The 20 Best Shampoos For Permed Hair in 2023

The most important quality to look for in a shampoo for permed hair is to make sure the ingredients are suitable for the treatment. The shampoo should be hydrating and free from harsh chemicals.

I did the research and found the 20 best shampoos on the market for your permed hair.

Best Shampoos For Permed Hair

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What Kind Of Shampoo To Use For Permed Hair

There are many benefits to perming your hair, but the process can cause your locks to go a bit dry.

Look for ingredients including honey, shea butter, olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil – all of which are either humectants or deeply moisturizing. Shampoos with high water content are also great for the same reason.

Furthermore, follow these tips:

1. Avoid Chemical Ingredients

Dr. Michael May – Medical Director at Wimpole Clinic says: “It is critical to choose a shampoo with gentle ingredients.

Avoid sulfates and parabens because they are harsh on the hair and scalp.

Many shampoos have sulfates and parabens as they enhance the product’s viscosity and their cleansing and foaming properties. However, these ingredients can make the hair dry, frizzy, and dull-looking”.

Like any chemical treatment, a perm will likely dry your locks out somewhat, as the process strips your cuticles of their natural moisture and makes your hair more porous.

To avoid any hair breakage or brittleness, you need to be boosting the moisture content of your strands.

Avoiding bad chemicals like sulfates, phthalates, parabens, alcohol, and added fragrance can help, as will looking for moisturizing ingredients.

2. Say Yes To Added Protein

Collagen, biotin, and keratin are often added to shampoos. They also heavily feature in the best shampoos for permed hair as they help to restore the bonds broken during the chemical treatment. Natural proteins like hydrolyzed wheat or silk are also great for this reason.

3. Choose Products For Curly Hair

You just spent your time and effort on getting a perm, so you want to be maintaining those curls for as long as possible. That means buying products designed for curly hair. It also means investing in a great conditioner, diffuser, and wide-toothed detangling comb.

The 25 Best Shampoos For Permed Hair in 2023


Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate Shea Butter Shampoo

1. BEST OVERALL – Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate Shea Butter Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • Great for curls
  • Natural formula without harmful chemicals
  • Very affordable

What I didn’t like:

  • Bottle is a little on the small side

Product Overview

Maui has established itself as one of the best brands for curly hair in recent years and it’s easy to see why. Their products are silicone, paraben, and sulfate-free which makes this hydrating shampoo perfect for permed hair.

The shampoo is also vegan and contains macadamia oil, shea butter, and coconut oil to intensely hydrate your hair naturally. It is also safe for color-treated hair.

Get your perm feeling silky smooth with this shampoo, which works to improve the texture of coarse curls, quenching, and restoring dehydrated tresses.


2. BEST PROTEIN BOOST – OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo

OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • A budget-friendly shampoo for permed hair
  • Contains natural ingredients
  • No nasty chemicals

What I didn’t like:

  • The texture of the formula is quite thin

Product Overview

Combining coconut milk, coconut oil, and the protein from egg whites, this shampoo delivers a dose of natural protein to permed hair.

Your locks will feel fortified thanks to the added shea butter and white peach, which will also intensely hydrate. OGX’s formulas, as ever, are paraben and sulfate-free.


3. BEST FOR HYDRATION – SheaMoisture Hydrate & Repair Moisture Shampoo

SheaMoisture Hydrate & Repair Moisture Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • Has humectants to draw moisture into dehydrated curls
  • Smells delicious
  • Formulated with minimal chemicals

What I didn’t like:

  • Can be too heavy for fine curls

Product Overview

If you’ve only just got your perm in, consider first washing it with this shampoo from SheaMoisture.

Free from chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, this formula is also vegan and cruelty-free.

Fairtrade manuka honey, shea butter, and yogurt draw moisture to your curls, sealing in hydration and smoothing hair.

Use this reparative formula with the conditioner if you want to double down on reviving dull, lack-luster curls damaged by chemicals.


