Curly hair is beautiful, but if you're considering a new look, you can transform it into straight hair through a process called relaxing with a chemical cream. To keep your hair smooth and manageable, it's essential to use the best shampoo for relaxed hair. This transformation is permanent and helps prevent frizz and flyaways.

In this article, we’ll compile a list of the best shampoos for relaxed African American hair, black hair color, curly hair, dandruff, women's hair, and male hair growth. Let’s check it out.

A Quick Look at The Best Shampoos for Relaxed in 2023

Should I Use a Shampoo for Relaxed Hair?

If you've chosen to relax your hair, then it's a resounding "Yes" to using a shampoo specifically designed for relaxed hair. But why, you ask? Let's break it down.

When you relax your hair, the chemicals used in the process alter your hair's natural structure, leaving it in a more delicate state. This calls for a change in your hair care regimen, including the shampoo you use. The right shampoo will be gentle on your hair, working to cleanse without causing further stress or damage.

Shampoos for relaxed hair are specially formulated with nourishing ingredients to provide the hydration your hair needs post-relaxing. They're packed with proteins and nutrients that help reinforce the hair’s structure and restore its strength and elasticity.

Also, let's not forget the all-important factor of moisture. Relaxed hair can often feel dry, and these shampoos help maintain the necessary moisture balance, making your hair feel soft and look shiny.

7 Best Shampoos for Relaxed Hair to Buy in 2023

Davines NOUNOU Shampoo

Davines NOUNOU Shampoo

 

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Pros

  • Nourish treated and very dry hair.
  • For bleached, permed or relaxed hair.
  • Gives hair a strong shine-giving effect.
  • Gently cleanses hair while preserving natural oil.
  • Leaves soft hair.

Cons

  • Pricey.

Davines NOUNOU Shampoo is a nourishing shampoo designed specifically for highly processed or brittle hair, making it the perfect choice for those who have relaxed their hair.

NOUNOU Shampoo provides deep nourishment and hydration to treated and very dry hair, giving it a strong shine-giving effect that will make your hair look healthy and lustrous. Its gentle cleansing formula ensures that your hair is clean without stripping it of its natural oils, leaving it soft and silky.

What sets NOUNOU Shampoo apart from other shampoos is its natural active ingredients. The Fiaschetto tomato extract, obtained from a farm in Serranova, di Carovigno, Brindisi, is full of antioxidants and Vitamin C, which restore and invigorate hair. This extract, which is part of the Slow Food Presidia, is a testament to the quality and purity of the ingredients used in NOUNOU Shampoo.

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo

 

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Pros

  • Deep-cleansing formula.
  • Restores hair to a healthy balance.
  • Nourish hair.
  • Can be used before a perm, color, or chemical treatment.
  • Color-safe, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and phosphate-free.

Cons

  • May cause hair loss.

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo is an ideal choice for those looking for the best shampoo for relaxed hair. The product is designed to remove buildup caused by hair products, hard water, mineral deposits, chlorine, and environmental impurities, which can make your hair appear dull and lifeless. This shampoo is a deep-cleansing formula that restores hair to a weightless, healthy balance.

The shampoo is enriched with

  • Argan oil(1): a natural oil rich in tocopherols (Vitamin E), essential fatty acids, and antioxidants that nourish the hair.
  • Lavender(2), rosemary(3), chamomile(4), and jojoba(5: natural plant extracts that provide nourishment to the hair.
  • Keratin(6): a protein with a structural function, which can repair and fortify hair that has been harmed or has become porous.
  • Panthenol(7): a form of Vitamin B5 that moisturizes the hair and gives it a glossy finish.

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo is sulfate-free, phosphate-free, and paraben-free, making it a safe and effective option for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals in their hair care routine.

MIZANI Moisture Fusion Shampoo

MIZANI Moisture Fusion Shampoo

 

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Pros

  • Suitable for all curl types.
  • Provide moisture and nutrients.
  • Leaves hair soft, bouncy, and easy to detangle.
  • Packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
  • Soothes and conditions the hair scalp.

Cons

  • Strong scent.
  • May not provide adequate moisture to hair.

MIZANI Moisture Fusion Shampoo is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a moisturizing shampoo that is specifically designed for relaxed hair. It is suitable for all curl types, including curls, coils, and tight coils. The formula contains hydrating cupuaçu butter, argan oil, and honey, which work together to infuse your hair with moisture and nutrients.

