My hair has a mind of its own. It tends to look frizzy and unruly, but when it gets wet, I notice that it becomes curly (and I just love them). But after a couple of hours, those lovely curls become frizzy and unmanageable. This makes me wonder whether my hair needs more moisture, better curl definition or simply a shampoo that cleanses without leaving my lengths feeling dry.
I have realised choosing a shampoo isn't just about picking one that promises smoother, shinier hair. I also need to consider my scalp, the dryness of my lengths and whether the formula will help my natural texture look more manageable.
I looked at five options across different price points and formulations. While some focus on volume, others are designed to smooth frizz, nourish dry strands or provide gentle cleansing.
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When I tried the L'Oréal Paris Collagen Lifter Volumizing Shampoo, I knew I took the right bottle. This shampoo gave my hair a fuller-looking appearance. Its collagen peptide formula focuses on volume, bounce and lightweight movement.
What appeals to me: I like the idea of a shampoo that cleanses the scalp without leaving my hair feeling weighed down. If my roots feel flat while my lengths remain frizzy, a lightweight formula could be useful. The volume-focused approach may also suit days when I want my hair to look fuller.
What could be better: My primary concern is frizz and curl definition, rather than volume alone. A volumising shampoo may not provide enough conditioning for dry, curly lengths, and its cleansing ingredients may feel too strong for some hair types. I would pair it with a moisturising conditioner and assess whether my hair feels soft after washing.
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When I tried my hands on Kerastase shampoo, I knew this shampoo was meant for my hair. The shampoo is designed for unruly hair that needs smoothing and improved manageability. Its formula includes conditioning agents and the brand's Morpho-Kératine technology, designed to smooth the hair fibre and make strands easier to manage.
What appeals to me: Of all the options, this is particularly interesting for someone dealing with persistent frizz. I would look to it for improved softness, easier detangling and a smoother finish. It may be worth considering if my hair becomes difficult to manage after washing.
What could be better: The most important thing to consider is that it is a premium-priced option, so I would want to see a noticeable improvement in manageability to justify the investment. Also, smoother hair does not automatically mean better-defined curls. I would check whether the formula leaves my natural texture bouncy or makes it look less defined.
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Plum's Coconut Milk & Peptides Strength & Shine Shampoo nourishes dry strands, improves softness, and enhances shine. Coconut milk and peptides are among its featured ingredients.
What appeals to me: Since my hair becomes curly when wet, I would pay particular attention to how moisturised my lengths feel after shampooing. A formula designed to soften strands and improve manageability sounds promising for hair that looks rough or frizzy. I also like that the product focuses on shine rather than simply making bold smoothing claims.
What could be better: A nourishing shampoo is not necessarily a complete solution for frizz. The formula contains cleansing agents, including sodium laureth sulphate, so I would assess how my hair responds rather than assuming it will be gentle enough for every wash. I would also need a conditioner or leave-in product to help my curls retain moisture and definition.
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Pilgrim Keratin Strengthening Shampoo focuses on strengthening hair and improving its appearance. Keratin-focused products can appeal when strands feel rough, look damaged, or are hard to detangle.
What appeals to me: I would consider this option if my frizz is accompanied by roughness and breakage. A strengthening-focused shampoo could fit into a routine that aims to improve manageability and reduce the need for excessive brushing or heat styling.
What could be better: Strengthening and moisturising are not the same thing. My hair needs to feel soft and flexible, not merely smooth on the surface. I would check the current ingredient list and whether the formula suits my scalp before buying it. I would also avoid expecting a keratin shampoo to permanently change my natural curl pattern.
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Moxie Beauty's Gentle Cleansing Shampoo is formulated for hair types including wavy, curly, dry and frizzy hair. It features yacon root and hydrolysed sweet almond protein and is marketed as a sulphate-free, silicone-free cleanser.
What appeals to me: This is perhaps the most directly relevant option for my hair concerns. I like that it is designed to cleanse the scalp while helping the lengths retain moisture. Its focus on wavy and curly hair makes it worth considering if I want to work with my natural texture instead of fighting it.
What could be better: Gentle cleansing alone may not control persistent frizz. I would still need a suitable conditioner and potentially a curl cream or gel to help define my curls. I would also check whether it removes oil and styling-product buildup effectively enough for my washing routine.
How I would choose the right shampoo for my curls
My biggest takeaway is that frizzy hair needs a routine based on its actual needs, rather than a shampoo label alone.
For dry, frizzy lengths: I would look for a moisturising formula that leaves the hair soft without making it limp.
For natural curls or waves: I would prioritise gentle cleansing and follow it with a conditioner that supports detangling and curl definition.
For an oily scalp: I would choose a cleanser that removes excess oil and buildup while avoiding unnecessary dryness through the lengths.
For damaged hair: I would consider strengthening ingredients alongside conditioning products that improve softness and flexibility.
For fine hair: I would balance moisture with lightweight cleansing so that my curls do not lose their bounce.
I would also apply shampoo mainly to my scalp, use conditioner through the lengths and avoid rough towel-drying. Once my hair is damp, a leave-in conditioner or curl-defining product may help reduce frizz and encourage my natural curl pattern.
Ultimately, I would be inclined to start with a curl-friendly cleanser such as Moxie Beauty if gentle cleansing is my priority, or explore Kérastase if smoothing and manageability are my main concerns. The right choice is the one that leaves my scalp clean, my lengths comfortable, and my natural curls easier to manage.
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