4. BEST FOR DAMAGED HAIR – Macadamia Professional Hair Care Ultra Rich Repair Shampoo

Macadamia Professional Hair Care Ultra Rich Repair Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • Has a great smell
  • very hydrating and rebuild protein bonds in your hair
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

What I didn’t like:

  • Product can be a bit heavy

Product Overview

Cruelty-free and vegan, this shampoo is one of the best for permed hair as it will target damage caused by chemicals, heat, and the environment.

Macadamia, mongongo, and argan oils will nourish and repair your curls, smoothing the hair cuticle and working to reduce frizz.

There’s also collagen in the formula to help rebuild the bonds in your hair, and this is specifically designed for coarse to coiled locks.


Davines NouNou Shampoo

5. BEST FOR THIN HAIR – Davines NouNou Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • Adds lots of moisture and hydration
  • The formula doesn’t weigh hair down
  • The scent is lightly citrus

What I didn’t like:

  • The bottle is small for the price tag

Product Overview

Davines is another hot haircare brand on our list of the best shampoo for permed hair.

Their formulas are award-winning, and the brand is committed to using natural products that are sustainably sourced.

Your curls will feel replenished and moisturized thanks to a unique blend of fiaschetto tomato. Follow with the hair mask for an added boost.


6. Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Shea Butter Curl Defining Shampoo

Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Shea Butter Curl Defining Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • Designed to nourish, smooth, and support curls
  • Seals in moisture without sulfates, parabens, or phthalates.
  • The light lemony scent is lovely

What I didn’t like:

  • Can be a bit heavy for those with waves or thin hair

Product Overview

The clue is in the name for this shampoo – it’s designed for kinky, curly locks, and is, therefore, one of the best for permed hair.

Hydrolyzed silk adds some protein to your tresses, whilst vitamin E, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and aloe extract redefine curls and nourish them from within.

You’ll experience bouncy, elastic volume and frizz-free curls – we’re a fan.


7. Crème of Nature Moisturizing Dry Defense Shampoo

Crème of Nature Moisturizing Dry Defense Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • Detangling and moisturizing
  • Great for all hair with kinks, curls, and waves
  • Smells delicious

What I didn’t like:

  • It’s a bit pricey

Product Overview

Say hello to luscious honey, coconut oil, and shea butter, with this sulfate-free shampoo formula for permed hair.

The formula adds bounce and moisture to your newly-curled strands, working to restore dehydrated locks.


8. Nexxus Hydra-Light Shampoo

Nexxus Hydra-Light Shampoo
Image from nexxus.com

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What I liked:

  • Great for thick hair
  • A little goes a long way
  • Safe for everyday use

What I didn’t like:

  • Not the best for oily hair

Product Overview

This shampoo from Nexuss is great for post-permed hair as it is enriched with deep sea minerals that help restore your hair’s health back to normal. Permed hair can leave your locks rather frizzy and this shampoo helps to fight dryness and flyaways. 

The lightweight formula works for every hair type and for those who need additional hold such as gel or mousse, this is a shampoo that does not produce white flakes. 

Get this shampoo if you’re looking to tame big, frizzy hair.


9. Hask Argan Oil Shampoo

Hask Argan Oil Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • Detangles
  • Works great with other products

What I didn’t like:

  • Not the best for oily hair

Product Overview

A popular sulfate-free shampoo from Hask that is infused with moisturizing argan oil from Morocco. The formula is able to penetrate the hair shaft and helps to repair damaged and frizzy hair.

It’s a perfect shampoo for permed hair as it leaves frizzy, tangled hair feeling super soft, silky, and shiny. This is due to ingredients such as Omega 3, vitamin E, and fatty acids. 

Get this shampoo if you’re looking to boost the shine of your curls.


10. Davines LOVE Shampoo

Davines LOVE Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • Light formula so doesn’t build up on hair
  • Great for wavy hair
  • Helps define curls

What I didn’t like:

  • The scent may not be for everyone

Product Overview

A fantastic curl shampoo from Davines that is great for post-permed hair. Specifically designed for wavies and curls, this shampoo enhances elasticity which helps to improve the bounce and definitions of your curls. even better, the almond extract-infused formula offers powerful hydration as it is rich in protein, magnesium, iron, and Vitamin E.

A fantastic shampoo for permed hair but a bit on the expensive side.


11. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • Designed with curls in mind, it delivers intense moisture without weighing your perm down
  • Smells delicious
  • Ethically sourced, sustainable, cruelty-free formula

What I didn’t like:

  • With almost 18,000 Amazon reviews, it’s often out of stock.

Product Overview

This is my favorite shampoo for permed hair. I am a huge fan of SheaMoisture as a brand for curly hair care.

There are no nasties like silicones, sulfates, parabens, or phthalates in their formula, and they’re also cruelty-free.

Coconut oil, shea butter, and hibiscus flower deeply hydrate your hair, and these ingredients can help improve elasticity and shine without adding a lot of weight.

This shampoo is designed to enhance curls and so it’s excellent for anyone who wants to care for their perm.

Tip: Use the matching conditioner to double down on perm care.


12. Faith in Nature Natural Coconut Shampoo

Faith in Nature Natural Coconut Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • This shampoo has an all-natural, chemical-free formula
  • Contains coconut oil for hydration
  • Smells great

What I didn’t like:

  • The formula is a little watery

Product Overview

Faith in Nature is a brand that works hard to use 99% natural ingredients and to minimalize the chemicals in its formulations.

The shampoo is also vegan and cruelty-free too, and the delicious coconut fragrance is all-natural.

Coconut oil will lusciously moisturize your new perm, leaving it soft, silky, and compliment-worthy.


13. Virtue Recovery Shampoo

Virtue Recovery Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • There’s serious science behind this shampoo and the ingredients are meant to make your perm more manageable and moisturized from the first wash.
  • Minimizes frizz, damage, and split ends
  • Free from chemical nasties

What I didn’t like:

  • Not budget-friendly

Product Overview

Virtue is huge in hair care, and this shampoo is easily one of the best out there for permed hair. It dissolves daily build-up that weighs curls down whilst working to deeply restore and nourish damaged locks.

The brand’s special formula contains Alpha Keratin 60ku®. All you need to know about it is that it’s a protein that works to target areas of damage, thereby repairing hair and ensuring it is strengthened in the areas it really needs.

They even claim you’ll notice a 67% reduction in frizz – and given that frizz is the enemy of a perm, we’re sold.

Grapefruit extract provides antioxidants and vitamin C, baobab seed oil is a silky emollient, and hydrolyzed quinoa also enhances moisture and shine.


14. Verb Hydrating Shampoo

Best Shampoos For Permed Hair

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What I liked:

  • No damaging chemicals, and the formula is vegan
  • It will replenish moisture without weighing curls down
  • Nice scent

What I didn’t like:

  • Doesn’t lather as much as other shampoos

Product Overview

Verb is becoming a hot brand in haircare thanks to its excellent formulas which contain minimal chemicals.

This shampoo is color-safe and vegan, and it has a really delicious grapefruit scent. It’ll replenish moisture but gently cleanse your new perm, leaving it silky smooth and tangle-free.

Hydrolyzed quinoa protein and vitamin B5 nourish your hair and smooth it down. You also get some UV protection from the sunflower seed extract – always a bonus.


15. Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo

Moroccanoil Curl Enhancing Shampoo

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Product Overview

Fans of the brand Moroccanoil will hardly need persuading as to why this is one of the best shampoos for permed hair, but for the uninitiated, we’ll explain.

The argan oil scent is delicious, and this formula will gently cleanse whilst weightlessly strengthening and protecting your curls.

Experience more elasticity, shine, and smoothness without frizz. Don’t forget to follow with the matching conditioner.

What I liked:

  • Enhances curls without weighing them down
  • Great scent
  • Helps with frizz and dryness

What I didn’t like:

  • A bit expensive

16. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • No sulfates
  • Seals the hair cuticle to reduce frizz, and is specifically designed for curls
  • Works to minimize the impact of environmental factors like humidity

What I didn’t like:

  • The formula is a little greasy

Product Overview

Sulfate-free, this formula is made for girls with curls and designed to cleanse your hair without stripping it.

The shampoo will protect and fortify your strands, and it contains ceramides that will seal the hair cuticle so as to minimize frizz and protect it from the effect of humidity.

