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Washing your hair may sound simple, just apply shampoo and rinse, but if you’re embracing your natural curls, wash day takes on a whole new meaning! Should we use shampoo with curly hair? What type of shampoo should we be using, if any? 

As with most things curly-related, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Let’s dive in and see how to take care of our gorgeous curls.

Should we use Shampoo or Co-wash for Curly Hair?

Some curlies prefer to avoid shampoo in their routine, but the right shampoo can be beneficial for curls. Those with fine hair or looser curl patterns may find they need to use shampoo more regularly as these hair types are more easily weighed down and can be prone to build-up.

For those with thicker curls, co-washing regularly may be better suited to their hair to add more moisture, and they can do a deeper clean with shampoo less frequently. A co-wash is a hybrid between a shampoo and a conditioner. It gently cleans your hair while also adding moisture. See more about co-washing here.

Whatever your preferred method, it’s so important to make sure that our scalps are cleansed properly to maintain healthy hair. 

To find out how often we should be washing our curls, check out our guidelines here.

Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo For The Best Curls

The best regular shampoo to use on natural waves and curls is what’s known as a “low-poo.” This is simply a shampoo that is free of sulfates. One such shampoo is our All Curl Cleanser, which has no sulfates and is kind on curls. Its special formula gently foams and cleans without stripping the hair of its natural oils, with the gentle foaming action naturally derived from coconuts. 

Why no sulfates? Sulfates are not a bad ingredient, they are a very effective cleansing agent, however they can be a little too harsh on curly hair. This is because curly hair is typically dry as it takes much longer for the natural oils from our scalps to travel down the spirals. So the tighter your curls, the dryer your hair may be.

How to Use Shampoo on Curls

To use the sulfate-free All Curl Cleanser, first rinse the hair with lukewarm water. The lower temperature of the water protects the hair and keeps in as much hydration as possible. Use about a 50p-piece sized amount of Cleanser.

A key step is mixing the Cleanser in your hands before applying. This is known as emulsifying, which makes it easier to apply more evenly. It cleans your hair more effectively and causes less tangling when massaging the shampoo through your scalp and hair. 

Focus the Cleanser at your roots first as this is where the shampoo is needed most. It’s a great time to grab your scalp massager to gently work the product into your roots. Rinse and then start your second cleanse. 

Double cleansing isn’t essential but it does make a difference, especially when using gentler shampoos. On the second cleanse, focus on the scalp again, working in sections if you have thick hair to make sure the scalp is properly clean and free of product build-up.

After this, gently work the Cleanser down into your lengths without rubbing the hair. Smooth the product into the rest of your hair and rinse thoroughly. Now it’s time for your Conditioner!

Are you a shampoo lover or hater? Give our gentle sulfate-free Cleanser a try to see if it’s the step your curls have been missing.

Why not try our whole Only Curls routine on your next wash day with our handy Starter Bundle? It has everything you need for a successful wash day!

When it comes to caring for curls, the right finishing product can make all the difference. But with so many choices out there, it’s easy to wonder:Should I be using a serum or a hair oil? And what’s the difference anyway? Let's look at our Shine & Define Serum and our Nourishing Hair Oil to see which one is right for your curls.

At Only Curls, we believe your curls deserve products that deliver real results — without the heavy buildup or harsh ingredients. That’s exactly why we created theShine & Define Serum. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients in our Shine & Define Serum, and how each one helps your curls look and feel their best.

​Curly hair, with its unique texture and structure, is more fragile and needs proper care to remain healthy and frizz-free. If you're struggling with frizz, damage, or dryness, you might be making one of these 10 common curly hair mistakes. 

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