CG Shampoo

Shampoo is the most important part of your curl routine and you really shouldn't skip it.A CG-proof shampoo is great for your hair because it doesn't have any sulphates, drying alcohol or silicones. These things can make your hair dry and cause breakage. Whether you are looking for a mild shampoo to use every day or a deep-cleansing shampoo to remove all the product you have in your hair, you will find the best selection with us. Explore our carefully curated shampoos and choose the perfect match for your curls! Explore our carefully curated shampoos and choose the perfect match for your curls!

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Shampoo is the foundation of your curly hair routine and should never be skipped. You may have heard that it's better not to use shampoo, or that you should apply conditioner first. But let's set the record straight: shampoo is essential for a healthy scalp and beautiful curls. It gives your hair exactly what it needs. Want to know which CG shampoo is best for your curls? Discover our carefully curated collection and find your perfect match!

What is a CG-friendly shampoo?

A CG-proof shampoo is a shampoo that meets the guidelines of the Curly Girl Method. This means that it is free from sulfates, drying alcohol, mineral oil, and wax. Sulfates are powerful cleansers that have been widely used in shampoos since the 1930s.

You'll find them not only in hair care products, but also in toothpaste and cleaning products. Although they clean well, they are often way too harsh for your curls and can dry out your hair. That's why we recommend not washing your hair with such a strong shampoo all the time.

You'll find them not only in hair products, but also in toothpaste and cleaning products. Although they clean well, they are often too harsh for your curls and can dry out your hair. That's why we don't recommend washing your hair with such a strong shampoo all the time.


A CG-proof shampoo is gentle, cleanses without drying out, and is tailored to what your curls really need. No unnecessary chemicals, just gentle ingredients that keep your hair healthy. Do you want the best for your hair? Then make sure you have a gentle shampoo at home that you use regularly. And yes, sometimes you can use a deep cleansing shampoo to remove build-up, but basically a mild shampoo without SLS is the best choice for your curly hair routine!

Why use a special shampoo for curls?

A curly shampoo is an essential part of your hair care routine. Cleaning your hair properly is essential. If you don't, your hair can become dull, greasy and unmanageable more quickly. This is because products such as gels and leave-ins can build up on your hair and scalp, which can be detrimental. A shampoo ensures that you start with a clean base so that the rest of your routine works optimally.

For example, your routine might look like this:

With the right steps and products, you can get the most out of your curls!

How do you use shampoo on curly hair?

How to use shampoo for curly hair?
Did you know that many people don't use shampoo properly? This handy step-by-step guide will help you get the most out of your shampoo:

  1. Wet your hair completely

Make sure your hair is completely wet before you start. Do you have a shower with a detachable showerhead? Ideal! This will allow you to wet your hair more quickly and thoroughly.

  1. Divide the shampoo between your hands

Take a small amount of shampoo in the palm of your hand and rub it well between your hands. This will distribute the shampoo evenly and make it easier to apply.

  1. Massage your scalp

Massage your scalp Apply the shampoo to your scalp and massage well. Pay particular attention to areas such as behind the ears and the back of the head. Massaging will help loosen dirt and oil.

  1. Include hair lengths

Do you have long hair? Take a little more shampoo, spread it over your hands and gently run it through your hair.

  1. Rinse thoroughly

Rinse thoroughly Rinse out the shampoo immediately after massaging and applying. Make sure you rinse thoroughly to avoid any residue.

Important: Always massage the shampoo thoroughly into the scalp. And don't forget to rinse thoroughly! Residue can linger and cause irritation or the appearance of dandruff. This will help you get the most out of your shampoo and give your hair a healthy foundation!

Should I wash my hair with shampoo twice in a row?

It's not necessary, but it can be useful! By shampooing twice in a row - rinsing, then shampooing and rinsing again - your hair and scalp will feel extra clean and fresh. You'll get rid of product residue and dirt more effectively.


Did you know that shampoo often lathers better the second time you use it? That's because your hair and scalp are already much cleaner, allowing the shampoo to work optimally!

How often should I wash my hair?

You may hear that you shouldn't wash your hair too often, but did you know that we actually recommend washing your hair at least twice a week? This helps to maintain a good balance and keeps your hair healthier. Want to wash it more than 3-4 times a week? Then add a co-wash to your routine in addition to your shampoo.

