15 Best Shampoos for Permed Hair to Maintain the Style
By Mia Tucker
When it comes to an on-the-go boisterous hairstyle, perms are the ideal choice for a tremendous time-saver look. Likewise, your permed hair will always seem effortlessly bouncy, even when you step out for the day with just a light spritz of hairspray. However, maintenance is still essential, so don't expect it to be a one-and-done therapy. Selecting the best shampoos for permed hair can restore lost moisture and maintain the classical hairstyle.
To get a better understanding of perms, take a look at what Dr. Amee Daxini, a dermatologist has to say. She shares her views on how perms affect hair quality and growth, and mentions, “Take extreme care not to blow dry as it makes your hair more brittle and increases hair loss. Also, opt for sulfate-free shampoos, conditioners, oils, and hair masks to save at least whatever damage is done.” Though perm treatments tend to strain the hair, we can still take the necessary precautions to safeguard our mane in advance with the best shampoos.
To keep the freshly set texture of your permed hair intact, we recommend keeping a close eye on the formulas when it comes to the shampoos you choose. And for that, considering shampoo formulations designed for permed hair is the best way to go about it. Talking more about heat styling permed hair, our contributor Anna Misztela, Board licensed Esthetician and Founder of Brand - ‘Beauty&Cutie’, states, “For permed hair, if you are completely convinced you need to heat style your tresses, be sure to apply a heat protectant firs
Now if you are all convinced to try out these premium formulations, take a look at our fanciful list of the top-notch shampoos for permed hair. Scroll down below and choose what suits you the best!
Our top picks
15 Best Shampoos for Permed Hair
With thousands of positive reviews on Amazon about the SheaMoisture Curl & Shine shampoo, the customers praise the shine and texture they receive after using the product. The color-safe shampoo is filled with the goodness of silk protein and shea butter, making it gentle on the scalp and strands. To note, shea butter infused in the product softens and smoothes the hair, neem oil reduces frizz and restores shine, and coconut oil aids in the reversal of the effects of UV radiation and pollution, which can cause dull hair. So, all in all, if you're seeking an all-natural shampoo that will leave your hair feeling healthy after each use, go no further.
Pros
- Creamy texture
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Color-safe
- Restores shine
- Affordable pricing
2
Best Sustainable Formulation
Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo
This shampoo comes from Awapuhi Farm in Pa’aulio, Hawaii, to bring tropical goodness to your strands. The Paul Mitchell Hawaiian Awapuhi shampoo contains wild ginger extracts, aloe vera, and jojoba oil, which lather the hair with nourishing nutrients. Simultaneously, it cleans dirt particles from your hair and scalp and moisturizes worn strands. Addedly, it is ideal for all hair types as it is color-safe and sulfate-free. Furthermore, this modifiable shampoo for permed hair also multi-tasks as a fragrant and luxurious body wash!
Pros
- Sustainably sourced ingredients
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Color-safe
3
Best for Removing Build-ups
CANTU Cleansing Cream Shampoo
This mild, sulfate-free shampoo was created specifically to eliminate hard-water deposits from the hair while enhancing permed texture like no other. Formulated with 100% shea butter and vitamin B5 (a.k.a panthenol), it also helps to restore your hair's strength and luster by repairing damaged tresses. Besides, argan and coconut oil in the shampoo help deal with frizzy dry hair problems by lathering it in a rich and creamy formula. Last but not least, ideal for type 2, 3, and 4 hair, your curls and coils can stay bouncy and full of life with this shampoo for permed hair!
Pros
- Ideal for all curls and coils
- Removes build-ups
- Mineral oil-free
- Free of sulfates and silicones
- Travel-friendly size
Cons
- Contains fragrance/perfume
4
Best Natural Formulation
Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Moisturizing Shampoo
Infused with plant proteins and coconut oil, the Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Moisturizing shampoo provides the necessary nutrients that your hair needs to recover from heat damage. Moreover, invigorating ingredients like avocado, aloe vera extracts, and salicylic acid are present in the formulation to restore shine and texture. The natural oils olive, almond, and argan further help strengthen the hair and bring a glossy shine to the perm. Adding to that, crafted for curls and ringlets, many customers praise the softness it provides to the locks. To sum up, its vegan-friendly and color-safe formula makes it one of the best-permed hair products on the list.
Pros
- Color-safe
- Free of parabens
- Rich in nutrients
- Compact container
- Pleasant scent
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Not ideal for dry hair
5
Splurge-Worthy
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle
As one of the best shampoos and conditioners for permed hair, the Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore bundle is a splurge-worthy pick for those looking to upgrade their daily hair care routine. It is specially designed with a bio-restorative complex that includes biotin, plant collagen, caffeine, and niacinamide, which deeply nourishes and energizes the scalp and hair strands. Furthermore, the amino acid complex and argan oil add shine to hair and deal with frizz, thanks to this incredible formulation. Based on our tests, the bundle is a power-packed combo best suited for dry and thin curly ringlets.
