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Best Shampoo For African American Relaxed Hair (2024 Update)

Finding the right shampoo for relaxed African American hair can seem like a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it’s hard to know where to begin. When shopping for a shampoo, there are a few key factors to consider to help you select the best formula for your hair’s unique needs.

First, look for a shampoo designed specifically for chemically treated or relaxed hair. These will contain gentle cleansers to avoid stripping moisture as well as ingredients to nourish and strengthen the hair. Second, choose a shampoo with moisturizing agents like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil to condition, soften, and improve manageability. Furthermore, look for a formula with proteins like keratin to reinforce hair and minimize breakage.

You may also want to select a color-safe shampoo if you color treat your relaxed hair, as this will help retain vivid color and shine. Additionally, consider your hair’s porosity and look for a shampoo that caters to that porosity type. Do you need more lightweight moisture or intense hydration?

When trying to decide on the best shampoo for your relaxed tresses, here are a few questions to ask yourself: Does my hair feel dry or damaged? Is it breaking easily? Does my scalp feel irritated or itchy? Am I seeing a lot of flakes or dandruff? Does my hair feel limp or lack body? Assessing your hair’s current condition will help point you towards the right formula.

The search for the perfect shampoo may take some trial and error. But taking the time to choose a shampoo made for relaxed hair will pay off with healthier, more manageable locks. With a little research and patience, you’ll be able to find the ideal shampoo to cleanse and care for your beautiful relaxed hair.

10 Best Shampoo For African American Relaxed Hair

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for providing moisture and rejuvenation to hair.
2
The product is ideal for hydrating and styling dry hair using natural ingredients like manuka honey and mafura oil.
3
Ideal for curly, wavy, and natural hair – helps prevent breakage, control frizz, and add moisture to dry, damaged hair.
4
Ideal for moisturizing and protecting hair and scalp with the enriching benefits of tea tree and olive oil.
5
This product is ideal for efficiently and quickly mowing large residential or commercial properties with tight spaces and obstacles.
6
The product is ideal for people with African hair types who want to improve the health and appearance of their hair.
7
This product is ideal for moisturizing and conditioning hair, leaving it soft and easy to manage.
8
Ideal for providing intense moisture, repairing natural coils and curls, hydrating, and strengthening hair.
9
The product is ideal for deep cleansing and strengthening hair with natural ingredients.
10
Ideal for hydrating and softening dry, damaged hair with the nourishing benefits of Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil.
This product is ideal for providing moisture and rejuvenation to hair.
The product is ideal for hydrating and styling dry hair using natural ingredients like manuka honey and mafura oil.
Ideal for curly, wavy, and natural hair – helps prevent breakage, control frizz, and add moisture to dry, damaged hair.
Ideal for moisturizing and protecting hair and scalp with the enriching benefits of tea tree and olive oil.
This product is ideal for efficiently and quickly mowing large residential or commercial properties with tight spaces and obstacles.
The product is ideal for people with African hair types who want to improve the health and appearance of their hair.
This product is ideal for moisturizing and conditioning hair, leaving it soft and easy to manage.
Ideal for providing intense moisture, repairing natural coils and curls, hydrating, and strengthening hair.
The product is ideal for deep cleansing and strengthening hair with natural ingredients.
Ideal for hydrating and softening dry, damaged hair with the nourishing benefits of Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil.

1. Softsheen-Carson Optimum Salon Haircare Amla Legend Moisture Remedy Shampoo, 13.5 Oz

This hair care product is perfect for individuals seeking a gentle cleanse and nourishment for their hair, regardless of hair type. The formula is infused with amla oil, known for its nourishing properties and sourced from India.

Whether your hair is curly, wavy, natural, relaxed, transitioning, or any other type, this product is designed to work for you. It is part of a line of treatments, colors, and styling products created by UNIQUE LOOKS to celebrate the unique beauty of people of color.

For over 110 years, SOFTSHEEN-CARSON has been dedicated to providing innovative and superior products and services to meet the needs of consumers of African descent. Their products are tailor-made to provide beauty and care to meet the unique needs of this community.

2. Manuka Honey Hair Hydration Milk – 8 Oz.

SheaMoisture's Intensive Hydration Leave-In Hair Milk with Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil is the perfect solution for dry and damaged hair. This dry hair treatment is made with Fair Trade Shea Butter, which makes detangling effortless and leaves hair feeling soft and manageable.