Shea butter and murumuru butter moisturize, and a UV filter provides some sun protection.


Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

17. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • Works to repair and restore hair on a molecular level
  • Smells great
  • Free from most nasty chemicals

What I didn’t like:

  • As it’s a cult product, it comes with a price tag.

Product Overview

After you’ve just got a perm, you want to be using the best shampoos possible.

Olaplex is a serious name in the haircare business, and this shampoo is a great one to use for the first wash after your perm.

It’s moisturizing and reparative, making your perm easier to manage, shinier, and healthier. The formula is designed to repair and restore the bonds in your hair, thereby minimizing frizz, dehydration, and breakage.

Restore your curls from the outside with this sulfate, paraben, and phthalate-free formula.


18. L’Oreal EverCurl Shampoo Duo Kit

L’Oreal EverCurl Shampoo Duo Kit

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What I liked:

  • Helps to de-frizz hair
  • Super hydrating
  • Affordable

What I didn’t like:

  • Can be a bit difficult to squeeze out the shampoo

Product Overview

This shampoo kit from L’Oreal is super lightweight and helps to define curls which makes it great for permed hair.

It is sulfate free which means that it doesn’t dry out your hair like regular shampoo. It also contains coconut oil which can act like a protein mimicker, and so can help boost shine and combat frizz. 

Get this shampoo kit if you’re looking for a lightweight formula and if you’re prone to dry hair. 


19. Framesi Color Lover Shampoo

Framesi Color Lover Shampoo

What I liked:

  • Great for colored hair
  • Leaves hair feeling hydrated

What I didn’t like:

  • The bottle pump can be a bit tricky to use

Product Overview

This shampoo from Frames is excellent for permed hair as the formula is made for curly hair care. A great shampoo to be used on color-treated hair as it contains quinoa and aloe vera that helps to hydrate and detangle hair 

It has a great scent and a texture that doesn’t weigh down fine hair. It would therefore also be great for those who have wavy hair.

Get this shampoo if you’re looking for a product that will preserve your hair color and simultaneously give you a bit of volume.


20. Pure Nature Argan Oil Shampoo

Pure Nature Argan Oil Shampoo

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What I liked:

  • Good for sensitive scalp
  • Leaves hair feeling very soft
  • Very concentrated so use sparingly

What I didn’t like:

  • Doesn’t have much of a scent

Product Overview

If you want to treat your perm with a shampoo that’s not too expensive and doesn’t contain any nasty ingredients, this is it. 

This shampoo is ultra-hydrating and infused with argan oil which gives you defined, shiny curls.

Even better, it is safe for color-treated hair and contains a UVF protectant that boasts vitamins and antioxidants. this is great if you plan on using hot tools on your hair.

No sulfates, parabens, gluten, or phthalates which is excellent for those with sensitive skin.

Overall, a great shampoo that offers value for money and amazing results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Soon After A Perm Can I Wash My Hair?

If you have just got a perm, you need to be leaving your hair for at least 48 hours. If you do shower, be sure to use a cap or bonnet to safely tuck your curls away. Any exposure to water and the treatment might be deactivated, leaving you with frazzled hair without the curls you expect.

How Often Should I Shampoo Permed Hair

Now that you have a perm, you need to be amending your haircare routine. Wash your perm only once a week. Otherwise, the treatment won’t last as long, and you might impact the set of your perm.
Use a clarifying shampoo once a month in order to deeply cleanse your strands and scalp and remove any build-up. Don’t use a brush on wet curls – reach for a wide-toothed comb.

References

https://www.byrdie.com/so-you-think-you-want-a-perm-3517780

Disclaimer: This site is not intended to provide professional or medical advice. All of the content on LovedByCurls.com is for informational purposes only. All advice should be followed at your own discretion. Ingredients may change at any time so always check the product label before using. Check our full disclaimer policy here.

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Alice Carlill

Alice is an experienced writer and researcher with a background in the Creative Arts. She is a published poet and is currently completing her Ph.D., having worked in a variety of industries, including as a theatre dramaturg. Alice is passionate about the environment, so is always on the lookout for the best zero-waste products that are vegan and cruelty-free.