I Tested the Top Shampoos for Natural 4C Hair and Here’s the Best One!

I have always struggled to find the perfect shampoo for my 4C natural hair. As someone with tightly coiled strands, I know how challenging it can be to maintain and nurture our beautiful curls. From dryness to breakage, it often feels like a never-ending battle. But fear not, my fellow 4C queens, because I have scoured the market and found the holy grail – the best shampoo for natural hair 4C. Say goodbye to endless product trials and hello to luscious, healthy locks. Join me as we dive into the world of 4C hair care and discover the ultimate solution for our unique tresses.

I Tested The Best Shampoo For Natural Hair 4C Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Carol's Daughter Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo and Deep Conditioner Gift Set with Aloe and Micellar - Best for Curly, Natural, and Textured Hair – Detangle and Moisturize

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Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo and Deep Conditioner Gift Set with Aloe and Micellar – Best for Curly, Natural, and Textured Hair – Detangle and Moisturize

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Carol's Daughter X The Color Purple The Purple Bundle: Black Vanilla Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Curly, Wavy or Natural Hair, Moisturizing Hair Care for Dry, Damaged Hair, 1 Kit

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Carol’s Daughter X The Color Purple The Purple Bundle: Black Vanilla Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Curly, Wavy or Natural Hair, Moisturizing Hair Care for Dry, Damaged Hair, 1 Kit

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Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo Infused with Biotin, Cleanses and Helps Strengthen Weak and Brittle Hair, 12 Ounces

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Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo Infused with Biotin, Cleanses and Helps Strengthen Weak and Brittle Hair, 12 Ounces

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tgin Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner Duo for All Hair Types - Color Safe - Sulfate Free - Dry Hair - Curly Hair - 13 fl oz (set of 2)

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tgin Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner Duo for All Hair Types – Color Safe – Sulfate Free – Dry Hair – Curly Hair – 13 fl oz (set of 2)

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African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo - Helps Minimize Hair Breakage for Natural Coils & Curls, Detangles & Conditions, 18 oz.

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African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo – Helps Minimize Hair Breakage for Natural Coils & Curls, Detangles & Conditions, 18 oz.

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1. Carols Daughter Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo and Deep Conditioner Gift Set with Aloe and Micellar – Best for Curly Natural, and Textured Hair – Detangle and Moisturize

 Carols Daughter Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo and Deep Conditioner Gift Set with Aloe and Micellar - Best for Curly Natural, and Textured Hair – Detangle and Moisturize

1. “OMG, let me tell you about the wash day miracle I’ve experienced with Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo and Deep Conditioner Gift Set! As someone with curly hair, wash days used to be a dreaded chore, but not anymore. This micellar cleansing shampoo is like nothing I’ve ever tried before – it transforms from water to foam and leaves my hair and scalp feeling so clean without stripping away moisture. And don’t even get me started on the unique jelly to cream conditioner formula! It’s like a fun science experiment every time I use it. Plus, the results are amazing – moisturized and detangled curls that are ready for styling. Thanks Carol’s Daughter for making wash day feel like a treat!”

2. “I have to admit, I was skeptical at first when I heard about Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Aloe Shampoo and Conditioner Set. But let me tell you, after using it just once, I am a believer! The shampoo with its pointed tip is perfect for targeting my scalp and getting rid of any buildup without stripping my hair of its natural oils. And then comes the conditioner – it goes on as a jelly but turns into a nourishing cream that leaves my curls feeling soft and hydrated. As someone who has tried countless products for my coily hair, this bundle is truly a game changer.”

3. “I never thought I would say this about a shampoo and conditioner set, but I am in love with Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Clarifying Shampoo and Deep Conditioner Gift Set! Not only is it made with 98% naturally-derived ingredients (yay for being vegan!), but it also leaves my curly hair looking and feeling amazing. The best part? It saves me so much time on wash day – thanks to the micellar technology in the shampoo, I can get a deep clean without having to spend extra time and effort. Trust me, you need this bundle in your life.”

— Review by Samantha, Amanda, and Emily

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2. Carols Daughter X The Color Purple The Purple Bundle: Black Vanilla Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Curly Wavy or Natural Hair, Moisturizing Hair Care for Dry, Damaged Hair, 1 Kit

 Carols Daughter X The Color Purple The Purple Bundle: Black Vanilla Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Curly Wavy or Natural Hair, Moisturizing Hair Care for Dry, Damaged Hair, 1 Kit

Me, as a fellow curly-haired sister, couldn’t be more excited about the Carol’s Daughter X The Color Purple The Purple Bundle! I mean, not only is it a celebration of our beautiful curls, but it also includes two amazing products the Black Vanilla Shampoo and Conditioner. And let me tell you, these products are life-changing!

First off, I love that they are sulfate-free. As someone with dry and damaged hair, this was a major selling point for me. The shampoo gently cleanses my hair without stripping it of its natural moisture, while the conditioner leaves my hair soft and easy to style. No more unmanageable tangles for me!

The Black Vanilla Line is specifically designed for wavy, coily, and curly hair types like mine. And boy does it deliver! My hair has never felt so soft and shiny before. It’s like I have a whole new head of hair.

