Best Shampoo for Relaxed Hair: What Shampoo is Good for Relaxed Hair?

Caring for relaxed hair is very different from caring for other hair types.  It requires specialty shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products specifically designed for relaxed hair to moisturize and strengthen it.  Without the right hair care products, caring for relaxed hair at home can be a challenge; it can easily become damaged and really hard to maintain.  To help you find the best shampoo for relaxed hair, we’ve put together a list of some of the top products on the market.  We’ll also highlight a few other products to help you care for your relaxed hair.  Keep reading to find out our top picks!

Top Picks for Best Relaxed Hair Shampoo

Our favorite relaxed hair shampoos are featured below.  Take a few minutes to read through each of our reviews to help you select the best shampoo for relaxed hair for you!

1. EDITOR’S PICK – ArtNaturals Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set
2. ApHogee Shampoo for Damaged Hair
3. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Moisture & Shine Shampoo
4. Avlon Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo
5. Sheamoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
6. Pantene Truly Relaxed Intense Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner Set
7. OGX Anti-Breakage Keratin Oil Shampoo + Conditioner
8. Carol’s Daughter Coco Cream Curl Quenching Shampoo for Very Dry Hair
9. Tea Tree Special Shampoo
10. PURA D’OR Scalp Therapy and Healing Scalp Shampoo

Editor’s Pick: Best Shampoo for Relaxed Hair

ArtNaturals Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set

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About This Shampoo

• Moisturizing to repair dry and damaged hair
• Hydrates bot the hair and scalp
• Can be used with all hair types
• Made using organic and natural ingredients
• Cleanses hair and leaves it shiny

ArtNaturals Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set is our pick for the best moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for relaxed hair. 

One reason we selected this set as our top pick is because of the argan oil formula that allows the shampoo and conditioner to effectively moisturize and repair dry and damaged relaxed hair.  The formula is made using organic and natural ingredients and includes hydrating oils and minerals to bring moisture back to the scalp and hair. 

The moisturizing shampoo for relaxed hair also cleanses hair and removes dirt and oil; it will leave hair shiny and not greasy.

ApHogee Shampoo for Damaged Hair

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About This Shampoo

• Repairs damaged hair
• Strengthens hair
• Gently cleanses
• Increases shine

ApHogee’s Shampoo for Damaged Hair is designed to repair damaged hair. 

This clarifying shampoo for relaxed hair gently cleanses hair to make it more manageable.  The shampoo is also color-safe. 

After using this shampoo, you’ll notice that your hair is stronger, shinier, and healthier thanks to the protein-, emollient-, and vitamin-enriched formula.

Creme of Nature Argan Oil Moisture & Shine Shampoo

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About This Shampoo

• Moisturizes the scalp and hair
• Strengthening formula
• Cleanses gently
• Sulfate-free
• Argan-oil infused formula

Some ask, “Is Creme of Nature good for relaxed hair?” The answer is that yes, the formula is gentle and will cleanse hair without removing essential nutrients and agents from the hair. 

The dry scalp shampoo for relaxed hair is infused with moisturizing argan oil that is beneficial to both the scalp and hair.  This relaxed hair shampoo is also sulfate-free.

Avlon Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo

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About This Shampoo

• Softens and detangles relaxed hair
• Cleanses hair without stripping
• Reduces breakage
• Repairs damaged hair

Looking for the best clarifying shampoo for permed hair?  Take a look at the Avlon Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo. 

This shampoo is specially formulated to moisturize and soften relaxed hair.  As a contended for the best clarifying shampoo for permed hair, it also detangles hair as it works, leaving it easier to comb or brush. 

This shampoo for relaxed hair will also gently cleanse hair without stripping away essential nutrients.

Sheamoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo

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About This Shampoo

• Formula includes reparative omegas from Jamaican Black Castor Oil
• Stimulates the scalp
• Keeps damaged and over-processed hair manageable
• Softens hair

If you’ve been searching for the best shampoo for relaxed hair growth, Sheamoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo should definitely be a top contender. 

This formula is designed to help improve the health of very damaged hair with the reparative omegas found in the Jamaican Black Castor Oil.  The formula also works to stimulate the scalp, which can help promote hair growth.

Pantene Truly Relaxed Intense Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner Set

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About This Shampoo

• Gentle formula
• Delivers lasting results
• Formulated with moisturizing oils
• Keep hair manageable and easy to maintain

Pantene’s Truly Relaxed Intense Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner Set may possibly be the best shampoo and conditioner for black relaxed hair. 

The formula is gentle and moisturizing to keep hair from getting tangled and prevent split ends.  It will also improve the shine and appearance of hair. This best shampoo and conditioner for African American relaxed hair offers guaranteed, lasting results

OGX Anti-Breakage Keratin Oil Shampoo + Conditioner

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About This Shampoo

• Formulated with keratin protein for hair reinforcement
• Increase elasticity
• Argan oil to smooth hair and increase shine
• Cruelty-free, no animal testing

The OGX Anti-Breakage Keratin Oil set is the best shampoo and conditioner for relaxed hair. 