Pros
- Rich in nutrients
- Refillable bottles
- Free of parabens and sulfates
- Provides glossy shine
- Pleasant scent
6
Best for Everyday Use
Aveeno Oat Milk Daily Moisture Shampoo
Aveeno's Daily shampoo possesses the goodness of oats and almond milk and is your ticket to healthier roots and smoother strands. This ultra-hydrating shampoo soothes the scalp and hydrates the hair from the root to tip. The lightweight gel-like texture coats the hair evenly and lathers it to remove even the slightest amount of sweat and grime in your freshly permed hair. When we tried this product, we were smitten by the ripe raisin, coconut, and oats scent it leaves behind after every wash. Moreover, the formulation is free of dyes, parabens, and sulfates, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive scalps.
Pros
- Gentle ingredients
- Lightweight formula
- Ideal for sensitive scalp
- Glossy shine
- Free of sulfates and dyes
Cons
- Some believe the formula is changed
7
Best for Boosting Hair Elasticty
davines NOUNOU shampoo
Enhance the longevity of your perm with the davines Nounou shampoo. The product contains the best natural ingredients like tomato extracts that are known for their gentle cleansing properties – they also don’t strip the hair of their natural oils. To add on, it is potently infused with vitamin C, which prevents the hair strands from sun damage and photo-aging. Plus. it helps to seal moisture within the hair shafts and prevents them from getting brittle due to rampant exposure to environmental stressors. Moreover, it also restores the natural softness of the hair texture and improves hair elasticity. Lastly, it accentuates shine and provides a silky smooth finish, preventing chemically treated hair from getting coarse.
Pros
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Strengthens weak hair
- Revives dull hair
Cons
- The smell is slightly overpowering
8
Best for Damaged Hair
Saphira Mineral Moisturizing SHAMPOO
Our in-house skincare expert claims that after implementing the Saphira Mineral Moisturizing SHAMPOO, frequent visits to the salon seemed like an unnecessary affair. This product is one of the most non-negotiable choices for chemically treated, bleached, and color-treated hair as it has an easy penetrating formula that does not cause any scalp build-up. Furthermore, it is richly infused with 26 minerals that prevent the hair from over-drying. In addition, it prepares the hair for smooth styling and prevents breakage due to constant exposure to styling equipment. Lastly, it assures uniform delivery of nutrients from the roots to the tips and thus improves overall hair strength.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Paraben free
- Vegan
- Revives damaged hair
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive scalps
9
Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Defining Shampoo
Dealing with frizz is a no-problemo with the Strictly Curls shampoo that improves the appearance of your hair and lessens the influence of humidity with each passing day. Infused with vitamin E, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, aloe extracts, and hydrolyzed silk, this shampoo redefines curls and helps nourish the scalp. Our analysis of this product further revealed that, though it doesn't volumize the hair, the shampoo brings hydration, shine, and moisturization to the floor with each hair wash.
Pros
- Free of sulfates and phthalates
- Moisturizes the strands
- Deals with frizz
- Fresh scent
Cons
- Leaves hair oily and flat
10
OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls Shampoo
OGX, one of the best hair care brands, brings Quenching + Coconut Curls shampoo for more manageable and decadent curls and coils. This shampoo, fortified with coconut oil, honey, and citrus oils, will turn your shower session into a mini-paradise with its pleasant scent. Apart from the sweet aroma, the ingredients help detangle, define, and hydrate your waves and spirals in just one wash. Moreover, perfect for medium to coarse-textured hair, it's one of the best permed hair products for strengthening and moisturizing dry hair stands.
Pros
- Deals with frizz
- Makes hair more bouncy
- Detangles strands
- Free of parabens and sulfates
Cons
- Contains fragrance/perfume
11
Best for Dry Hair
L'Oreal Paris EverCurl Sulfate-Free Hydracharge Shampoo
Apart from natural curls, individuals with colored perms must give a go ahead to L'Oreal Paris EverCurl Sulfate-Free Hydracharge shampoo. This hair cleanser is topped with rosemary extracts and coconut oil, which help improve blood circulation in the scalp and keep the worries of grays and whites at bay. Also, it harbors luscious scents of mango, sandalwood, and coconut, which leave your hair smelling fresh all day long. After putting it to the test, we discovered this shampoo is perfect for permed hair as the 48-hour curl definition perk keeps the locks bouncy and shiny all day.
Pros
- Hydrates the hair shaft
- Great for the scalp
- No gray hair problems
- Color-safe formula
- Free of parabens and sulfates
Cons
- Can feel greasy on the scalp
12
Best for Definition
Nexxus Curl Define Shampoo
Just as the name suggests, the Nexxus Curl Define shampoo helps you manage the ringlets with ease. It features a ProteinFusion combination packed with silk proteins and marula oil, which strengthen curls while guarding against breakage, ensuring the health of your natural hair. When we trialed this product, split ends and knots in the curly hair were detangled in seconds, and the hair was much softer than in the initial stage. Lastly, the sulfate-free shampoo for permed hair is specially crafted to work on type 3A-4C curls.
