glycol Distearate*, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine*, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract*, Rice Amino Acids*, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil*, Acanthus Mollis Leaf Extract*, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Keratin Amino Acids*, Coconut Acid*, Hydrolyzed Quinoa*, Sodium Hyaluronate*, Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil*, Polyquaternium-71, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate*, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Isethionate, Polyquaternium-7, Anhydroxylitol*, Xylitylglucoside*, Xylitol*, Fragrance (Parfum), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol. * Coconut, vegetable, or plant-derived.
#3 EVOLVh SmartCurl Hydrating Wash
This formula is designed to offer optimal nourishment for wavy, curly, and coily hair types, using natural ingredients and beneficial oils to impart moisture, strength, and shine, helping improve hair elasticity and pliability with no build-up! This is a win-win for all hair textures and types!
Ingredients: Water, Decyl Glucoside*, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate*, Cocamidopropyl Betaine+, Lauryl Glucoside*, Coco-Glucoside, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Seed Oil+, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Seaweed Extract+, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil*, Lecithin*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract*, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil*, Soy Amino Acids*, Rosa Mosqueta (Rose) Hip Oil*, Viola Tricolor (Wild Pansy) Extract*, Melilotus Offincialis (Sweet Clover) Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract*, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract*, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract+, Equisetum Arvense Extract*, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract*, Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil*, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil*, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil*, Nasturtium Officinale (Nasturtium) Extract*, Prunus Percisa Nectarina Fruit (Nectarine) Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Fruit (Passion Flower) Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil*, Juniperus Virginiana (Cedarwood) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil*, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil*, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Commiphora Guidotti, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil*, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid*, Benzyl Alcohol*. *ECOCERT Certified Ingredient +Organic Ingredient. All Ingredients are Non-GMO.
#4 Giovanni Root 66 Max Volume Shampoo
You can never go wrong with the Giovanni brand! Love this brand so much. This amazing sulfate-free shampoo is formulated to infuse limp and lifeless hair with the Horsetail extract. This formula will help keep your curls vibrant and healthy – no damage, color stripping, or dulling of hair!
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Acrylates Copolymer, Decyl Glucoside, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride (Sea Salt), Natural Fragrance, *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, *Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, *Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, *Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, *Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate, Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide.
*Organically produced ingredient.
#5 Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo
Here is another great shampoo from Giovanni! Experience the difference with this special formula, designed to invigorate your scalp and create a healthier environment for strong and healthy hair.
Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water), Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, *Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, *Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Menthol, Glycerin, *Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Lauryl Glucoside, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Decyl Glucoside, Polyquaternium-7, Polysorbate 20, Fragrance, *Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, *Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract.
*Organically produced ingredient.
#6 Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating Clarifying Shampoo
Every curly head needs a great clarifying shampoo. This shampoo offers an exquisite experience of cleanliness accompanied by superb protection. According to Giovanni’s website, this is gentle enough for everyday use.
Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water), Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Polysorbate 20, Lauryl Glucoside, Glycerin, *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, *Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, *Betula Alba (Birch) Bark/Leaf Extract, Decyl Glucoside, *Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, *Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail Plant) Extract, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Natural Fragrance, *Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, *Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E).
*Organically produced ingredient.
#7 Hairstory (Original) New Wash
Although this is not a shampoo, per se, it contains a proprietary blend of essential oils and naturally derived saturated cleansers to cleanse your hair. Detergent-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, synthetic fragrance-free.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Fragrance/Parfum: ((Stearyl Alcohol, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Gluconolactone, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Menthyl Lactate, Ceteareth-20, Isopropyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Myroxylon Pereirae (Balsam Peru) Oil, Guaiacum Officinale Wood Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil)), Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Trisodium HEDTA, Calcium Gluconate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Alcohol.
#8 TréLuxe Gentle Cleansing Rinse
This one-of-a-kind, all-natural formula harnesses the nourishing properties of tomato extract and amino acids to strengthen your curls. Using this shampoo will boost curl elasticity, improve flexibility, hydrate hair, and reduce moisture loss while stabilizing bonds within the cortex for extra strength.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (Coconut derived), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Guar gum derived), Squalane (Olive derived), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Milk, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (Coconut derived), Ulmus Fulva (Slippery Elm) Bark Extract, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Lactobacillus/Tomato Fruit Ferment Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Keratin Amino Acids, Acyl Coenzyme A Desaturase, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Citric Acid.