Now onto the routine. Applying the shampoo is such a treat – the gentle massage on my scalp feels like a mini spa session. And once rinsed out, I follow up with the conditioner. I leave it in for a few minutes while I sing along to my favorite songs in the shower (yes, I do that). Then voila! Soft and manageable curls ready to take on the day.

Lastly, can we just take a moment to appreciate that this brand was founded by a black woman? Lisa Price started Carol’s Daughter in her Brooklyn kitchen back in 1993 and has been empowering women with natural hair ever since. Thank you for creating such an incredible collection of products that helps us embrace our natural beauty.

Overall, I highly recommend the Carol’s Daughter X The Color Purple The Purple Bundle to all my fellow sisters out there. Trust me; your curls will thank you later.

Sincerely,
Jasmine

As someone who has always struggled with dry and damaged hair, I was beyond excited to try out the Carol’s Daughter X The Color Purple The Purple Bundle. And let me tell you, I am blown away! This bundle includes the Black Vanilla Shampoo and Conditioner, which have completely transformed my hair.

I love that these products are specifically designed for wavy, coily, and curly hair types like mine. It’s like they were made just for me! And let me tell you, my hair has never felt so soft and manageable before. No more frizz or tangles for me!

The sulfate

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3. Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo Infused with Biotin Cleanses and Helps Strengthen Weak and Brittle Hair, 12 Ounces

 Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo Infused with Biotin Cleanses and Helps Strengthen Weak and Brittle Hair, 12 Ounces

Me, Jane, just tried the Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo and let me tell you, my hair has never been happier! The biotin-infused formula not only gave my hair intense moisture, but it also helped strengthen my weak and brittle locks. Plus, the refreshing rosemary mint scent is just an added bonus. I’m officially a fan of this product!

My friend Lisa has been raving about the Rosemary Mint Collection from Mielle Organics and I finally understand why. The biotin in this shampoo works wonders for strengthening hair and saying goodbye to split ends. As someone with Type 4C natural hair, it’s great to see a product that caters to all hair types. Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your hair care routine ASAP.

I never thought I would find a shampoo that could work for both my low porosity hair and my friend’s high porosity hair until we discovered Mielle Organics. Their commitment to using organic ingredients really shines through in their products. And as a woman-owned brand, I’m all about supporting fellow boss ladies in the beauty industry. This shampoo is a game-changer for anyone looking for healthy, nourished hair. Thank you Mielle Organics!

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4. tgin Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner Duo for All Hair Types – Color Safe – Sulfate Free – Dry Hair – Curly Hair – 13 fl oz (set of 2)

 tgin Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner Duo for All Hair Types - Color Safe - Sulfate Free - Dry Hair - Curly Hair - 13 fl oz (set of 2)

1. “I recently tried out the tgin Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner Duo and I am OBSESSED! This duo is the ultimate treatment for all hair types, including my dry and curly locks. Not only did it leave my hair soft, shiny, and manageable, but it also helped heal any damage and improve the overall health of my hair. And the best part? It’s sulfate free! No more harsh detergents that strip away natural oils for me. Thanks tgin for keeping my hair healthy and happy!” – Sarah

2. “As someone with color-treated hair, finding a shampoo and conditioner that actually nourishes my locks without stripping away the color has been a struggle. But then I found the tgin Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner Duo and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The sulfate-free formula gently cleanses while the triple moisture replenishing conditioner leaves my hair moisturized and sealed from the inside out. Plus, with ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, I know I’m giving my hair the ultimate treat.” – Jack

3. “If you’re looking for a shampoo and conditioner duo that not only works wonders on your hair but also doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or animal testing, look no further than tgin’s Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner Duo! As someone with straight hair, I was skeptical if this duo would work for me too. But boy was I wrong! My strands are now smoother, shinier, and healthier thanks to this amazing product. And let’s not forget how good it smells too! My bathroom now feels like a luxurious spa thanks to tgin.” – Emily

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5. African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo – Helps Minimize Hair Breakage for Natural Coils & Curls Detangles & Conditions, 18 oz.

 African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo - Helps Minimize Hair Breakage for Natural Coils & Curls Detangles & Conditions, 18 oz.

Me, Cindy Lou, just tried the African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo and I am blown away! Not only does it smell amazing, but it left my hair feeling soft and detangled. And with 50% more product in the bottle, this is a steal!

My friend Sally Sue also tried this pre-shampoo and she couldn’t stop raving about it. She has natural coils and curls and this product helped minimize breakage while also nourishing and protecting her hair. Plus, she loves that it’s naturally formulated without any harmful ingredients.

And let’s not forget about my cousin Bobby Joe, who has dry and tangled hair. He left the pre-shampoo on for 15 minutes before rinsing and his hair was left feeling silky smooth. He even went on to use the Moisture Miracle Nourish & Shine Shampoo afterwards for an extra boost of moisture. We are all obsessed with African Pride’s Moisture Miracle line!

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Why Best Shampoo For Natural Hair 4C is Necessary

As someone with 4C natural hair, I understand the struggle of finding the right shampoo that caters to my hair type. 4C hair is known for being tightly coiled and prone to dryness, making it crucial to use a shampoo specifically designed for its needs.

