Here's the top hair straightening shampoos including the best shampoo for straight hair sulfate free and keratin shampoo for straightened hair.
Hair straightening shampoos do not literally change the structure of your hair or straighten it.
They help in reducing frizz, smoothening the hair, and sometimes weighing it down to make it look straighter than its natural structure. This is because they are usually composed of a higher amount of silicones and other binding agents.
Hair straightening shampoos are really useful for people struggling with unruly and frizzy hair since your hair usually becomes more manageable after using them.
I have reviewed some of the best hair straightening shampoos below to show you what suits your hair type.
| Best Hair Straightening Shampoo | Best For |
| Garnier Whole Blends Smoothing Shampoo | Thin Hair |
| TRESemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo | Keratin-Treated Hair |
| Tea Tree Special Hair Straightening Shampoo | Dull, Greasy Hair |
| R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo | Curly Hair |
| Hairgurt Smoothing Yoghurt Shampoo | Damaged Hair |
Hair Straightening Shampoos Vs Regular Shampoo: What's The Difference
Hair straightening shampoos contain ingredients that help to straighten hair. These ingredients may include keratin, amino acids, and other proteins that work to reduce frizz and make hair more manageable.
Regular shampoos, on the other hand, are designed to cleanse the hair and scalp and may not contain any specific ingredients for hair straightening.
While hair straightening shampoos may help to reduce frizz and make hair more manageable, they may not be as effective as other hair straightening treatments such as chemical straightening or using a flat iron. Regular shampoos
Top Hair Straightening Shampoos 2024
Garnier Whole Blends Smoothing Shampoo
If you are looking to turn your dry and damaged hair into smooth and sleek tresses, the Garnier Whole Blend shampoo will work for you.
I have always struggled with thick and coarse hair so this product turned out to be my holy grail.
I could see a visible difference in the texture of my hair after the first use.
It also has a soothing scent that is a pleasure to your senses.
I would not recommend this shampoo if you have colored hair or chemically treated hair as it’s not sulphate-free.
Pros:
- Includes coconut oil and cocoa butter extracts that helps moisturize hair and reduces frizz
- Sustainably sourced ingredients
- Affordably priced
- Paraben-free formula is safe for health
- Lathers well so you don't have to use a lot of product
Cons:
- Contains sulphates so it can strip hair dye from colored hair
- Might dry out your hair due to sulfate-heavy formula
TRESemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo
I like this product for oily hair as it’s one of the hair straightening shampoos that deep cleans your hair to get rid of any residue or grease.
Also, its ingredients list boasts of keratin which is one of the most important proteins for the hair
It works great on my hair and leaves it moisturized. It smells really good too.
My main goal was to smoothen my coarse and damaged hair so this shampoo turned out to be perfect.
It contains an important hydrating agent, Marula oil which smoothes your hair by sealing your hair shafts. (Komane, Baatile et al. “Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst (Marula) oil: A clinical perspective.” Journal of ethnopharmacology vol. 176 (2015): 327-35. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.10.037)
This shampoo is available in three sizes and you can choose the smallest bottle to see if it works for you or not.
Make sure you only use an adequate amount of shampoo otherwise your hair will turn out to be greasy and oily.
Pros:
- Contains keratin and marula oil that smoothens hair and reduces frizz
- Affordable, drugstore price
- Pleasant smell that isn't too overwhelming
- Lathers well so the product last longer
Cons:
- Might make the hair greasy as the formula is too heavy
- Contains sulphates so it can strip hair dye
- The shampoos contain added artificial perfumes that can be inflammatory
My Ratings:
- Hair Straightening Ability - 4.5/5
- Gentleness and Moisturizing - 4/5
- Hair Cleansing Ability - 3.5/5
- Price - 4.5
It’s a 10 Miracle Shampoo plus Conditioner
This shampoo stands true to its name and literally gave me a miracle.
I was struggling with dehydrated hair that looked brittle but this one transformed it.
If you are looking for a shampoo that can thoroughly moisturize your hair, this shampoo will be perfect for you.
