Curly hair comes with many different issues, including texture change, dryness, and frizz.
So it’s important to take care of their curly hair with a shampoo that is suitable for them. However, there are many products on the market, and many people are confused about which one to choose.
This time, our editorial team has carefully selected a few popular shampoo products recommended for curly hair.
We will also touch on how to choose and recommend care methods that we asked Ms. Seki Kisui, a head spa specialty store, so please read on.
The person we spoke to this time was Seki Kisui, a head spa specialty store.
Worked at a beauty salon, makeup instructor at a cosmetics company, makeup instructor at a makeup school in Harajuku, and currently works as a makeup instructor at a beauty school and a head spa salon.
1. What is curly hair and what causes it?
In order to properly care for your hair, you should first understand the structure and causes of curly hair.
Structure of curly hair
The formation of curly hair is closely related to the internal structure of the hair. The shape of hair is determined by the way and arrangement of proteins called keratin, which mainly make up hair. If the keratin is not evenly distributed, the hair will bend or twist in a certain direction, resulting in what is known as "curly hair.''
There are 4 main types of curly hair
There are several types of curly hair, each with different characteristics and care methods.
Twisted hair
Curved hair is hair that is twisted like a spiral staircase. It is rough and has uneven thickness, and the twisted parts tend to break into thin pieces. When you press the root and center of the hair with both hands and move one hand toward the tip, you will hear a popping sound.
The causes of curly hair include genetics, changes in hormonal balance, and environmental factors such as distortion of the scalp and hair roots. In the case of environmental factors, improvement may be seen by preventing dryness and friction.
Wavy hair
Wavy hair is hair that is loosely wavy and curly. Hair has an oval cross-section, and keratin protein bonds are biased in a specific direction.
In addition to genetic factors, it is thought that there are also acquired factors such as the condition of the scalp and hair care methods. It is especially common among people who are susceptible to damage from dryness and friction, and those who are concerned about dry scalp.
Also, the strength of the curl of wavy hair changes depending on changes in humidity. In order to make it easier to handle, it is important to know how to properly care for it and choose the right products.
Renju hair
Renjumo is hair that has thick and thin sections arranged alternately like beads. Many people have trouble managing their hair, such as not being able to straighten their hair, which puts a lot of stress on the hair, because the thin parts tend to break easily.
In addition to damage and dryness, the causes include uneven bonding of proteins as hair grows. People who frequently perm or color their hair, or those with dry scalps, are more likely to suffer from strands of hair.
We recommend care that protects your hair from dryness and damage and maintains moisture.
Shukumo Curly hair
Shukumo is finely curled hair. It tends to add volume to your hair, making it look like an afro. It feels stiff to the touch and has little shine. Many people also have wavy or curly hair. Another great feature is that it is not easily affected by humidity, and there is almost no change in appearance even if the hair gets wet.
Frizzy hair can occur not only due to genetic factors, but also due to external damage, such as an imbalance in moisture, dryness, and frequent perming or coloring.
Since it tends to dry out easily, hair care that maintains moisture is recommended.
Causes of curly hair
As mentioned above, curly hair is caused by uneven protein distribution within the hair. However, there are various causes that lead to this condition. Let's look at the main possible causes one by one.
Genetic (born)
There are many causes of curly hair, but genetics is one of the main factors.
Hair shape and texture are inherited, so if your parents or grandparents have curly hair, your children are more likely to have the same characteristics. By considering factors other than genetics, it becomes easier to choose the most appropriate hair care option.
Distortion of pores
If the shape of your pores is not normal, your hair may not grow properly and this may cause frizzy hair.
Causes of distorted pores include excessive friction, dry skin, the effects of ultraviolet rays, inappropriate skin care, sagging skin due to aging, and excessive secretion of sebum. It is important to take proper care and minimize damage from external sources.
Hormone imbalance
Hormone imbalances caused by various changes in life, stress, pregnancy, menopause, etc. often affect the quality and quantity of hair.
In particular, fluctuations in female hormones greatly affect the condition of hair. If your hair is thinning or hair loss increases, you need to take steps to balance your hormones.