Pros
- Ideal for African American hair
- Detangles the hair
- Contains no allergens
- Doesn't dry the hair
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Not ideal for thin and straight hair
13
Fix My Curls Wash Day Bundle
Those seeking a power-packed bundle that moisturizes, detangles, and volumizes their hair at the same time, must try the Fix My Curls Wash Day Bundle. The curly hair-girl-approved formulation fortifies the strands with the goodness of goji berries, apple cider vinegar, neroli oil, tea tree oil, mango butter, and shea butter. These ingredients come together to strengthen, detangle and soften curls for a fresh permed look after every wash. To add more, the shampoo and conditioner for permed hair are light on the scalp and leave no greasy residue, making them perfect everyday use.
Pros
- Fresh scent
- Free of silicones and sulfates
- Cruelty-free
- Ideal for all types of curls
- Vegan
Cons
- Doesn't lather well
14
Pacifica Pineapple Curls Defining Shampoo + Conditioner Set
This sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner set is one of the top-rated hair care products to boost your mane’s curly texture without heading to the salon. It cleanses your scalp with super-hydrating ingredients like argan oil, quinoa, and hyaluronic acid, while the highly moisturized conditioner promotes much-needed healing without weighing your hair down. The vegan shampoo and conditioner are also the right choice if you want to add moisture and hydration to your hair at an affordable price.
Pros
- Vegan-friendly
- Hydrating formula
- Doesn’t weigh down hair
- Free of nasty chemicals
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Packaging can be improved
15
TWIST Hit Reset Light Clarifying Shampoo
Hit the reset button for droopy and dull curls and say hello to replenished locks with the TWIST Hit Reset Light Clarifying shampoo. The shampoo eliminates any build-up around the scalp and strands without stripping the tresses of their natural oils. Moreover, ingredients like hydrolyzed rice protein, aloe vera extracts, jojoba oil, and coconut oil in the shampoo help balance curls’ pH levels and lock in moisture by fortifying your hair’s natural lipid barrier. When we tested the shampoo, we noticed that permed hair looked more textured and fresh from the salon than the other options.
Pros
- No build-ups
- Lightweight formula
- Provides elasticity to hair strands
- Moisturizes the hair
Cons
- Not ideal for color-treated hair
Now that you have already seen our top recommendations for the best shampoos for permed hair, glance through our buying guide to make an informed purchasing decision.
How to Pick the Best Shampoo for Permed Hair?
Here are a few factors to consider before vouching for a shampoo for permed hair -
- Ingredients: Perming causes the hair some amount of heat damage, which makes it thin and dry after a while. To fix this problem, opt for shampoos with protein (plant and rice protein) that can help strengthen and repair damaged permed hair. Also, moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, murumuru butter, and thicker oils like coconut, jojoba, and marula oil are great for both thin and thick permed locks. If you have brittle strands, look for a product with emollient ingredients like mango butter, salicylic acid, and silk proteins for softer and frizz-free hair. Lastly, when we tested all the products, we found out that ingredients like glycerine seal in moisture are great for frizzy strands.
- Formulation: Invest in a shampoo and conditioner that does not contain high amounts of sulfates and parabens. These additives tend to strip the hair of its natural oils and make the locks dry and frizzy. Also, stay clear of chemicals and alcohol-based shampoos that further the damage. Speaking of hair damage post perming, our contributor Anna Misztela says, “A perm is a thermochemical treatment of your hair that results in waves or curls in your hair without the need of a wand and that can last up to a year. Just the sound of the word “thermochemical” conjures up images of dehydration. Indeed, the process does dry out your hair, so if you already have dry, frizzy hair before a perm, it will be even drier and frizzier after it. The bottom line is, if you are set on getting yourself a perm, do all you can to repair your dry, frizzy hair before you head to the salon. And don’t highlight, that also damages your hair which will only get worse after the perm.”
- Ratings And Reviews: Go through the review and comments section of the product you are planning to buy. It can help you select the right one on the basis of what products were suitable for people with similar issues.
Conclusion:
Shampoos designed for permed hair are essential to keep close when maintaining the health and impression of textured hair. This includes keeping an eye on the ingredients list and formulations to get optimal results without further damaging your hair. When selecting the shampoo, consider your hair type and needs, as well as any specific concerns, such as dryness or frizziness. Be sure to opt for quality over quantity and if you find the shampoo worth splurging on, don't hold back and give your curls the luxe treatment they need. The list of best shampoos for permed hair can be a great way to start your hair care journey at best! Happy shopping!
Contributor: Anna Misztela, Board licensed Esthetician, Founder of Brand Beauty&Cutie
FAQ's
Which shampoo is good for permed hair?
Sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoos are the best for permed hair.
Which shampoos should you avoid with permed hair?
Those with permed hair must avoid shampoos that do not offer a rich lather or contain too many oil-based ingredients. Furthermore, stay clear of sulfates and parabens to maintain the style.
How should I take care of my permed hair?
By opting for hydrating shampoos and moisturizing conditioners, you can take care of your permed hair without breaking a sweat.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Alvira, the author is a budding journalist as well as a hair care expert. She believes in paying extra attention to ingredients to get naturally long and healthy hair. It is after careful consideration that she has enlisted these best shampoos for permed hair that ensure optimal results.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Author BIO
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More