Enriched with Manuka Honey, this leave-in hair milk soothes the scalp and provides intense moisture to dry hair. It also contains Mafura Oil and African Rock Fig, which work together to nourish and revitalize damaged hair.

For best results, apply this leave-in hair milk to wet hair and massage gently from roots to ends, just like a conditioner. This will provide a soothing hair care experience and leave your hair looking healthy and vibrant.

SheaMoisture's Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Leave-In Hair Milk is formulated without parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, or sulfates. This makes it a safe and effective choice for all hair types.

3. Goddess Strength Shampoo: Anti-Breakage & Moisture Boost

Introducing the Moisturizing Shampoo from Carol's Daughter Collection, a revolutionary hair care product that is designed to cleanse and moisturize curly hair. This shampoo is specially formulated to provide instant strength to weak, breakage-prone hair, leaving it healthy-looking and less prone to breakage from the first wash.

The anti-breakage properties of this shampoo support the strength of hair as it grows and gets longer, delivering 15 times stronger hair and reducing breakage by 94% in just one use. The shampoo is blended with castor oil, which hydrates dry, damaged, and frizzy hair, leaving it soft and manageable.

Carol's Daughter Collection has created this product for coily, curly, and wavy hair types, including 4C, 4B, 4A, 3C, 3B, 3A, 2C, 2B, and 2A curl types. To complete the hair care routine for these hair types, use the Curly Hair Shampoo and Conditioner set, Leave-in Conditioner, Hair Mask, and Hair Oil.

To use, simply massage the Goddess Strength shampoo into the hair, lather, and rinse. Follow up with the conditioner, hair oil, and leave-in conditioner for best results.

Lisa Price founded Carol's Daughter in her Brooklyn kitchen in 1993 with a mother's love and encouragement. Today, Carol's Daughter carries a full line of textured hair care products for women and men to care for all waves, curls, and coils.

4. Olive Miracle 2-In-1 Shampoo & Conditioner Trio

African Pride Olive Miracle Moisturizing & Detangling Shampoo Formula is a proven hair care solution that effectively repairs, conditions, and rejuvenates dry and damaged hair while you shampoo. This unique recipe is a combination of the finest African miracle herbs, oils, and natural ingredients that clean and moisturize your hair while restoring its natural body and shine. It provides your hair with the much-needed moisture and revitalization without compromising on its manageability.

One of the key ingredients in this shampoo formula is Olive Oil, which seals in moisture and helps prevent breakage. It deeply conditions your hair, leaving it silky smooth and healthy. Another essential ingredient is Tea Tree Oil that helps protect and condition scalp and hair. It keeps your scalp healthy and prevents dandruff and other scalp-related issues.

African Pride products are naturally formulated and free of harmful components such as parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, and petrolatum. By utilizing natural ingredients, the brand strives to provide high-quality, safe products that cater to your hair care needs.

To use, simply wet your hair thoroughly and evenly massage the shampoo into your hair and scalp with your fingertips (not nails). Rinse and repeat as needed. You can style your hair as usual after using the shampoo.

African Pride Olive Miracle formula is enriched with Extra Virgin Olive Oil that deeply conditions your hair and provides a moisture-rich healthy scalp. Regular use of this shampoo formula can help stop breakage, split-ends, and dryness, resulting in smooth, shiny, and manageable hair.

5. Nothing But

Nothing But Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo is a gentle yet effective solution for deep cleaning hair and scalp. It is formulated to remove deep-seated contaminants, excess oils, build-up, and residue from hair and hair follicles, leaving hair clean, shiny, and healthy.

The shampoo is made with honest ingredients and does not contain petrolatum, mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, colorants, or phthalates. It provides natural hair with the care it deserves without any harmful chemicals.

This non-irritating shampoo is recommended for all hair types, including oily hair, curly hair, African American, and biracial hair. It is also safe for use on color-treated hair.

Using this shampoo rejuvenates hair and gets rid of the build-up caused by styling products, chlorine, and environmental factors that weigh hair down. It provides a lighter feeling of thoroughly cleansed hair that removes dullness and helps stop bad hair days.

Nothing But Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo is easy to use. It is recommended to use it at least once a month or before any hair masque or hair strengthening treatment that requires rinsing off. For best results, it is recommended to follow with their moisturizing Cleansing Conditioner and Intense Healing Mask.