One of the best things about this moisturizing shampoo is that it quenches thirsty strands, leaving your hair soft, bouncy, and easy to detangle. This is especially important for those with relaxed hair, which can be more prone to dryness and breakage.

The formula contains a variety of beneficial ingredients, including

  • Argan oil(1): is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that nourish and strengthen the hair. 
  • Cupuaçu butter(8): another key ingredient that helps to moisturize and protect the hair. 
  • Honey(9): is another powerful moisturizer that helps to soothe and condition the scalp.

Avlon Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo

Avlon Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo

 

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Pros

  • Detangles and softens hair gently.
  • Moisturizes and conditions hair.
  • Removes excess oils from hair and scalp while preserving natural moisture.
  • Packed with natural botanical extracts.
  • Sulfate-free.

Cons

  • Unpleasant scent.

Avlon Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo gently detangles and softens your hair while moisturizing and conditioning it. It produces a rich lather that lightly cleanses hair, making it a beauty bath for hair.

One of the best features of this shampoo is its ability to remove excess oils from hair and scalp without stripping it. It also decreases interfiber friction, repairs damaged areas along the hair shaft and fly-away split ends, and improves cuticle alignment. This shampoo contains natural botanical extracts and is pH-balanced.

This sulfate-free shampoo helps moisturize and condition hair, leaving it with a healthy-looking appearance and feel. It also removes excess oils from hair and scalp without over-stripping the hair, helping to minimize hair breakage. This shampoo seals hair cuticles, repairs damaged hair, and offers superior detangling for easy wet and dry combing. It leaves hair soft and shiny.

Pura D'or Scalp Therapy Shampoo

Pura D'or Scalp Therapy Shampoo

 

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Pros

  • Certified organic ingredients.
  • Reduces dryness, scaling, and irritation.
  • Gentle and effective formula.
  • Hydrate and nourish the scalp.
  • Vegan, hypo-allergenic, and cruelty-free.
  • No harsh chemicals.

Cons

  • May cause hair loss, buildup, and dandruff.

Pura D'or Scalp Therapy Shampoo is considered the best shampoo for hair with a dry scalp that eases and nourishes the scalp while reducing the appearance of flakes due to dryness.

Pura D'or Scalp Therapy Shampoo contains a blend of natural ingredients, including

Pura D'or Scalp Therapy Shampoo is great for reducing the appearance of dryness, relieving scaling, irritation, and dryness, easing the scalp, and moisturizing hair.

The shampoo is gentle yet effective, with an ultra-nourishing blend of premium oils and vitamins specially formulated for an invigorated scalp. All formulas of the product combine science and nature to deliver transformative hair therapy. The shampoo is manufactured in the USA in a facility that uses renewable energy.

OGX Anti-Breakage + Keratin Oil Shampoo

OGX Anti-Breakage + Keratin Oil Shampoo

 

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Pros

  • Contains natural ingredients.
  • Helps ease irritated scalp due to dryness and clarify strands.
  • Nourishes and alleviates the scalp.
  • Contains premium oils and vitamins.
  • Prevents breakage, and also strengthens hair.
  • Paraben-free, sulfate-free.

Cons

  • May cause hair loss.

OGX Anti-Breakage + Keratin Oil Shampoo is an excellent choice for those with relaxed hair looking to strengthen and fortify their locks while reducing breakage caused by brushing and styling. This shampoo contains a nourishing blend of ingredients that work together to repair damage and promote healthy hair growth.

The product contains

  • Hydrolyzed keratin(6): a protein that is known for its ability to strengthen hair and prevent breakage. The keratin in this shampoo works to fortify strands, making them more resistant to damage caused by heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental stressors.
  • Argan oil(1): rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that help to moisturize and nourish the hair. Argan oil also helps to reduce frizz, leaving hair with a smooth and shiny finish.

This shampoo is free of parabens and sulfates, which makes it a gentle option for those with sensitive scalps or color-treated hair. Instead, it uses sulfate-free surfactants to gently cleanse the hair without stripping away its natural oils.

Pantene Pro-V Truly Relaxed Hair Lightweight Shampoo

Pantene Pro-V Truly Relaxed Hair Lightweight Shampoo

 

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Pros

  • Lightweight.
  • Helps remove buildup.
  • Paraben-free.
  • Contains pro-vitamins.
  • Strengthen hair and improve moisture levels.
  • Good scent.

Cons

  • Contains sodium chloride, SLS, SLES, and EDTA.

