The smarter way to match your shampoo to your strands
Shampoo is no longer just a rinse-and-repeat step. Thanks to the rise of skinification, the same principles we obsess over in skincare—like targeted ingredients, personalized routines, and long-term care—are transforming hair rituals too. In essence, more of us are treating our hair with the same intention as we’d bring to skincare.
Just like you’d spend hours trawling TikTok for skincare ingredients that promise a glow-up, picking a shampoo should be just as personal. After all, you wouldn’t slather on a moisturizer that didn’t suit your skin, so why settle for a shampoo that doesn’t treat your hair like royalty?
The beauty world is catching on, with brands like Fenty Hair and Cécred leading the charge for personalized products for hair types that have been previously overlooked. Shampoos are now tackling everything from hydration to scalp health, with options like sulfate-free, waterless, and pH-balanced formulas turning the basics into an upgrade.
So, you’re probably still thinking to yourself: “What kind of shampoo should I use?” The answer lies in your hair’s texture and needs. Whether you have pin-straight strands, soft waves, or tightly coiled curls, this guide breaks down the best formulas for every type. Let’s find your perfect match.
Why shampoos are a personal thing
Not all shampoos are created equal, and that’s a good thing! Different ingredients target different needs—hydrating dry strands, calming frizz, or clarifying oil build-up. Understanding your hair type and its challenges is the first step to a healthy, balanced routine.
Straight hair may crave lightweight formulas to avoid looking flat, while curly or coily textures benefit from nourishing ingredients that lock in moisture. Wavy hair often dances between the two, needing a careful mix of hydration and definition. And let’s not forget the scalp—it’s the silent force of hair health. An irritated or oily scalp needs attention too, which is why formulas with soothing or balancing ingredients make all the difference.
From sulfates and silicones to protein-rich cleansers, what’s in your bottle matters. The right shampoo can transform not only how your hair looks but also how it feels.
Types of hair
1 - Straight hair
Straight hair is often smooth and shiny but prone to oiliness because natural scalp oils can travel freely down the strands.
2 - Wavy hair
Wavy hair strikes a balance between straight and curly, offering natural texture that’s prone to frizz or flattening.
3 - Curly hair
Curly hair is defined by spirals or loops, often prone to dryness and tangling without proper moisture and care.
4 - Coily hair
Coily hair, with its tight curls or zig-zag pattern, is the most fragile and in need of deep hydration to maintain its health and definition.
But that’s just the beginning. Keep reading for a breakdown of each type, with shampoos tailored to their specific needs.
What kind of shampoo should I use?
The foundation of good hair starts in the shower. Choosing the right shampoo for your hair type sets the stage for your strands to flourish. For anyone working with pin-straight locks, tight, zigzag coils, or anything in between, here’s how to find the perfect formula for your hair type.
Type 1: Straight hair
Type 1 hair is the definition of sleek—naturally shiny and smooth, but it’s not all glam. This hair type is prone to oiliness since natural scalp oils travel quickly down the shaft, often leading to flat, limp strands by midday. Fine-textured straight hair can feel especially weighed down if the wrong products are used.
Shampoos for Type 1 hair
The goal is to cleanse without losing volume. Lightweight, clarifying shampoos work wonders to remove build-up and balance excess oil. Look for volumizing ingredients like rice protein and panthenol, which boost body without stripping moisture. A sulfate-free formula keeps the shine intact without drying out your ends.
TYME’s shampoo pick: Living Proof
This lightweight shampoo removes build-up while adding just the right amount of lift to fine, straight hair. Formulated with Living Proof’s patented Healthy Hair Molecule, it cleanses thoroughly, repels oil, and keeps strands feeling fresh for longer. Perfect for a fuller, bouncier finish.
Type 2A: Loose waves
Type 2A hair is all about soft, beachy waves that are more laid-back than defined. These loose waves often lean toward fine or medium in texture and can easily fall flat without the right products. Frizz can pop up, but it’s usually manageable with lightweight hydration.
