If you’re looking for the best shampoos for relaxed hair, you’ve come to the right place. Relaxed hair can be dry and brittle if not properly cared for, so it’s essential to find a shampoo that will keep your mane soft, silky, and shiny. This blog post will discuss 12 of the best shampoos for relaxed hair. We’ll also provide tips on choosing the right shampoo for your needs. So whether you have relaxed or natural hair, read on for the best shampoo recommendations!
Davines Nounou Shampoo (Moisturizing Shampoo)
If you’re looking for a shampoo that will nourish and protect your relaxed hair, Davines Nounou Shampoo is a great option. This shampoo contains Fiaschetto Tomato extract, which leaves hair soft and deeply hydrated. It also has Panthenol, a derivative of vitamin B-complex, which helps to strengthen your hair shafts and reduce frizz.
Key Ingredients
Fiaschetto Tomato extract, Glycerin, Panthenol
What We Like
- Infused with glycerin which helps to add moisture and shine
- Davines creates its products with sustainability in mind
- A small amount goes a long way for a rich lather
- Protein-free and thus suitable for hair with protein sensitivities
- It also has a light, refreshing scent
What We Don’t Like
- Some users find the price tag a bit high.
Avlon Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo (Moisturizing Shampoo)
Avlon Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo is an excellent option for those with relaxed hair that tends to be dry and brittle. This shampoo contains ingredients that reduce interfiber friction, leaving the hair smooth and soft. It is also sulfate-free, which makes it suitable for color-treated hair.
Key Ingredients
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Polyquaternium 10, Polyquaternium 7, Citric Acid
What We Like
- Cleanses hair and scalp without stripping natural oils
- It has excellent slip, which makes it a superior detangler
- It is available in two sizes, 32 fl. oz., and 8 fl. oz.
- Free of sulphates and thus does not dry out hair
- Moisturizes hair preventing breakage, split ends, and flyaways
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for hair experiencing a protein overload
Pantene Pro-V Truly Relaxed Hair Moisturizing Shampoo
Pantene Pro-V Truly Relaxed Hair Moisturizing Shampoo is another excellent option for relaxed hair experiencing dryness and brittleness. This shampoo has a blend of natural oils, including coconut and jojoba oil, which help to nourish and protect your hair. It also contains Panthenol, which helps strengthen hair, retain moisture and reduce frizz.
Key Ingredients
Jojoba seed oil, Coconut oil, Panthenol
What We Like
- Packed with Pro-vitamins and antioxidants that protect hair from environmental damage
- It contains a blend of oils that help to nourish and protect the hair
- Panthenol helps to soothe the scalp, strengthen hair and reduce frizz
- Gentle enough for daily use on relaxed or natural hair
- It is also suitable for protein sensitivities
What We Don’t Like
- It’s not suitable for color-treated hair as it contains SLS and SLES that can strip away color.
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo is a fantastic option for relaxed hair prone to buildup. This shampoo helps remove product residue, oils, and environmental pollutants from your hair. It also contains Argan oil and vitamins A and E, which help to nourish and protect your hair.
Key Ingredients
Argan oil, Avocado oil, Keratin, Panthenol, Lavender, Chamomile, Rosemary, & Jojoba Extracts
What We Like
- Removes product residue, oils, and environmental pollutants from hair
- It contains Argan oil which is rich in Vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants which nourish and protect the hair
- It is sulphate-free and thus suitable for even colour-treated hair
- Leaves hair feeling clean and refreshed without stripping
- A little amount goes a long way
- It also has a pleasant scent
What We Don’t Like
- Priced on the high side
- Not suitable for those with protein sensitivities
Ion Hard Water Shampoo (Clarifying Shampoo)
Ion Hard Water Shampoo is an excellent option to prevent the buildup of water minerals (iron, magnesium, and copper) in relaxed hair. This shampoo helps remove these minerals from the hair, which can cause it to become dry, brittle, and unmanageable. It also contains vitamins that help to nourish and strengthen your hair.
Key Ingredients
Glycerin, Panthenol, Linseed Extract, Vitamin C
What We Like
- It is safe for colour-treated hair and mild enough for daily use
- Prevents and reverses dullness and discolouration
- Cleanses without stripping as it leaves hair soft, shiny and manageable
- Effective in combating the effects of hard well water
- Also formulated with 100% vegan ingredients
What We Don’t Like
- Its water consistency can be messy and wasteful.
Kenra Clarifying Shampoo
Kenra Clarifying Shampoo works to remove all traces of dirt, oil, and product buildup from your hair. It also has a rich blend of antioxidants and vitamins that help to nourish and protect your hair. Kenra Clarifying Shampoo also helps restore balance to the hair’s pH levels, which environmental pollutants and other factors can disrupt.
