7 Best Shampoo for Mixed Hair Reviewed in 2025

As someone with mixed hair – a beautiful, sometimes unpredictable blend of textures, curl patterns, and varying moisture needs – I know the struggle of finding the right shampoo. My hair can be oily at the roots and dry at the ends, or some sections might be tightly coiled while others are wavy. It’s a journey, not a destination, to find products that truly cater to this unique hair type. Over the years, I’ve tried countless shampoos, looking for that sweet spot: something that cleanses without stripping, moisturizes without weighing down, and truly enhances my natural texture. That’s why I’ve put together this guide, diving deep into what makes a great shampoo for mixed hair, and reviewing seven of the top contenders you’ll want to consider in 2025. My goal is to help you navigate the options and find your best shampoo for mixed hair, so you can stop guessing and start loving your locks.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Not Your Mother’s Naturals Curl Defining Shampoo and…	View on Amazon
	Aunt Jackie’s Curls and Coils Oh So Clean Deep…	View on Amazon
	Cake Beauty Curl Friend Curl Defining Shampoo, Conditioner…	View on Amazon
	Cantu Shampoo & Conditioner with Shea Butter for Natural…	View on Amazon
	Mixed Chicks Gentle Clarifying Shampoo, 10 fl. oz.	View on Amazon
	Biotin & Rosemary Shampoo for Hair Growth: Hair Loss…	View on Amazon
	Mixed Chicks Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Colored & Chemically…	View on Amazon

Product Reviews

Not Your Mother’s Naturals Curl Defining Shampoo and Conditioner

This duo is a true gem for anyone looking to embrace and define their natural curls without harsh chemicals. I found it does an excellent job of cleansing gently while really making my curls pop. The peachy coconut scent is delightful and not overpowering, making wash days a little more luxurious. It’s fantastic for managing frizz and adding a lovely shine, leaving my hair feeling incredibly soft and hydrated, which is a huge win for my sometimes-thirsty mixed hair.

Key Features:
– Shampoo and conditioner set designed for curl definition.
– Made with 98% naturally derived ingredients.
– Infused with Tahitian Gardenia and Mango Butter for intense hydration.
– Safe for all curl types (curly, coily, wavy) and color-treated hair.
– Sulfate surfactant-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, dye-free, and drying alcohol-free.

Pros:
– Effectively defines and enhances natural curl patterns.
– Hydrates intensely without weighing hair down.
– Free from many common harsh chemicals, suitable for sensitive scalps.
– Pleasant, natural fragrance.
– Leaves hair shiny and soft.

Cons:
– May not provide enough clarifying power for very heavy product buildup.
– The scent, while pleasant, might not appeal to everyone.

Best for: Enhancing and hydrating natural curls across all curl types, especially those looking for a clean ingredient profile.

User feedback summary: Many users rave about how this set makes their curls look and feel, noting the excellent definition and frizz control. They appreciate the natural ingredients and the lovely scent.

Aunt Jackie’s Curls and Coils Oh So Clean Deep Moisturizing & Softening Shampoo

Aunt Jackie’s has been a staple in the natural hair community for a reason, and this shampoo lives up to its reputation. When I used it, I noticed how incredibly soft and manageable my hair felt, even before conditioner. It really does a fantastic job of thoroughly cleansing without stripping, leaving my scalp feeling refreshed and my hair moisturized. The blend of coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil works wonders on difficult-to-manage textures, making detangling much easier.

Key Features:
– 12 fl oz moisturizing and softening shampoo.
– Blend of natural conditioners and healthier ingredients.
– Enriched with coconut oil, shea butter, and extra virgin olive oil.
– Formulated for natural hair, curls, coils, and waves.
– Proudly made in the USA.

Pros:
– Provides deep moisture and softens hair effectively.
– Excellent for managing and detangling difficult textures.
– Gentle yet thorough cleansing action.
– Rich in nourishing natural oils.

Cons:
– Some might find the lather less intense than conventional shampoos.
– The scent is often described as subtle, which might not be preferred by those who like stronger fragrances.

Best for: Deeply moisturizing and softening natural curls, coils, and waves, especially for hair that tends to be dry or difficult to manage.

User feedback summary: Users consistently praise its ability to leave hair feeling incredibly soft and moisturized, making it a go-to for many with curly or coily hair types. Its gentle cleansing is a frequently highlighted benefit.