Shampoos for Type 2A hair
Your perfect shampoo will add subtle definition without weighing waves down. Think protein-packed formulas to enhance texture and hydration-boosting ingredients like glycerin to control frizz. Avoid heavy oils that can overwhelm delicate waves—light is key.
TYME’s shampoo pick: Ouai Medium Hair Shampoo
Created with wavy textures in mind, this shampoo delivers lightweight hydration while enhancing your natural waves. Infused with rice protein and coconut water, it gently cleanses, boosts definition, and fights frizz without weighing down your hair. Ideal for that effortless wave vibe.
Type 2B: Defined waves
Type 2B waves are naturally defined, forming an “S” shape that gives off that fresh-from-the-ocean vibe. While this hair type has more texture than 2A, it’s also more prone to frizz and dryness—especially in humid weather. The waves hold their shape well but can tangle easily if not properly moisturized.
Shampoos for Type 2B hair
Look for shampoos that hydrate without leaving residue or weighing down your waves. Ingredients like aloe vera, coconut water, and glycerin help lock in moisture while keeping frizz under control. Avoid heavy silicones or overly creamy formulas that could flatten your natural texture. Lightweight nourishing shampoos are your best bet.
TYME’s shampoo pick: Bumble and bumble Curl Moisturizing Shampoo
This hydrating shampoo is perfect for Type 2B hair, offering frizz control and moisture without compromising wave definition. With ingredients like avocado oil and shea butter, it gently cleanses while keeping your waves soft, bouncy, and beach-ready. Bonus: It’s free from heavy silicones and sulfates.
Type 2C: Almost curls
Type 2C hair sits right on the edge of curly territory, with waves that are thick, coarse, and highly defined. This type often experiences frizz and dryness, especially at the ends, but also boasts enviable volume. Type 2C waves tend to respond well to styling products and treatments designed for curls.
Shampoos for Type 2C hair
A sulfate-free, moisture-rich shampoo is essential for taming frizz while enhancing definition. Ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and proteins can hydrate and strengthen your strands without weighing them down. Shampoos designed to protect against humidity are a bonus for keeping waves intact in all weather.
TYME’s shampoo pick: Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo
Perfect for textured waves like Type 2C, this cult-favorite shampoo gently cleanses while delivering a surge of hydration. Infused with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and blue algae, it boosts moisture levels for up to 72 hours, leaving hair 3x more hydrated.
Type 3A: Loose curls
Type 3A hair features loose, well-defined curls with a circumference similar to a piece of sidewalk chalk. These curls have a natural bounce and shine but can be prone to frizz and dryness, especially in humid conditions. Maintaining moisture is key to keeping 3A curls looking their best.
Shampoos for Type 3A hair
Opt for sulfate-free shampoos that gently cleanse without stripping natural oils. Ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter provide hydration and enhance curl definition. Avoid heavy silicones that can weigh down curls; instead, look for lightweight, nourishing formulas that maintain volume and movement.
TYME’s shampoo pick: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
This sulfate-free shampoo combines coconut oil and hibiscus flower extracts to moisturize and define curls while reducing frizz. Its gentle formula cleanses without stripping essential oils, leaving 3A curls soft, shiny, and manageable.
Type 3B: Tight curls
Type 3B hair consists of springy, ringlet-style curls about the size of a Sharpie marker. These curls have significant volume and can be prone to dryness and shrinkage. They often require more intensive moisture to maintain elasticity and prevent breakage.
Shampoos for Type 3B hair
Choose moisturizing shampoos rich in natural oils and butters, such as argan oil and shea butter, to nourish and hydrate. Sulfate-free formulas are essential to prevent stripping natural moisture. Look for shampoos that enhance curl definition and combat frizz without adding weight.
TYME’s shampoo pick: Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo
Infused with nourishing argan oil and hydrolyzed vegetable protein, this shampoo gently cleanses while restoring elasticity, shine, and manageability to tight curls. It helps strengthen and protect hair, leaving 3B curls defined and frizz-free.