6. Shea Moisture Shampoo And Conditioner Set | African

The Cleanse & Calm Shampoo is a superior quality sulfate-free shampoo that gently but effectively cleanses the hair and scalp. It is designed to lift away dirt, excess oil, flakiness, and pre-wash treatments while simultaneously calming and soothing the scalp. The shampoo is perfect for individuals with dryness-prone scalp as it helps to soothe itching and revitalize hair, leaving the scalp rigorously clean and comfortable. This creates an ideal environment for healthy hair to grow and thrive.

The Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Balancing Conditioner is perfect for natural hair. This hydrating conditioner instantly softens, detangles, and conditions hair, while also soothing the scalp without weighing hair down. It is designed to help soothe itching and revitalize hair, creating an ideal environment for healthy hair to grow. The conditioner is infused with coconut oil, which deeply conditions hair and nourishes the scalp. It is perfect for individuals with dryness-prone scalp as it helps to soothe itching and revitalizes hair.

The African Black Soap, Bamboo Charcoal, Tea Tree Oil, and Willow Bark Extract combine in a potent treatment that boosts hydration levels and nourishes the hair while absorbing excess oil and removing clogging impurities from the scalp. The combination of these natural ingredients deeply conditions hair and nourishes the scalp, leaving hair looking vibrant, lustrous, and healthy. This intensive Treatment Masque is perfect for individuals looking to deeply condition hair and nourish the scalp.

7. Intense Hydra Repair Hair Cream

The African Pride Moisture Miracle Coconut Oil & Baobab Oil Leave-In Cream is a proven hair care product that nourishes and strengthens hair while protecting against breakage. This leave-in cream is enriched with a nourishing blend of Baobab & Coconut Oil, which provides lasting hydration and promotes manageability, leaving hair strong and healthy-looking.

Coconut Oil is a key ingredient in this product, deeply conditioning and hydrating hair while helping to repair and prevent breakage. Baobab Oil, on the other hand, restores and strengthens damaged hair, locking in moisture to promote healthy-looking hair.

This product is naturally formulated, free of harmful components such as parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, and petrolatum. By using natural ingredients, African Pride is able to provide high-quality, safe products that promote healthy hair.

To use, apply a generous amount of the leave-in cream to your hands, rub together, and smooth the product into dry or damp hair from roots to ends. Do not rinse. Style as desired. This product can be used as a daily moisturizer or layered with other styling products.

The Moisture Miracle line of products from African Pride is specially created for coily and curly hair textures. Each product in the Moisture Miracle collection is made with a unique and signature blend of rich African ingredients.

8. Design Essentials Oat Protein And Henna Deep Cleansing

The Oat Protein and Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo is a top-notch product that provides a deep cleanse to your hair while purifying it with natural ingredients. This first lather shampoo has a gentle, alcohol-free, and non-stripping formula that is perfect for men, women, and children. It can be used daily to promote healthy hair and scalp without any fear of causing harm.

The shampoo is made of key natural ingredients that include hydrolyzed oat protein for conditioning and increasing hydration, and henna for adding volume, shine, and strengthening hair, making it more resilient to damage and breakage. The combination of these ingredients promotes fuller, thicker, and stronger hair for women, men, and children, regardless of their hair type.

The Oat Protein and Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo is great for natural waves and coils, straight and relaxed strands, color-treated hair, locs, and gray hair. It was previously known as Organic Cleanse Deep Cleansing Shampoo. The shampoo is silicone, sulfate, and cruelty-free, making it safe for use without any negative environmental impact.

Design Essentials, with over 30 years of experience, believes that everyone deserves to feel beautiful and confident. You can trust Design Essentials to empower you to look and feel your best with every purchase backed by the Design Essentials guarantee.

9. Manuka Honey Hydrating Conditioner – 13oz

Introducing the Intensive Hydration Conditioner from SheaMoisture, a rinse-out hair conditioner designed to instantly detangle and infuse hair with intense moisture. This rich hair conditioner is blended with restorative oils that help to nourish and soften dry, damaged hair, making it a soothing hair care experience.

Formulated with key ingredients such as Manuka Honey, Mafura Oil, and Fig Extract, this sulfate-free Shea Moisture hair conditioner helps to hydrate and replenish dry, damaged hair. It is perfect for those who are looking for a moisturizing hair conditioner that will leave their hair feeling soft and silky.

To use, simply work this moisturizing hair conditioner through your hair from root to ends, leave it on for 3 minutes, and then rinse. This sulfate-free conditioner is blended with Fair Trade Shea Butter, making it an excellent choice for those who are looking for a product that is both hydrating and sustainable.