Cake Beauty Curl Friend Curl Defining Shampoo, Conditioner & Cream Curl Set

This isn’t just a shampoo; it’s a whole wash day experience! The Cake Beauty set transformed my hair, making it feel pampered and truly defined. The shampoo and conditioner cleanse and hydrate beautifully, but it’s the addition of the defining cream that takes it to another level. My curls were bouncy, shiny, and noticeably frizz-free. And honestly, the lemon cookie and lemon meringue pie scents are absolutely divine – a real treat for the senses during my shower routine.

Key Features:
– Three-piece set: Curl Enhancing Shampoo, Curl Enhancing Conditioner, and Defining Curl Cream.
– Shampoo and conditioner contain Sunflower Seed and Argan Oil.
– Defining Curl Cream features Avocado Oil, Soybean Oil, and Shea Butter.
– Designed to enhance natural definition, restore moisture, and control frizz.
– Delicious Lemon Cookie and Lemon Meringue Pie fragrances.

Pros:
– Comprehensive set for a full curl-enhancing routine.
– Provides excellent curl definition and frizz control.
– Deeply moisturizing ingredients nourish hair.
– Fantastic, long-lasting fragrances.
– Leaves hair glossy and soft.

Cons:
– Might be a larger investment than a single shampoo bottle.
– The strong, sweet scent might not be for everyone.

Best for: Anyone looking for a complete curl-enhancing system that moisturizes, defines, and smells amazing, especially if frizz is a major concern.

User feedback summary: Customers love the delicious scents and how well the products work together to define curls and minimize frizz. The comprehensive nature of the set is often mentioned as a key benefit.

Cantu Shampoo & Conditioner with Shea Butter for Natural Hair

Cantu has long been a trusted brand for natural hair, and this shampoo and conditioner combination is a testament to why. It really helps to remove heavy buildup without stripping away my hair’s essential moisture. The shea butter formula feels incredibly nourishing, and I noticed a definite reduction in breakage over time. It’s a reliable choice for maintaining healthy, natural curls, coils, and waves, keeping them moisturized and protected from damage.

Key Features:
– Shampoo and conditioner with Shea Butter formula.
– Helps reduce breakage and replenish moisture.
– Designed to remove heavy buildup while protecting natural oils.
– Prevents breakage and split ends.
– Great for waves, curls, and coils.

Pros:
– Effectively cleanses and removes buildup.
– Deeply moisturizes and nourishes with shea butter.
– Helps protect against breakage and split ends.
– Affordable and widely available.

Cons:
– Some users might find it less clarifying for extremely heavy product usage.
– The scent is generally mild but might not be as unique as other brands.

Best for: Regular cleansing and conditioning for natural waves, curls, and coils, especially for those prone to breakage and in need of moisture replenishment.

User feedback summary: Users praise this duo for its moisturizing properties and effectiveness in reducing breakage. It’s often highlighted as an affordable and dependable choice for maintaining healthy, natural hair.

Mixed Chicks Gentle Clarifying Shampoo

Mixed Chicks Gentle Clarifying Shampoo is a breath of fresh air for hair that feels weighed down by products. When I used it, my hair felt squeaky clean but not stripped, which is a hard balance to strike with clarifying shampoos. It did an excellent job of removing all the dulling residue, restoring a natural luster and shine to my mixed texture. The botanical extracts, soy protein, and panthenol really contribute to leaving hair feeling smooth and manageable, without interfering with my curl pattern.

Key Features:
– Clarifying shampoo suitable for straight, wavy, and curly hair.
– Restores natural luster and shine.
– Removes dulling residue.
– Infused with botanical extracts, soy protein, and panthenol.
– Leaves hair clean, smooth, and manageable.

Pros:
– Effectively removes product buildup and residue.
– Restores shine and luster without stripping.
– Gentle enough for regular use, despite being clarifying.
– Contains beneficial botanical extracts and proteins.

Cons:
– Might not be moisturizing enough on its own for very dry hair types, requiring a good conditioner afterward.
– Not sulfate-free, which some users prefer to avoid.

Best for: Regularly removing product buildup and restoring shine for all hair types (straight, wavy, curly), particularly those with mixed textures that accumulate residue.

User feedback summary: Users appreciate its ability to thoroughly cleanse the hair and scalp, bringing back shine and manageability without leaving it feeling overly dry. It’s often recommended for its residue-removing power.