How do you choose the right shampoo for your curls?

There are so many types of shampoo out there, from mild to strong cleansers. So how do you know which shampoo is best for your curls? Here are some useful tips:

1. Avoid sulfates

SLS and SLES are examples of sulphates that are best avoided. These substances cleanse thoroughly, but can also dry out your hair if used too often. A sulphate-free shampoo is better for curly hair. You can use a strong cleansing shampoo occasionally, for example once a month, but for daily use, a mild shampoo without sulfates is the best choice.

2. Heavy vs. light

Some shampoos for curly hair contain a lot of butters and oils, which make them heavier. Look at the first five ingredients on the list. Do you see a lot of oils or butters? Then the shampoo is probably a bit heavy. This can sometimes be too much for fine to medium hair. Choose a lighter shampoo if you find that your hair gets heavy quickly.

3. Watch out for drying alcohol

Avoid using drying alcohols such as isopropyl alcohol in your shampoo. Did you know that there are other types of alcohol that are good for your hair? Cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, for example, help to moisturise and soften your hair.

4. Choose based on your hair type or preferences

  • Sensitive scalp: Use a shampoo that helps reduce itching and irritation.
  • Perfume allergy: Look for fragrance-free shampoos.
  • Texture: Do you prefer creamy, transparent or foaming shampoos? Keep this in mind. Did you know that a shampoo with a lot of lather doesn't necessarily clean your hair any better than one with less lather? Foam is just a matter of added ingredients. Did you know that there are also solid form shampoos?

These tips will help you choose the shampoo that works best for your curls and your hair care routine!

What are the best CG shampoos?

As mentioned above, it is important to choose a shampoo that is free from silicones, sulphates, mineral oil and drying alcohol. Did you know that many drugstore shampoos contain these ingredients? If you use these types of shampoos regularly, your hair can become too clean. This removes the natural oils produced by your scalp, which are essential for healthy hair. These natural oils protect your scalp and help maintain moisture balance.

There are also shampoos designed for specific hair needs, such as coloured hair. In this case, it is wise to choose colour safe products so that your hair colour lasts longer. There are also shampoos designed to reduce itching or irritation. These often contain ingredients such as mint or tea tree to soothe and refresh the scalp.

Finally, it's important to remember that a shampoo with mild cleansing agents is perfectly fine for washing your hair. For best results, occasionally use a deep cleansing shampoo to remove build-up and styling product residue. This will help you get the most out of your hair care routine and keep your curls healthy and shiny!

Our favourite shampoo for curly hair

When you browse our collection, you'll see a lot of different shampoos. But which one is best for you? That depends on your preferences and hair type. However, there are a few shampoos that almost always work well, regardless of your hair type. That's because they're light to medium, won't weigh your hair down, contain gentle cleansers, and are specially formulated for all textures. You can't go wrong with these top picks

1. CG Curl Sulfate-Free Cream Shampoo

his sulfate-free shampoo has a creamy formula and a neutral scent. It is suitable for everyone, especially those with curly hair. Thanks to its gentle and safe cleansing properties, it does not weigh down the hair and is also excellent value for money.

2. Curly Secret Hello Fresh Shampoo

A gentle shampoo specially formulated for all types of curls and textures. With extra nourishing ingredients and a neutral fragrance, it provides the perfect balance of cleansing and conditioning. The formula gently and safely cleanses hair without weighing it down.

3. Giovanni Smooth as Silk Shampoo

This shampoo is perfect for fine to medium hair and is also suitable for damaged or coloured hair. The mild cleanser gently cleanses without drying out the hair, while the formula is suitable for even the finest hair and offers excellent value for money.

Buy your curly shampoo at CurlyTools

Buy your curly shampoo at CurlyTools Want the best shampoo for your curls? You can find it at CurlyTools.com! Our range of shampoos is specially formulated for curly hair and consists of brands that have often been developed by curlies. This means that extra attention has been paid to the formulas to make them as perfect as possible.


If you order before 9pm on weekdays, you can enjoy your new shampoo and wash your curls the very next day. Combine your shampoo with a matching conditioner

Need help?

Learn more about how to best care for your curls. Discover your curl type or get inspired and shop the right hair products.