When it comes to choosing a shampoo to use for your afro hair, you need to be selective as there are different types of shampoo on the market. Some shampoo products were made with Africans in mind while others were made for Caucasians. As you might know, research has shown that Caucasians and Asians have more hair follicles than we do even though our natural hair may look fuller. The reason is that, of all hair types, afro hair is the most vulnerable to breakage, and using the shampoo made for Caucasians can strip both hair and scalp, ruffle the cuticle or dehydrate already parched curls. We know that it can be tough for you to shop for afro hair products in a market saturated with products for people with straight hair. This is why we have done the hard work for by researching and compiling the best shampoos for natural hair.

Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo

If you’re looking for a shampoo that will soften your afro hair, Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo is one of the best shampoos that will get the job done without weighing your hair down. Made from natural ingredients including ultralight buriti oil, this shampoo will make your tresses feel soft and rejuvenated with moisture, leaving it soft, supple and shiny. It is notably used for drenching dry, brittle hair with intense moisture while removing oil and dirt. Being lightweight, you can use this shampoo every day to keep your hair moisturised without worries that it will cause build-up.

Boucléme Curl Cleanser

The Boucléme Curl Cleanser is gentle enough for daily use as it gently cleanses the scalp and hair for a clean feel without disrupting moisture levels. It is ideal for people with medium or thick curls as well as those with very dry hair. Made from a mixture of ingredients like argan and coconut oils, this shampoo will nourish and moisturise your hair cuticle from inside out. Its non-foaming nature is highly beneficial as it doesn’t strip both scalp and hair, ruffle the cuticle or dehydrate already parched curls. To make up for its lack of bubbles, Boucléme Curl Cleanser has a pleasant fragrance to make the cleansing experience a revitalising one.

Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Shampoo

This shampoo, alongside a range of other products, is the result of over 26 years of expertise of award-winning stylist, Charlotte Mensah. Tried, tested and loved by her clients, Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Shampoo is suitable for Afro, mixed and curly textured hair types as it contains softening, hydrating and detangling properties. It instantly moisturises and cleanses the scalp, leaving your hair supple and manageable. This creamy shampoo uses a blend of ManKetti Nut and Ximenia oils to nourish your hair, letting its natural beauty shine through.

Afrocenchix Swish Moisturising Shampoo

AFrocenchix is a sulphate-free moisturising shampoo that combines Pro-Vitamin B5 with yummy essential oils and Aloe Vera to soften and nourish your natural hair. It is gentle enough to use several times a week as it has no harsh chemicals since its ingredients are all-natural. Afrocenchix is particularly suitable for Afro hair as it cleanses the hair and removes build-up without stripping your hair of moisture. Instead, it helps the hair absorb moisture successfully and keep it in longer.  In addition to its benefits, this shampoo is free from sulphates and parabens and is also vegan-friendly.

Trepadora Hibiscus Pink Cleansing Clay-Wash

Infused with the organic Peruvian Inca Inchi oil that grows in the Amazon rainforest, the Hibiscus Pink Cleansing Clay-wash is a moisture-boosting formula designed to purify your scalp and restore precious moisture to your hair while enhancing elasticity. It can help alleviate scalp conditions as well as encourage and strengthen beautiful curls. Like other products on the list, this shampoo will leave your hair and scalp feeling clean without stripping it completely of moisture.

Almocado Stage 2 Hibiscus Shampoo

Derived from a carefully selected combination of premium products, Almocado Stage 2 Hibiscus Shampoo is suitable for all hair types. It seeks to penetrate your hair to aid detangling, reduce friction when combing, and keep the hair soft and supple. It cleanses and saturates the hair with a good amount of moisture from root to tip, and has a smooth, silky consistency as well as a subtle, sweet scent. And to add; if you like some lather, this shampoo will give you just enough to make you happy.

KeraCare Hydrating/Detangling shampoo

Keracare Hydrating/Detangling Shampoo is one of the best shampoos for those with natural hair as it is formulated with natural botanical extracts to decrease inter-fibre friction, repair damaged areas around along the hair shaft and fly-away split ends. It is also designed to clean your hair of oil, dirt and styling products build-up without stripping. It moisturises the hair as it conditions it for a healthy-looking appearance and feels as well as encourages detangling for easy wet and dry combing.

Compared to other hair types, Afro hair has a higher tendency to tangle and break as well to sustain damage. Simply put, dryness is the bane of afro hair and you need to know what hair care products to use.  If you’re looking to strengthen your tresses, get rid of tangles and keep your hair moisturised,  check out any of the tried and tested products above. These shampoos are all free from sulphate, meaning they will remove build-up without stripping your hair of precious moisture.