Biotin & Rosemary Shampoo for Hair Growth: Hair Loss… (RootStim Hair Growth Shampoo)

If you’re dealing with thinning hair or just want to boost your hair’s overall health, this RootStim shampoo is definitely worth a look. I’ve been incorporating it into my routine, and I appreciate how it focuses on scalp health, which is crucial for growth. The blend of biotin, rosemary, and tea tree oil soothes my scalp and makes my roots feel stronger. It’s sulfate-free, which is great for my sensitive scalp, and while it’s focused on growth, it still leaves my hair feeling nourished and looking shiny.

Key Features:
– Natural ingredients: Biotin, Rosemary, Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil, Saw Palmetto, Ginger Root, Argan Oil.
– Supports thinning hair and hair growth.
– Sulfate-free and gentle for sensitive scalps.
– Soothes and balances scalp, reducing itchiness and flaking.
– Strengthens hair roots and reduces hair loss with regular use.
– Deeply moisturizes for shine and softness.

Pros:
– Targets hair growth and reduces hair loss effectively.
– Soothes and balances the scalp with natural ingredients.
– Sulfate-free, suitable for sensitive scalps.
– Nourishes and adds shine to hair.
– Comprehensive blend of natural ingredients for hair health.

Cons:
– May require consistent, long-term use to see significant hair growth results.
– A patch test is recommended due to potent natural ingredients.

Best for: Individuals with thinning hair, those experiencing hair loss, or anyone looking to promote thicker, stronger hair growth and improve scalp health.

User feedback summary: Users often report a healthier-feeling scalp and a reduction in hair shedding after consistent use. The natural ingredients and sulfate-free formula are frequently highlighted as major benefits for sensitive scalps.

Mixed Chicks Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Colored & Chemically Treated Hair

This Mixed Chicks shampoo is a fantastic option if you have color-treated or chemically processed mixed hair, like mine often is. It’s designed to cleanse mildly without stripping the natural oils that my curls absolutely need. I found it really effective in maintaining the vibrancy of my color while still getting my hair clean. The key ingredients like avocado, sweet almonds, and aloe ensure that my hair feels moisturized and healthy, not dry or brittle after washing.

Key Features:
– Mildly cleanses chemically and color-treated hair.
– Sulfate-free formula prevents stripping natural oils.
– Cleans straight, wavy, and curly hair.
– Key ingredients: avocado, sweet almonds, and aloe.
– Designed to maintain curl integrity and color vibrancy.

Pros:
– Excellent for protecting color-treated and chemically processed hair.
– Sulfate-free formulation is gentle and non-stripping.
– Moisturizes with natural oils (avocado, sweet almond) and aloe.
– Maintains the integrity of curls and waves.

Cons:
– Might not be strong enough for very heavy product buildup if used as a primary shampoo.
– More specialized for treated hair, so its full benefits might not be as apparent for untreated hair.

Best for: Individuals with color-treated or chemically processed mixed hair who need a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that protects their hair’s natural oils and color.

User feedback summary: Customers consistently praise this shampoo for its gentle cleansing action and its ability to preserve hair color and moisture in treated hair. The sulfate-free formula is a big draw for those with sensitive scalps or processed hair.

Helpful Comparison Insights

When you’re looking for the best shampoo for mixed hair, it’s important to consider your specific needs. If curl definition and hydration are your top priorities, then the Not Your Mother’s Naturals Curl Defining Shampoo and Conditioner or the Cake Beauty Curl Friend set are strong contenders. Not Your Mother’s offers a very clean ingredient list, while Cake Beauty provides a comprehensive system with amazing scents.

For those whose mixed hair tends to be dry and difficult to manage, Aunt Jackie’s Curls and Coils Oh So Clean Deep Moisturizing & Softening Shampoo and Cantu’s Shampoo & Conditioner with Shea Butter are excellent choices. They both pack a punch of natural oils and butters, with Aunt Jackie’s perhaps focusing more on immediate softening and Cantu on consistent moisture replenishment and breakage prevention.

If product buildup is your nemesis, then the Mixed Chicks Gentle Clarifying Shampoo steps up to the plate, promising a squeaky clean feel without excessive stripping. However, if your hair is color-treated or chemically processed, you’ll want a gentler touch, making the Mixed Chicks Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Colored & Chemically Treated Hair a better fit, as it’s specifically formulated to protect your investment.

Lastly, for anyone looking to address thinning hair or promote growth, the RootStim Hair Growth Shampoo with Biotin & Rosemary stands out. It’s a specialized treatment focused on scalp health and strengthening roots, proving that “best shampoo for mixed hair” can also mean targeting specific hair concerns beyond just texture. Remember, many mixed hair types can benefit from alternating between a clarifying shampoo and a moisturizing one to keep the scalp healthy and strands hydrated.