Key Ingredients
Glycerin, Honey, Vitamin C, Blueberry Extract, Lactic Acid
What We Like
- Provides a deep cleanse without stripping hair
- It eliminates up to 99 percent of dulling deposits and buildup
- It contains humectants like honey which help attract and retain moisture
- Enriched with antioxidants and vitamins that help to nourish and protect hair
- Leaves hair feeling soft, shiny, and manageable
- It is also suitable for colour-treated hair and hard & well water
What We Don’t Like
- It has a strong scent that can be overpowering for some users.
PURA D’OR Hair Thinning Therapy Biotin Shampoo
PURA D’OR Hair Thinning Therapy Biotin Shampoo promotes thicker, fuller hair. It contains biotin and other essential vitamins and minerals that help to nourish your hair and scalp. This shampoo also helps remove the buildup of dirt, oil, and product residue from the hair.
Key Ingredients
Argan Oil, Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil, Glycerin, Biotin, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Amla
What We Like
- Uses certified organic ingredients in its formulation
- Biotin helps to promote thicker and fuller hair
- The blend of natural ingredients fortify hair from the scalp to the tip
- Its formulation is vegan, hypoallergenic, and free from sulphates
- It is also suitable for damaged, chemically-treated and coloured hair
What We Don’t Like
- Priced on the high side
MIZANI Moisture Fusion Shampoo (Moisturizing Shampoo)
MIZANI Moisture Fusion Shampoo is a rich and creamy shampoo that helps restore moisture balance to dry, thirsty hair. It contains honey, which is known for its nourishing and moisturizing properties. This shampoo also helps remove the buildup of dirt, oil, and product residue from the hair.
Key Ingredient
Honey, Argan Oil, Vitamin C, Cupuassu Seed Butter
What We Like
- Infused with honey, cupuassu butter, and Argan oil, which are known for their hydrating properties
- It helps to remove buildup and impurities without drying strands
- It makes detangling much easier post wash
- MIZANI ships its salon-grade products internationally
- It is also suitable for all hair types
What We Don’t Like
- Its fragrance may not be pleasing to some users.
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo (Clarifying Shampoo)
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo is a clarifying shampoo that helps to remove all traces of dirt, oil, and product residue from your hair. It also contains tea tree oil, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to protect your scalp from infection.
Key Ingredients
Tea Tree, Peppermint, Lavender, Rosemary, Aloe Vera, Glycerin, Panthenol, Jojoba, Vitamin C
What We Like
- It has a signature tingle that leaves the scalp feeling refreshed
- Its ingredients provide antibacterial and antifungal properties
- It helps to remove buildup and impurities without drying strands
- Formulated with vegan ingredients and is paraben-free
- It’s suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair
- It uses environmentally sustainable packaging
- The scent of the tea tree is invigorating
What We Don’t Like
- The tingle can be too intense for some users
- It contains sulphates
Zotos Quantum Clarifying Shampoo
Zotos Quantum Clarifying Shampoo is a deep-cleansing shampoo that helps to remove all traces of dirt, oil, and product residue from your hair. It also contains grapefruit extract, which has antioxidant properties that help to protect your hair from damage.
Key Ingredients
Vitamin E, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Sweet Almond Extract
What We Like
- The dual chelating system helps to remove the buildup of minerals & products
- Eliminates impurities without stripping colour or drying strands
- The blend of Vitamin E, vegetable protein & sweet almond extract helps to fortify hair
- Suitable for periodic cleansing of all hair types, including colour-treated hair
- It also has a clean scent that is not overpowering
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for daily use
Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo (Moisturizing Shampoo)
Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo is a moisturizing shampoo that helps restore moisture balance to dry, thirsty hair. It contains soy protein which helps to strengthen and protect your hair from damage. This shampoo also goes a long way in helping to detangle your hair, making it much easier to manage post-wash.
Key Ingredients
Aloe Vera, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Lavender, Rosemary, Sage, Nettle, Sweet Clover, and Rose Extract
What We Like
- Formulated with natural ingredients like aloe vera, lavender, and rosemary
- It helps to restore moisture balance and reduce frizz
- Soothes the scalp and helps to prevent itchiness
- It does not contain harsh chemicals or sulphates
- Its pleasant vanilla scent is not overpowering
- The price is also very affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for hair experiencing protein overload
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo
This fan-favourite shampoo from SheaMoisture is a deep-conditioning cleanser. It restores moisture balance to dry, thirsty hair as it contains superior hydrating ingredients, including shea butter, glycerin, and honey.