Be aware of things like reviewing your eating habits, living a relaxed lifestyle, and exercising moderately. It is also important to receive advice from experts and consider more appropriate care and supplement intake.
Damage to hair and scalp
Damage to hair and scalp is often caused by repeated care and treatments for cosmetic purposes.
Especially for perms and coloring, the cuticle is opened in order for the chemicals to penetrate into the hair. When the cuticle is damaged and the proteins inside the hair are lost, the shape of the hair becomes uneven and may appear as curly hair.
When this kind of damage occurs, it becomes more susceptible to external factors such as changes in humidity, and may even become more curly.
As part of your regular care, it's a good idea to incorporate protein-replenishing hair treatments and masks. Also, refrain from using high-temperature hair irons or hair dryers, and get into the habit of drying your hair thoroughly.
Disturbed lifestyle habits, stress
Daily lifestyle habits also have a big impact on hair health. Stress in particular can worsen blood circulation in the scalp and hinder hair growth. Irregular eating and sleeping habits can cause your hair to lack the nutrients it needs.
If your lifestyle continues to be disrupted, problems such as dryness and frizzy skin are more likely to occur. Try to live a life that is conscious not only of your hair but also of your whole body health.
2. What are the effects of shampoo for curly hair?
Shampoos for curly hair often contain ingredients such as amino acids and keratin that can be expected to have a repair effect. Some products also contain moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and collagen to moisturize the hair and protect it from dryness.
3. How to choose a shampoo for curly hair
Explains how to choose a shampoo suitable for combating frizzy hair, focusing on key points related to ingredients.
We recommend amino acid-based cleaning ingredients that are gentle on the scalp.
Dry skin, which lacks moisture in the scalp, is prone to dandruff and itching. Dehydration can also be caused by harsh shampoos.
To prevent dryness, you should use betaine-based or amino acid-based cleaning ingredients. Betaine-based products such as "cocamidopropyl betaine'' and amino acid-based products such as "Lauroylmethylalanine Na'' are known as typical cleansing ingredients with high moisturizing effects. Check the ingredient list.
The difference between betaine type and amino acid type is the difference in chemical reaction when dissolved in water.
In amino acid-based products, the hydrophilic group in the ingredients changes to negative ions, while in betaine-based products, it changes to either positive or negative ions depending on the pH.
Check to see if it contains moisturizing ingredients that moisturize your hair.
Especially for people whose hair is prone to dryness or who are concerned about the texture of their hair, we recommend shampoos that are rich in moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which protect hair from dryness while retaining moisture. Aim for shiny, moist hair.
Also check for the presence of ingredients that repair damage.
For hair that has been damaged by perms, coloring, or UV rays, we recommend shampoos containing repair ingredients.
In particular, "behentrimonium chloride'' and "hydrolyzed keratin (lecithin)'' have the ability to adjust the cuticle and replenish lost protein. Repairs damage from within the hair, giving you shiny, bouncy, supple hair.
Also check for the presence of vegetable oil.
As mentioned above, frizzy hair is caused by an imbalance of water inside the hair and damage to hair proteins.
If you have damaged hair, choose products that contain plant oils, which can moisturize the inside of your hair and repair damaged proteins.
In particular, "olive oil'' and "argan oil'' penetrate deeply into the hair and can be expected to have a calming effect.
4. [Recommended by the editorial department] Popular Japanese shampoos for curly hair
Now that you understand how to choose a shampoo, we will introduce a few recommended items carefully selected by our editorial team from popular shampoos for curly hair. Find the perfect shampoo for curly hair by referring to our reviews below.
Botanist Botanical shampoo moist
490ml 1540 yen
Key Features:
- Leads to moist and shiny hair
- Cares for damaged hair while restoring it to a healthy condition
- Recommended for those concerned about hair spreading -
Contains plant-derived moisturizing ingredients "sugar cane extract'' and "glycyrrhizic acid 2K''. Moisturizes and keeps you healthy.