Final Verdict

Choosing the single “best shampoo for mixed hair” is tough because, well, mixed hair is mixed! It truly depends on your individual hair’s current needs and goals.

If you’re seeking defined, bouncy curls with a clean ingredient list, I’d lean towards Not Your Mother’s Naturals Curl Defining Shampoo and Conditioner. It consistently delivers beautiful results without harsh chemicals.

For those dealing with extreme dryness and a need for deep softening, Aunt Jackie’s Curls and Coils Oh So Clean is a hydration hero that will leave your hair feeling incredibly nourished.

If your hair is color-treated and needs gentle care to maintain vibrancy, the Mixed Chicks Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Colored & Chemically Treated Hair is your safest bet for protection and mild cleansing.

And for anyone on a hair growth journey or looking to strengthen thinning strands, the RootStim Hair Growth Shampoo offers a targeted approach that addresses scalp health directly.

Ultimately, all these options are fantastic, but by identifying your primary hair concern – be it moisture, definition, clarification, or growth – you can narrow down the choices and find the perfect match for your unique mixed hair.

FAQ Section

Q1: What exactly is “mixed hair” and why does it need a special shampoo?
Mixed hair, often referred to as multiracial or biracial hair, typically means having a combination of different hair textures and curl patterns on the same head. This can range from loose waves to tight coils, often accompanied by varying porosity and moisture needs. It requires a special shampoo that can cleanse effectively without stripping natural oils, provide ample moisture to combat dryness in some areas, and help manage frizz or define curls without weighing down other sections. Generic shampoos often don’t cater to this delicate balance.

Q2: What ingredients should I look for in the best shampoo for mixed hair?
When searching for the best shampoo for mixed hair, look for moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, and aloe vera. Proteins like soy protein or keratin can also be beneficial for strengthening. Hydrating ingredients such as glycerin or panthenol (Vitamin B5) are great for drawing moisture into the hair. Products that specifically mention “curl defining,” “moisturizing,” or “hydrating” are usually a good starting point.

Q3: Are there any ingredients I should avoid in shampoos for mixed hair?
Yes, generally, you’ll want to avoid sulfates (e.g., Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate) as they can be very harsh and strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz, which mixed hair is already prone to. Also, be mindful of heavy silicones if you find they cause buildup or weigh your hair down, although some silicones can offer benefits. Drying alcohols can also dehydrate your hair, so it’s best to check the ingredient list.

Q4: How often should I wash my mixed hair with the best shampoo for mixed hair?
The frequency of washing largely depends on your specific hair type, lifestyle, and how quickly your scalp gets oily or accumulates product. Many people with mixed hair find that washing every 3-5 days works well to maintain moisture and prevent dryness. If you use a lot of styling products, you might need a clarifying wash more often. Listen to your hair – if it feels dry, stretch washes. If it feels greasy or has buildup, wash sooner.

Q5: Can I use a clarifying shampoo on mixed hair, and if so, how often?
Absolutely, clarifying shampoos are crucial for mixed hair to remove product buildup, hard water minerals, and environmental impurities. However, they can be stripping if overused. I recommend using a clarifying shampoo like Mixed Chicks Gentle Clarifying Shampoo once every 2-4 weeks, or as needed when your hair feels weighed down or dull. Always follow up with a deeply moisturizing conditioner or a hair mask to replenish lost moisture.

Q6: Should I consider a shampoo that’s sulfate-free for my mixed hair?
Yes, for most mixed hair types, a sulfate-free shampoo is highly recommended. As mentioned, sulfates can be very drying and can disrupt your hair’s delicate moisture balance. Sulfate-free formulas are much gentler, help preserve your hair’s natural oils, and are often better for maintaining curl definition and reducing frizz. Many of the best shampoos for mixed hair, like Not Your Mother’s Naturals or Mixed Chicks Sulfate-Free, are formulated without sulfates for this very reason.

Q7: Will the best shampoo for mixed hair help with frizz?
Many of the best shampoos for mixed hair are formulated with anti-frizz properties. They do this by providing intense moisture, which helps smooth the hair cuticle and prevent humidity from causing frizz. Ingredients like natural oils, butters, and humectants (like glycerin) are key. While shampoo starts the process, using a complementary conditioner and styling products designed for frizz control will give you the best overall results.