8 Best Shampoos For Relaxed Hair

1. Best Color-Safe:AvlonKeracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo

The AvlonKeracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo removes excess sebum from the hair and scalp without being dry. It is formulated with ingredients that reduce interfiber friction, making the hair smooth and soft. This shampoo repairs damaged hair and prevents fly aways and split ends. It also moisturizes the hair and makes it healthy. This sulfate-free product is ideal for color-treated and damaged hair. Take a look at this video to get more information on the product. Pros

Color-safe Prevents flyaways Reduces split ends Sulfate-free Non-drying

Cons

Contains EDTA

2. Best Sulfate-Free:The Roots Naturelle Redeem Moisturizing Shampoo

The Roots Naturelle Redeem Moisturizing Shampoo is formulated with shea butter and jojoba. It imparts a silky shine to the hair. This shampoo refreshes the scalp while softening and nourishing the hair. It is sulfate-free and ideal for all hair types, including African-American, relaxed, dry, fine, and thinning hair. This video offers a more detailed explanation of the product. Pros

Suitable for all hair types Pleasant fragrance Sulfate-free Gentle formula

Cons

Might dry out the hair

3. Best Paraben-Free:Just Nutritive Shampoo Relaxed Hair

The Just Nutritive Shampoo Relaxed Hair improves hair texture and appearance. It reduces dryness and roughness, making the hair soft, smooth, and moisturized. This shampoo contains oils, butter, and herbal extracts that replenish the hair with nutrients that restore hair shine and strength. It does not leave behind residues that clog the scalp pores. This gentle formula is free of harsh detergents like SLS, SLES, and parabens. Pros

SLS-free SLES-free Paraben-free Prevents hair breakage Gentle formula

Cons

Contains alcohol

4. Best Unisex:Elasta QP Shampoo For Relaxed Hair

The Elasta QP Shampoo For Relaxed Hair is specially formulated with extra-gentle cleansing agents to nourish the hair without being dry. It strengthens relaxed and color-treated hair. This shampoo improves hair manageability and detangles the hair. It contains vitamin-rich olive oil that moisturizes the hair and restores balance. The gentle formula conditions the scalp and smoothens the hair. Pros

Detangles the hair Conditions the scalp Smoothens the hair Unisex Gentle formula

Cons

Contains added fragrance and color

5. Best Lightweight:Pantene Pro-V Truly Relaxed Hair Lightweight Shampoo

The Pantene Pro-V Truly Relaxed Hair Lightweight Shampoo cleanses relaxed hair without weighing it down. It contains jojoba and coconut oils that tame frizz and prevent breakage. The rich oil-based formula smoothens the hair and protects it from damage. This shampoo is unisex and suitable for color-treated hair. You may check this video for a better understanding of this product. Pros

Lightweight Unisex Color-safe Protects the hair from damage Smoothens the hair

Cons

Contains SLS, SLES, EDTA, and sodium chloride

6. Best pH-Balanced Formula:Curly Hair Solutions Treatment Shampoo

The Curly Hair Solutions Treatment Shampoo contains a concentrated blend of panthenol and magnesium, which strengthens the hair and improves its elasticity. It strengthens the hair and allows it to stretch without breaking. This shampoo also contains vitamin B5 and silk amino acids that soften and repair damaged hair. It can be used on colored, chemically relaxed, and permed hair. This pH-balanced shampoo rebuilds and fortifies the hair by repairing the damage. It is cruelty-free, water-based, biodegradable, and silicone-free. Pros

Biodegradable Cruelty-free Silicone-free pH-balanced Strengthens the hair Gentle formula

Cons

Contains added fragrance and sulfates

7. Best Vitamin E Infused:Zotos Quantum Clarifying Shampoo

The Zotos Quantum Clarifying Shampoo is formulated with a dual chelating system that breaks down minerals, chlorine, and hard water deposits on the scalp and hair. It is made with Quantum’s advanced EQL-3 complex, which is a blend of vitamin E, vegetable protein, polyquaternium-10, and sweet almond extract. These enriching ingredients repair, restore, protect, and condition the hair. It should be used before chemical services as it strengthens the hair. Pros