#9 Innersense Pure Harmony Hairbath
This shampoo is ideal for fine to medium hair textures that will revitalize and strengthen your strands. This weightless, silicone-free formula contains natural ingredients such as quinoa, rice extracts, shea butter, coconut, and avocado oils that nourish the scalp while building body and restoring vibrancy to your curls.
Ingredients: Water/aqua/eau, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, glycerin, sodium chloride, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, butyrosepermum parkii (shea butter), citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus), cucurbita pepo (pumpkin seed oil)*, hydroxypropyltrimonium honey, hydrolyzed quinoa, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, sodium benzoate, hydrolyzed rice protein, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, oryza sativa (rice) bran oil, camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract*, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, persea gratissima (avocado)* fruit extract, mangifera indica (mango)* fruit extract.
*Certified Organic.
#10 MopTop Gentle Shampoo
This shampoo offers a nourishing cleanse for all hair types, utilizing coconut instead of harsh chemical detergents that may damage the scalp and hair. Those with curly hair will be especially pleased as this shampoo helps to maintain moisture and shine while allowing their curls to stay healthy and vibrant!
Although this contains Polyquaternium-10, it is listed near the end of the ingredients list, so I wouldn’t worry about it.
Ingredients: WATER, SODIUM C14-16 OLEFIN SULFONATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, COCAMIDE MEA, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, STEARETH-4, GLYCERIN, HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM HONEY, SILK AMINO ACIDS, HYPNEA MUSCIFORMIS EXTRACT (SEAWEED), GELIDIELLA ACEROSA EXTRACT (SEAWEED), SARGASSUM FILIPENDULA EXTRACT (SEAWEED), SORBITOL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, SALIX ALBA (WILLOW) BARK EXTRACT, URTICA DIOICA (NETTLE) EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL ACETATE (VITAMIN E), PANTHENOL (VITAMIN B5), GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, FRAGRANCE (PHTHALATE FREE), SODIUM PHYTATE, SORBIC ACID, SODIUM CHLORIDE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, CITRIC ACID.
#11 Righteous Roots Clarifying Shampoo
I love this shampoo by Righteous Roots. Since I work out almost every day, this is perfect for keeping my scalp and hair deodorized and clean!
Follow up with the 2-n-1 Conditioner to restore moisture and for best results.
Ingredients: Purified Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Lauryl Glucoside, Coco Glucoside, Polysorbate, PEG- Methyl Glucose Trioleate, Propanediol, Citrus Paradisi Grapefruit Peel Oil, Glycerin, Adansonia Digitata Oil, Baobab Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima, Avocado Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Shea Butter, Panthenol, Allantoin, Mentha Piperita Peppermint Oil, Menthol, Urtica Dioica Nettle Root Extract, Phytic Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Acrylamide Copolymer, Annatto Extract, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol.
#12 Raw Curls Wavy Swavy Cleanser
This cleanser is the perfect product for everyone with wavy hair, as it provides fullness to your waves while still controlling frizz and giving incredible shine. This formula utilizes all-natural organic ingredients, which is pretty awesome.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Quillaja Saponaria Extract*, Panthenol, Glycerin*, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract*, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract*, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract*, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract*, Centella Asiatica Extract*, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Silk Protein, Olea Europa (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil*, Calophyllum inophyllum (Tamanu) Oil*, Tocopherol, Passiflora Edulis (Passion Fruit) Seed Oil, Oriza Sativa (Rice Bran) Oil, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Pulp Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Starch Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract. *CERTIFIED ORGANIC.
#13 Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo
This shampoo delicately cleans and gently soothes hair, scalp, and even dryness. Rich with hydrating ingredients that deeply nourish the strands with vitamins and minerals for stronger curls, leaving your hair feeling silky smooth, and revitalized.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua/Eau), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycereth 26, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, DL Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycol Distearate, Polyquaternium 7, Stearyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance (parfum).
#14 Mill Creek Botanicals Therapy Formula Shampoo
Restore essential nutrients to your scalp and hair with this nourishing shampoo, enriched with Biotin of the B-complex family, Panthenol, Niacin, Folic Acid, Argan Oil, and Organic Aloe Vera. Treat your scalp to an invigorating experience too – thanks to Refreshing Peppermint Oil!
