Why does curly hair need different shampoo?
Most curly hair products (but not all) are formulated without sulfates. This is because sulfates, which are added to shampoo to help cleanse away dirt, tend to also strip curls of their all-important natural oils, which can leave them feeling (and looking) dull and dry.
Curls of all types are more susceptible, in general, to dryness. And that's why most shampoos formulated specifically for curly hair place extra emphasis on moisturizing, hydrating ingredients, like natural oils, aloe vera, and shea butter, for example.
The best cruelty-free shampoos for curly hair
Unfortunately, not all curly hair shampoos are cruelty-free. L'Oréal, for example, offers several different products for curls, but the company is associated with animal testing. The same goes for John Frieda, which isn't considered cruelty-free, and neither is its parent company, Kao.
But that said, if you want to take care of your hair and the animals at the same time, you do have plenty of ethical options. Below, we've gathered some of favorite cruelty-free shampoos, all of which are formulated specifically for curly hair types.
Benefits | Moisturizing, cleansing |
Vegan product? | Not specified |
Vegan brand? | No |
Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - Unilever |
For super dry curls in need of an urgent burst of hydration, this sulfate-free shampoo from Shea Moisture is well worth a try.
The blend of antioxidant-rich argan oil and strengthening sea kelp will help to deeply moisturize your strands, leaving you with a shiny, soft, beautiful head of curls (which smell delicious, too!).
Best for tangles:
Living Proof
Curl Shampoo
$35
Benefits | Detangling, strengthening, improved curl definition |
Vegan product? | Yes |
Vegan brand? | No |
Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - Unilever |
If you're suffering from the dreaded frizz, this formula from Living Proof will help to soften your strands and give your curls extra definition at the same time.
It will also work out any stubborn tangles and gently cleanse and hydrate your hair, all with just one wash.
It's also color-safe, free of sulfates, parabens, and formaldehyde, and safe for chemically-treated hair.
Benefits | Softening, moisturizing |
Vegan product? | Yes |
Vegan brand? | No |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
This sulfate-free formula from Giovanni contains hand-picked rose petals, as well as ultra-hydrating aloe vera.
Designed to transform tired, lackluster hair into a head of silky, soft curls, this vegan shampoo may just become your new favorite part of your haircare routine.
Briogeo
Curl Charisma
$28
Key ingredients | Hydrating, improved curl definition |
Vegan product? | Yes |
Vegan brand? | No |
Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - Wella |
This creamy formula contains rice protein, which is linked with an improvement in hair manageability, as well as avocado, which is ultra-moisturizing, thanks to its healthy fat content.
Whether you have tight coils, loose curls, or flowing waves, this formula from Briogeo will help to reduce frizz, detangle stubborn knots, and leave your hair feeling softer than ever.
Benefits | Softening, nourishing |
Vegan product? | Yes |
Vegan brand? | No |
Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - Procter & Gamble |
Argan oil is loaded with antioxidants, which is why it's a popular ingredient for haircare products. It's nourishing and moisturizing, and will help to leave your curls bouncy and silky soft.
Bonus: This Herbal Essences shampoo is also available in a refillable aluminum bottle, so you can take good care of your hair and reduce your plastic waste at the same time.
Best for tackling frizz:
Benefits | Reduces frizz, softening, moisturizing |
Vegan product? | Yes |
Vegan brand? | Yes |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
Nourish dry hair with this ultra-hydrating formula from JVN, which was launched by Queer Eye star and professional hair stylist Jonathan Van Ness back in the spring of 2022.
With a little help from aloe vera juice and panthenol (which is also often listed as pro-vitamin B5), the shampoo will help to rejuvenate and de-frizz many different hair types, from tight coils to loose waves.
Benefits | Reduces frizz, moisturizing |
Vegan product? | Not specified |
Vegan brand? | No |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
Ok, so this one is cheating a little because it's not actually shampoo. But it's included on this list because it's a co-wash, which takes the place of shampoo in your haircare routine, as it's also designed to wash and clean your hair.
The formula, which will cleanse your hair without the lather, contains a blend of three hydrating, nourishing oils: monoi, pequi, and jojoba.
Key ingredients | Strengthening, nourishing |
Vegan product? | Yes |
Vegan brand? | No |
Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - L'Oréal |
A healthy scalp means healthy hair, and vitamin E is one of the best nutrients you can add to your routine to nourish your scalp.
This formula by Garnier contains vitamin E, as well as moisturizing avocado oil, which will help to strengthen, soften, and hydrate your curls, without feeling too oily or greasy.
Key ingredients | Improves definition |
Vegan product? | Yes |
Vegan brand? | Yes |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
Function of Beauty isn't like other haircare brands on the market; instead of formulating one-size-fits-all products, it creates unique, customizable formulas.
So while this Curly Hair Shampoo will work to cleanse and define curls, you can also buy booster shots to mix in, depending on your individual hair needs.
If you're suffering from frizz, for example, you could mix in one of the brand's Anti Frizz #Hairgoal Booster Shots, which was formulated with beetroot extract.
Aveda
Be Curly
$29
Benefits | Reduces frizz, cleansing |
Vegan product? | Yes |
Vegan brand? | Yes |
Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - Estée Lauder |
This best-selling formula from Aveda contains wheat protein, which, as an ultra-hydrating ingredient, will help to give your hair a boost of moisture, while strengthening and nourishing your strands at the same time.
It will also help to de-frizz your locks and add shine, too, leaving you with a glossy head of bouncy, soft curls.
Best low-budget option:
Aussie
Miracle Curls Shampoo
$3.99
Benefits | Cleansing, moisturizing |
Vegan product? | Not specified |
Vegan brand? | No |
Parent company tests on animals? | Yes - Procter & Gamble |
Designed for 3a, 3b, and 3c curls, rather than loose waves or tight coils, Aussie's Miracle Curls shampoo is color-safe and paraben-free.
The formula contains jojoba oil, which will help to moisturize your hair from the inside out, and coconut oil, which is renowned for its ability to revitalize dry and damaged strands.
Benefits | Nourishing, cleansing |
Vegan product? | Yes |
Vegan brand? | No |
Parent company tests on animals? | No |
Detoxify, cleanse, clarify, and nourish your hair with this formula from Not Your Mother's.
While it's suitable for all hair types, it's particularly suited to those with loose waves who are looking to hydrate and wash away excess oil.
This is one to keep on hand for days when you're hair is looking extra dull and dry.
The verdict
While not all curly hair shampoos are cruelty-free, if you're looking for kinder options that don't come from brands associated with animal testing, you have plenty of choice. To summarize, here are some of our favorites:
Best for tangles: Living Proof Curl Shampoo
Best for tackling frizz: JVN Hair Nurture Hydrating Shampoo
Most affordable: Aussie Miracle Curls Shampoo
Which Brands Are Cruelty-Free?
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