The chewy foam retains moisture in your hair, leading to moist, manageable, and glossy hair.
Furthermore, it also contains the conditioning ingredient "PEG-30 phytosterol,'' and the moisturizing ingredients "Ceramide NG'' and "Nano Hyaluronic Acid,'' so it gently cleanses while repairing damaged hair.
Recommended for people who are concerned about their hair spreading or who have dry, dry hair.
User Reviews:
- Moist. It smells good. (Female in her 40s)
- Silicone-free and lathers well. (Female in her 30s)
- It's botanical and looks good for the scalp. I like the scent. (Female in her 30s)
HIMAWARI Dear Beaute Oil-in Shampoo (Rich & Repair)
500ml 823 (Amazon) yen
Key Features:
- Prevents hair from spreading due to humidity
- Controls the moisture inside the hair to keep it moist
- A shampoo with a pleasant elegant floral scent that
gently coats the hair and smooths out the frizz.
Contains coating oil "isodecyl neopentanoate'', anti-spreading ingredients "fermented sunflower bud extract'', and "beeswax'' to prevent hair from spreading due to moisture, making hair smooth.
In addition, the honey retains moisture deep into the hair, giving it a moisturized finish.
The elegant floral scent creates a natural feminine look. In addition, it is easy to use because it does not contain silicone or sulfuric acid surfactants.
User Reviews:
- Hair tends to tangle easily. (Female in her 40s)
- When I tried it once, I felt like it suited my hair. (Female in her 30s)
- I use this product because I heard that it is amino acid-based and gentle on the scalp. (Female in her 30s)
Jereme Amino Supreme Shampoo (Velvet Mellow)
500ml 1320 yen
Key Features:
- Leads to moist and smooth hair
- Moisturizes and suppresses frizz and dryness - A shampoo that simultaneously moisturizes and cares for damage that
keeps your hair neat and manageable until the evening .
Contains the water-retaining and repairing amino acid "ectoine'', which allows moisture to penetrate deep into the hair.
Therefore, it keeps your skin healthy by smoothing out dryness, undulations, and damage caused by dryness.
It also contains moisturizing ingredients such as "eelgrass extract", "hamanasu flower extract", and "glycerin", which moisturizes the inside of the hair for a moist and smooth finish.
The next morning after shampooing, it goes through your fingers easily, and it stays neatly organized even in the evening.
User Reviews:
- Although it is non-silicon, it does not squeak and is moisturizing. (Female in her 40s)
- I'm glad I received the sample, so I'm using it. (Female in her 20s)
- I use it because the packaging is cute. (Female in her 30s)
Essential flat volume down shampoo
500ml 774 (Amazon) yen
Key Features:
- Suppresses curls and makes hair easier to manage with every use
- Cleans calcium, which is the cause of stiffness, from within the hair
- Refreshing floral scent
A shampoo that makes your hair easier to style every time you use it.
Contains stiffness removing ingredients succinic acid and ammonium laureth sulfate to cleanse calcium, which is the cause of stiff hair. Leads to hair that is tangle-free and easy to run through.
With a refreshing floral scent that makes you feel positive, you can refresh your hair and mind.
User Reviews:
- Hair style is determined by simply drying it after shampooing. (Female in her 30s)
- It smells good and goes easily with your fingers. (Female in her 30s)
- Prevents bouncing and sleeping. (Female in her 60s)
Biolis SS Biolis Botanical Shampoo (Deep Moist)
480ml 924 yen
Key Features:
・Contains botanical-derived cleansing ingredients to gently cleanse
hair
・Creates loose hair into a manageable hair
・Contains lauroyl sarcosine TEA, a botanical-derived cleansing ingredient that makes your hair run smoothly as if you just returned from the salon
This shampoo that deeply cleanses while being gentle.
Contains the beauty ingredients "Organic Jojoba Extract Oil'' and "Argan Oil,'' so it retains plenty of water for dry, dry hair and moisturizes hair that spreads due to moisture.
The luxurious fruity floral scent is a mixture of six essential oils: chamomile, clary sage, geranium, lemon, orange, and cognac, as well as peach and apple, to relax your hair and mind.