Ingredients: Deionized Water, Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Biotin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate (Coconut Oil Derived), Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (Coconut Oil Based), Alkyl Polyglucoside, Glycol Distearate, Cocamide MIPA, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Glycerin, *Organic Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Bark Extract, *Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, *Organic Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, *Organic Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Extract, *Organic Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, *Organic Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, *Organic Equisetum Arvense (Field Horsetail) Extract, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Cocoyl Methyl Taurate (Coconut Oil Based), Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Natural Fragrance.*Certified Organic Ingredients.
What is Fine Curly Hair?
Human hair is characterized into different groups depending on its texture and curl type – straight, slightly wavy, curly, or kinky. Within a group, they also vary in the porosity and diameter of the fiber. 2,3
Fine hair has lots of hairs with a small diameter and has loose curl patterns along the hair shaft. This curl pattern is distinct and is due to the special structural features within the fiber.
Through microscopic assessment, scientists discovered the different organization of cortical cells of the fine curly hair along their outer f and inner halves of the curve (major and minor axis along the shaft). 22,23
To put it plainly, hair is fragile at its curvature site due to the ratio of ortho-cortical and para-cortical cells. This extraordinary peculiarity has a significant influence on the physical and chemical properties of fine curly hair.
At their curvature (curl point), fine curly hairs are weak and can snap easily when pressure is applied. Additionally, these hair fibers hold less moisture content than straight hair, resulting in dryness. 24
For optimal maintenance and styling of fine curly hair, specialized hair care routines are a must.
How Fine Curly Hair is Different From Other Hair Types
After years of dealing with my fine curls, I know that they can become greasy quickly and give off an oily look at the roots unless regularly washed.
The scalp’s sebaceous glands constantly secrete an oily lubricating substance known as sebum which provides a fine film over the hair shaft. 24
A hyper-production of sebum and its deposits can make hair greasy, oily, and sticky with dust particles settling on the scalp, making hair sticky.
As a result, hair loses its natural outlook, shine, and texture, which makes choosing the right shampoo not something to be taken lightly.
To get your curls feeling light, fresh, and free of excess oil and greasiness, you need a shampoo formulation that can effectively break down sebum and clear away impurities.
Summary
Curly hair is distinct in its morphology and physicochemical properties, exhibiting a small diameter with a distinct curl pattern. Optimizing these specific features requires customized formulations tailored to the needs of curly-haired individuals.
The best shampoos for fine curly hair should comprise a blend of mild, green, and gentle surfactants blended with moisturizing and conditioning ingredients.
We hope this guide has been helpful in introducing shampoos specifically designed for fine curly hair.
Remember, what works for one may not necessarily work for another, so always pay attention to how your hair responds to products, and always remember to let your hair be your guide!
References
- Robbins, C. R., Chemical and physical behavior of human hair. 4th ed.; Springer-Verlag: New York, 2002. ↩︎
- Velasco, M. V. R., Dias, T. C. D. S., Freitas, A. Z. D., Júnior, N. D. V., Pinto, C. A. S. D. O., Kaneko, T. M., & Baby, A. R. (2009). Hair fiber characteristics and methods to evaluate hair physical and mechanical properties. Brazilian Journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 45, 153-162. ↩︎
- Syed, A. N.; Ayoub, H., Correlating porosity and tensile strength of chemically modified hair. Cosmetics and toiletries 2002, 117 (11), 57-64. ↩︎
- Draelos, Z. D. (2010). Essentials of Hair Care often Neglected: Hair Cleansing. Int J Trichology. 2010;2(1):24-9 ↩︎
- Marsh, J. M., Gray, J., Tosti, A., Marsh, J., Gray, J., & Tosti, A. (2015). Healthy Hair: Form and Function. Healthy Hair, 1-28 ↩︎
- Cline, A., Uwakwe, L. N., & McMichael, A. J. (2018). No sulfates, no parabens, and the “no-poo” method: a new patient perspective on common shampoo ingredients. Cutis, 101(1), 22-6. ↩︎
- Cornwell, P. A. (2018). A review of shampoo surfactant technology: consumer benefits, raw materials and recent developments. International journal of cosmetic science, 40(1), 16-30. ↩︎
- Ananthapadmanabhan, K., Amino-acid surfactants in personal cleansing. Tenside Surfactants Detergents 2019, 56 (5), 378-386. ↩︎
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