SheaMoisture's Intensive Hydration Conditioner is formulated with no sulfates, no parabens, no phthalates, no mineral oil, no animal testing, and no petroleum. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking for a hair conditioner that is gentle on their hair and free from harmful chemicals.

Best Shampoo For African American Relaxed Hair FAQs

Are sulfate-free shampoos better for African American hair?

Sulfate-free shampoos have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially amongst those with curly, coily, and kinky hair types like African American hair. This is because sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. African American hair is particularly prone to dryness and breakage, so using a sulfate-free shampoo can help to retain moisture and keep the hair healthy.

However, it is important to note that not all sulfate-free shampoos are created equal. Some may still contain harsh ingredients that can be damaging to hair, so it is important to read the label and choose a shampoo that is specifically formulated for African American hair. Look for ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and argan oil, which are known for their moisturizing properties.

Ultimately, the best shampoo for African American hair will depend on individual hair type and needs. It may take some trial and error to find the right product, but opting for a sulfate-free shampoo is a good place to start.

Can I use a clarifying shampoo on my relaxed African American hair?

Yes, you can use a clarifying shampoo on your relaxed African American hair, but it should be done with caution. Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove buildup from the hair and scalp, which can be beneficial for those with oily or product-laden hair. However, they can also be harsh and drying, which can be damaging to relaxed hair that is already prone to breakage.

To safely use a clarifying shampoo on your relaxed African American hair, it is recommended that you choose a gentle formula that is specifically designed for your hair type. Look for shampoos that are sulfate-free and contain natural ingredients like aloe vera and tea tree oil, which can cleanse the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.

It is also important to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment after using a clarifying shampoo to restore moisture and prevent breakage. Additionally, it is recommended that you only use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month to avoid over-drying your hair and scalp.

Can I use regular shampoos on my African American relaxed hair?

As an African American with relaxed hair, it is important to use the right products to maintain the health of your hair. While regular shampoos may seem like a convenient option, they may not be suitable for your hair type. African American hair is generally more fragile and prone to breakage, and using regular shampoos might strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.

To avoid damaging your relaxed hair, it is recommended that you use shampoos that are specifically formulated for African American hair. These shampoos are designed to provide deep cleansing without stripping away the natural oils and moisture that your hair needs. They also contain ingredients that help to strengthen and protect your hair, keeping it healthy and shiny.

If you are unsure about which shampoo to use, consult with a professional stylist who has experience with African American hair. They can recommend products that are best suited to your hair type and help you create a haircare routine that will keep your hair looking its best.

How do I choose the best shampoo for my relaxed African American hair?

When it comes to choosing the best shampoo for relaxed African American hair, there are a few important factors to consider. First and foremost, look for a shampoo that is formulated specifically for your hair type. This means that it should be designed to moisturize and nourish your hair, while also being gentle enough to avoid stripping away natural oils.

It's also important to avoid shampoos that contain harsh sulfates, which can be damaging to relaxed hair. Instead, look for products that contain natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil, which can help to hydrate and strengthen your hair.

Another consideration is whether you have any specific hair concerns, such as dandruff or thinning hair. Look for shampoos that are designed to address these issues, and consider consulting with a hairstylist or dermatologist if you're unsure which products to choose.

Ultimately, the best shampoo for your relaxed African American hair will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Take the time to research different products and read reviews from other users, and don't be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect shampoo for your hair.

How often should I shampoo my relaxed African American hair?

The frequency of shampooing relaxed African American hair depends on several factors such as hair texture, scalp condition, and lifestyle. Generally, it is recommended to shampoo relaxed hair once a week to avoid stripping the hair of its natural oils. However, if you have an oily scalp or engage in activities that cause excessive sweating, you may need to shampoo more frequently. On the other hand, if you have a dry scalp or hair, you may need to shampoo less often to prevent further drying. It is important to use a sulfate-free shampoo and a good conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and healthy. Additionally, it is essential to properly detangle your hair before and after shampooing to avoid breakage and damage. Overall, finding the right balance for your hair and scalp will require some trial and error, but with proper care, your relaxed African American hair can thrive.

What are the benefits of using a moisturizing shampoo on African American hair?

African American hair has unique characteristics that require special care and attention. One of the most important aspects of hair care for this hair type is moisture. Moisturizing shampoos provide several benefits for African American hair.