Creates hair that runs smoothly through your fingers, as if you just returned from the salon.
User Reviews:
- I tried the scent at the drugstore and found it to be to my liking. (Female in her 50s)
- I use it because I can buy it at the supermarket and the price and ingredients are cost-effective. (Female in her 30s)
- Even though it's a silicone-free shampoo, it's reasonably priced. (Female in her 40s)
Pantene rich moisture shampoo
500ml 1036 (Amazon) yen
Key Features:
・Repairs hollow hair, which is common in damaged hair, for a moist finish
・A melt-in-your-mouth, smooth texture
・Proprietary conditioning ingredients "cetanol'' and "stearyl alcohol'' that
are less burdensome to the hair and scalp with 3 free formulations
A shampoo that repairs cavities that often occur in damaged hair.
It has a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and even though it's silicone-free, it doesn't make you squishy. Moisturizes hair that tends to get dry, giving it a manageable finish.
With three free formulations: silicone-free, paraben-free, and color-free, it is gentle on the scalp and hair. A soothing blend of apple and rose with an elegant fragrance.
User Reviews:
- Can repair damaged hair. (Female in her 40s)
- I use it because it seems to provide a lot of nutrients to the hair. (Female in her 50s)
- Silicone-free so there is less stress on your hair. (Female in her 30s)
5.Effective shampoo method to combat curly hair
Once you find your favorite shampoo, be sure to use it correctly. I will explain it step by step.
Pre-wash with lukewarm water
To remove dirt and excess sebum from your scalp, we recommend using lukewarm water between 38°C and 40°C, which tends to lift dirt from your scalp.
Wash thoroughly with lukewarm water, massaging your scalp for 1 to 2 minutes. Thorough pre-washing will help the shampoo lather better and make a difference in the finish.
Lather the shampoo with your hands
Don't apply the shampoo to your scalp all at once, but first lather it up with your hands. Lathering spreads the shampoo evenly and increases efficiency. It can prevent damage to the scalp and hair caused by friction.
Wash using the pads of your fingers instead of using your nails
Washing your nails up increases the risk of damaging your scalp. Just like when pre-washing, wash by massaging your scalp with the pads of your fingers.
Massaging slowly with foam can relieve tension on your scalp and provide a relaxing effect.
Rinse thoroughly so that no bubbles remain.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water for about 3 minutes to thoroughly wash away the bubbles hidden deep in the scalp and between the hair.
If foam or shampoo ingredients remain, it can put unnecessary stress on your scalp. To maintain the health of your hair and scalp, be sure to rinse thoroughly so that no residue is left behind.
6. Consider how you dry your hair after shampooing.
Check out the correct way to dry your curly hair to make it more manageable.
Towel dry gently
After shampooing, remove moisture from your hair by gently pressing it down with a towel instead of rubbing it too hard. Rubbing too much can damage the cuticle and promote frizz.
Use hair oil or treatment before drying
Apply hair oil or treatment before drying your hair. It supplies the necessary moisture and conditions to the cuticle, protecting your hair from dryness and damage.
It has the effect of smoothing the surface of your hair, so make it a daily habit.
The air flow from the dryer is from bottom to top.
Applying the hair dryer from the bottom to the top will help straighten the cuticle. If possible, use a medium heat setting to thoroughly dry your hair.
7.Q&A regarding shampoo for curly hair
Q. Is it possible to take care of thick, bristle-type curly hair with shampoo?
By being aware of the appropriate shampoo and care methods, it is possible to make even bristle-type curly hair into a manageable state.
Q. Are there any styling products recommended for curly hair?
We recommend products that contain protein ingredients that tend to be lacking, such as keratin, and plant oils. You can also choose from hair milks and hair oils developed for curly hair.
Q. Is salon-proprietary shampoo better than commercially available products available at drugstores?
Salon exclusive shampoos intended for professional care tend to have high ingredients and effectiveness. However, there are many high-quality products available on the market, so choose one that suits your hair type and budget.