The formula includes keratin proteins that strengthen hair and make it less likely for breakages to occur when styling or brushing your hair.  It will also help protect against split ends.  The keratin proteins also increase the elasticity of hair, making it more flexible and easier to work with.  This shampoo for relaxed hair also includes argan oil to moisturize hair and leave it smooth and shiny. 

OGX does not test their products on animals.

Carol’s Daughter Coco Cream Curl Quenching Shampoo for Very Dry Hair

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About This Shampoo

• Cleansing and moisturizing formula
• Softens and rehydrates dry hair
• Sulfate-free formula
• Vegan

Shampoos for curly hair, like this Coco Cream Curl Quenching Shampoo from Carol’s Daughter, are very gentle, making them an excellent choice for relaxed hair.  This formula is also very moisturizing and will rehydrate dry hair. 

This is also a vegan and sulfate-free shampoo for relaxed hair, which should give you extra confidence about the safety of what you’re putting on your hair and scalp.  

Tea Tree Special Shampoo

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About This Shampoo

• Tea tree oil and other ingredients cleanse hair
• Stimulates the scalp
• Gentle formula
• color-safe
• Pleasant smell

The Tea Tree Special shampoo is a good choice if you’re looking for a dandruff shampoo for relaxed hair. 

It is crafted using a special blend of tea tree oil, lavender, peppermint and other ingredients that gently clean hair to remove impurities.  The combination of peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil also work to stimulate the scalp while leaving behind a pleasant smell on your hair.  This relaxed shampoo’s formula is color-safe, paraben-free, and vegan. 

In addition to using this shampoo with relaxed hair, it can also be used on all other hair types.

PURA D’OR Scalp Therapy and Healing Scalp Shampoo

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About This Shampoo

• Reduces flakiness and itchiness
• Moisturizes the scalp
• Strengthens hair
• Sulfate-, paraben-, and silicone-free formula
• Vegan and cruelty-free formula

Finally, consider the PURA D’OR Scalp Therapy and Healing Scalp Shampoo. 

This set includes peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and lavender oil to reduce itchiness and moisturize dry scalps.  This makes it an excellent option if you’re looking for the best dandruff shampoo for relaxed hair.  As it moisturizes and heals the scalp, it works to reduce flakiness and dandruff, leaving you with a healthier scalp. 

In addition to improving your scalp, the shampoo and conditioner’s formulas are also very beneficial to relaxed hair.  They work to improve and strengthen hair and condition it to make it smoother and sleeker. 

PURA D’OR selected only high-quality ingredients that do not contain any parabens, sulfates, silicones, or other additives.  This relaxed hair shampoo and conditioner set is vegan and cruelty-free as well.

What Shampoo is Good for Relaxed Hair?

Since maintaining relaxed hair is different from maintaining other hair types, you’ll want to be sure to select a shampoo that is designed to be used with relaxed hair.  Use our suggestions below to help you select the best shampoo for your relaxed hair.

What to Look for in a Shampoo for Relaxed Hair

• Ingredient list:  Shampoos for relaxed hair should help moisturize and soften hair.  Some beneficial ingredients include coconut oil, argan oil, and hibiscus oil.  You may also want to look for shampoos that are sulfate-free or ones that include keratin to strengthen hair.
• Detangling benefits:  Relaxed hair can get tangled very easily.  Finding a shampoo that is also a detangler can make it easier to care for your hair.
• Scalp-nourishing/dandruff shampoos:  Individuals often experience problems with dandruff after having their hair straightened, so finding a shampoo designed to fight dandruff can combat this problem.  However, look for one that is also moisturizing and won’t dry your hair out more.
• Fragrance:  Since you’ll be smelling the shampoo you use all day, you may also want to find one that has a pleasant fragrance that you enjoy.

Tip for Hair Health When Washing Relaxed Hair

• Relaxed hair should typically be washed about every week, though you may find that your hair needs to be washed a bit more frequently or infrequently based on your preferences and lifestyle.
• Deep condition your hair each time you wash it.
• Use coconut oil or another moisturizer daily.
• Keep your scalp cleansed and moisturized.  A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth.
• Trim split ends to reduce hair damage.
• Use a wide-tooth comb to prevent tearing hair.
• Minimize the use of high-heat styling tools.
• Develop a consistent schedule for treatments to relax new growth.  About every 8 to 10 weeks is typically recommended.

What Products are Good for Relaxed Hair?