One of the standout features of Pantene Pro-V Truly Relaxed Hair Lightweight Shampoo is its coconut(16) and jojoba oil(5)-enriched formula. These natural oils are known for their ability to nourish and hydrate hair, making them ideal for those with relaxed hair that needs extra moisture. 

The shampoo's formula also helps remove product buildup from the scalp, leaving your hair feeling clean and refreshed.

it's free of parabens, which are potentially harmful chemicals commonly used in beauty products. This means you can use this shampoo regularly without worrying about exposing your hair to harmful ingredients.

The product also contains pro-vitamins, which help strengthen your hair while improving its health and overall moisture levels. This is crucial for anyone with relaxed hair, as the chemical process used to relax the hair can leave it weak and prone to breakage.

How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Relaxed Hair

Relaxed hair requires special care and attention to maintain its health and beauty. One of the most important factors to consider when caring for relaxed hair is choosing the right shampoo. Here are some elements you need to take into consideration when choosing the right shampoo for your relaxed hair.

Ingredients

When choosing a shampoo for relaxed hair, it is essential to look for ingredients that provide moisturizing and fortifying benefits to the hair. Some of the ingredients to look for include keratin(6)coconut oil(16)jojoba oil(5), and aloe vera(17). These ingredients not only condition relaxed hair but also repair damaged hair and protect it from further damage.

It is also recommended to opt for shampoos with organic ingredients over chemicals like SLS, parabens, and silicones, which can worsen your hair condition. Organic ingredients are generally milder and gentler on the hair and scalp.

Added Features

Shampoos specifically formulated for relaxed hair often have added features that make the hair more manageable. These shampoos can detangle the hair, prevent frizz, and control humidity. Opt for these shampoos as they make the hair easier to style and maintain.

Formula

Choosing a shampoo with a mild formula is crucial for relaxed hair. Relaxed hair is sensitive and prone to damage, so gentle formulas are needed to cleanse the scalp and hair without causing irritation or damage.

Useful Tips on How to Take Care of Relaxed Hair

best shampoo relaxed hair

Relaxed hair requires proper care and attention to maintain its health and beauty. Here are some tips on how to take care of relaxed hair.

  • Deep condition: chemically relaxing your hair might make it dull, damaged, and prone to breaking. It is recommended to undergo a deep conditioning treatment on a weekly basis in order to enhance the overall texture and strengthen the hair.
  • Oil your hair regularly: by applying oils such as coconut, argan, or castor to your hair, you can nourish and strengthen it, as these oils contain antioxidants that shield your hair from harm.
  • Avoid overusing heat styling tools: heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons will damage your chemically relaxed hair even more. Limit the use of these tools to avoid further damage.
  • Get regular trims: getting regular trims will keep your hair healthy and fresh, and also prevents split ends and breakage.
  • Get constant touch-ups: getting constant touch-ups on your new hair is crucial to prevent hair breakage. How often you need touch-ups will vary based on your hair type, so it's recommended to consult your hairstylist for guidance on the frequency of touch-up appointments.

Final Thought

Choosing the right shampoo is crucial for maintaining healthy and vibrant relaxed hair. It is important to look for shampoos with moisturizing and fortifying ingredients, mild formulas, and added features like detangling and frizz control. The curated list of reviewed shampoos contains options that are specially formulated for relaxed hair, with nourishing ingredients that help repair and protect damaged hair. 

By following the tips on how to take care of relaxed hair and using the best shampoos, you can maintain your beautiful tresses for the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

What shampoo is good for relaxed hair?

For relaxed hair, shampoos with moisturizing and fortifying ingredients like keratin, coconut oil, jojoba, and aloe vera are good choices. Avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals like SLS, parabens, and silicones that might worsen the hair condition.

What is the best hair care routine for relaxed hair?

The best hair care routine for relaxed hair includes picking the right relaxer, deep conditioning once a week, oiling regularly, avoiding overuse of heat styling tools, getting regular trims, using hair products formulated for relaxed hair, and washing hair once a week.

How often should I shampoo relaxed hair?

Relaxed hair should be shampooed once a week to prevent product buildup, clogged scalp pores, and dryness. Washing too often may strip the hair of natural oils, leading to dryness and damage.

What ingredients should be avoided in relaxed hair shampoo?

Shampoos for relaxed hair should avoid harsh chemicals like SLS, parabens, and silicones that can cause dryness and damage. Instead, look for shampoos with gentle formulas and natural ingredients like keratin, aloe vera, and oils that nourish and strengthen the hair.

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