10 Best Curly Girl Method Approved Shampoos Available Now
Looking for a new shampoo for your curls? This list has you covered with a list of the best curly girl method approved shampoos available across the whole budget range.
The ingredients have been checked to make it easier for you to choose the right one!
We all know that a great shampoo makes a big difference to our curly hair.
Whether you are just starting out on your curly journey or have been following the Curly Girl Method for years, there are always more things we can learn and more products to try!
Even if you are not following the Curly Girl Method, the rules that it applies to shampoos are still very helpful when making a decision about which shampoo is best for your curly hair.
The Curly Girl Method has been around for decades and was created by stylist Lorraine Massey to help curly girls embrace their natural hair and maximize their curls. The method focuses on using sulfate-free and silicone-free products, avoiding harsh ingredients that can dry out and damage curly hair.
The History of the Curly Girl Method
Lorraine Massey was the pioneer of The Curly Girl Method. Lorraine wrote “Curly Girl: The Handbook” which was released in 2001. This book outlined a set of rules and guidelines for caring for naturally curly hair. The key idea behind the curly girl method is that curly hair needs moisture and that the right products must be used for curly hair to thrive. Curls are kept hydrated and defined by avoiding harsh sulfates, silicones and heat styling.
Curly hair is dry by nature due to the way sebum is distributed down our curl shafts from our scalp.
We want to retain as much moisture as possible.
There is a balancing act here. We want to retain and add additional moisture without making our roots greasy or weighing our curls down with so much moisture that it affects our curl pattern.
If you are already following CGM (Curly Girl Method) you will know what the big rules are. Just to run through them again..
Curly Girl Method Shampoo Rules
- No sulphates
Sulphates are harsh detergents found in most shampoos that can strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils as they remove grease and dirt. This can lead to dry, brittle hair. CGM recommends avoiding shampoos containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) or any ingredient ending in “sulfate.” Mild cleansers derived from coconuts called cocamidopropyl betaine are a better choice.
- No silicones
Silicones are often used to fight frizz and add shine. The problem is that they sit on the surface of your hair and can build up, making it seem greasy; leading to the temptation to wash more frequently. This silicone coating can also prevent moisture from penetrating the hair.
- No drying alcohols (not typically found in shampoos but just in case..)
These alcohols draw moisture away from your hair, causing the cuticle to roughen. This in turn dries hair out and can make it brittle and prone to breakage.
- No mineral oils or waxes
These can build up on hair and are difficult to remove meaning that they will weigh your hair down
There is much discussion around parabens and there isn’t a definitive CGM answer. Parabens are preservatives that are used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould in cosmetics. Unfortunately, parabens like methylparaben and propylparaben have been linked to hormone disruption. Paraben-free products with natural preservatives are considered to be a safer option.
If the shampoo is paraben-free I will list that separately.
Instead, the curly girl method focuses on:
With this in mind, here come the Curly Girl Method approved shampoos, all of which fit the criteria listed above.
Sometimes I will recommend one shampoo from a whole range when in fact the whole range is CGM approved and worth looking into further!
– As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I receive a commission if you buy any of the products below through the links provided. It doesn’t affect the price you pay and helps to run this website. Thank you x
Best Light, Everyday Shampoos
OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo
- light hydration
- contains coconut oil
- lightweight
- removes product build-up
- increases manageability
Curlsmith Shine Shampoo, Gentle, Sensitive, Fragrance-free
- gentle for daily use
- fragrance-free
- paraben-free
Best Shampoos For Moisturising Curls
Cantu Sulphate-Free Cleansing Cream
- made with shea butter
- deep cleans
- moisturises to prevent breakage
- paraben – free
Noughty To The Rescue Moisture Boost Shampoo
- intensely moisturing for dry/damaged hair
- 97% natural
- vegan
- cruelty free
- paraben free
Sukin Natural Hydrating Shampoo
- contains shea butter, olive oil and coconut extract to nourish
- lightweight
- vegan
- cruelty-free
- blocks humidity to provide frizz protection
- smoothes and nourishes
- cruelty-free
- paraben-free
Best Detox Shampoos to Remove Build-Up
- removes build-up from products, pollution, hard water, and chlorine
- paraben-free
- Especially good for oily hair
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo
- gently refreshes hair and scalp
- removes impurities
- invigorating peppermint, rosemary and eucalyptus
Additional Points to Consider
Avoiding Phthalates
Phthalates are often added to hair products to increase flexibility and softness. Certain phthalates like dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) may act as endocrine disruptors and carcinogens. Check product labels and try to avoid anything with “phthalate” listed as an ingredient.
By avoiding these harsh chemicals and opting for moisturizing, natural ingredients, you’ll have your curls looking and feeling their best in no time.
Have a shampoo that you want to check? You can copy the ingredients into Is It CG? to find out if it is Curly Girl Method Approved
I hope this list is helpful. Finding the right shampoo for your curls will make a huge difference and the Curly Girl Method is always a good place to start!
Lauren xx
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