Choosing the right shampoo for curly or wavy hair is essential to keep it healthy, defined and hydrated. But how do you navigate the thousands of options on the market? Have you ever found yourself undecided between so many options? Would you like to better understand how to make more informed choices? Don't worry, here we will explain what to look for and what to avoid on the label of a shampoo, with some practical advice to help you make the best choice!

1. Why Shampoo is Important (But Shouldn't Be Used Too Often)

Shampooing helps eliminate excess sebum, dirt and styling product residue, but don't overdo it: sebum is a natural protection for your hair. For curls, which tend to be drier, it's essential to find a balance between cleansing and hydration. Washing your hair too often or with harsh products can make your hair dry, frizzy and brittle.

2. Ingredients to avoid: beware of sulphates

Surfactants are the ingredients that foam and cleanse your hair. There are several types of surfactants, but the most common ones in shampoos are sulfates. Sulfates are very effective at removing dirt, but they can be too harsh for curly, dry, and delicate hair, stripping away its natural oils.
Many shampoos contain sulfates Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) , Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) , or Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) . These are powerful cleansers that remove dirt and oil, but they are often too harsh, especially for curly hair. Here's what they do:

• They dry out your hair: They remove too many of your hair's natural oils, leaving it dry and frizzy.
• They damage curls: hair loses elasticity and definition

Tip: If you see ingredients ending in “-sulfate” on the label, it’s best to avoid them if you have dry or curly hair.

3. What to look for: Gentle surfactants and nourishing ingredients

Not all detergents are aggressive. Some surfactants are more delicate and perfect for those with curly hair. Here are the ingredients that are friends of your hair:

• Decyl Glucoside and Lauryl Glucoside : Ultra-delicate and natural detergents, perfect for cleaning without attacking and drying the hair, because they respect its structure.
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine: A versatile ingredient that helps to gently cleanse while maintaining the hair's natural moisture. It is widely used in baby shampoos because of its gentleness.
• Behentrimonium Methosulfate: Despite the name "sulfate", this is a super gentle ingredient. Derived from rapeseed oil, it helps detangle hair without weighing it down or damaging it.

Other hydrating ingredients that are also good to find on the label are the following:

• Shea Butter: Nourishes and protects, making hair elastic and soft.
• Olive oil : Softens, shines and protects hair.
• Aloe vera: Moisturizes and soothes the scalp.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Locks in moisture, deeply hydrating.
• Proteins: Strengthen the hair fiber and reduce breakage.

4. “Sulfate-Free” Shampoo: Pay Attention to Labels

“ Sulfate-free ” is often a marketing term. A shampoo may not contain sulfates, but it still includes harsh detergents. Read the label carefully and look for ingredients listed above to make sure the shampoo is truly gentle.

5. What about shampoo with sulphates? When to use it

Shampoos with sulfates can also play a role, but only occasionally. For example:

• Deep cleansing: Use once a month to remove product residue or impurities.
• Pre-treatments: prepare the hair to receive nourishing conditioners or masks.

If you choose a shampoo with sulfates, look for gentler formulations, such as Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate or Sodium Coco-Sulfate , which are much gentler sulfates than the others.

6. Pay attention to the list and order of ingredients

Ingredients are listed in decreasing order of quantity. Look for products that have gentle surfactants like Decyl Glucoside or Cocamidopropyl Betaine near the top of the list. This ensures that you are purchasing a shampoo that will moisturize and protect your curls.

7. Leonia's advice

For your curls, choose shampoos that respect your hair type: gentle, hydrating and free of harsh surfactants. Avoid washing your hair too frequently to avoid stripping it of its natural oils. If your curls are falling apart between washes, opt for a styling refresh, without re-washing your hair. For routine washing, opt for a shampoo without the harsh sulfates mentioned above, while for a deeper clean once a month you can use a shampoo with gentler sulfates, such as Sodium Coco-Sulfate, which will not overly dry your hair. Remember, the key to healthy, defined curly hair is proper hydration and a personalized, consistent washing routine.