It creates a protective shield around your hair to seal in the moisture.
Although this is slightly on the pricier side, it works too well on dry hair. It also has a very soothing and refreshing fragrance.
This is a great option if you live in a humid place. It helps in taming unruly hair and makes it smooth and sleek.
It is free of harmful chemicals like sulfates, sodium chloride, and paraben.
One drawback is that the smell is a little too strong and might seem overpowering at times.
Pros:
- Includes keratin protein that smoothens the hair
- Paraben-free formula doesn't hurt your health
- Sulphate free formula is suits color-treated hair
- Lathers well despite being sulfate-free
- Suitable for coloured and chemically treated hair
Cons:
- Might make the hair greasy if you already have oily scalp
- Overpowering smell due to synthetic perfumes
- Thick consistency that might make you prone to overuse
My Ratings:
- Hair Straightening Ability - 4.5/5
- Gentleness and Moisturizing - 4.5/5
- Hair Cleansing Ability - 3.5/5
- Price - 4/5
Tea Tree Special Shampoo
I first started using Tea Tree shampoo when I struggled with scalp issues like dryness, irritation and itching.
But it really helped in making my hair smoother and reducing frizz.
The main ingredients in this shampoo are tea tree oil, peppermint and lavender. Tea tree oil is a great cleanser and helps in relieving scalp irritations.
Peppermint helps in reducing dryness of the hair and lavender helps in encouraging hair growth.
This shampoo is perfect for daily use and is often recommended by professionals.
It lathers well and has a refreshing scent. It is free of harmful ingredients like parabens.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Colour safe
- Paraben-free
- Refreshing scent
- Contains tea tree oil, lavender and peppermint
- Relive scalp irritations
- Lathers well
Cons:
- None
My Ratings:
- Hair Straightening Ability - 4/5
- Gentleness and Moisturizing - 4/5
- Hair Cleansing Ability - 4.5/5
- Price - 4/5
Hairgurt Smoothing Yoghurt Shampoo
This shampoo seems too good to be true for my thick and unruly hair.
A little goes a long way with this one and you can really see the difference in a single use.
Most of the time, hair straightening shampoos are meant to relax frizz and get rid of flyaways but this shampoo aims at making your hair soft and straight.
It has an amazing smell that I instantly liked. It is available in a variety of yummy flavours like strawberry banana, almond honey and coconut acai.
But if you are not a fan of fruity flavours and scents, you should steer clear from these.
The shampoo has a thick yoghurt-like consistency that can produce a considerable amount of lather.
I was really happy to use this product on my color-treated hair as it is also free of harmful ingredients like sulphates and parabens!
Pros:
- Contains proteins, quinoa and botanical blends.
- Reduces frizz
- Suitable for coloured and chemically treated hair
- Lathers well
- Sulphate free, paraben-free
- Pleasant smell
- Smoothens hair
Cons:
- Expensive
- The smell might not be appealing to everyone
My Ratings:
- Hair Straightening Ability - 4/5
- Gentleness and Moisturizing - 4/5
- Hair Cleansing Ability - 4.5/5
- Price - 4/5
Matrix Mega Sleek Shampoo
If you want sleek straight hair, it should be hydrated well.
I decided to try the Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek shampoo as it contains shea butter which is an excellent conditioning agent for curly hair.
I usually struggle a lot with humid weather but this shampoo helped me easily tackle it.
Also, I would recommend using this one with the smoothing conditioner and smoothing cream to get the best results.
This shampoo will transform your coarse and frizzy hair into silky smooth tresses. It also improves shine and makes the hair look good.
This is definitely a keeper and will probably be a part of my daily hair care routine.
Pros:
- Protects hair from humidity
- Contains shea butter
- Suitable for coarse hair
- Controls frizz
- Cleanses hair
- Pleasant smell
- Instant results
- Improves shine
Cons:
- Contains Sulphates
My Ratings:
- Hair Straightening Ability - 4/5
- Gentleness and Moisturizing - 4/5
- Hair Cleansing Ability - 5/5
- Price - 4/5
Agave Healing Oil Smoothing shampoo
This is a premium straightening shampoo that helps in thoroughly removing any dirt and debris from your hair.