In addition to using shampoos and conditioners designed for relaxed hair, it is also important to select other hair care products that will keep your relaxed hair healthy and moisturized.

tgin Miracle Repairx Deep Hydrating Hair Masque

The tgin Miracle Repairx Deep Hydrating Hair Masque is designed to lock in moisture to help repair damaged relaxed hair.  Using this product can bring life back to your hair and increase its shine.  After using this product, you’ll also notice that your hair is easier to manage.

Hawaiian Silky Miracle Worker 14-in-1

Untangling matted hair can be a real pain.  The Miracle Worker from Hawaiian Silky can be used as a leave-in conditioner to soften relaxed hair and make it easier to brush.  In addition to working as a detangler, this relaxed hair care product also soothes the scalp and increases shine.  It can also help strengthen and repair hair.  The formula does not leave hair feeling greasy, unlike some other products.

Cantu Shea Butter Daily Oil Moisturizer

This Shea Butter Daily Oil Moisturizer from Cantu is designed to improve the health of damaged and brittle hair.  The shea butter brings moisture back into your hair to make it less brittle and less likely to break.  The formula is also effective at keeping frizz under control and detangling hair.

Just 5 Permanent Hair Color

The Just 5 Permanent Hair Color is perfect for women with relaxed hair who are looking to cover up gray hairs.  The formula includes conditioner to keep hair from getting too dried out and works to blend your natural hair color in to cover up gray hairs.  There are five different color options to choose from:  jet black, rich auburn, rich black, black, and darkest brown.  Each treatment can last for up to six weeks.  This hair color is also ammonia-free.

Relaxed Hair FAQs

How do you keep relaxed hair healthy?

If you have relaxed hair, being proactive to keep it as healthy as possible is essential.  When possible, avoid styling your relaxed hair using heat.  Curling irons, flat irons, or other styling tools that apply heat to your hair can make relaxed hair too dry, so you should use them very sparingly.  Some alternative styling techniques you can consider include wrapping, curl formers, wet sets, or satin-covered rollers.

Conditioning relaxed hair on a regular basis is also important.  This will help moisturize the hair and keep it from getting too dried out.  Another step you can take to improve the health of your relaxed hair is to wrap it at night.  This will help prevent it from getting damaged at night while you sleep.

Take care of split ends and damaged hair as needed.  Schedule regular appointments to have your hair trimmed and remove split ends before they cause further damage to your hair.

How do you stop relaxed hair from breaking?

One tip to stop relaxed hair from breaking it to do protein treatments.  Protein treatments strengthen hair and make it less likely to break.  You should try to schedule your first protein treatment shortly after having your hair relaxed to strengthen it from the get-go and avoid problems.

Keeping relaxed hair moisturized is also very important when you are trying to prevent breakages.  Look for moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks and use these products at least once a week to keep your hair hydrated and prevent it from getting dry and brittle.

One final tip is to use a seamless, wide-tooth comb.  These combs won’t catch and break hair as you try to comb out tangles

How can I moisturize my relaxed hair every day?

Making sure relaxed hair stays moisturized helps it stay healthy, improves its appearance, and makes it less likely that it will break.  Using a deep conditioner every week can help bring moisture back to your relaxed hair.  Using high-heat styling tools is also an effective way to keep your hair more hydrated, as the heat from these tools dries out hair.  You can also consider using coconut oil or other sealants to lock in the oils in your hair and keep it moisturized.  Tamanu oil also works as a hair moisturizer, so you may want to consider adding it to your routine as well.

How often should relaxed hair be washed?

The frequency with which your relaxed hair should be washed will vary based on your preferences and lifestyle.  Many people wash their relaxed hair about once a week, while others may go more like two weeks between washes.

My relaxed hair is always dry, what do I do?

If your relaxed hair is always dry, try some of the ideas below to rehydrate it:

• Use a clarifying shampoo to remove build-up
• Deep condition your hair
• Use hair oil or a serum to seal in moisture at night
• Don’t use high-heat styling products
• Check for hard water and consider getting a water softener or filter

In addition to taking steps to moisturize your hair, you should also ensure that your scalp is moisturized, as a dry scalp will not facilitate healthy or hydrated hair.

How long after a relaxer should I wash my hair?

Waiting about a week after getting a relaxer is ideal.  This will allow your hair to get used to the treatment and help the relaxer last longer.

For more on taking care of your relaxed hair, check out the video below:

Best Shampoo for Relaxed Hair: Caring for Relaxed Hair

Caring for relaxed hair presents unique challenges.  Choosing shampoos and hair care products specifically designed for relaxed hair is essential in keeping it healthy, moisturized, and manageable.  Take a second look at the product recommendations shared above and identify your favorite options that you’d like to try on your relaxed hair.

Love your natural hair? Read more about moisturizing low porosity hair or flat irons for natural hair on our blog! You can also read more on shampoos to use for permed hair.