Strengthens the hair Color-safe

Cons

Contains SLS, added fragrance, and color

8. Best Hydrating Formula:GKHair Moisturizing Shampoo

The GKHair Moisturizing Shampoo is formulated with organic and natural ingredients that restore broken hair bonds and repair thermally damaged hair. The keratin proteins, vitamins B5 and E, and linseed oil hydrate and strengthen the hair, curbing the effects of excessive styling. This shampoo makes the hair smooth, silky, and soft. It can also be used on color-treated hair as it protects hair color by forming a protein layer on the hair, increasing its vibrancy. This shampoo repairs hair damage caused by harsh chemicals and heat. It removes unwanted oil and impurities from the scalp and hair. This sulfate-free product also controlsfrizz. It does not contain phthalates, DEA, TEA,gluten, parabens, and silicones. Pros

Phthalate-free DEA-free TEA-free Controls frizz Unisex Color-safe Sulfate-free Gluten-free Paraben-free Silicone-free

Cons

Contains sodium and EDTA

Here are some tips on how to pick the right shampoo for your relaxed hair.

How Should You Choose A Shampoo For Relaxed Hair?

Ingredients: Pick shampoos with moisturizing and fortifying ingredients like keratin, coconut oil, jojoba, and aloe vera. These ingredients not only condition relaxed hair but also repair damaged hair and protect it. Opt for shampoos with organic ingredients over chemicals like SLS, parabens, and silicones that might worsen your hair condition. Added Features: Shampoos specifically formulated for relaxed hair will detangle the hair, preventfrizz, and control humidity. Opt for these shampoos as they make the hair more manageable. Formula: Choose shampoos with mild formulas. Relaxed hair is sensitive and prone to damage. Gentle formulas cleanse the scalp and hair without any irritation.

Read on to know how you can care for and maintain relaxed hair.

How To Take Care of Relaxed African Hair

Pick the right relaxer. There are two types of relaxers – lye and non-lye relaxers. Lye relaxers have a high pH level that might cause irritation. Relaxers also contain chemicals that might not suit your hair or skin type. Consult a stylist to know which relaxer is suitable for you. Deep condition your hair once a week. Relaxing your hair chemically might make it dull, damaged, and prone to breaking. Deep conditioning treatments will strengthen the hair and improve its overall texture. Oil your hair regularly. Oiling your hair with coconut, argan, or castor oils will fortify and nourish it. They have antioxidant properties that protect the hair from damage. Stop overusing heat styling tools. Heat styling tools will damage your chemically relaxed hair even more. Get regular trims to keep your hair healthy and fresh. This also prevents split ends and breakage. Use hair products specially formulated for relaxed hair. These shampoos contain nourishing ingredients like keratin, aloe vera, and oils, which strengthen weak and chemically processed hair. Wash your hair once a week. Relaxed hair is prone to excess sebum production, and product residue might clog the scalp pores. Cleansing your hair once a week will clear your scalp and prevent dryness, damage, or infections. Get constant touch-ups on your new hair to prevent hair breakage. The amount of touch-up required depends on your hair type. Check with your hairstylist to know how often you should get it done.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and well-versed in hair care. Here, she lists the best shampoos for relaxed hair that tame curls and reduces frizz. She conducted a thorough research of the ingredients used in the shampoos and spent hours reading user feedback before curating this list of the best options for her readers. The recommended formulas are lightweight, prevent hair breakage, and come with a pleasant fragrance that uplift the senses. Can you wet relaxed hair every day? Washing your relaxed hair daily is not beneficial. Instead, use a nourishing and moisturizing conditioner on your wash days to keep your hair hydrated thoroughly. How often should you oil relaxed hair? You can oil your relaxed hair weekly to give them proper nutrition. What should you not use on relaxed hair? Never use a narrow-tooth comb while brushing your relaxed hair. Avoid brushing your hair when they are wet. Finally, don’t use heating tools on your loose hair without applying heat protectants on them. How soon can I relax my hair after shampoo? Before relaxing your hair, you should wait for at least 3-4 days. Experts believe a one week gap is the most ideal. What type of shampoo is the best for relaxed hair? A sulfate-free shampoo provides proper nourishment for the hair and scalp and doesn’t irritate. The Roots Naturelle Redeem Moisturizing Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo that benefits every hair type.