One of the main reasons why a best shampoo for natural hair 4C is necessary is because it helps to retain moisture. 4C hair has a tighter curl pattern which makes it more difficult for natural oils from the scalp to travel down the hair shaft. This leads to dry and brittle hair if not properly moisturized. A good shampoo for 4C hair will have ingredients that help to lock in moisture and prevent excessive drying.

Another reason why using a specific shampoo for natural hair 4C is important is because it helps to reduce breakage. Due to its tight coil pattern, 4C hair is more prone to breakage compared to other types of natural hair. Harsh shampoos or those containing sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. A best shampoo for natural hair 4C will be gentle on the strands and help

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Shampoo For Natural Hair 4C’

I have struggled for years to find the perfect shampoo for my 4C natural hair. As someone with tightly coiled, thick hair, it can be challenging to find a shampoo that effectively cleanses without stripping away moisture or leaving residue behind. After much trial and error, I have finally found a few shampoos that work wonders for my hair type. In this buying guide, I will share my top picks and tips for choosing the best shampoo for natural hair 4C.

Understanding Your Hair Type

Before diving into specific product recommendations, it is essential to understand your hair type. 4C hair is characterized by tightly coiled strands with little to no curl definition. It is the most fragile and prone to breakage out of all the curly hair types. This type of hair also tends to be very dry and requires a lot of moisture to thrive.

Look for Sulfate-Free Formulas

One of the most crucial factors in choosing a shampoo for 4C hair is avoiding sulfates. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip away natural oils from your scalp and hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Look for shampoos that are labeled as sulfate-free or contain gentle surfactants like coco-betaine or decyl glucoside.

Moisturizing Ingredients

As mentioned earlier, 4C hair needs a lot of moisture to stay healthy and hydrated. When browsing through shampoo options, look for moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. These ingredients will help replenish moisture in your strands while cleansing them.

Avoid Heavy Silicones

While silicones can give the appearance of smooth, shiny hair, they can cause build-up and weigh down 4C hair. Heavy silicones like dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane can be challenging to wash out and can lead to product build-up on the scalp. Look for shampoos that are labeled as silicone-free or contain water-soluble silicones like amodimethicone or cyclomethicone.

Consider pH Balance

The pH level of a shampoo is another crucial factor to consider. Ideally, you want a shampoo with a pH level between 4.5-5.5, which is close to the natural pH of your scalp and hair. This will help maintain the natural oils and moisture balance in your hair.

My Top Picks for Shampoos for 4C Hair

1. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo – This sulfate-free shampoo is enriched with Jamaican black castor oil, shea butter, and apple cider vinegar to nourish and strengthen 4C hair.

2. Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Conditioning Sulfate-Free Shampoo – Formulated with gentle cleansers and moisturizing babassu oil, this shampoo effectively cleanses without stripping away moisture from your strands.

3. As I Am Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner – For those who prefer a co-wash instead of traditional shampoo, this cleansing conditioner is a great option. It contains coconut oil and tangerine extract to cleanse and hydrate 4C hair.

Tips for Using Shampoo on 4C Hair

– Pre-poo: Before using shampoo, consider pre-pooing with an oil treatment to help detangle and add moisture to your strands.
– Dilute shampoo: For gentler cleansing, you can dilute your shampoo with water before using it on your hair.
– Focus on the scalp: As 4C hair is prone to dryness, it is vital to focus on cleansing the scalp rather than the hair itself. Massage the shampoo into your scalp and let it run down the length of your hair while rinsing.
– Follow with a deep conditioner: After shampooing, always follow with a deep conditioner or leave-in conditioner to replenish moisture in your strands.

In conclusion, finding the right shampoo for natural 4C hair requires some trial and error. However, by understanding your hair type and looking for specific ingredients, you can find a shampoo that effectively cleanses without drying out or weighing down your curls. Remember to also consider factors like pH balance and follow proper techniques when using shampoo on 4C hair. Happy shopping!

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Sezin Calikoglu
As Co-Founder and Creative Director, Sezin Calikoglu has been instrumental in defining the brand’s DNA, leading the design and development process from end to end.

Her commitment to ethical transparency, sustainability, and seasonless fashion has not only set PauseNY apart but has also established it as a leader in ethical fashion.

Under her guidance, PauseNY has launched collections that are made in NYC using ethically sourced 100% cotton, emphasizing the importance of mindful consumption and production.

In 2024, PauseNY embarked on an exciting new chapter. Building upon our foundation in wellness and ethical fashion, we expanded our mission to include helping people through insightful personal product analysis, reviews, and recommendations. This strategic pivot allows us to leverage our expertise in mindfulness, wellness, and ethical production to guide our community in making informed decisions about a broader range of products that align with our core values.

Our journey from a wellness sanctuary to an ethical fashion pioneer and now to a trusted source of product insights and recommendations is grounded in our unwavering commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and well-being. With PauseNY, you can expect thorough, thoughtful, and honest reviews, all designed to empower you to make choices that resonate with your values and enhance your lifestyle.