Type 3C: Curly-coily
Type 3C hair features tight, corkscrew curls with a circumference similar to a pencil. This hair type is densely packed, offering natural volume but is highly prone to dryness, tangling, and shrinkage. Maintaining moisture and minimizing breakage are primary concerns for 3C curls.
Shampoos for Type 3C hair
Opt for ultra-hydrating, sulfate-free shampoos that cleanse without stripping moisture. Ingredients like jojoba oil, aloe vera, and honey are beneficial for retaining hydration. Shampoos with detangling properties can also aid in managing this curl type.
TYME’s shampoo pick: AG Care Curl Fresh Curl Enhancing Shampoo
Designed to enhance and define natural curls, this shampoo provides moisture and reduces frizz without weighing down the hair. Its gentle formula is suitable for daily use, keeping 3C curls healthy and bouncy.
Type 4A: Defined curls
Type 4A hair features tight, springy coils with a distinct "S" pattern. These strands are densely packed and tend to retain moisture better than other Type 4 categories, but they can still be prone to dryness. The curls are about the circumference of a crochet needle and often have a natural shine. Because of its coiled texture, 4A hair is prone to tangling and breakage, requiring gentle care.
Shampoos for Type 4A hair
4A hair thrives on hydration. Choose sulfate-free shampoos enriched with shea butter, avocado oil, or aloe vera to deeply moisturize while maintaining the integrity of your coils. Detangling ingredients like marshmallow root or slip agents can make wash days more manageable. Avoid harsh cleansers that strip oils and leave your hair feeling brittle.
TYME’s shampoo pick: TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate-Free Shampoo
This gentle cleanser is formulated with coconut oil and amla oil to hydrate and protect 4A curls. It’s designed to cleanse without stripping, leaving your coils soft, moisturized, and easy to detangle. Perfect for maintaining definition and preventing breakage.
Type 4B: Zigzag coils
Type 4B hair features a tight "Z" pattern, with strands bending at sharp angles instead of curling in a defined loop. This unique texture gives 4B hair incredible volume, but it also tends to be more fragile and prone to shrinkage—up to 70% of its actual length. It’s often dry and requires intense moisture to maintain health and elasticity.
Shampoos for Type 4B hair
Look for ultra-nourishing shampoos with deep conditioning properties. Ingredients like castor oil, honey, and glycerin are excellent for sealing in moisture. Strengthening agents like hydrolyzed proteins can also help reinforce fragile strands. Avoid foamy, lather-heavy shampoos that can strip away natural oils.
TYME’s shampoo pick: SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
Packed with shea butter, argan oil, and sea kelp, this sulfate-free shampoo is a lifesaver for 4B hair. It deeply nourishes while gently cleansing, leaving your zigzag curls soft, defined, and full of life.
Type 4C: Tightest coils
Type 4C hair features the tightest curl pattern, with strands forming almost no defined curl or coil. This type of hair has a high density but is extremely fragile and prone to breakage and tangling. Shrinkage is the most pronounced with 4C hair, often reducing its length by up to 75%. Its dryness calls for frequent, intensive hydration and protective care.
Shampoos for Type 4C hair
For 4C hair, go for deeply hydrating shampoos with ingredients like baobab oil, jojoba oil, or black castor oil. Co-washing or alternating with cleansing conditioners can also help maintain moisture levels. Choose a sulfate-free formula with plenty of slip to make detangling easier during the wash process.
TYME’s shampoo pick: Mielle Organics Babassu Conditioning Shampoo
This sulfate-free shampoo is enriched with babassu oil and almond protein to nourish 4C hair from root to tip. It gently cleanses while delivering intense hydration and strengthening fragile strands, leaving your tight coils healthy and bouncy.
What kind of shampoo should I use? Go by your hair type.
You’ve got the lowdown on the best types of shampoos for every hair type—don’t stop there. Head over to the LifeTYME Blog for expert tips, product recommendations, and everything else you need to keep your hair thriving. Knowledge is power, and it will show up in your hair (and your confidence).