Key Ingredients
Manuka Honey, Mafura Oil, Shea Butter, Fig Extract, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Panthenol
What We Like
- Intensely hydrates and nourishes the hair
- It helps to reduce frizz and keep hair looking sleek
- Leaves a pleasant scent behind that is not overpowering
- Packed with natural ingredients like manuka honey, mafura oil, and shea butter
- Affordable price
What We Don’t Like
- It does not lather up as much as some users would like
Other Related Articles:
- 17 Best Deep Conditioners for 4C Hair
- 21 Best Leave-In Conditioner for 4C Hair
- 20 Best Edge Control for 4C Hair
FAQs on Shampoos for Relaxed Hair
What is the difference between a Clarifying Shampoo and a Moisturizing Shampoo?
- A Clarifying Shampoo is a deep-cleansing shampoo that helps to remove all traces of dirt, oil, and product residue from your hair. Periodically use a clarifying shampoo whenever you feel like your hair is becoming weighed down and products don’t absorb into strands properly.
- A Moisturizing Shampoo helps restore moisture balance to dry, thirsty hair. It contains ingredients that help to hydrate and nourish your strands. Use a moisturizing shampoo on most wash days if you have relaxed hair.
What is protein overload?
- Protein overload is when your hair has too much protein. When your hair has too much protein, it can become brittle and prone to breakage. If you use shampoo and other hair products with high protein content too often, your hair might suffer protein overload.
- If you experience protein overload, give your hair a break from products containing protein or keratin. Look out for words such as “hydrolyzed collagen” or “silk protein” in your products’ ingredient list. Use a gentle clarifying shampoo to break down the excess protein bound to your hair strands.
- Also, regularly use a clarifying shampoo (at least once a month) to remove any protein buildup. When you re-introduce protein into your hair regimen, avoid layering multiple products containing protein.
What should you look for in a shampoo for relaxed hair?
Look for a moisturizing, deep-cleansing shampoo that contains natural ingredients.
Some of the ingredients you should look for in a shampoo for relaxed hair include:
- Emollients: These ingredients help moisturize and soften the hair. Emollients may include shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and almond oil.
- Humectants: These ingredients attract and retain moisture, which helps to hydrate the hair. Humectants may include glycerin, honey, agave nectar, and propylene glycol.
- Proteins: Proteins help to strengthen and rebuild the hair. They may include hydrolyzed collagen, silk protein, and keratin.
- Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts help to nourish and condition the hair. Herbal extracts may include chamomile, lavender, rosemary, and mint.
- Moisturizers: These ingredients help seal in moisture and keep the hair hydrated. Moisturizers may include glycerin, Panthenol, shea butter, and avocado oil.
It is also essential to find a shampoo that does not contain harsh chemicals or sulfates. Sulfates are harsh detergents found in most shampoos. They are responsible for the lather that we often associate with a good shampoo.
Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause dryness, frizziness, and scalp irritation.
What is the difference between shampoo and co-wash?
- Shampoo is a detergent-based product that helps to remove dirt, oil, and product residue from your hair.
- Co-wash (or conditioner wash) is a cleansing conditioner that helps to cleanse the scalp and hair without using harsh chemicals or sulphates. Co-washes are also ideal for curly or kinky hair as they help reduce frizz and detangle the hair.
- A co-wash does not cleanse the scalp as well as shampoo does. Therefore, to avoid scalp issues, alternate between shampoo and co-wash.
How often should you shampoo relaxed hair?
- You should shampoo relaxed hair at least once a week. However, this may vary from person to person, depending on your hair type and the level of product buildup.
- If you have oily hair or have an active lifestyle, you may need to shampoo more often than once a week. On the other hand, if you have dry hair, you may be able to go a little longer without shampooing.
What are the best shampoos for transitioning from relaxed to natural hair?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, the same general principles apply. Look for moisturizing, deep-cleansing shampoos that contain natural ingredients.
Some of the ingredients you should look for in a shampoo for transitioning hair include proteins, herbal extracts, emollients, moisturizers, and humectants.
What are the best shampoos for color-treated relaxed hair?
- To keep your hair looking its best, you should use a shampoo specifically designed for color-treated hair.
- Color-treated hair is prone to dryness and damage. Shampoos for color-treated relaxed hair should contain antioxidants, UV protectants, and moisturizers to help keep your hair healthy.
- Avoid shampoos containing sulfates, as these will strip away the color from your hair. Also, reduce using clarifying shampoos as they have a high level of detergent to deep cleanse hair.
Can I use the same shampoo as my daughter, who has natural hair?
If your daughter’s shampoo is moisturizing and does not contain harsh chemicals or sulfates, it should be safe to use on relaxed hair. However, it is always good to do a patch test first to ensure that you are not experiencing any adverse reactions.