Best Shampoos for 4C Natural Hair

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Healthy and clean scalp is the foundation for healthy hair and to get the best results from conditioners and protein treatments your hair should be properly cleansed. So, if your goal is to retain length and to have healthy, nourished hair, shampooing regularly is essential. Don't sleep on Shampooing sis… Read on for some of my favourite shampoos. I have kinky, 4C natural hair so I tend to mostly opt for shampoos with hydrating ingredients and I alternate between the shampoos below depending on my hair and scalp needs.

Before I jump into the best shampoos for natural hair it's good to note some best practices for shampooing your hair.

How often should I shampoo My Hair?

It's good to shampoo your hair weekly to help remove build up and dirt. However, you might choose to shampoo less often if you have a protective style in. But from my experience even if you have a protective style like braids in for instance you can use a shampoo every two weeks or so to help remove dirt and build up (Tip: dilute your shampoo and conditioner in an applicator bottle if you are washing your braids).

How should I use a shampoo?

1. Firstly saturate your hair with water and emulsify the shampoo in your palms.

2. Apply the shampoo and focus on your scalp but also wash your mid-lengths and ends too with the shampoo.

3. Massage scalp with finger tips or use a scalp brush like the Tangle Teezer's scalp exfoliator and massager to help access scalp.

4. Rinse thoroughly.

5. Repeat if necessary for clean hair and scalp.

What are the different types of shampoos?

You can choose from a Moisturising shampoo, Clarifying shampoo, Anti-Breakage shampoo, Exfoliating shampoo, Anti-Dandruff shampoo, Shampoo Bar and Co-Washes depending on your hair and scalp needs.

Best Shampoos for Natural Hair

Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Shine Therapy Shampoo

Key Ingredients: Olive Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Vitamin E

First up, Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Shine Therapy Shampoo is great for dry hair and scalp.
This shampoo has a creamy lather and a refreshing fragrance. It is a moisturising shampoo and doesn't leave hair feeling stripped.

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & restore shampoo

Key Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Peppermint Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar

A legacy clarifying shampoo which cleanses well but doesn't leave hair feeling dry is Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo. It leaves hair feeling nourished and soft.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Length Retention Shampoo

Key Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Biotin and Vitamin E and Quinoa

A good anti-breakage shampoo is Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Length Retention Shampoo with Biotin. This shampoo is similar to the Palmer's Olive Oil Formula Shine Therapy Shampoo in that it is moisturising, has a good lather plus it has a comforting fragrance. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Length Retention Shampoo is silicone free too.

Pattern Hydration Shampoo

Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Honey, Aloe Vera, Tea Tree, Biotin, Castor Oil, Avocado Oil

I discovered Pattern Hydration Shampoo via TreasureTress, it's a luxurious, oil-boosted moisturising shampoo and works well on my hair and my daughters (she has type 3 hair). It has a rich foamy lather and is sulphate free, removing build-up without leaving hair feeling dry. Hair feels hydrated smelling like Jasmine, Bergamot and Sandalwood.

Faith in Nature Rosemary Shampoo

Key Ingredients: Rosemary Oil, Tea Tree

Faith in Nature Rosemary Shampoo is a regular shampoo that cleanses well and leaves hair feeling refreshed plus it soothes the scalp.

Flora and Curl Coconut Mint Curl Refresh Clay Wash

Key ingredients: Bentonite Clay, Rhassoul Clay, Peppermint Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Banana Powder and Coconut Extract.

Flora and Curl Coconut Mint Curl Refresh Clay Wash is a clarifying clay wash with a whole load of goodness, when my natural hair is in need of a deep refresh and detoxification I reach for this beauty. Simply add water and mix to activate.

Curlsmith Scalp Recipe Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo

Key Ingredients: Dragon Fruit, Guarana, organic Nettle, Mallow Root, organic Ginger, Apple Cider Vinegar

Curlsmith Wash and Scrub Detox Shampoo clarifies natural hair, you can feel the micro-fine exfoliating scrub particles when you use this, they melt away and leaves scalp feeling refreshed and hair squeaky clean.

Ori DuDu Clarifying and Exfoliating Shampoo

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Charcoal

Dudu Clarifying and Exfoliating Shampoo does exactly what it’s name says. I discovered this shampoo via TreasureTress and saw it on Dragons Den. This shampoo provides a deep clean and lathers well.

As I Am Born Curly Avocado Shea Co-Wash

Key Ingredients: Avocado, Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Argan Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Rosemary

As I Am Born Curly Avocado Shea Co-Wash is one of the best cleansing conditioner shampoo or co-wash that I've used. It’s formulated for little ones but I have used it on my hair too from time to time for a gentler wash, it's good in between washes if you exercise a lot to remove sweat.

So there you have it some of the best shampoos for natural hair. I hope you found this post helpful. Let me know in the comments if you try any of these shampoos for your natural hair.

Thanks for stopping by!

Krista x