I was struggling with a dry scalp when I decided to use this shampoo and it helped me a lot.
This shampoo gives you a luxurious experience and removes tangles easily.
I feel like this product is more suitable for people with finer hair rather than those with thick and curly hair.
The shampoo straightens and weighs down your hair pretty well.
What I liked most is that it contains natural flavours and there are no sulphates, parabens or phthalates in the shampoo.
The main ingredient is Agave Plant sugar- great for hydrating dry scalps, but can leave oily hair greasier.
You can also expect a considerable amount of lather from the product.
Pros:
- Reduces frizz
- Plant-based ingredients
- Sulphate free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Lathers well
- Suitable for coloured and chemically treated hair
- Soothing agave smell
Cons:
- Expensive
- Might dry out your hair
My Ratings:
- Hair Straightening Ability - 4.5/5
- Gentleness and Moisturizing - .54/5
- Hair Cleansing Ability - 4.5/5
- Price - 4/5
How To Choose The Best Hair Straightening Shampoos?
Choosing the best hair straightening shampoo involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. Here are the factors to keep in mind when selecting a hair straightening shampoo:
Hair Type and Texture: Understand your hair type and texture. Is it curly, wavy, or frizzy? Choose a shampoo formulated to address your specific hair type for better results.
Ingredients: Look for key ingredients that aid in straightening and smoothing hair, such as silicone, argan oil, keratin, or glycerin. These ingredients help reduce frizz and promote a sleek appearance.
Sulfate-Free Formula: Sulfates can strip natural oils from your hair, which may lead to dryness and damage. Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo to protect your hair's health, especially if you straighten it frequently.
Heat Protection: Some straightening shampoos contain ingredients that provide heat protection, which is essential if you use heat styling tools like flat irons or hair dryers.
Moisture Balance: Balance is crucial. While you want a shampoo that helps with straightening, it should also provide adequate moisture to prevent your hair from becoming too dry and brittle.
Smoothing and Anti-Frizz Properties: Look for shampoos that explicitly mention smoothing and anti-frizz properties on the label. These products are formulated to help control frizz and make hair more manageable for straightening.
Does shampoo straighten hair?
Shampoo by itself cannot straighten your hair. Your hair texture is the result of the keratin bonds between the hair cells. It will take extreme heat (like from a straightener) or chemical treatment (like rebonding ) to change the texture. The most a shampoo can do is reduce frizz and make already straight hair, straighter. Using hair smoothening shampoo can also keep keratin treatments or olaplex treatments last longer with help of ingredients like butters and oils.
FAQs About Best Shampoos For Straight Hair
How can I take care of my straight hair?
Use a conditioner - Conditioners help to restore the moisture and elasticity lost in straight hair, which can help to prevent frizz and dryness.
Avoid using heat on your hair - Heating your hair can cause it to become dry and frizzy. Instead, use a humidity cap or a humidifier when necessary.
Avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair - Many straight-haired people are unaware that many harsh chemicals used in styling products are damaging to their hair. Stick to gentle products that won't harm your locks.
Protect your locks with a good hairstyle - A good hairstyle will help protect your hair from the elements and make styling easier. Choose styles that are moisturizing and protective, such as braids or updos.
If you're looking for tips on how to style your straight locks properly, be sure to check out our blog posts or videos! We hope this helps you get started on taking better care of your hair!
What is the best straightening shampoo and conditioner for curly hair?
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
Conclusion
Hair straightening shampoos are fantastic for reducing frizz or getting your 1c or 2a hair looking smoother.
However, if you have curly hair or natural, Afro hair you might need more than these shampoos to get that straight hair look.
Also, these shampoos can weigh hair down, so it’s important to maintain volume by removing product build-up weekly, if you’re using hair straightening shampoos.
Also Read:
Best Hair Straightening Creams
Powerful Hair Dryers For Straightening Hair For Damage-Free Drying