Firstly, moisturizing shampoos are formulated with ingredients that hydrate and nourish the hair. This helps to prevent dryness and breakage, which is a common issue for African American hair. By keeping the hair moisturized, the shampoo helps to retain length and promote healthy hair growth.

Secondly, moisturizing shampoos help to improve the overall texture and appearance of the hair. They make the hair softer, smoother, and easier to manage. This is especially important for African American hair, which can be prone to tangling and frizzing.

Lastly, moisturizing shampoos can also help to protect the hair from damage caused by heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental factors. They create a protective barrier around the hair, which helps to prevent breakage and split ends.

In summary, using a moisturizing shampoo on African American hair provides numerous benefits, including hydration, improved texture, and protection from damage.

What are the best shampoos for African American relaxed hair?

When it comes to finding the best shampoo for African American relaxed hair, there are a few things to keep in mind. Look for a shampoo that is designed specifically for relaxed hair, as it will be formulated to address the unique needs of chemically treated hair. It's also important to choose a shampoo that is free from sulfates, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry and brittle.

Some of the best shampoos for African American relaxed hair include the Mizani Moisturfusion Milk Bath Shampoo, which is formulated to hydrate and nourish dry, chemically treated hair. Another great option is the Design Essentials Moisture Retention Shampoo, which is enriched with natural oils and vitamins to help restore moisture and prevent breakage.

For those who prefer all-natural products, the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo is a popular choice. This shampoo is enriched with Jamaican black castor oil, which is known for its ability to strengthen and grow hair.

Ultimately, the best shampoo for African American relaxed hair will depend on your individual hair type and concerns. It's important to experiment with different products to find the one that works best for you.

What are the best shampoos for color-treated African American hair?

When it comes to finding the best shampoos for color-treated African American hair, it's important to look for products that are specifically formulated to protect and enhance the vibrancy of colored hair. Some of the top shampoos for this hair type include:

1. Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo: This shampoo is perfect for color-treated hair as it's formulated with natural ingredients that help to protect the hair from damage caused by coloring. It's also great for restoring moisture to dry, damaged hair.

2. Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Shampoo: This shampoo is specifically designed for African American hair and is enriched with ingredients like sweet clover, aloe leaf juice, and shea butter to nourish and hydrate the hair. It's also sulfate-free, making it gentle on color-treated hair.

3. Design Essentials Oat Protein & Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo: This shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients like henna and oat protein to strengthen the hair and protect it from damage caused by coloring. It's also great for removing product buildup and leaving the hair feeling clean and refreshed.

Overall, when selecting shampoos for color-treated African American hair, it's important to choose products that are gentle, nourishing, and formulated with natural ingredients that will help to protect and enhance the color of your hair.

What ingredients should I look for in a shampoo for African American hair?

When it comes to choosing a shampoo for African American hair, it's important to look for ingredients that will help to keep your hair and scalp healthy and moisturized. Here are some ingredients to look for:

1. Shea Butter: This natural ingredient is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that help to moisturize and nourish your hair and scalp.

2. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer that helps to prevent dryness and breakage in African American hair.

3. Tea Tree Oil: This essential oil has antimicrobial properties that can help to soothe an itchy or irritated scalp.

4. Argan Oil: Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help to hydrate and protect hair from damage.

5. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a natural humectant that helps to moisturize hair and scalp while also promoting healthy hair growth.

6. Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is a natural oil that is similar in structure to the natural oils produced by the scalp, making it a great moisturizer for African American hair.

When choosing a shampoo for African American hair, look for products that contain these ingredients to keep your hair healthy and moisturized.

Which shampoos are specifically formulated for African American hair?

There are several shampoos available in the market that are specifically formulated for African American hair. These shampoos are designed to cater to the unique needs of the hair type, which is often characterized by being densely coiled, dry, and prone to breakage. Some of the popular shampoos for African American hair include Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo, Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Shampoo, and Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Clean Moisturizing and Softening Shampoo.

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo is enriched with castor oil, which helps to strengthen and repair damaged hair. Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Shampoo is infused with a blend of natural ingredients, including aloe leaf juice, honey, and sweet clover extract, to hydrate and nourish dry hair. Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Clean Moisturizing and Softening Shampoo contains coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil to help detangle and soften hair.

It is important to choose a shampoo that suits your specific hair type and concerns. Consulting with a hair care professional can also help you find the best shampoo for your hair.

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